Breaking Down the Differences Between Flax Milk and Rice Milk

Rohit Panwar

Wondering – flax milk vs rice milk which one is better suited for your lifestyle? To get an answer, you must understand the differences and benefits between flax milk and rice milk. 

As a passionate nutritionist, I am here to analyse flax milk vs rice milk benefits and nutritional differences. This will help you to choose the better one for your needs. 

Flax Milk vs Rice Milk: Finding the Better Plant-Based Alternative

Let’s take a look at Flax milk vs Rice milk benefits and nutritional values –  

BASE INGREDIENTS
Flax Milk

Flax seeds & Water

Rice Milk

White or brown rice & water

TASTE
Flax Milk

Earthy & Seed-like

Rice Milk

Sweet & Mild

DAILY INTAKE
Flax Milk

1 Cup

Rice Milk

1 Cup

CALORIES
Flax Milk

48.77*

Rice Milk

115*

CARBOHYDRATES
Flax Milk

4 g*

Rice Milk

 22.4 g*

FAT CONTENT
Flax Milk

3.25 g*

Rice Milk

2.4 g*

PROTEIN CONTENT
Flax Milk

2.2 g*

Rice Milk

0.7 g*

CALCIUM CONTENT
Flax Milk

24 – 450 mg*

Rice Milk

6 – 288 mg*

RECOMMENDED TIME
Flax Milk

Morning or Bedtime

Rice Milk

Morning or Evening

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Flax Milk

Positive

Rice Milk

Positive

VEGAN FRIENDLINESS
Flax Milk

Yes

Rice Milk

Yes

ORAL HEALTH OUTCOME
Flax Milk

Good

Rice Milk

Good

BONE HEALTH OUTCOME
Flax Milk

Good

Rice Milk

Good

TUMMY HEALTH OUTCOME
Flax Milk

Very Good

Rice Milk

Very Good

BODY HYDRATION EFFECT
Flax Milk

Very Good

Rice Milk

Very Good

VERSATILITY
Flax Milk

Very Good

Rice Milk

Very Good

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 cup

Flax Milk vs Rice Milk: Know the Difference in Preparation

To make flax milk, soak flax seeds overnight or at least for 6-8 hours before blending it with water. Strain through a fine sieve to get a smooth texture of the Flax milk.

For the rice milk, you will need pre boiled or around 12 hours soaked rice. Rice can be of your choice either white or brown. Mostly rice and water ratio 1:3 but you can adjust it according to your desired thickness. 

How Do Flaxseed Milk Vs Rice Milk Taste?

Flax milk has a seedy and earthy taste. Once soaked in the water, flaxseeds become slimy. This gives milk a gelatinous texture. 

Rice milk is very neutral in taste with a hint of sweetness. If you are using brown rice then the taste will be more earthy and the color will also be brownish. You can store the milk in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. 

What Is the Optimal Amount of Flax Milk Vs Rice Milk to Consume Everyday?

As a nutritionist I will suggest that 1 cup of Flax milk and Rice milk will be sufficient to consume every day. 

If you want to reap all the benefits of these milks then instead having more per day, consistency is a better option. Try to add both the milks in your diet on a regular basis. 

Flax Milk vs Rice Milk: Which One Has More Calories?

If you are observing your calories intake and trying to cut back, then Flax milk is better than Rice milk. Rice milk has a lot more calories than Flax milk. 

However, Rice milk is a good option to boost your energy and will help you to keep full for a longer time. If you are an sportsperson then rice milk smoothie is an easy way to fuel you up. 

What to Pick for Lower Carbs: Flax Milk or Rice Milk?

Carbs are the macronutrients which are found in certain foods and drinks.  Everyone needs a different amount of carbs according to their individual needs. 

Rice milk contains a very high amount of carbs when compared to flax milk. If you are on a low carbs diet then Flax milk will be a better option for you. 

Flax Milk vs Rice Milk: Comparing the Fat Content

The difference in fat content is not huge between Flax milk and Rice milk. However, Rice milk has less fat compared to Flax milk. 

Flax milk has more fat  but those fats are considered good for the body. Flax milk contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which helps you to reduce cholesterol and keep your heart healthy. 

Better Source of Protein: Flax Milk or Rice Milk

Compared to dairy milk and a few other plant based milks such as soy milk and pea milk, Flax milk and Rice milk are not considered good sources of protein. 

Although Flax milk is better than Rice milk in terms of protein content. I will suggest adding any natural unsweetened protein powder while blending Rice milk to compensate for this lack of protein. 

Flax Milk vs Rice Milk: Which Contains More Calcium?

Homemade Flax milk and Rice milk both have far lower amounts of calcium compared to dairy milk. Though commercial versions of these plant based milks are fortified with enough calcium. 

The quantity of calcium differs brand to brand, so read the labels before choosing one for yourself. 

What Is the Best Time to Have Flax Milk and Rice Milk?

You can add Flax milk either to your morning routine or have it before going to bed. This creamy alt milk can easily substitute dairy milk for your breakfast options i.e. cereal, smoothies or coffee.

You can also have flax milk at night as it has tryptophan, an essential amino acid which helps you to sleep betterRice milk is a good option to start the day or in the evening.  

Flax Milk vs Rice Milk: Which One Is Greener?

All the plant based milks are much better for the environment compared to Dairy milk. The reason behind is that the carbon footprint of Dairy production is much higher than plant based milks.  

If you compare Flax milk and Rice milk, then Flax milk is a better eco-friendly option. Rice production needs more water compared to any other plant based milks. 

Are Flax Milk and Rice Milk Vegan Friendly?

Veganism is a growing trend of diet across the globe. Each year more and more people opt for this plant based diet which is free from any animal products. 

Flax milk and Rice milk both are plant based, and they can be easily categorized as vegan products. 

Impact of Flax Milk and Rice Milk on Your Oral and Bone Health

For healthy teeth and bones calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients. Pecked Flax milk and Rice milk are fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

Though, while buying the packed milks make sure you pick the unsweetened versions. The added unnatural sugar in these packs can damage your oral health.

You can add natural sweetener and protein powders to these milks to make them compatible with dairy milk.  

Flax Milk vs Rice Milk: Which Is Better Suited For Your Tummy?

Flax milk is a good source of fiber which helps to keep your gut healthy. To enhance the fiber ratio in your cup of Flax milk, you can avoid strain after blending it with water. 

Rice milk prepared with brown rice has more fiber compared to the white rice, which makes it better for your tummy.  Rice milk is also the least allergenic compared to other plant based milks. 

Which Is Better to Keep You Hydrated: Flax Milk vs Rice Milk?

To prepare Flax milk and Rice milk a lot of water is being used, which is helpful to keep the body hydrated. 

Flax milk and Rice milk contain other electrolytes such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium which help to maintain the water balance in your body. 

Flax Milk vs Rice Milk: Compare the Versatility

Rice milk and Flax milk can be used in many different ways. Flax milk has many uses including in baking.  Rice milk is a good base for curries and soup. 

Rice milk has a thin consistency which is not suitable for baking. You can also make buttermilk using rice milk, for that add vinegar and lemon while blending the rice with water. 

So, both rice milk and flax milk have their own advantages. While rice milk is high in carbs and calories, it remains the most allergy friendly milk. Flax milk, on the other hand is comparatively richer in nutrients  and is also more sustainable. 

Take a pick based on your needs, preferences and requirements. 

Rohit Panwar

Hi! I'm Integrated Nutrition Coach Rohit Panwar. I hold twin Certifications from IIN, New York & SAFM, Massachusetts. I am a passionate vocalist of holistic lifestyle and have fully committed the past several years to educate & empower people towards their wellbeing. Despite a successful yet hectic corporate stint of 21+ years, I have prioritised nutriment in my life. I truly hope my personal journey from illness to wellness helps everybody reading this forge their own path.