Protein Shake, Plant-Based

A century of milk-making wisdom. Zero cows required.

In 2016, Henry Schwartz closed New York City's last dairy — Elmhurst — a business that had been in his family for over 90 years, since his father and uncle hand-bottled and delivered milk to Queens and Brooklyn in a truck full of ice blocks. It was the end of an era. And the beginning of something remarkable.

The following year, Schwartz rebranded the company as Elmhurst 1925, shifting its focus entirely to plant-based milks. His tagline says it perfectly: "Established 1925. Founded 2017." Henry could see the changing American diet — more and more people were eating healthier, adopting plant-based alternatives, and becoming mindful of environmental impact. "Making plant milk might have seemed like a radical turn after a life in dairy," Schwartz said, "yet to me it was perfectly logical, probably even necessary." 

The turning point came through an unlikely partnership. Henry had a chance meeting with renowned plant food scientist Dr. Cheryl Mitchell, who was looking for a partner to bring her revolutionary HydroRelease™ milling process to market. Using just water, HydroRelease separates the natural components of a grain, nut, or seed before reassembling them as a smooth, creamy beverage — maintaining the original ingredient's full nutrition with no gums or emulsifiers needed. 

The result is a plant milk unlike anything else on the market. Elmhurst's products contain up to five times more nuts compared to leading brands, without added gums, oils, or emulsifiers — starting with whole raw ingredients, never pre-processed industrial pastes or flours. Their lineup includes almond, cashew, walnut, hazelnut, pistachio, and oat milks, along with barista editions, creamers, and ready-to-drink options — all Non-GMO certified, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and kosher. 

The awards have followed. Elmhurst 1925 has been recognized with VegNews Company of the Year, multiple Clean Eating Clean Choice Awards, and the NEXTY Editor's Choice Best New Beverage award — recognition that reflects a product born from both innovation and a deep respect for the craft of making milk