Almond Cow vs. Nutr: The Battle of Plant-Based Milk Makers

Plant-based milk options like almond milk and oat milk have gained immense popularity, becoming staples in many households. However, the rising demand for dairy alternatives has led to concerns like increasing prices and the inclusion of unfamiliar additives and fillers in commercial products. If you’re looking to sidestep these issues while enjoying the benefits of homemade plant-based milk, investing in a milk maker might be your best solution. In this article, we’ll compare two prominent contenders in the world of plant-based milk makers: Almond Cow and Nutr.

We embarked on a side-by-side testing journey, assessing these two popular nut milk makers by examining their performance in producing almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and cashew creamer. We evaluated them based on factors such as convenience, speed, and, most importantly, flavor.

Nutr Machine vs. Almond Cow: What Sets Them Apart?

As we unboxed the Nutr and Almond Cow side by side, several significant differences immediately became apparent.

1. Size: The Almond Cow is notably larger, boasting a six-cup capacity in its large stainless steel container. In contrast, the Nutr is compact, yielding just under two cups per cycle.

2. Build: The two machines have distinct builds. While the Nutr’s blade is located at the bottom of the machine, akin to a blender, the Almond Cow conceals its blade inside a removable stainless steel basket. This basket serves as the container for ingredients like nuts and seeds during each milk-making cycle.

3. Control Panel: The control panels on these machines also differ. The Almond Cow boasts a straightforward design with just one button at the top of the machine, requiring only a single press and about a minute of waiting time for each cycle. The Nutr, on the other hand, offers more options, including Warm, Hot, and Boil settings, a Keep Warm function, and a Self Clean feature.

Speed: Almond Cow Takes the Lead

One of the standout features of the Almond Cow is its impressive speed. During our testing, it consistently demonstrated a rapid milk-making process, often taking around a minute or less to transform a combination of water and nuts into a creamy batch of fresh plant-based milk.

The Nutr, unfortunately, couldn’t match Almond Cow’s speed. Most of its batches required at least five minutes to complete, with the control panel displaying a countdown to indicate the remaining time. Some batches even took longer—especially the coconut milk, which required two five-minute cycles before it was ready for consumption.

Our Pick: Almond Cow

Milk Volume: Almond Cow Triumphs Again

When it comes to milk volume, the Almond Cow outshines the Nutr. The Almond Cow, with its larger capacity, produces significantly more milk in a shorter timeframe. With each batch, you can obtain up to six cups of plant-based milk, making it an excellent choice for families or those who prefer to meal prep. On the other hand, the Nutr can only yield about a cup and a half per cycle.

(Keep in mind that preservative-free homemade milks typically last up to five days in the refrigerator. So, if you opt for the Almond Cow and produce larger batches, ensure that you plan to use every ounce to avoid wastage.)

Our Pick: Almond Cow

Cleaning: Nutr Offers Easier Maintenance

Cleaning both the Almond Cow and Nutr proved to be somewhat challenging due to their direct attachment to electrical components, preventing dishwasher use. However, the Nutr provides a more user-friendly cleaning experience thanks to its self-cleaning feature. A splash of soapy water and a press of the “Self Clean” button is all it takes for the Nutr to be fully cleaned. A quick rinse to remove any remaining suds and you’re done.

Cleaning the Almond Cow, on the other hand, is a more cumbersome task. It lacks a self-clean option, necessitating manual cleaning. Unfortunately, this means dealing with the hefty lid that houses the blades and the risk of potential cuts during the process.

Our Pick: Nutr

Noise Pollution: Almond Cow Takes the Lead Again

If noise level is a concern, the Nutr might not be your ideal choice. During our testing, we found it challenging to hold conversations while the Nutr was running due to its noisy motor, which cycles on and off for about five minutes continuously.

In contrast, the Almond Cow runs much quieter overall, making it a more suitable option for those worried about disturbing roommates or family members while preparing nut milk.

Our Pick: Almond Cow

Price: Nutr Offers More Bang for Your Buck

Investing in either the Almond Cow or the Nutr is likely to result in long-term savings. Almond Cow claims that using its machine can save up to 30% on almond milk and up to 90% on oat milk compared to store-bought alternatives. Additionally, homemade milk is typically more nutrient-dense and free from additives commonly found in commercial products.

That said, the Nutr comes with a smaller price tag, retailing at $169 compared to the Almond Cow’s $245. Despite the lower cost, the Nutr offers more features, including multiple heat settings and a self-cleaning function, providing excellent value for your money.

Our Pick: Nutr

Milk Results: Nutr’s Quality Stands Out

In terms of flavor and texture, we consistently preferred the results produced by the Nutr over those from the Almond Cow.

While both machines excelled in producing almond and oat milks, the Almond Cow faced challenges with certain recipes. For instance, its cashew creamer was less creamy than the Nutr’s version. The Nutr’s warm setting allowed the cream to fully combine, resulting in a thick, decadent drink that remained well-mixed even after hours in the fridge.

The coconut milk test also favored the Nutr. Almond Cow’s one-minute cycle seemed insufficient to thoroughly blend the ingredients, resulting in relatively watery milk with solid fat chunks after refrigeration. In contrast, the Nutr’s coconut milk recipe, requiring a double cycle of 10 minutes, produced creamier milk with less pronounced fat separation.

Additionally, the Almond Cow’s oat milk recipe required a minimum four-hour soaking period and included walnut or avocado oil, leading to an unpleasant slimy separation. Omitting this oil in the future would be advisable.

Our Pick: Nutr

Conclusion: Nutr Emerges as the Winner

In summary, the Nutr outperforms the Almond Cow in various aspects, including flavor, texture, ease of cleaning, and price. From a culinary perspective, the Nutr shines in producing a range of plant-based milks and creamers. Despite yielding smaller batches, it offers the advantage of affordability and is well-suited for crafting fresh milk for individual servings without worrying about spoilage. Its self-cleaning feature and superior coconut milk and creamer results make it a standout choice.

However, if speed and efficiency, particularly for larger households, are your primary concerns, the Almond Cow remains a solid option. Its almond and oat milks are flavorful and quick to prepare, and it can yield up to six cups in a single batch.

Ultimately, the choice between the Nutr and Almond Cow depends on your specific preferences and requirements. Whichever you choose, both machines provide a path to enjoying homemade, additive-free plant-based milk.

For more plant-based culinary inspiration and recipes, be sure to visit the PlantBasedPty homepage. Explore a world of delicious and sustainable plant-based creations that cater to every palate.