All About Hazelnut Milk

Among tree nuts, the hazelnut is perhaps the most indulgent. Most distinctively, the international phenomenon of Nutella might not have happened with, say, almonds (too neutral), cashews (too buttery), or walnuts (too oaky) – or, then again, you never know. While tasty, however, hazelnut spread isn't exactly the optimal way to reap the nutritional benefits of hazelnuts; at least no more than devouring a glass of dairy milk with a torrent of chocolate syrup to try and meet your daily protein needs.

Fortunately, if you're seeking the intersection of indulgence and nutrition, it's already right in front of you. Marry the best parts of hazelnut spread – the hazelnuts and cocoa – with the creaminess of chocolate milk and you hatch Hazelnut Milk! Here's a bit more about this star ingredient: 1 2

• Hazelnuts are also commonly referred to as “filberts”. The latter term is of French origin and is the technical name for the nut and trees planted in Oregon by French settlers; the former is of English origin and refers to the native species. The usage of “hazelnut” was popularized by the Oregon Filbert Commission beginning in 1981.
• In the United States, Oregon produces 99% of the country’s hazelnuts.
• Unlike other nuts, hazelnuts are rarely consumed as snacking nuts. Instead, they have historically been enjoyed more in sweets, including ground into hazelnut paste for Austrian tortes and hazelnut flour for Kyiv cakes or crushed and sprinkled on meringues for French Dacquoise cakes.
• Production of the Nutella and Ferrero Rocher confections utilizes 25% of the world’s yearly hazelnut supply.
• Archaeologists have discovered hazelnut shells to be one of the most common organic materials from Neolithic sites.

HOW DOES ELMHURST’S HAZELNUT MILK COMPARE TO OTHER BRANDS?

Many brands produce Hazelnut Milk, but often the inclusion of hazelnuts is the only thing they’ll have in common. That’s certainly the case when comparing your Elmhurst with other brands!

When comparing Dairy-Free Milk, it’s easy to get caught up in calorie counts and other numbers on the label. But what you really need to focus on is what’s supposed to be the primary ingredient.

And that’s where Elmhurst’s Unsweetened Milked Hazelnuts stand out. 

Our Hazelnut Milk contains up to four times as many hazelnuts as other brands. And when it comes to reading the ingredients list on your Elmhurst, it shouldn’t take you too long, as it only says hazelnuts and water. You’ll never find the gums, thickeners, and other additives you find in other brands’ Plant Milk with Elmhurst.

HAZELNUT MILK HEALTH BENEFITS

Is Hazelnut Milk better for you than dairy milk?

It is if you choose Elmhurst. If you go for other brands, the additives and other ingredients mean it’s likely to be a judgement call.

When you choose Elmhurst Plant Milk, you benefit from our unique HydroRelease™ method, which retains more of the nutritional value of, in this case, the Hazelnuts, and leaves you with a creamy, tasty dairy-free milk drink.

As we retain as much of the nutritional value of the hazelnuts as possible, you get to enjoy the potential health benefits of hazelnuts.

For example, Hazelnuts can:

• Boost protection from cellular damage
• The skin of hazelnuts has 3 times the total antioxidant capacity of walnuts, 7 times that of dark chocolate, 10 times that of espresso, and 25 times that of blackberries. 4
• An ounce of hazelnuts provides 21% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin E. 5 Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound demonstrated to help shield against free radical attacks to help promote longevity. 6
• Help reduce risk of cardiovascular disease
• In a study of 21 adults with hypercholesterolemia, consumption of a hazelnut-rich diet (comprising 18-20% of daily calorie intake) for 4 weeks significantly improved endothelial function, decreased triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, as well as increased HDL levels compared to participants eating a control diet. 7
• A related study in healthy 21 adults consuming a diet high in hazelnuts for 4 weeks found it reduced the susceptibility of their LDL to oxidize and increased their number of beneficial large, fluffy LDL particles. 8
• A systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 studies found hazelnut-enriched diets exerted beneficial effects on both LDL and total cholesterol levels. 9
• Aid in improving blood sugar levels
• In a 12-week investigation of 50 adults with metabolic syndrome, daily intake of 7.5g of hazelnuts led to impressive decreases in both fasting insulin and HOMA-insulin resistance, compared to those who did not consume any hazelnuts. 10

HAZELNUT MILK RECIPES

Hazelnut Milk has both sweet and savory qualities, making it fit for a variety of dishes and sweet treats any time of the day or for any occasion. Possibilities include Hazelnut Milk recipes with dates, coffee concoctions, and easy Vitamix solutions. Chef Tristan Hall offers a few favorites below.

CHOCOLATE BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ Cups Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Hazelnuts™
• 1 Cup Blueberries, Frozen
• 2 Tbsp Agave Syrup

PREPARATION

• In a food processor or blender combine Elmhurst Unsweetened Hazelnut Milk, blueberries and agave nectar.
• Pulse until combined. Blend until smooth and creamy. You may add more Elmhurst Unsweetened Hazelnut Milk for a smoother and creamier texture.
• Serve chilled and enjoy!

HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE BOWL

INGREDIENTS

• ⅓ Cup Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Hazelnuts™
• 2 Bananas, Sliced and Frozen
• 2 Tbsp Almond Butter (May Substitute Sunflower Butter or Peanut Butter)
• 1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
• 1 Tsp Coconut Flakes
• 1 Tbsp Dark Chocolate, Chopped
• 1 Cup Hazelnuts, Roasted and Chopped
• ½ Cup Pomegranate Seeds

PREPARATION

• Place Unsweetened Milked Hazelnuts™, frozen bananas, cocoa powder and the butter of your choice in a food processor.
• Blend together until desired smoothness. You may add additional Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Hazelnuts™ if you would like a creamier texture.
• Slowly add in Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Cashews™ until the mixture forms into a ball.
• Divide mixture into desired serving dishes.
• Garnish with assorted toppings.

DARK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT TRUFFLES

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Cups Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Hazelnuts™
• 3 Cups Chocolate Chips
• ½ Cup Cocoa Powder
• 1 Cup Hazelnuts, Chopped

PREPARATION

• In a medium-sized sauce pot, combine Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Hazelnuts™ and vegan dark chocolate chips over low heat. Whisk together to a smooth consistency.
• Place mixture into a shallow pan to cool quickly and place in cooler for about 1 hour till firm.
• Form balls using a melon baller or tablespoon measurer. Refrigerate if truffle mixture begins to melt. You can also place in the freezer to cool quicker.
• Roll the truffle in the chopped hazelnuts and dust with cocoa powder.
• Place back in the fridge for 10 minutes serve chilled and enjoy!

HAZELNUT CARROT SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ Cups Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Hazelnuts™
• 4 Tbsp Canola Oil
• 1 ½ Cups Onions, Chopped
• 2 Tbsp Garlic, Chopped
• 3 ½ Cups Carrots, Chopped
• 2 Tbsp Tomato Puree

PREPARATION

• In a sauté pan heat oil, and sauté onion and garlic until onions are translucent. Ensure not to burn garlic. Add carrots and continue to cook until carrots start to soften.
• Add Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Hazelnuts™ and whisk in tomato puree. Reduce by ¼ and remove from heat. Add to a blender and puree until a smooth consistency.
• Serve with your favorite vegan dish and enjoy!

WHY CHOOSE ELMHURST HAZELNUT MILK?

Bottling what’s grown on trees – in this case, hazelnuts’ natural flavors and nutrients – is no easy feat, but thankfully through Elmhurst’s unique HydroRelease™ method, we’re able to do just that. Our Unsweetened Hazelnut Milk allows the hazelnut’s flavor profile and nutrient density to shine front and center, giving you a Plant Milk that is all about the plant! Your Elmhurst Plant Milk captures and delivers the whole nut as you've never experienced it before: in a glass.