The list of ingredients on a carton of almond milk is long. Too long. It includes things like locust bean gum, sunflower lecithin, gellan gum and sometimes even carrageenan . Though those are all commonly found in many foods you buy at the grocery store and most aren't thought to be harmful to your health , you can do without them.

The October issue of Martha Stewart Living shows you how to make your own almond milk at home with just five items: a blender, a fine sieve, cheesecloth, nuts and water. Follow the steps below to make an entire quart. You won't believe how easy it is.

Note: Don't ignore the instruction to use raw nuts. Avoid salted nuts or those that have been roasted in any way.