Spelt Milk vs Flax Milk

If you are looking for alternatives to traditional dairy milk, you have probably come across two popular plant-based options: spelt milk and flax milk. Both are gaining popularity for their health benefits, but which one should you choose? In this article, we will compare spelt milk and flax milk in terms of nutritional value, taste, environmental impact, and more.

What is spelt milk?

Spelt milk is a non-dairy milk made from spelt grains, which are a type of ancient wheat. It is creamy, frothy, and has a slightly sweet taste. Compared to other non-dairy milks, spelt milk is relatively high in protein and fiber, and is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially iron and magnesium.

Spelt milk is a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. It is also a good option for vegans or those who choose to follow a plant-based diet. Spelt milk can be used in a variety of ways, such as in coffee, smoothies, or baking recipes.

It is important to note that spelt milk may not be suitable for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, as spelt contains gluten. It is always best to check with a healthcare professional before adding any new food or drink to your diet.

What is flax milk?

Flax milk is a non-dairy milk made from flax seeds that have been soaked in water and then blended and strained. It has a slightly nutty taste and a thinner consistency compared to other non-dairy milks. Flax milk is lower in calories and fat compared to spelt milk, but it is also lower in protein and other nutrients.

However, flax milk is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. It also contains lignans, which have antioxidant properties and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Flax milk is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, and it is also a sustainable choice as flax seeds require less water and resources to grow compared to dairy cows.

Nutritional comparison: Spelt Milk vs Flax Milk

When it comes to nutritional value, spelt milk and flax milk have their pros and cons. Let's take a closer look:

Calories & Fat:

Flax milk is lower in calories and fat compared to spelt milk. A cup of flax milk contains around 25-50 calories and 2-3 grams of fat, while a cup of spelt milk has around 90-120 calories and 4-5 grams of fat.

Protein:

Spelt milk is higher in protein compared to flax milk. A cup of spelt milk contains around 5-6 grams of protein, while a cup of flax milk has around 1 gram of protein.

Fiber:

Both spelt milk and flax milk are good sources of dietary fiber, but spelt milk is higher. A cup of spelt milk contains around 1-2 grams of fiber, while a cup of flax milk has around 0.5 gram of fiber.

Vitamins & Minerals:

Both spelt milk and flax milk are good sources of vitamins and minerals, but spelt milk is higher in some nutrients, especially iron and magnesium. A cup of spelt milk contains around 10-15% of the daily value for iron and 25-30% of the daily value for magnesium, while a cup of flax milk has around 2-4% of the daily value for iron and 5-10% of the daily value for magnesium.

It's important to note that flax milk is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. A cup of flax milk contains around 1200-1600 mg of omega-3s, while spelt milk contains none. However, spelt milk is a good source of calcium, with a cup containing around 20-25% of the daily value, while flax milk only has around 2-4% of the daily value for calcium.

Health benefits of spelt milk

Spelt milk has several health benefits that make it a great alternative to traditional dairy milk:

High in protein:

Spelt milk is a good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles and tissues in the body. This makes it a great choice for athletes and active people.

Rich in fiber:

Fiber is important for digestive health and helps lower cholesterol levels and control blood sugar levels. Spelt milk is a good source of dietary fiber, which makes it a healthy choice for people who want to improve their gut health.

Contains essential vitamins and minerals:

Spelt milk is a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially iron and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and red blood cells in the body.

Health benefits of flax milk

Flax milk also has several health benefits that make it a good alternative to traditional dairy milk:

Low in calories and fat:

Flax milk is an excellent choice for those who want to maintain a healthy weight or are on a low-calorie diet. It is low in calories and fat, which makes it a healthy option for people who are trying to lose weight.

Good source of omega-3 fatty acids:

Flax milk is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function.

How to make spelt milk at home

If you want to make your own spelt milk, here's how:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of spelt grains
• 4 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Soak the spelt grains in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
2. Drain the water and rinse the grains.
3. Add the spelt grains and 4 cups of fresh water to a blender and blend until smooth.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to remove any grain husks or solids.
5. Your spelt milk is now ready to use!

How to make flax milk at home

If you want to make your own flax milk, here's how:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of flax seeds
• 4 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Soak the flax seeds in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
2. Drain the water and rinse the seeds.
3. Add the flax seeds and 4 cups of fresh water to a blender and blend until smooth.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to remove any seed husks or solids.
5. Your flax milk is now ready to use!

Taste test: Which one tastes better? Spelt Milk or Flax Milk?

The taste of spelt milk and flax milk is subjective and varies depending on personal preference. Some people prefer the nutty taste of flax milk, while others prefer the creaminess and sweetness of spelt milk. It's best to try both and decide which one you prefer.

Pros and cons of spelt milk

Like all non-dairy milks, spelt milk has its pros and cons:

Pros:

• High in protein
• Good source of fiber
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals
• Creamy and sweet taste

Cons:

• Higher in calories and fat compared to some non-dairy milks
• Not suitable for people with wheat allergies or gluten intolerance
• May not be available in all stores

Pros and cons of flax milk

Like spelt milk, flax milk also has its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Low in calories and fat
• Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
• Thin and refreshing taste
• Suitable for people with nut, soy, or dairy allergies

Cons:

• Low in protein and some essential nutrients
• May have a slightly nutty taste that not everyone likes
• May not be available in all stores

Which one is better for the environment? Spelt Milk or Flax Milk?

Both spelt milk and flax milk have a relatively low environmental impact compared to traditional dairy milk. However, flax milk is considered to be more environmentally friendly because it requires less water and land to produce compared to spelt milk. Additionally, flax crops are more sustainable and resilient, making them a better choice for the planet.

Which one has fewer calories? Spelt Milk or Flax Milk?

Flax milk has fewer calories compared to spelt milk. A cup of flax milk contains around 25-50 calories, while a cup of spelt milk has around 90-120 calories.

Which one has more protein? Spelt Milk or Flax Milk?

Spelt milk has more protein compared to flax milk. A cup of spelt milk contains around 5-6 grams of protein, while a cup of flax milk has around 1 gram of protein.

How to use spelt milk in cooking and baking

Spelt milk can be used as a substitute for dairy milk in most recipes, including baking, cooking, and making sauces and smoothies. Here are some ideas:

• Use spelt milk instead of dairy milk in pancakes, waffles, and French toast
• Add spelt milk to soups and stews for creaminess and richness
• Use spelt milk in smoothies and shakes for a healthy boost of protein and nutrients
• Make dairy-free sauces and gravies using spelt milk as a base
• Use spelt milk in baking recipes for a healthier twist on traditional recipes

How to use flax milk in cooking and baking

Flax milk can also be used as a substitute for dairy milk in most recipes. Here are some ideas:

• Use flax milk instead of dairy milk in oatmeal and cereal
• Add flax milk to smoothies and shakes for a healthy boost of omega-3 fatty acids
• Use flax milk in baking recipes for a low-fat and low-calorie alternative to dairy milk
• Make vegan desserts like pudding and ice cream using flax milk and other non-dairy ingredients
• Use flax milk as a base for dairy-free sauces and dressings

Cost comparison: Spelt Milk vs Flax Milk

The cost of spelt milk and flax milk can vary depending on the brand and store. Generally, flax milk is more affordable compared to spelt milk, but this may vary in some regions. It's always a good idea to compare prices and read labels before making a purchase.

Is spelt milk lactose-free?

Yes, spelt milk is lactose-free and is a good alternative for people who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy.

Is flax milk lactose-free?

Yes, flax milk is lactose-free and is a good alternative for people who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy.

Conclusion: Which one should you choose - Spelt Milk or Flax Milk?

The choice between spelt milk and flax milk ultimately comes down to personal preference and nutritional needs. Spelt milk is higher in protein and some essential nutrients, while flax milk is lower in calories and fat and higher in omega-3 fatty acids. Both have health benefits and can be used as a substitute for dairy milk in most recipes. Consider trying both and deciding which one you prefer based on taste, availability, and nutritional value.