# Chestnut-Based Milk Alternatives Cuíca Makes Plant-Based, Dairy-Free Chestnut Milk By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2025-05-30 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cuica References: [greenqueen.hk](https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/cuica-leite-castanha-brazil-nut-milk-amazon-deforestation/) & [b2brazil](https://b2brazil.com/hotsite/cuica/products)  Options in the [plant-based milk aisle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elmhurst-1925-unsweetened) continue to expand, and Cuíca is shaking things up with creamy new milk made from whole Brazilian chestnuts. This innovation from the food tech startup based in São Paulo is made with just chestnuts, water, sugar and salt, and a [barista edition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barista-series-pistachio-milk) is also available. This nutritious nut is a source of minerals and vitamins, and they're collected from the Amazon rainforest via extractivism, a process that supports people from the forest and mitigates the impacts of resource extraction. Taste-wise, the [chestnut-based milk alternative](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macadamia-milk) beverage is said to be smooth, slightly sweet, and comparable to of a mixture of almonds and coconut. This versatile formula can be enjoyed at room temperature, hot, cold, with coffee, cereals, and in sweet and savory recipes. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 41% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sustainable Nut-based Alternatives:** Chestnut milk introduces a sustainable option in plant-based beverages by utilizing minimally processed ingredients and supporting extractivism practices. - **Ethically-sourced Ingredients:** Sourcing chestnuts from the Amazon rainforest through ethical methods highlights a growing demand for transparency and sustainability in food production. - **Cultural Ingredient Innovation:** Leveraging regional ingredients like Brazilian chestnuts taps into a trend of cultural authenticity and diversity in plant-based products. ### Where This Applies - **Plant-based Foods:** The development of chestnut-based milk alternatives captures the ongoing shift toward diverse and innovative plant-based food and beverage options. - **Sustainable Food Production:** Utilizing extractivism to source ingredients highlights an opportunity for industries focused on sustainable food production and ethical sourcing practices. - **Specialty Beverages:** Chestnut milk's unique flavor profile provides a novel addition to the specialty beverage market, catering to coffee enthusiasts and gourmet consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pecan-Based Milk Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pecana.md) - [Minimal-Ingredient Cashew Creamers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cashew-creamers.md) - [Apricot Kernel Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kern-milk.md) - [Premium Pistachio Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pistachio-drink.md) - [Alternative Pistachio Creamers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pistachio-creamer.md) - [Creamy Plant Milks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coconut-cashew-milk.md) - [Plant-Powered Pecan Creamers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pecanmilk-creamer.md) - [Maple Walnut Milks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maple-walnut-barista-edition.md) - [Sustainable Hazelnut Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hazelicious.md)