In this guide, I will share 12 delicious rice milk substitutes that you’ll love.
Whether you’re looking for a creamy, dreamy latte or a refreshing glass of cold milk, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s find out right away what they are!
12 Rice Milk Substitutes
Here are my top picks for substituting Rice Milk.
1. Almond Milk
Almond milk is prepared from whole almonds or almond butter combined with water to form creamy and light plant-based milk for all-purpose use.
It is important to note that although Almond milk is made from almonds, it is mostly a constituent of water and only 2% almonds, making it less healthy than regular almonds.
How to substitute
Rice milk has a thicker consistency than Almond milk, and thus, a slightly more amount of the latter is required to substitute for the former.
Try this chocolate almond milkshake.
2. Coconut Milk
Coconut is yet another lactose-free plant-based milk prepared from coconuts and is used in many Asian desserts and drinks for its mildly sweet flavors.
Do remember the prominent difference in consistency between the thick and creamy coconut milk and the thin and light rice milk. It is best for baking and cooking purposes.
How to substitute
Coconut milk has a much heavier texture than regular Rice milk, and thus, a slightly lesser amount should sufficiently replace the mentioned amount of rice milk for most recipes.
Delicious and light Coconut milk pudding.
3. Cashew Milk
As the name suggests, Cashew milk is milk extracted from cashew nuts or cashew butter and is a rich, delicious, and smooth liquid perfect for coffee and smoothies.
However, it is essential to know that since the milk is extracted from the nuts themselves, most of the protein, fiber, calories, and nut pulp are lost in the process.
How to substitute
Rice milk and Cashew milk can be substituted in an equal 1:1 proportion for most recipes.
Warm and creamy coffee with Coconut milk.
4. Oat Milk
Oat milk is made from a simple combination of ground oats and water and is one of the healthiest substitutes for Rice milk, with similar nutritious factors and a mildly sweet taste.
It can be observed that there aren’t too many noticeable differences in the taste and characteristics between Rice milk, and Oat milk and can efficiently replace each other.
How to substitute
Rice milk and Oat milk can be substituted for equal quantities of each other in both sweet smoothies and savory soups.
Try these ice cream flavors with Oat milk.
5. Soy Milk
Soy milk is a popular milk alternative for smoothies and coffee and is made from soybeans or soy protein isolate. It has a creamy texture and can easily be substituted for Rice milk.
Remember that Soy milk is known to have high protein content, and a small group of people may have an allergic reaction to it due to the presence of FODMAP.
How to substitute
The consistency of Soy milk is different for different brands of it and should be accordingly. Ideally, a slightly lesser quantity of it substitutes Rice milk sufficiently.
Fluffy pancakes with Soy milk.
6. Peanut Milk
Among the many nut-based variations of vegan milk is Peanut milk with a thick consistency and flavorful nutty essence that can easily replace Rice milk for smoothies and more.
It is important to remember that Peanut milk is much thicker and has higher nutritional factors than Rice milk.
It also has a strong nutty flavor that may overpower if used excessively.
How to substitute
Due to the difference in consistencies, it is suggested to use a slightly lesser amount of Peanut milk to replace the mentioned amount of Rice milk.
Try this simple Peanut milk recipe.
7. Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is extracted from the hemp plant, also known as Cannabis sativa.
It is a light, slightly sweet, nutty milk and is the closest match to Rice milk with their similar consistencies.
Do note that Hemp milk can be a great nutritious substitute for Rice milk with a subtle yet noticeable nutty taste and the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that may be harmful.
How to substitute
Both Rice milk and Hemp milk have a light and runny texture and can be substituted for equal quantities of each other.
Delicious Hemp cream cheese sandwich.
8. Horchata
Horchata is a well-known Mexican beverage with prominent ingredients of rice and almonds. It is a flavorful and naturally vegan substitute for simple Rice milk.
Do notice that the traditional Mexican is a thick and nutty beverage with additional spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa powder and may also contain rum and other alcohol in it.
How to substitute
Horchata being a rich beverage itself can substitute Rice milk in other smoothies in a slightly lesser quantity for elevated flavors.
Here’s how this traditional Mexican Horchata is prepared.
9. Condensed Milk
Condensed milk is exactly what the term looks like. It is a sweet and thick liquid often used as a sweetener or as an ingredient for smoothies to avoid sugar content.
When using Condensed milk to substitute for Rice milk, remember that the former is much sweeter than the latter. Other ingredients should be managed accordingly.
How to substitute
Condensed milk and Rice milk can sufficiently be substituted in an equal 1:1 proportion for most sweet recipes.
Vietnamese iced coffee with Condensed milk.
10. Plain Yogurt
Plain yogurt is a by-product of dairy milk and can also be prepared from plant and nut-based milk substitutes. It provides a mild yet tangy flavor to dishes it is added to.
Do note that the texture of plain yogurt is semi-solid, slightly sweet, and mild while Rice milk has a watery texture and is somewhat sweeter than plain yogurt.
How to substitute
Plain yogurt can be substituted for Rice milk in equal quantities. But if you are using Greek yogurt, do adjust the consistency of other ingredients as it tends to be firmer in texture.
Try these healthy breakfast ideas with Plain Yogurt.
11. Powdered Milk
Powdered milk can be made by extracting all the moisture from liquid milk, both dairy and plant and nut-based milk variations.
It has a pleasant and naturally sweet taste.
When using powdered milk to substitute for Rice milk, add the required amounts of warm water and mix until the desired consistency is reached.
How to substitute
One tablespoon of powdered milk should be mixed with two tablespoons of water to reach the same consistency as Rice milk.
Try these amazing desserts made with powdered milk.
12. Homemade Rice Milk
The easiest and most easily available substitute for store-bought Rice milk is to make it right in your kitchen with the simple ingredients of uncooked rice, water, a pinch of salt, and whole pitted dates.
Do note that the taste and level of sweetness between store-bought and homemade Rice milk could be different.
All aspects of the taste can be managed in the homemade version.
How to substitute
Store-bought Rice milk can be substituted for equal quantities of Homemade Rice milk.
Dairy-free and allergy-friendly Homemade Rice milk.
FAQs
The best and commercially available substitutes for Rice Milk are Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Hemp Milk, Peanut Milk, and Cashew Milk. These alternatives can be used for sweet smoothies and cooked in stews and soups.
Different variations of nut milk and oat milk can also be easily prepared at home.
Rice milk is made from cooked rice and has a naturally sweet taste. It is the milk alternative that has the least chances of any allergies. It is also high in calories and sugar but low in protein.
Oat milk is extracted from finely ground oats. Oat milk is most often used as a vegan creamer for coffee and smoothies for its thick and smooth texture, unlike Rice milk which is lighter.
No, Rice milk is a rice-based liquid used as an alternative to dairy milk and has a sweet taste and light runny texture. It is often added to smoothies for its naturally sweet taste.
Horchata, on the other hand, is a rice or rice milk-based Mexican beverage that may or may not have alcohol in it. It is usually served cold and infuses several other spices and flavorants forming a thick and creamy beverage.
The easiest way to make Rice milk is with the simple ingredients of a cup of uncooked rice, 4 cups of water, pitted dates, and a pinch of salt. Half-cooked rice should be strained and blended once.
Once the mix reaches a semi-liquid state, all other ingredients should be added and blended one last time. It should be strained and set aside before further use.
Bottom Line
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