Rude Health Hazelnut Drink Review: Taste, Texture & Best Uses for Your Morning Routine

If you’re on the hunt for a dairy free milk alternative that’s both creamy and naturally sweet, the Rude Health Hazelnut Drink might be exactly what you need. Hazelnut milk has been gaining popularity as a nutty, indulgent option that works beautifully in coffee, over cereal, or even straight from the glass. But how does it really stack up against the classics like almond or oat?

In this Rude Health Hazelnut Drink review, we’ll explore its taste, texture, nutritional profile, and the best ways to use it. Whether you’re a long-time plant-based drinker or just curious about trying something new, this organic hazelnut drink deserves a spot on your shelf.

First Impressions: Taste & Aroma

Pour a glass of Rude Health Hazelnut Drink and you’re immediately greeted with a warm, toasted hazelnut aroma. The colour is a pale, milky beige – not too thin, not too thick. On the first sip, the flavour is unmistakably nutty but not overpowering. It has a natural sweetness that comes from the hazelnuts themselves, with no added sugars listed on the ingredients. The finish is clean, with just a hint of roasted notes that linger pleasantly.

Compared to other nut milks, this hazelnut drink feels more rounded and less watery than many almond drinks. It’s not as thick as oat milk, but it holds its own in terms of mouthfeel. If you enjoy the flavour of hazelnuts in desserts or coffee syrups, you’ll appreciate how authentic and unadulterated this milk tastes.

• Tip: Try it chilled on its own – the natural sweetness makes it a great after-dinner sipper.

Texture & Performance: How It Works in Coffee, Cereal & Baking

One of the biggest questions for any dairy free milk alternative is how it performs in hot drinks. We tested the Rude Health Hazelnut Drink in a flat white and a latte. The good news: it steams reasonably well, producing a light foam that sits on top. It doesn’t get as thick as a barista blend, but the hazelnut flavour complements coffee beautifully – think of a hazelnut latte without the artificial syrup. It doesn’t split or curdle when added to hot coffee, which is a common issue with some nut milks.

Over cereal, this hazelnut drink shines. Pour it over a bowl of The Ultimate Granola and you get a double dose of nutty goodness – the granola’s clusters stay crunchy while the milk adds a silky sweetness. For a lighter breakfast, try it with Puffed Brown Rice for a simple, satisfying crunch. In baking, it works well in pancakes, muffins, and cakes where you want a subtle nutty flavour. Just note that it’s not as thick as oat milk, so you may need to adjust liquid ratios slightly for very dense batters.

• Best coffee pairing: Use it in a pour-over or latte for a natural hazelnut twist.
• Cereal tip: Pairs especially well with nutty or chocolate-based cereals.

Nutritional Profile & Ingredients: What’s Inside the Carton?

Rude Health is known for keeping ingredients short and recognisable. The Hazelnut Drink contains just water, organic hazelnuts (about 3.5%), sea salt, and a touch of sunflower oil. No gums, no stabilisers, no added sugar. This makes it a clean choice for anyone avoiding additives. It’s also free from dairy, gluten, and soya, so it suits a wide range of dietary needs.

Per 100ml, you’re looking at roughly 25 calories, 1.5g fat (mostly from the hazelnuts), and 0.5g protein. It’s not a high-protein milk, but it does provide a small amount of vitamin E from the nuts. For a more protein-rich option, you might consider the Chilled Soya Drink with Calcium, which offers a similar creamy texture with a higher protein count. But if you’re after a light, flavourful milk for everyday use, this hazelnut drink is a lovely choice.

• Key ingredients: Organic hazelnuts, water, sea salt, sunflower oil – that’s it.
• Dietary info: Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soya-free, no added sugars.

How Does It Compare to Other Rude Health Milks?

Rude Health offers a range of dairy free milk alternatives, each with its own personality. The Almond Drink is lighter and more neutral, while the Barista Almond is specifically designed for coffee frothing. The Hazelnut Drink sits somewhere in between – it’s more flavourful than plain almond but not as specialised as a barista blend. If you love the taste of hazelnuts, this is the one to reach for.

For those who prefer a thicker, creamier milk in coffee, the Organic Oat Barista is a top performer. But if you want to add a flavour dimension without syrups, the Hazelnut Drink is a fantastic alternative. It’s also a great base for smoothies – just blend it with a banana and a spoonful of nut butter for a quick breakfast. And don’t forget, you can pair it with Rude Health’s Corn Crackers for a savoury-sweet snack combo.

• Best for: Coffee lovers who want a natural hazelnut flavour without additives.
• Not ideal for: Those who need a very thick, barista-style foam for intricate latte art.

If you’re looking for a dairy free milk alternative that brings genuine hazelnut flavour to your cup, the Rude Health Hazelnut Drink is a winner. It’s clean, organic, and versatile enough for coffee, cereal, and baking. Ready to try it? Explore the full range of Rude Health milks and find your new favourite.