Making flax milk at home is quick, affordable, and a practical way to reduce waste in your kitchen, and you only need a few ingredients and a blender.
Flax milk is a light, creamy, plant-based drink that works in coffee, smoothies, and baking.
As more people look for dairy-free options, flax milk has grown in popularity for its mild taste, clean ingredients, and simple method.
At Premium Gold, we use only golden flax and have more than 100 years of experience growing and milling flaxseeds. Our True Cold Milled® process protects flavor and nutrients with no heat or preservatives, which makes your homemade flax milk smoother and fresher.
In this guide, you’ll learn what you need, how to make it, how to customize it, and the best ways to use both the milk and the leftover flax pulp.
What You Need to Make Flax Milk
You need only a few ingredients:
• Whole or milled flaxseed • Cold water
• A pinch of salt (optional)
• Sweetener like dates, maple syrup, or vanilla (optional)
Golden flax works best, because the flavor is milder and blends into a creamier milk. Brown flax tends to taste stronger and can create a darker color, while golden flax gives you a lighter, cleaner taste that works well in drinks.
Equipment: You need a high-speed blender, a nut milk bag or fine strainer, and a clean jar for storage.
Step-by-Step Flax Milk Recipe
Step 1: Measure and blend
Use whole flaxseeds for the cleanest texture. Measure 1/4 cup whole golden flaxseeds and 3 to 4 cups cold water. Blend for 10 to 20 seconds. Use 3 cups for a creamier milk or 4 cups for a lighter milk. Cold water helps keep the mix from turning thick.
Step 2: Let it rest
Let the blended mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the flax a chance to settle and makes straining easier.
Step 3: Strain for a smooth texture
Pour the mixture through a nut milk bag, or a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Pour slowly and do not press hard. Gentle straining keeps the milk lighter and helps avoid a gummy texture.
Step 4: Add flavor
Blend the strained milk for 5 to 10 seconds with one or more of these:
- 1 pitted date for light sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- Salt to taste, start with a small pinch
For a richer flavor, add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for chocolate flax milk, or blend in 1/4 cup berries for a fruit version. Strain again if you add cocoa or fruit and want it extra smooth.
Step 5: Store
Pour into a sealed jar and refrigerate. It keeps for 3 to 5 days. Shake well before each use, but know that separation is normal.
To help prevent “sliminess”, use cold water from the start. Blend briefly in Step 1, then strain through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth-lined fine mesh strainer. If it thickens in the fridge, re-blend with a splash of cold water before serving.
Why Use Golden Flax from Premium Gold
Golden flax has a naturally smooth, neutral flavor that blends cleanly into milk and keeps the texture light and the taste mild.
Our True Cold Milled® process protects nutrients without heat and produces milled, fresh flaxseed that stays ready to use for up to 24 months from the date of manufacturing. It also creates even particles that help the milk separate less and blend more consistently.
As one of our team members explains: “Golden flax helps you get a smoother, cleaner-tasting milk. When it’s milled with no heat, you keep the natural freshness that makes homemade flax milk taste better.”
Flavor and Nutrition Upgrades
You can keep your flax milk simple or customize it with flavor additions. Cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla, or a few cashews create a richer taste, and a date adds sweetness without changing the texture.
Flax milk offers plant-based protein, fiber, and lignans. It also contains ALA fatty acids, which research from the National Institutes of Health and Mayo Clinic links to heart support.
Compared to some plant milks, flax milk has a lighter taste and is naturally free from common allergens. If you want a clean, uncomplicated base for smoothies or coffee, flax milk is a great option.
You can also adjust the thickness by adding more or less water. A thicker blend works well for baking, while a lighter blend is great for drinking or eating with cereal.
Tips for Success and Storage
Fresh flax milk lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always shake before using because natural separation occurs in homemade plant milks.
A few more tips:
- Homemade flax milk keeps for 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed jar or bottle. Shake well before each use, since homemade plant milks separate.
- If your flax milk turns thick or a bit “gel-like,” it often means you used a higher flax-to-water ratio or blended longer than needed. Blend it again with cold water to thin it out. Start with 1/4 cup water per 1 cup flax milk. Add more in small splashes until it pours the way you want.
- If the flavor tastes slightly bitter, strain it again through a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag. For a milder taste, start with golden flax. Use 2 tablespoons whole golden flaxseeds per 3 cups cold water. This gives a smoother, more neutral flavor than many brown flax batches.
- If it separates fast, blend for 5 to 10 seconds right before serving. This re-mixes the natural oils and flax “gel” into the liquid. If you add sweeteners, vanilla, cocoa, or fruit, do a quick re-blend after adding them so the flavor mixes evenly and the texture stays smoother. A finer strainer also helps remove more solids, which can slow separation.
- Also, don’t throw away the leftover pulp! You can use it in smoothies, oatmeal, muffins, or homemade crackers—flax pulp adds moisture and fiber to baked goods, and you can fold it into almost anything.
How to Use Flax Milk
Flax milk works in many recipes: you can add it to smoothies, pour it into coffee, use it on cereal, or mix it into soups and sauces. It also performs well in baking because its mild flavor does not overpower other ingredients. Some people even prefer flax milk in their coffee because it blends well and stays smooth.
If you enjoy experimenting, you can use it as a base for flavored drinks, overnight oats, chai mixes, or protein shakes.
Common Questions About Flax Milk
How to prepare flax milk?
To make flax milk, blend flaxseed with cold water, let it rest, strain, and flavor it if you want sweetness or spice. Golden flax gives the best taste and texture for milk.
Is flax milk good for you?
Yes, flax milk offers plant-based fats linked to heart support, along with fiber and lignans. It is dairy-free, easy to digest, and simple to customize.
What does flax milk taste like?
Flax milk has a light, neutral flavor with a mild creaminess. Golden flax keeps the taste clean and smooth, and with flavor additions, it can taste similar to other nut milks.
How long does flax milk last in the fridge?
Flax milk can stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 5 days in a sealed jar. Always shake it before using due to the natural separation occurring in homemade plant milks.
Shop our golden flax and start your own homemade flax milk today and explore more ways to use flax in your kitchen on our blog.