Almond milk is in high demand due to a shift towards healthier and plant-based preferences. Almond milk has become one of the most popular supplementary beverages in the world. Even when it’s for lactose-intolerant people, vegans, or those looking for a low-calorie milk preference, almond milk has carved out a remarkable space in the global market. At NK Daily Equipment, we focus on and specialise in converting daily machinery. We also keep a close eye on innovation in plant-based milk production. In this blog, let’s dive in and discover how almond milk is processed, the equipment involved, and how technology ensures consistency, hygiene, and a long shelf life.
Understanding almond milk
Almond milk is a plant-based beverage made by blending soaked almonds with water and then straining out the solids. The outcome is the creamy liquid with nutty flavours, rich in vitamins E, and low in calories and saturated fats. Commercially method almond milk goes through a much more refined and hygienic process than homemade versions. Let’s break down the industrial almond milk process.
Step-by-Step Almond Milk Production Process
1. Choosing & Cleaning of Almonds
The procedure starts with sourcing high-quality almonds. They are first cleaned to eliminate dust, stones, or any foreign materials. Clean almonds, making sure safety, hygiene, and a better flavour in the final product.
2. Saturate
Clean almonds are soaked in water for several hours (usually 8–12 hours). Soaking softens the almonds, making them easier to grind and improve the extraction of nutrients and oils.
3. Drudgery, or Milling
The dipping almonds are then transferred to industrial grinders or colloid mills. They are finely ground with water to create a thick slurry. This slurry contains broken-down almonds suspended in water, which is the base of almond milk.
4. Filtration / Detachment
The almond slurry is passed through filtration systems to separate the liquid (milk) from the solid almond pulp (also called almond meal). This can be done using filter presses, decanter extractor, or other mechanical detachment methods.
Efficient separation is vital for texture, mouthfeel, and residue depletion in the final product.
5. Combination
The extracted almond milk is then homogenised. This high-pressure reduces the size of fat and protein particles, creating a smooth, stable emulsion, standardise,avoids the milk from separating and improves the texture.
6. Sterilisation
To make almond milk safe for consumption and change its shelf life, it is pasteurised. Sterilisation involves heating the milk to a specific temperature (usually between 60–85°C) for a defined time to kill harmful microorganisms without causing taste or nutrition.
7. Fortification (Optional)
Many commercial producers fortify almond milk with vitamins (like B12, D, and calcium) to match or exceed the nutritional profile of dairy milk. This step also allows for flavour additions like vanilla, chocolate, or sweeteners.
8. Packing
The final almond milk is filled into sterilised bottles, cartons, or tetra packs using automated filling lines. Aseptic packaging ensures the product stays safe, fresh, and shelf-stable without refrigeration until the time of opening.
Apparatus that are used in Almond Milk processesNK Dairy Equipments mainly caters to the daily sector, and a lot of the machines can be adapted and tailored for almond milk processing.
- Wet grinders or colloidal mills: For smooth grinding of soaked almonds.
- Filter presses or centrifugal separators: For efficient liquid-solid separation.
- Homogenisers: For surface-active agents and stabilising the almond milk.
- Decontaminator: For thermal treatment and microbial safety.
- Machine Controlled Filling Machines: For hygienic packaging.
Our engineering expertise and elastic designs enable clients to establish complete almond processing plants or hybrid systems that handle both dairy and plant-based products.
Why Invest in Almond Milk Production?
The global shift toward plant-based diets is no longer a trend; it’s a perpetual, consumer shift. According to industry research, the plant-based milk market is projected to grow remarkably in the next decade, with almond milk leading the category. Even when you’re establishing a dairy brand looking to vary, or a startup entering the plant-based sector, almond milk manufacturing provides a high-potential business opportunity.
Conclusion
Almond milk production combines science, hygiene, and innovation. From soaking to packaging, each step must be optimized for quality, consistency, and food safety. With rising consumer awareness and preference for dairy choices, now is the perfect time to discover almond milk processing. at No equipments comes with decade of the experience in food procedure machinery when your this when you’re looking to set up a dairy plant or a plant-based refreshments line, our team can craft a custom solution to match your requirements.
