The Latest Type Of Milk Comes From Pecans

If you've been to any coffee shop, restaurant, or grocery store lately, you've probably noticed the increase in non-dairy milk options. Whether it's due to a food allergy or simple diet preferences, a report conducted by Mintel says that non-dairy milk sales have increased by 61% in the last five years.

But it's not just almond milk that's taking over the alternative milk scene. There's also oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and macadamia nut milk, just to name a few. It seems like every day, there's a new non-dairy milk to try.

Among the dozens that continue to take over the market, a Texas-based company called THS PKN launched one of the latest non-dairy kinds of milk made from pecans. Whether you like them in a pie, prefer them raw, pronounce it "PEA-can" or "puh-CON," or avoid the nut altogether, there's evidence that pecan milk is healthy and environmentally friendly.

THS PKN says that pecans are a catalyst for sustainability. According to the company, pecans host "microbes, insects, and other plants" that support other ecosystems in surrounding areas. And when the nuts are harvested locally, pecan milk has a lower carbon footprint compared to other popular non-dairy milk like almond milk and oat milk.

In addition to its sustainability, pecan milk is quite healthy. If you're short on vitamin supplements, pecan milk offers high amounts of vitamins A, B, and E. Pecans are also rich in healthy Omega-3 fats that boost levels of HDL — the body's "good" cholesterol. To top it off, pecan milk is a great source of magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc!

Like most nuts, pecans are a bit high in calories. One cup of unsweetened pecan milk can reach up to 200 calories per cup. So if you're looking to cut calories, consider a different alternative. But don't worry, just because something is high in calories doesn't mean it isn't healthy.

You can also make pecan milk from home. All you need to do is soak the pecans in water overnight, add them to a blender with water, and strain with a cheesecloth. Et voila, homemade pecan milk. For a creamier batch, If you want to sweeten it up, try adding vanilla extract, dates, or maple syrup for more flavor.