2-Ingredient Unsweetened Cashew Milk for First Trimester Fatigue

I remember the week I made this 2-Ingredient Unsweetened Cashew Milk so clearly. My digestion was painfully slow and my energy was gone by midmorning, and the idea of soaking anything overnight felt eternal.

I definitely wasn't going to wait overnight, so I tried a quick-soak method instead because pregnancy fatigue gets your creativity going :) It didn't disappoint.

It was like my 5-Minute Unsweetened Oat Milk and 10-Minute Unsweetened Almond Milk, but creamier.

Why This Pregnancy Unsweetened Cashew Milk Recipe for First Trimester Works

Low-effort. A short soak saves energy when fatigue is strong.
Dairy-free. Easy on sensitive stomachs during early pregnancy.
Versatile. Use it in cooking, baking, drinks, or as-is.
Creamy without heaviness. Feels nourishing without upsetting your stomach.

How This Ingredient Supports You & The Baby

Homemade cashew milk has a smooth, velvety texture that feels comforting instead of heavy, especially when your stomach feels tender and unpredictable.

It reminded me of the creaminess I love in my Pistachio Milk and even the Sweetened Almond Milk (3-Ways!) when I want something a little more indulgent.

Prep Time: 5 minutes + 15 minutes soaking / Total Time: 20 minutes / Yields: 4 cups

Ingredients

1 cup (160 g) raw cashews (raw and unsalted)
4 cups (950 mL) water, room temperature

Preparation Instructions for Pregnancy-Friendly Unsweetened Cashew Milk

Place the cashews in a heat-safe bowl.
Pour boiling water over them until completely covered.
Soak the cashews for 15-20 minutes.
Drain and rinse the cashews. Transfer them to the blender with 2 cups room temperature water.
Blend on high speed for 1-3 minutes, or until completely smooth and creamy.
Pour in the remaining water and blend again for 30 seconds.
If it has chunks, strain it with a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer.
Serve and enjoy or refrigerate until ready to use.

Tips & Variations For the Best Pregnancy-Safe Unsweetened Cashew Milk

Adjust the consistency: Use only 3-3 1⁄2 cups water instead of 4 cups for a thicker milk, whereas using 4 1⁄2 -5 cups water yields a thinner consistency.
Soak overnight: If you're not in a rush, soaking the cashews overnight in room temperature water will soften the nuts even more for extra creamy milk.
Sweeten it: Blending in 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or 2-3 pitted Medjool dates can add natural sweetness.
Flavor it: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mixture depending on what flavor of cashew milk you're craving. These are only good for sweet bakes and drinks, not cooking.

What to Serve With This Unsweetened Cashew Milk

Here are my favorite ways to use the milk and enjoy it:

On its own for a cold glass of "milk", sometimes with ice.
With a stack of Blueberry Cottage Cheese Pancakes or Ricotta Pancakes with Cherry Compote when my stomach can tolerate warm foods.
In my Iced Dalgona Matcha Latte and Pistachio Matcha Latte for matcha-based drinks.
To make any of my 7 Dessert-Style Overnight Oats for a cold, no-cook breakfast.
In my Starbucks Copycat Turmeric Golden Milk Latte and Decaf Pumpkin Spice Latte for cozy, fall-inspired sips.
In any of my dairy-free smoothies.
As a substitute in any of my savory recipes that call for milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream.
Use it to make any of my hot chocolate recipes like my Dairy-Free Orange Hot Chocolate.
To make baked goods like my Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles or Cinnamon Pumpkin Banana Bread.

How to Store This Unsweetened Cashew Milk

Fridge: Store in an airtight mason jar or pitcher for 4-5 days. After this, it'll start to turn sour, at which point it must be discarded. Stir before serving as natural separation may occur.
Freezer: Pour into ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Is cashew milk safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Homemade cashew milk made from raw, unsalted cashews and water is safe during pregnancy when prepared hygienically and stored properly in the refrigerator.

Can you drink cashew milk in the first trimester?

Yes. Cashew milk is dairy-free, smooth, and often easier to tolerate during the first trimester, especially for those experiencing nausea, bloating, or slow digestion.

Is soaking cashews necessary for cashew milk?

Soaking softens the cashews, making them easier to blend and digest. A short hot-water soak (15–20 minutes) is sufficient for creamy cashew milk without overnight soaking.

Is cashew milk easier to digest than almond milk?

Many moms find cashew milk easier to digest because cashews blend more smoothly and require less straining than almonds, resulting in a creamier texture.

Can homemade cashew milk be used during pregnancy for cooking and baking?

Yes. Unsweetened cashew milk works well in cooking, baking, smoothies, lattes, and savory dishes as a dairy-free milk substitute.

How long does homemade cashew milk last in the fridge?

Homemade cashew milk lasts about 4–5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. It should be discarded if it smells sour.

A Note From My Chaotic Kitchen

This recipe became a quiet win for me on slow days. There was no waiting or planning ahead, it was just something nourishing when everything felt uncertain.

And allowing yourself that grace, to be tired and not want to spend more than a couple minutes in the kitchen is okay.