Potato Milk Is Now a Thing — We Dig a Little Deeper (Pun Intended)
Imagine your next coffee trip. You are asked if you want whole, almond, oat or potato milk in it. Anyone would be shocked at the immediate sound of the final option. Potato milk is a new product in the works as a new vegan milk option.
The potato is already one of the most versatile foods as it can be baked, roasted and turned into various french fry shapes, but it has done the unthinkable by becoming milk, too. Yes, potato milk is now a thing.
What Is Potato Milk?
The food you eat affects how you feel, and for some people, that means avoiding dairy. Potato milk has the same look and texture as dairy and other vegan options.
An issue with other choices is the allergy and diet restrictions of gluten, nuts or soy. Potato milk dodges every one of those concerns. It comes in three different variations: unsweetened, original and barista, which is like a thick creamer. Potato milk is not sold in the U.S. but can be found online from the U.K. for around $9.
Potato Milk and Sustainability
Sustainability can be a factor in choosing a vegan alternative to milk. This new option might be the next best sustainable and vegan alternative. Potato milk uses less water, considering it takes about 16 gallons to make one glass of almond milk. It also uses half the land to grow oats and produces less CO2 than dairy.
Sustainable options are essential since they aim to avoid wasting or overusing natural resources. Like eating foods like seafood to embrace sustainability, it is equally crucial in drinks.
Potato Milk Benefits
Potato milk tastes delicious and also provides many nutritional benefits. It is low in sugar and fat while free of allergens like lactose, nuts or gluten. It is a perfect alternative for vegans or someone who has dietary restrictions.
It is full of vitamin C, fiber, magnesium and potassium, which are all important micronutrients to help your body function at its best. Antioxidants from this root vegetable can reduce the risk of illnesses such as cancer.
Potatoes are already known as a starchy vegetable, so this plant-based milk can improve digestion, too. Depending on the brand or if you make your own, potato milk benefits people watching their weight since it only has around 39 calories and 3 grams of fat per serving.
How to Make Potato Milk
As of now, you cannot find potato milk in your local grocery store. It is only available in the U.K. or can be bought online. If you do not want to spend $9 on milk, you can recreate it at home.
First, you will want to boil 1.5 cups of sliced potato in 4 cups of water. Cook until tender but not quite falling apart. It will take around seven minutes to get there. Pour your liquid into a blender and add water to make 4 cups.
Add your cooked potatoes and blend on high for about five minutes. There may be some foam to discard. Strain your potato milk through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
To enhance the flavor, add a little salt, sugar or maple syrup, almonds and vanilla if desired. Although it may seem like it is taking away the principle of potato milk, it may be necessary for taste. The company even adds pea protein to its product, making it closer to the texture you want for milk.
Once you have your final product, you can store it in the refrigerator for around four days.
Can You Dig It?
It is refreshing to see new products that promote veganism and sustainability. Although potato milk is not offered in the U.S. now, it is something to look forward to making its way here.
_
Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.