This homemade strawberry milk powder is an easy, fun way to make a copycat of store-bought strawberry milk mix at home. Made from real freeze-dried strawberries and a finely ground sweetener, it blends into milk for a creamy, naturally flavored drink kids (and adults) enjoy. There are no artificial colors or flavors—just simple ingredients that deliver fresh strawberry taste.
This mix comes together in minutes and stores well, making it handy to have in the pantry for quick drinks. You can control the sweetness, swap the sweetener to suit dietary needs, and tweak the intensity of strawberry flavor by adjusting the amount of freeze-dried fruit. Once you try this, you may prefer making your own to buying premade mixes.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Need
- Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Storage Instructions
- Tips For Success
- Recipe FAQs
- Other strawberry Recipes you’ll love
- Strawberry Milk (Copycat Nesquick Powder) Recipe
What You’ll Need
These are the basic ingredients and tools used to make the powder:
- Freeze-dried strawberries: The primary source of strawberry flavor and natural color.
- Powdered sweetener: Finely ground sugar, maple sugar, or a powdered alternative to sweeten the mix and help it dissolve smoothly.
- Salt: A pinch helps balance and enhance the flavor.
- Cornstarch (optional): A small amount prevents clumping and keeps the powder scoopable.
- Milk: Dairy or plant-based milk to prepare the drink.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities.
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Sweetener options: Powdered maple sugar, powdered cane sugar, powdered date sugar, coconut sugar, or powdered monk fruit. Use any finely ground sweetener so it blends well.
- Cornstarch: Use only if you want added protection against humidity and clumping — it’s optional.
- Flavor variations: For a slightly tangier taste, add a pinch of citric acid or a little freeze-dried raspberry powder along with the strawberries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP 1: Place the freeze-dried strawberries, powdered sweetener, salt, and optional cornstarch in a high-powered blender. Blend until the mixture becomes a very fine, even powder. Pause and scrape down the sides if needed to ensure everything processes evenly.
STEP 2: For an extra smooth texture, sift the blended powder through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any larger pieces. This step is optional but helps create a silky, store-bought feel.
STEP 3: Transfer the finished powder to an airtight container and store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
STEP 4: To make strawberry milk, mix 1½ to 2 tablespoons of powder into 8 ounces (1 cup) of milk. Stir, whisk, or shake until fully dissolved. Adjust the powder amount to taste for a lighter or richer strawberry flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store the strawberry milk powder in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 weeks. Keep it away from heat and humidity to prevent clumping. Always use a dry spoon when scooping. If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a small food-safe desiccant packet or refrigerating the sealed container to extend shelf life.
Tips For Success
- Blend until very fine. A powder that’s finely ground will dissolve more smoothly in milk.
- Sift for extra smoothness. Passing the powder through a sieve removes any remaining bits of fruit and improves texture.
- Customize sweetness. Start with the suggested amount, then taste and adjust to your preference.
- Stir or shake before use. The powder may settle in the jar, so give it a quick shake or stir before scooping.
- Use a frother or whisk. A handheld frother mixes the powder into milk quickly and evenly.
Recipe FAQs
If the powder leaves bits or doesn’t dissolve well, it likely wasn’t ground fine enough. Blend longer and consider sifting the powder to remove larger pieces.
Yes. Reduce the sweetener for a tarter drink or increase it for a flavor closer to commercial mixes. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.
No. Fresh strawberries contain moisture and won’t make a shelf-stable powder. Freeze-dried strawberries are essential because they’re dry and concentrated in flavor.
Other strawberry Recipes you’ll love
GF
NF
V
Strawberry Jam Crumble Bars
EF
GF
V
Strawberry Banana Oat Bars
V
Strawberry Cheesecake Roll-Ups
GF
NF
V
Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Bars
If you tried this Strawberry Milk, please leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments — I love hearing how it turned out!
Strawberry Milk (Copycat Nesquick Powder)
Ingredients
- 2 oz freeze-dried strawberries (about 2½ cups)
- ½ cup powdered maple sugar or other powdered sweetener of choice
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, helps prevent clumping)
Instructions
- Add the freeze-dried strawberries, powdered sweetener, salt, and optional cornstarch to a high-powered blender. Blend until the mixture becomes a fine, even powder. Pause and scrape the sides if needed.
- For an extra smooth texture, sift the powder through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any larger bits.
- Transfer the powder to an airtight container and store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
- To prepare strawberry milk, stir or shake 1½–2 tablespoons of powder into 8 oz (1 cup) of milk until fully combined. Adjust powder to taste.
Notes
- Use a powerful blender for the smoothest powder. A regular blender may take longer and might not achieve the same fineness.
- Sifting improves texture and mouthfeel, especially for picky kids who prefer a smooth drink.
- Powdered sweetener amounts are scalable. The listed amount suits several servings; reduce for less sweetness or increase slightly for a classic store-bought profile.
- Shake or stir the container before scooping; settled powder can be compacted at the bottom.
- Mix thoroughly into milk using a spoon, whisk, or handheld frother for best results.