Rude Health Hazelnut Drink vs Cashew Drink: Which Is Creamier? A Nut Milk Comparison

When it comes to dairy-free milk alternatives, nut milks are a top choice for their rich flavor and creamy texture. Rude Health offers two standout options: Hazelnut Drink and Cashew Drink. Both are organic, free from additives, and designed to mimic the creaminess of dairy milk, but they have distinct profiles that suit different needs. In this comparison, we’ll pit these two plant milks head-to-head to answer the burning question: which one is truly creamier?

Whether you’re a coffee lover, a cereal enthusiast, or a baker seeking the perfect dairy-free substitute, understanding the nuances between hazelnut and cashew milk can elevate your culinary game. We’ll explore their ingredients, nutritional highlights, taste, texture, and best uses, so you can make an informed choice for your kitchen. Let’s dive into the ultimate nut milk showdown.

Ingredients and Nutritional Profile: What Sets Them Apart?

Rude Health’s Hazelnut Drink and Cashew Drink are both crafted from simple, organic ingredients, but their base nuts give them unique nutritional identities. The Hazelnut Drink is made with organic hazelnuts, water, and a pinch of sea salt, offering a naturally nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. It’s low in calories and contains healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. The Cashew Drink, on the other hand, uses organic cashews, which are known for their buttery texture and higher fat content, contributing to a luxuriously creamy mouthfeel. It also provides copper, zinc, and iron, making it a nutritious choice for those seeking a mineral boost.

Both drinks are free from added sugars, gums, and emulsifiers, staying true to Rude Health’s clean-label philosophy. However, the Cashew Drink tends to have a slightly higher fat content (around 3–4 grams per serving) compared to the Hazelnut Drink (2–3 grams), which directly influences creaminess. If you’re counting calories, the Hazelnut Drink is lighter, while the Cashew Drink offers a richer, more indulgent experience. For a fortified option with extra calcium, you might also consider the Chilled Oat Drink with Calcium, but for pure nut-based creaminess, these two are the stars.

• Hazelnut Drink: Lower fat, nutty flavor, rich in vitamin E and magnesium.
• Cashew Drink: Higher fat, buttery texture, good source of copper and zinc.
• Both are organic, unsweetened, and free from additives.

Taste Test: Flavor Profiles Compared

Taste is where these two nut milks truly diverge. The Hazelnut Drink has a distinct, roasted hazelnut flavor that shines on its own or in recipes where you want a nutty note. It’s subtly sweet but not overpowering, making it a great match for morning cereal or a splash in coffee. The Cashew Drink, in contrast, is incredibly mild and neutral, with a creamy sweetness that doesn’t compete with other ingredients. This makes it a versatile base for smoothies, sauces, and savory dishes, where you want richness without a strong nutty taste.

For coffee lovers, the Hazelnut Drink adds a delightful flavor twist, reminiscent of a hazelnut latte without the syrup. The Cashew Drink, however, froths beautifully and blends seamlessly, making it a top contender for barista-style drinks. If you’re a fan of the Barista Pistachio for its frothing ability, you’ll appreciate the Cashew Drink’s similar performance. In a side-by-side taste test, the Hazelnut Drink wins for flavor complexity, while the Cashew Drink takes the crown for versatility and creaminess.

• Hazelnut Drink: Bold, nutty, and slightly sweet—perfect for flavored lattes.
• Cashew Drink: Mild, buttery, and neutral—ideal for cooking and baking.

Creaminess Showdown: Which One Feels Lusher?

Creaminess is the key battleground here, and both milks deliver, but in different ways. The Cashew Drink is widely regarded as one of the creamiest nut milks on the market, thanks to its high fat content and smooth blending process. It has a velvety, almost silky texture that coats your mouth like full-fat dairy milk. When used in coffee, it creates a rich, foamy top that rivals oat milk, without any separation. The Hazelnut Drink, while still creamy, is thinner and lighter, with a texture closer to almond milk. It’s refreshing but doesn’t have the same luxurious thickness as the cashew version.

For applications where creaminess is critical—like making a dairy-free alfredo sauce or a thick smoothie—the Cashew Drink is the clear winner. In cereal, both work well, but the Cashew Drink gives a more satisfying, milk-like experience. If you’re looking for a lighter option that still feels indulgent, the Hazelnut Drink is a great choice. For those who want the ultimate creamy texture, the Cashew Drink is hard to beat. Pair it with the 5 Grain 5 Seed porridge for a hearty, creamy breakfast bowl.

• Cashew Drink: Velvety, thick, and barista-friendly—best for creamy recipes.
• Hazelnut Drink: Light and refreshing—great for everyday drinking or cereal.

Best Uses: When to Choose Hazelnut vs Cashew

Your choice between Hazelnut Drink and Cashew Drink depends on how you plan to use it. The Hazelnut Drink excels in sweet applications: pour it over Honey Puffed Oats for a nutty breakfast, use it in baking for cookies or cakes, or enjoy it chilled as a standalone beverage. Its distinct flavor also makes it a fantastic addition to hot chocolate or chai lattes. The Cashew Drink, with its neutral taste and creamy texture, is the ultimate all-rounder. It works beautifully in savory dishes like creamy soups, curries, and mashed potatoes, as well as in smoothies, coffee, and tea.

For frothing, the Cashew Drink is superior, producing a stable microfoam that holds up well in lattes. The Hazelnut Drink froths but with a thinner foam. If you’re a fan of the Roasted Almond Drink for its nutty profile, you’ll find the Hazelnut Drink a similar but unique alternative. Ultimately, keep both in your fridge: the Hazelnut Drink for flavor-forward moments and the Cashew Drink for everyday creaminess.

• Hazelnut Drink: Best for flavored lattes, cereal, baking, and drinking straight.
• Cashew Drink: Best for coffee, smoothies, savory cooking, and creamy sauces.

Price and Availability: Which Offers Better Value?

Both Rude Health Hazelnut Drink and Cashew Drink are priced similarly, typically around the same range as other premium organic plant milks. They are available online through the Rude Health store and in select health food retailers. Given their organic certification and clean ingredients, both offer excellent value for those prioritizing quality. The Cashew Drink might edge ahead in terms of versatility, as you can use it in more recipes, potentially reducing the need for multiple milk types. However, the Hazelnut Drink’s unique flavor could be a treat worth the investment.

If you’re looking to expand your dairy-free pantry, consider adding the Tiger Nut Drink for a different texture, or the Chickpea & Lentil Crackers for a savory snack pairing. For now, the choice between hazelnut and cashew comes down to personal preference: do you want flavor or creaminess? Both are winners in their own right.

• Both are premium-priced but affordable for organic, additive-free milks.
• Cashew Drink offers more versatility, reducing overall grocery costs.

In the battle of Rude Health Hazelnut Drink vs Cashew Drink, there’s no wrong choice—it all depends on what you’re craving. If you want a creamy, neutral base for everything from coffee to cooking, the Cashew Drink is your go-to. If you prefer a nutty, flavorful milk that stands out in cereal and lattes, the Hazelnut Drink is a delight. Why not try both and see which one wins your heart? Start with the Cashew Drink from the Rude Health store and discover its velvety magic today.