Flaxseed milk is a popular non-dairy alternative to cow’s milk.

Flaxseed Milk

What is Flaxseed Milk?

Flaxseed milk is a popular non-dairy alternative to cow’s milk. It is made from the seeds of the flax plant, also known as flaxseed or linseed. It is used by people on plant-based diets and lactose intolerant people with good results. Flaxseed milk has a nutty taste with a creamy consistency. Some brands may add flavoring agents such as vanilla, honey, and sugar.

  • Flaxseed milk may be substituted for dairy milk in smoothies, baked goods, and soups.
  • The sweetened version can be used in preparing beverages.

Some of the most popular flaxseed milk brands are:

  • Manitoba Milling Co.
  • Good Karma
  • Malibu Mylk
  • Lechia

Origin of flaxseed milk

Flaxseed is considered to be one of the first crops cultivated by humans. There is archaeological evidence from the Stone Age of humans producing flax for its fiber and seed. It may have originated in the Mediterranean region or India and Ancient Indians, Egyptians, and Chinese used flax extensively for multiple purposes. Also, it was used as a medicine in India and China. It only spread to the Americas through European colonists. Flaxseed milk is, however, still a rarity in most parts of the world and is mostly used by vegans.

Nutrition

One cup of flaxseed milk contains:

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet

Regular consumption of flaxseed milk may help in regulating blood pressure, reduces the risk of myocardial infractions and strokes, assists in keeping diabetes in check, and protects against certain types of cancers, especially breast cancer. Additionally, the omega-3 fatty acids in the seeds help in brain development and spatial memory as well as protect against menopause symptoms in women. Also, flaxseeds are beneficial for the health of the skin, increasing its hydration and smoothness. It protects against gastrointestinal diseases by giving protection to the gut and inducing healthy bacteria.

Commercial production

Flaxseed milk is prepared by blending flaxseeds with water until thoroughly blended together. Then, this mixture is strained to remove residues, and blended again. Finally, flavoring agents such as vanilla, sugar, and honey are added before bottling.

Flaxseed milk recipes

This non-dairy milk is often used as a substitute for cow’s milk. Here are a few recipes to try:

FDA regulations

Flaxseed is classified as a grain by the USDA and defined as grain. It must consists of at least 50 percent of common flaxseed and at most 20 percent of other grains before the removal of dockage, and 50 percent or more of whole flaxseed after the removal of dockage. There are no current regulations for flaxseed milk.

References

Goyal, Ankit et al. “Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food.” Journal of food science and technology vol. 51,9 (2014): 1633-53. doi:10.1007/s13197-013-1247-9, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4152533/

Dr. Kathleen Delate, Flax, Alternative Agriculture Extension and Outreach, Iowa State University, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/alternativeag/cropproduction/flax.html 

Parikh, Mihir et al. “Dietary Flaxseed as a Strategy for Improving Human Health.” Nutrients vol. 11,5 1171. 25 May. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11051171, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6567199/ 

Kaur, Rajwinder et al. “Pertinence of nutriments for a stalwart body.” Environmental science and pollution research international vol. 28,39 (2021): 54531-54550. doi:10.1007/s11356-021-16060-1, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8387096/