Which Plant Milk Would Be a Better Addition to Your Diet: Flax or Walnut?

Rohit Panwar

Not only store shelves but now in cafes, the options of plant-based milks are growing every day. Flax milk vs Walnut milk is the latest confusion I faced at a coffee house a few days back. 

As a nutritionist, this inspired me to write about the differences between flax milk and walnut milk. This will help you to pick the best option for yourself. 

Flax Milk Vs Walnut Milk: Nutritional & Other Differences

In the table below, I am briefing the differences between Flax milk vs Walnut milk based on 16 various components. 

BASE INGREDIENTS
Flax Milk

Flax seeds & Water

Walnut Milk

Walnuts & water

TASTE
Flax Milk

Earthy & Seed-like

Walnut Milk

Nutty & Earthy

DAILY INTAKE
Flax Milk

1 Cup

Walnut Milk

1 Cup

CALORIES
Flax Milk

48.77*

Walnut Milk

40*

CARBOHYDRATES
Flax Milk

4 g*

Walnut Milk

 4 g*

FAT CONTENT
Flax Milk

3.25 g*

Walnut Milk

3.5 g*

PROTEIN CONTENT
Flax Milk

2.2 g*

Walnut Milk

1 g*

CALCIUM CONTENT
Flax Milk

24 – 450 mg*

Walnut Milk

10 – 450 mg*

RECOMMENDED TIME
Flax Milk

Morning or Bedtime

Walnut Milk

Morning or Bedtime

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Flax Milk

Positive

Walnut Milk

Positive

VEGAN FRIENDLINESS
Flax Milk

Yes

Walnut Milk

Yes

ORAL HEALTH OUTCOME
Flax Milk

Good

Walnut Milk

Good

BONE HEALTH OUTCOME
Flax Milk

Good

Walnut Milk

Good

TUMMY HEALTH OUTCOME
Flax Milk

Very Good

Walnut Milk

Good

BODY HYDRATION EFFECT
Flax Milk

Good

Walnut Milk

Good

VERSATILITY
Flax Milk

Very Good

Walnut Milk

Very Good

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 cup

Flax Milk vs Walnut Milk: Know the Process of Making

To make Flax milk you will need flax seeds and water. Soak the seeds overnight or at least for 6 to 8 hours. Blend the flex seeds with water and then strain through the mesh sieve or milk bag to get a silky texture. 

For preparing you will require to soak walnuts for 3 to 4 hours only. After soaking, blend walnuts with water. Strain to get smooth and delicious walnut milk. 

How Different Are Flax Milk and Walnut to Your Taste Buds?

In terms of taste, Flax milk and Walnut milk have their own features. Flax Milk tastes earthy and seed-like. It is gelatinous and creamy in texture. It is best used within 1-2 days after preparing. 

Walnut Milk tastes more nutty with a hint of earthiness. The consistency is creamy. Both these alt milks are creamish in color. You can easily store it in the refrigerator for 4 – 5 days. 

Flax Milk and Walnut Milk: What Is the Suggested Quantity to Consume per Day?

Flax milk and Walnut milk both are full of many nutrients and adding 1 cup of these milks to your daily life will give you immense benefits. 

But remember that over consumption can cause indigestion and bloating so stick to the recommended quantity per day. 

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

Calories are the measuring units of energy which we get through different food or drinks. To maintain a healthy weight, people usually count their per day calories intake. 

Flax milk and Walnut milk contain almost the same amount of calories. Flax milk has a little more calories than Walnut milk but the difference is negligible. So you can choose any of these milk if you are watching calories.  

Which One Contains More Carbs Between Flax Milk and Walnut Milk?

Carbohydrates are needed by the body to stay energized and active. But for a healthy lifestyle one must consume carbs within the recommended quantity. 

Flax milk and walnut milk both are low in carbs with exactly the same amount. So, as a person reducing carb intake, you can include any of these in your diet.  

Flax Milk vs Walnut Milk for Weight Loss

If you are on your weight loss journey either because of health reasons or personal reasons then Flax milk and Walnut Milk both can easily fit into your diet. 

Both these alt milks have almost the same amount of fat content in them. They have Omega -3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which are helpful to reduce cholesterol in your body and keep your heart healthy

Protein Content in Flax Milk Vs Walnut Milk

When you talk about protein, then most of the plant based milks are far behind dairy milk. Flax milk and Walnut milk similarly are not very high in proteins. 

However, comparatively Flax milk is better than Walnut milk as a protein source. You can add any natural protein powder to these milks to compensate for it. 

Flax Milk vs Walnut Milk for Babies: Do They Contain Enough Calcium?

Calcium is a mineral which makes our bones strong and helps to keep the heart healthy. Young kids and babies need calcium to develop strong bones. 

Though DIY Flax milk and Walnut milk don’t have much calcium, commercially produced brands are good sources of calcium. It is better to opt for the unsweetened market versions of Flax milk and Walnut milk if you have young kids at home. 

Suitable Time of the Day to Consume Flax Milk and Walnut Milk

You can add Flax milk and Walnut milk either to your morning routine or bedtime routine. As a good source of fiber and other nutrients, these will give a healthy start to your days.  

Both these milks contain tryptophan, which prompts a sound sleep. So, having a cup of Flax milk or Walnut milk before going to bed will help you to sleep better.

Are Flax Milk and Walnut Milk Good For the Planet?

Compared to Dairy milk production, plant based milk is a better choice to save the environment. It is because Plant based milk production’s carbon footprint is one third to the dairy production.

Both Flax milk and Walnut milk are eco-friendly plant based which need less water and less land to grow. It is better to opt local products to make these milks more sustainable. 

Flax Milk and Walnut Milk: Can Vegan People Have Them?

Being vegan is different from being a vegetarian. Vegetarian people usually consume dairy products but vegan diet totally restricts any animal-based food or beverages. 

Since Flax milk and Walnut milk are driven from plants, they can easily fit into the vegan diet. 

Flax Milk vs Walnut Milk: Which One Is Better for Teeth?

Packed versions of Flax milk and Walnut milks are fortified with calcium and vitamin D which help to keep our teeth strong and healthy. However, you must choose the unsweetened versions of these to avoid any oral problems. 

Besides this, both these milks are a good source of micronutrients such as potassium and magnesium which help to boost oral health and hygiene

How Do Flax Milk and Walnut Milk Affect Your Bones?

For strong and healthy bones, calcium and vitamin D are the must to consume on a daily basis. Fortified Flax milk and Walnut milk enhance the bones strength since they are loaded with calcium and vitamin D. 

Each brand has a different amount of calcium, so read the label to know the right quantity added to them. Many brands have more calcium than dairy milk. 

Flax Milk vs Walnut Milk: Which One Is Easy to Digest?

Flax milk and Walnut milk both are rich in dietary fiber which prompt your digestion. If you are making your milk at home then don’t strain after blending, it will further increase the dietary fiber in the milks. 

Walnut milk is a nut based milk and some people can face stomach problems with it due to nut-allergy. It is better to know your allergies before opting for Walnut milk. 

Can Flax Milk and Walnut Milk Keep You Hydrated? 

Plenty of water is  used while making Flax milk and Walnut milk, which helps your body to stay hydrated for a longer time. Also, soaking of flaxseeds and walnuts enhances their body cooling properties. 

Both these milks also contain many electrolytes, which help the body to maintain the balance of water. 

How Versatile Are Flax Milk and Walnut Milk?

Flax milk and Walnut milk both can be used in many different ways including smoothies, milkshake or to add in coffee. My personal favorite use of plant milk is to use it in cereal like oatmeal, cornmeal, etc. 

Flax milk is a good replacement for eggs in baking. If you need to heat up your Flax milk and Walnut milk for the recipe, make sure the flame is low and keep stirring it. 

In the end I will suggest that between Flax milk versus Walnut milk, choose the one which fits best to your requirements. Each individual has their own needs and they may have some allergies with specific foods and drinks.

I hope after reading this blog you can pick the perfect one for yourself.

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.