Need a fruity and refreshing twist on regular milk? This mango milk is quick to make and a great source of protein and calcium. Plus, it can be made with fresh or frozen mangoes. Great for toddlers, kids, and even adults!
Medically reviewed and co-written by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
Homemade Mango Milk
Regular milk, chocolate milk…sometimes you need to mix it up. Both figuratively and literally.
This mango milk will do just that. 🥭
It’s a fun spin on regular milk, similar to a fruit smoothie made with mangoes, but lighter. And just as flavorful!
We love that this mango milk works equally as well with frozen versus fresh mangoes, so no need to worry if this fruit isn’t in season where you live. Mango milk is naturally sweetened, simple to make, and a great source of protein, calcium, and vitamins A and D.
Reasons to Love This Homemade Mango Milk
- So simple to make – 3 minutes
- Good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D
- Naturally sweetened
- Perfect for a quick snack or as part of lunch or dinner
- Can be made ahead of time
- Great beginner recipe for kids to help in the kitchen
Ingredients Needed
- Milk: use whole milk or any plain unsweetened plant-based milk, such as soy, almond, coconut, etc.
- Mango: thawed from frozen mango works best, but fresh also works in this recipe.
- Maple Syrup: for natural sweetness, but you can also use honey or agave nectar.
- Vanilla Extract: use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. You can also use a pinch of cloves, nutmeg or cinnamon.
Health Benefits of Mango Milk: Milk by itself is a good source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, fats for brain development (is using a fuller fat version), and it can be a good source of vitamin D if it has been added. Add some mango, and you will have a good dose of fiber, vitamin A, folate, and antioxidants.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add Ingredients: to a blender, add the milk, mango, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Blend: on medium-high speed, blend for 60-90 seconds or until the mango milk is completely smooth.
- Enjoy: Pour into a glass and serve!
How to Store
Store mango milk in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Give it a good shake or stir to re-mix any settling that may have occurred before serving.
What Type of Milk to Use
The best milk for toddlers 1-2 years old is whole cow’s milk, assuming they do not have an allergy or intolerance. However, you can also use plant-based milk, such as coconut, almond, soy, hemp, or oat milk. Regardless of the plant-based milk, choose one that has no added sugar and has been fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
Cooking with Kids
You can easily have your kids help you make this flavored milk.
Toddlers
- Toddlers can help measure and pour the ingredients into the blender.
- They can help put the lid on the blender and push start. Note: make sure to talk about not touching the blender blade while making something in the blender, as it can be sharp.
- Have them pour their milk into their cup.
Kids
- You can pretty much let older kids make this recipe by themselves.
- They can pick out and measure all of the ingredients. Note: make sure to talk about not touching the blender blade while making something in the blender, as it can be sharp.
- Have them pour the mango milk into their own cup as well as a second cup for you!
More Add-Ins
While we love this Mango Milk as-is, feel free to add any of these delicious add-ins to your flavored milk.
- handful of strawberries
- pinch of cinnamon or cloves
- drizzle of peanut butter
- tablespoon of coconut flakes
- pinch of hemp seeds
- half of a banana
Expert Tips
- Do not give cow’s milk as a drink to babies under one year of age.
- Limit dairy consumption to 16-24 ounces a day for kids 12-24 months and 2-2.5 cups for kids 2-5 years of age. Too much milk can make bellies too full for other foods and displace other nutrients in the diet, including iron.
- Use dairy milk or try coconut milk in this recipe for a nice variation – the coconut milk pairs especially well with mangoes.
- Add in a few slices of banana to this mango milk for even more tropical flavor.
- 2 cups milk, regular or any plant-based milk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen, thawed if using frozen with juices
- 3 tbsp maple syrup, honey or agave nectar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon or vanilla extract
Milk Notes: you can use whole milk or any plain unsweetened plant-based milk, such as soy, almond, coconut, etc.
Note on Mangos: thawed from frozen mangos along with their natural juices will provide a more intense mango flavor. Fresh mangos will work, but depending on the ripeness and season, they will taste lighter and fresher.