It’s Iced Coffee Season! Here’s Why You Need To Add Macadamia Milk To Your Chilled Java Drinks

My coffee routine changes with the seasons. During the colder months, I gravitate towards steamed lattes to stay warm; whereas now, I’m in iced coffee mode to beat the heat. While I typically drink iced coffee black, I can’t rule out iced lattes. This drink offers a balanced flavor of bold espresso and sweet milk. Usually, I add whole milk when ordering or making an iced latte. However, I’ve recently been curious about making iced lattes with macadamia milk as it’s a popular dairy-free addition for many coffee drinkers. Here’s the scoop on this alternative milk and why it’s a perfect ingredient to incorporate into iced coffee drinks. 

What does macadamia milk taste like?

This alternative milk is made by blending soaked macadamia nuts and water until it forms a white liquid. The liquid is strained to remove the gritty pieces of macadamia nuts—then it’s considered to be milk. Macadamia milk stands out from other plant-based milks because it has a thick consistency and smooth nutty flavor that boasts hints of vanilla from the nuts. These qualities make it ideal for using in place of dairy milk for iced coffee or to simply drink on its own.

How healthy is macadamia milk?

If you’re factoring in calorie content, macadamia milk is a healthier option than dairy milk. According to Healthline, one cup of macadamia milk contains 50 to 70 calories and 4 to 5 grams of fat. These amounts are less than the 15 calories and 8 grams of fat found in a cup of whole milk. The type of fat in macadamia milk is also a key source of its nutritional benefits. “Macadamia nut milk contains monounsaturated fat, which has many health benefits, Kasey Hageman, R.D, a registered dietitian and founder of LiveinspiRD, explains to Livestrong.com. “It has been linked to reduced inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance.”

It’s clear that macadamia milk offers some promising health benefits, especially when it’s unflavored. However, it’s still important to read the nutrition facts label of the milk to ensure it contains as few ingredients as possible. “Store-bought macadamia nut milk may be fortified with vitamins and minerals to boost its nutritional profile,” registered dietitian Maggie Moon, M.S., R.D., tells MindBodyGreen.com, “but may also have added sugars and fillers.”

Is macadamia milk expensive?

Over the past year, rising food costs have led many people to reduce their weekly grocery bill where possible. When it comes to buying macadamia milk, prepare to pay more for a carton than other kinds of milk. Why? Because macadamia nuts themselves cost a pretty penny as a 2019 report from BusinessInsider.com estimates they cost $25 per pound. The publication explains that this hefty price tag is largely due to the slow harvesting process because two out of the 10 total species of macadamia trees produce nuts. Also, it takes roughly seven to 10 years for the trees to start growing macadamia nuts.

Despite the cost, this milk is completely worth splurging on—especially if you’re looking to try other plant-based milks. Alternatively, you can make this nut milk from scratch, which allows you to control the ingredients that go into it. (See how to make macadamia milk in Well+Good’s video below.)

Is macadamia milk good to pour into iced coffee?

This milk’s flavors make it a tasty addition to iced coffee. Here are three ways to experience the macadamia magic of this nut-milk-infused coffee drink:

1. Order This Drink From a Coffee Shop

These days, coffee shops offer more non-dairy milk options than before. This increases the chances of your local coffee shop having macadamia milk as a dairy-free option to add to any iced coffee drink.

2. Enjoy a Ready-To-Drink Macadamia Milk Iced Latte

You can also enjoy a premade version of this nut-milk-infused coffee drink with Milkadamia’s Coffee Latte (Available at ShopMilkadamia.com, $41.98 for a 6-pack). This drink is made with Arabica espresso and smooth macadamia milk, which you can taste the creamy and balanced flavors of in each sip. Start your morning by pouring this ready-to-drink latte into a glass filled with ice, sip and enjoy.

3. Make This Drink From Scratch

Whipping up a macadamia milk iced coffee from scratch is easy to make and allows you to add your favorite flavors. This recipe from MokaCoffeePot.com takes macadamia milk iced coffee to the next level by infusing it with rich and sweet caramel sauce. Follow the instructions below to make this drink at home all iced coffee season-long!

Ingredients (Makes one serving):

Instructions:

1. In a 8- to 10-ounce glass or jar, stir together the cold brew, macadamia milk and caramel sauce until fully combined.
2. Pour the mixture into a separate glass over ice.
3. Drizzle the iced coffee with extra caramel sauce for garnish and enjoy.

Featured image credit: Photo by Chzu on Shutterstock