Review: We tried Giraf Macadamia Milk

Ordering your coffee with plant-based milk is no longer unusual. Due to the rising demand, many restaurants are now offering a host of different dairy-free milk alternatives. But plant-based milks are not just gaining popularity in restaurants; they’re also becoming increasingly popular for home use.

Whether you’re trying to reduce your dairy intake for health or sustainability reasons or want to explore new flavours, plant-based milks are a healthy and tasty alternative to regular milk.

We recently discovered Giraf Macadamia Milk, a home-grown, dairy-free alternative derived from locally grown macadamia nuts. Each serving is loaded with the wholesome goodness of macadamias, a superfood packed with healthy fats, essential nutrients, and antioxidants. It’s more than just a tasty beverage; it boosts your heart health, brain function, and blood circulation.

This tasty plant-based milk is vegan, paleo, and keto-friendly. It is also oil-free and gluten-free, and its health benefits surpass those of other plant-based alternatives thanks to its distinct combination of lower calories, balanced fats, and natural sweetness.

Giraf Macadamia Milk is rich, creamy, and free from vegetable and seed oils. It can be used in place of regular milk in teas and coffees, smoothies, cereal, and even baking. It is currently available in three variants: Original, Macadamia with Oats, and Macadamia with Vanilla.

The Original Giraf Macadamia variant is lower in kilojoules and calories than low-fat milk and has less sugar than semi-skimmed milk. The Oat blend is velvety and creamy, while the Vanilla variant adds a hint of light sweetness to enhance your culinary creations with genuine vanilla extract.

The macadamia nuts used are sustainably sourced from Mpumalanga, where they are ethically grown. The milk is also housed in recyclable packaging.

We recently had the opportunity to put all three variants to the test – here’s how they fared:

“I’ve tried all the different plant-based milk variants on the market, from almond to oat, soy and coconut. I’m not lactose-intolerant, but I’ve noticed that my skin tends to break out whenever I consume more dairy than usual. I’ve also read some awful stories about dairy farming, so all in all, I have been trying to reduce my daily intake.

Macadamia milk was utterly new to me when I first came across Giraf, but I was keen to give it a go. The first thing I noticed about Giraf Macadamia Milk is how white it is in colour – it looks like regular milk! It has a lovely smooth consistency and neutral scent.

I’ve been trying all three variants, but the original is my favourite as the natural flavour accompanies everything. I’ve been having it with my muesli and cereal as well as in my daily smoothie, which is now wholly dairy-free. The taste is delicious but subtle – it’s not overpowering and adds a nice, natural, slightly nutty flavour to the dishes I’ve incorporated.

In addition to the health benefits outlined above, I also really love what the brand stands for. I love that the macadamia nuts are ethically and locally sourced, that the packaging is recyclable and that the product is affordable so that more people can access it. It’s GMO-free and free from artificial flavours and colourants, so you know you’re consuming delicious plant-based milk without unnecessary (and potentially harmful) additives.

I’ve enjoyed this trio and can confidently say that I will be adding Giraf Macadamia Milk to my monthly shopping list from now on.”
Anien – Editor

Learn more about Giraf Macadamia Milk here.

Need some inspiration on how to incorporate Giraf Macadamia Milk into your daily diet? Here are some ideas:

Smoothies

Swap out dairy milk for one of the Giraf variants to add a creamy texture and a subtle, nutty flavour to your favourite smoothie. Blend it with your favourite fruits, a handful of spinach, and a scoop of protein powder for a delicious, energising breakfast.

Creamy latte

Upgrade your morning coffee ritual by making a plant milk latte. Froth some Giraf Original and pour it over your espresso or strong brewed coffee. The creamy consistency and taste will elevate your latte game.

Baking

Transform your baking recipes by substituting dairy milk with Giraf Macadamia. Whether you’re whipping up pancakes, muffins, or cookies, macadamia milk can add a delightful twist.

Hearty soups and sauces

Giraf Macadamia Original makes soups and sauces richer and creamier. This simple swap can add depth and a new dimension to your favourite dishes.

Refreshing iced drinks

Create refreshing iced drinks by mixing in Giraf milk flavours. Try an iced matcha latte with the Oat variant or a cold brew coffee with Vanilla. Add some ice cubes and a dash of your favourite syrup or sweetener for a cool, invigorating treat.

Giraf Macadamia Milk is available at leading supermarkets, coffee shops, health food stores, and online retailers across South Africa.