Cashew milk is a popular non-dairy beverage made from whole cashews and water. It has a creamier consistency than almond milk and contains lots of healthy fats, beneficial plant compounds, vitamins, and minerals. You can purchase cashew milk in store, but store bought varieties tend to contain added sugars and preservatives. Instead, make your own with a blender, water, raw cashews, and an optional sweetener like raw agave nectar or grade A maple syrup.

Because cashew milk is naturally rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, it has a positive effect on heart health. In fact, consuming these types of fatty acids helps reduce inflammation, which lower the risk of heart disease. Additionally, cashews contain potassium and magnesium, two nutrients that enhance heart function. For example, a review of 22 studies found that people with higher potassium intake had a 24% lower risk of stroke!

Because of its creamy nature, cashew milk is an excellent liquid to use for a chia pudding recipe. For this recipe, you will need a large bowl to whisk the chia pudding, followed by some storage jars to place in the fridge. The chia pudding needs about eight hours to fully set, but always check the consistency before serving. It should resemble tapioca, but you can always add more liquid if you want it less “pudding-like” when you eat it. Additionally, feel free to mix in bananas, berries, or raw almond butter when you serve it.