What is Rice Milk?
Rice milk is one of several 'grain milks' used as a substitute for cow's milk. Since no animal products are used during the production of rice milk, it is considered an acceptable alternative by strict vegans and vegetarians. Because rice milk does not contain lactose, it is also suitable for those who are lactose-intolerant. Rice milk can also be used to create dairy substitutes such as coffee creamers and ice creams. Rice milk contains very little protein, but provides carbohydrates and is often fortified with essential vitamins.
Many consumers find rice milk and other grain milks in health food stores or in designated areas in grocery stores. Some rice milk is shipped in paper containers similar to those containing cow's milk. This form of rice milk is usually kept refrigerated to prevent spoilage. Other producers ship their rice milk products in aseptic containers, which eliminate the need for refrigeration before opening. Rice milk generally has a shelf life of one to two weeks once it has been opened.
Commercial rice milk can be expensive, due to a combination of shipping costs, low demand and substantial subsidies paid to American rice growers. In response to these higher retail prices, many people have begun to create their own versions of rice milk at home. There are literally dozens of recipes for rice milk available online or in vegetarian cookbooks, but the basic ingredients are usually cooked rice, water, sea salt and vanilla.
In a typical recipe, one cup of cooked brown or other short-grain rice is combined with four cups of hot water in a blender until a slurry forms. The rice milk is then carefully poured into a clean container or strained through a cheesecloth to remove any sediments. Flavorings and sweeteners such as sea salt, vanilla, cinnamon or rice sugar may be added to the mix to improve the taste. Other recipes may call for a second cooking of the rice or the addition of various tree nuts or spices. Rice milk flavored with chocolate or vanilla can often be found alongside the original formula in stores.
Converting from cow's milk to rice milk may take some time. Rice milk contains very little natural fat, although some manufacturers compensate for this by adding natural thickeners such as carrageenan and tapioca. Rice milk may also be fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, although not in the same ratio as cow's milk. The chocolate or vanilla-flavored rice milk sold in stores may be a good way to introduce children to alternative grain milks. Experts suggest experimenting with different brands and different flavors to find the ones that suit your family's need for milk products.
Written by Michael Pollick
