Strawberry Milk (Copycat Nesquick)
on Apr 06, 2026
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This homemade strawberry milk powder is a fun, simple way to make your own version of strawberry Nesquick at home. It’s made with real freeze-dried strawberries, lightly sweetened, and blends into milk for a creamy, fruity drink that kids love. No artificial flavors or dyes, just simple ingredients to make the perfect refreshing drink.
This powder comes together in minutes and stores well, making it perfect to keep on hand for quick drinks. It’s naturally sweet depending on the sweetener you choose, and you can easily adjust it to your taste. Once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought!
Looking for more fun, refreshing drinks? You’ll love this spinach banana smoothie or carrot banana smoothie with added veggies right in the mix. If your kids love yogurt drinks, try out these simple homemade strawberry yogurt smoothies for a creamy treat.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
Here is what you’ll need to make this strawberry milk powder:
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: The star ingredient that gives this powder its strawberry flavor and natural color.
- Powdered Sweetener: Adds sweetness and helps create that classic milk mix texture. I used maple sugar to keep it refined sugar-free.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch (Optional): Helps prevent clumping and keeps the powder smooth and scoopable.
- Milk: Dairy or non-dairy milk to mix the powder into.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Sweetener: I used powdered maple sugar, but you can use powdered cane sugar, powdered date sugar, coconut sugar, or even powdered monk fruit. Just make sure it’s finely ground so it blends well.
- Cornstarch: This is optional, but helpful if you plan to store the powder for longer or live in a humid environment.
Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP 1: Add the freeze-dried strawberries, powdered sweetener, salt, and optional cornstarch to a high-powered blender (Image 1). Blend until everything is fully combined and turns into a fine, smooth powder (Image 2). If needed, pause to stir or shake the blender to help everything blend evenly, especially if the mixture sticks to the sides.
STEP 2: Pass the powder through a fine mesh sieve for an extra smooth texture (Image 3). This step is optional, but it helps to remove any larger bits.
STEP 3: Transfer the powder to an airtight container and store at room temperature (Image 4).
STEP 4: To make strawberry milk, mix 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of powder with 8 oz of milk. Stir or shake well until fully combined.
Storage Instructions
Store the strawberry milk powder in a completely airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture to prevent clumping. Always use a dry spoon when scooping to help maintain freshness and extend shelf life.
Tips For Success
- Blend thoroughly. You want a very fine powder so it mixes smoothly into milk without chunks. Use a high-speed blender to fully break down the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine, even powder.
- Sift for a smoother texture. Running the powder through a sieve helps create that classic smooth, store-bought texture and removes any larger bits.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. 1/2 cup of powdered sugar may sound like a lot, but it is to make several drinks. Feel free to tweak based on your preference. I used powdered maple sugar to keep these drinks refined-sugar-free, but you can also use powdered cane sugar, powdered date sugar, or coconut sugar.
- Shake or stir before each use. The powder can settle over time, so give the container a quick stir or shake before scooping.
- Mix well into milk. Stir, whisk, or shake well so the powder fully dissolves. I love using a handheld milk frother to mix in the powder quickly.
Recipe FAQs
This usually means the powder isn’t fine enough. Try blending longer or sifting it through a sieve.
Yes! If you prefer it less sweet or more tart, reduce the sweetener. If you want it closer to store-bought flavor, you can increase it slightly.
Yes, it works great in both cold and warm milk. Just be sure to stir well so it fully dissolves.
No, fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and won’t create a shelf-stable powder. Freeze-dried strawberries are key here.
Other strawberry Recipes you’ll love
Strawberry Jam Crumble Bars
Strawberry Banana Oat Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Roll-Ups
Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Bars
If you tried this Strawberry Milk, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below! I love hearing from you!
Strawberry Milk (Copycat Nesquick Powder)
Ingredients
- 2 oz freeze-dried strawberries, about 2 ½ cups
- ½ cup powdered maple sugar, or powdered sweetener of choice (see notes below)
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cornstarch, optional to help prevent clumping
Instructions
- Add the freeze-dried strawberries, powdered sweetener, salt, and optional cornstarch to a high-powered blender. Blend until everything is fully combined and turns into a fine, smooth powder. If needed, pause to stir or shake the blender to help everything blend evenly, especially if the mixture sticks to the sides.
- Pass the powder through a fine mesh sieve for an extra smooth texture. This step is optional, but it helps to remove any larger bits.
- Transfer the powder to an airtight container and store at room temperature.
- To make strawberry milk, mix 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of powder with 8 oz of milk. Stir or shake well until fully combined.
Notes
- Blend thoroughly. You want a very fine powder so it mixes smoothly into milk without chunks. Use a high-speed blender to fully break down the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine, even powder.
- Sift for a smoother texture. Running the powder through a sieve helps create that classic smooth, store-bought texture and removes any larger bits.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. 1/2 cup of powdered sugar may sound like a lot, but it is to make several drinks. Feel free to tweak based on your preference. I used powdered maple sugar to keep these drinks refined-sugar-free, but you can also use powdered cane sugar, powdered date sugar, or coconut sugar.
- Shake or stir before each use. The powder can settle over time, so give the container a quick stir or shake before scooping.
- Mix well into milk. Stir, whisk, or shake well so the powder fully dissolves. I love using a handheld milk frother to mix in the powder quickly.
