Calories in Macadamia Milk: Nutritional facts for Macadamia Milk Types

Two 330mL (11.1oz) cans of unsweetened macadamia milk contain 138 calories. Two 330mL (11.1oz) cans of sweetened macadamia milk provide 221 calories.

One 240g (8oz) glass of unsweetened macadamia milk provides 50 calories. One 240g (8oz) glass of sweetened macadamia milk contains 80 calories. One 240g (8oz) glass of barista-series macadamia milk provides 80 calories. One 240g (8oz) glass of chocolate macadamia milk contains 110 calories.

A 240mL (8.1oz) serving of Milkadamia Unsweetened Macadamia Milk contains 50 calories. One 240mL (8.1oz) portion of Milkadamia Sweetened Macadamia Milk provides 70 calories. A 240mL (8.1oz) serving of Milkadamia Barista Series Macadamia Milk delivers 80 calories. One 240mL (8.1oz) cup of Sunmi Macadamia Milk contains 90 calories. A 240mL (8.1oz) serving of House of Macadamias Unsweetened Macadamia Milk offers 50 calories. One 240mL (8.1oz) serving of Royal Hawaiian Orchards Unsweetened Macadamia Milk contains 50 calories. A 240mL (8.1oz) serving of Nutty Bruce Activated Macadamia & Coconut Milk provides 110 calories.

Macadamia milk provides some health benefits like reducing cholesterol levels and providing essential micronutrients due to its high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids and fortified vitamin complexes. This beverage, frequently called "macadamia nut milk," "buttery milk," or "creamy keto milk," serves as a functional dairy alternative in low-carbohydrate diets. A list of the health benefits of macadamia milk are shown below.

• Supports Cardiovascular Health: The monounsaturated fats in the liquid assist in lowering LDL cholesterol. A study by Griel et al. (2008), "A macadamia nut-rich diet reduces total and LDL-cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic men and women," found that incorporating these nuts into a diet reduces markers of heart disease.
• Reduces Oxidative Stress: Macadamia milk contains manganese and selenium which act as cofactors for antioxidant enzymes. Research by Garg et al. (2007), "Macadamia nut consumption lowers inflammation and oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic subjects," demonstrated that regular consumption significantly decreases oxidative stress and inflammation markers in the blood.
• Promotes Bone Mineral Density: Fortified versions provide 187 mg of Calcium per 100 g (3.5 oz) serving, fulfilling 14% of the Daily Value (DV) for supporting skeletal strength.
• Enhances Neurological Function: The presence of Vitamin B12, providing 0.6 mcg (25% DV) per 100 g (3.5 oz), is vital for maintaining the health of nerve cells and supporting a healthy diet.
• Supports Weight Management: The high fat-to-carbohydrate ratio increases satiety and prevents insulin spikes. Unsweetened versions contain only 50 calories per 240 g (8 oz) glass, making it a low-energy density choice for weight control.
• Protects Cellular Integrity: Vitamin E content of 1.4 mg (9% DV) per 100 g (3.5 oz) helps protect cell membranes from free radical damage.

Macadamia milk has been known to cause some unwanted effects like intestinal inflammation and nutritional gaps due to its use of food additives and low natural protein content. A list of the downsides of macadamia milk are shown below.

• Triggers Intestinal Irritation: Many commercial brands use thickeners like carrageenan which can disrupt gut health. A study by Martino et al. (2017), "The Role of Food Additives in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Case of Carrageenan," linked this additive to increased intestinal permeability and inflammation.
• Provides Minimal Protein: Unlike cow milk or soy milk, a 240 g (8 oz) glass contains only 1 g of protein, which is insufficient for muscle repair if used as a primary protein source.
• Poses Risks for Tree Nut Allergy Sufferers: Individuals with sensitivities to tree nuts can experience severe anaphylactic reactions upon ingestion.
• Contains Added Sugars in Flavored Varieties: Sweetened types contain 7 g of sugar per 240 g (8 oz) serving, contributing to an increased glycemic load.

Yes, macadamia milk is good for you because it provides 14% of the DV for Calcium and high levels of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats in every 240 mL (8.1 oz) serving. Healthy individuals should consume 240 mL (8.1 oz) to 480 mL (16.2 oz) per day to gain the benefits of fortified Vitamin D and B12 without excessive caloric intake. The major benefits include the reduction of systemic inflammation and the provision of 100% of the daily Vitamin E requirement in fortified large servings. It is an ideal addition to a keto or vegan diet for those seeking a rich, creamy texture with minimal carbohydrates.

The calories in macadamia milk change based on the concentration of nuts and the volume of added sweeteners or flavoring agents. Unsweetened macadamia milk contains 21 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz), but when cane sugar is added to create the sweetened version, the count increases to 33 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) because each gram of sugar adds 4 calories. Barista varieties also contain 33 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) because they utilize added dipotassium phosphate and sunflower oil to ensure the milk does not curdle in coffee. Chocolate-flavored varieties represent the most significant increase, reaching 46 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) due to the combined energy of the cocoa solids and higher sucrose levels. Home-made versions typically contain 60 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) because they lack the high water-to-nut dilution found in commercial processing.

Macadamia milk contains slightly more calories than almond milk, providing 50 calories per 240 mL (8.1 oz) glass compared to 30 calories in the same volume of unsweetened almond milk. Almond milk is lower in calories and fat because it contains a higher water-to-nut ratio and fewer monounsaturated fats than the macadamia variety. Unsweetened macadamia milk provides 5 g of fat per cup, while unsweetened almond milk delivers 2.5 g of fat per cup. Calorie differences vary by brand and additives, as some almond milks are thickened with rice starch which can increase their energy count to 45 calories per cup, nearly equalizing the two beverages. Despite the higher caloric weight, macadamia milk provides a creamier mouthfeel and more Manganese than standard almond milk.

The origin of macadamia milk is rooted in the indigenous history of Australia, where the macadamia tree is native to the rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales. For thousands of years, Aboriginal Australians utilized the calorie-dense nuts as a vital food source, often grinding them into pastes for consumption. The commercial cultivation of the nuts shifted to Hawaii in the late 19th century, where the industry expanded globally, eventually leading to the development of macadamia milk as a boutique dairy alternative during the "third wave" coffee movement of the early 2010s.

The formalization of macadamia milk as a mainstream retail product was pioneered by the company Milkadamia, which began large-scale production in 2015 using nuts grown in family-owned orchards in Australia. Unlike almond milk, which has a longer commercial history in the United States, macadamia milk gained immediate popularity within the wellness sector due to its high concentration of omega-7 fatty acids and its distinctively creamy texture. Today, the beverage is a global staple in specialty cafes and health food stores, recognized as one of the most eco-friendly plant milks because the trees require significantly less water than almond orchards.