Emily Russell, a Southold High School alum, is bringing a new perspective to a nostalgic concept. Meet Modern Milk Maid, a plant-based milk delivery company.
Russell developed the brand a year ago; since then, she has been making almond, hemp seed and oat milk and distributing it around the North Fork. The different milk varieties are delivered in reusable mason jars; pricing is $12 for 16 ounces and $18 for 32 ounces.
As an active child, Russell switched to plant-based milk when her mom opted for a vegan diet.
“I remember the day switching over to almond milk in my Cheerios,” says Russell. “And I was like, ‘You know what, this isn’t too bad.’ It just stuck.”
She grew interested in how food would impact her performance in sports and loved getting healthy groceries, but she only began looking at packaged food’s ingredients in recent years.
“I noticed that there are all of these horrible oils and gums and preservatives thrown into my almond milk and oat milk that I was buying for my coffee every day,” says Russell.
This prompted her to start making her own plant-based milk. Through some recipe research and tapping into experience from her first job at a smoothie shop, Russell started her at-home endeavor.
Her mom suggested she turn this hobby into a source of income. When Russell put her own spin on things, she saw immediate interest from the community.
“Instead of having a storefront and all this product, I’d rather have a delivery service to add to the nostalgia of having the milkman come to your door every week,” says Russell.
Each of her milks are made using dates as a sweetening agent, which adds a kick of potassium and antioxidants. The nutrients in her homemade milks were another facet that fascinated Russell.
Her almond milk, which has an obvious nutty flavor, has a warming flavor profile; it’s packed with vitamin E and is great for hair, skin and the immune system, Russell says.
The hemp seed milk is a bit more of an acquired taste and is packed with nine amino acids, making it a complete protein. It’s rich in healthy fats and has an earthier flavor.
And the oat variety is heart healthy and great for lowering cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar, according to research from multiple science-based organizations, including the National Institute of Health. This milk is the most unlike its counterpart that you’d pick up from the store for its thinner texture, because Russell doesn’t add any thickening agents.
All orders are made using a high-speed blender on the day of delivery. Russell makes milk and distributes deliveries as orders come in and each jar lasts about one week in the fridge.
On top of Russell’s genuine passion behind learning about the milks’ health benefits, she has a degree in Health Promotion and Wellness from Farmingdale State College, where she got an even broader understanding of the goodness of whole foods and plant-based alternatives.
“It was eye-opening,” says Russell. “I got to see all different dimensions of health, including Western and Eastern medicine — mental health, physical health, spiritual health.”
Learn more about Russell’s story on her Instagram @modernmilkmaid_plantbased. To order, click here.
