Almond milk, both sweetened and unsweetened, is often fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and other critical vitamins and minerals. Almond milk’s nutty but pleasant taste has made it the most popular plant-based milk in the United States today! If you can’t drink dairy milk for medical or nutritional reasons, almond milk is a fantastic substitute. Offered in flavored and plain varieties.
We also look at the top 10 best almond milk to discover what they may add to your diet, whether sweetened or unsweetened. Almond milk is not without controversy, and although it has a smaller carbon footprint than dairy products, it requires a lot of water to create, and this article delves more into the production concerns surrounding almond milk. To assist you in selecting a flavorful
Best Selection
The Pacific Foods organic almond plant-based beverage (vanilla) is our top selection among shelf stable flavored and non-GMO almond milks that are great for on-the-go consumption.
Budget Selection
Our affordable almond milk option is the non-GMO Silk almondmilk vanilla, which has 50% more calcium than dairy milk.
Contents
- Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Almond Milks
- 1. Pacific Foods Organic Almond Non-Dairy Beverage
- 2. Silk Pure Almondmilk
- 3. Califia Farms Original Almondmilk Barista Blend
- 4. Califia Farms Barista Blend Almondmilk
- 5. Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Almond Milk
- 6. Elmhurst Milked – Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 7. Silk Almondmilk Unsweetened
- 8. Goodmylk Co. – Almond Milk
- 9. So Delicious Dairy Free Almondmilk Beverage Unsweetened
- 10. Pacific Barista Series Almond Original
- Considerations When Purchasing Almond Milk
- Conclusion
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Almond Milks
| Product Name | Grade |
|---|---|
| Pacific Foods Organic Almond Non-Dairy Beverage | A |
| Silk Pure Almondmilk | A- |
| Califia Farms Pecan Caramel Almondmilk | B+ |
| Califia Farms Original Almondmilk Barista Blend | A- |
| Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Almond Milk | B+ |
| Elmhurst Milked – Unsweetened Almond Milk | B+ |
| Silk Almondmilk Unsweetened | A- |
| Goodmylk Co. – Almond Milk | A |
| So Delicious Dairy Free Almondmilk Beverage Unsweetened | A- |
| Pacific Barista Series Almond Original | A- |
1. Pacific Foods Organic Almond Non-Dairy Beverage
Highlighted Characteristics
The Pacific Foods organic almond plant-based beverage (vanilla) is made with gently roasted organic almonds and is excellent for sipping on its own, adding to smoothies, recipes, or pouring over cereal. This comes in a 24 pack of 8 fl. oz. cartons that are BPA-free, although smaller cartons cost more than bigger cartons. They may be stored on the shelf but should be refrigerated once opened.
This Non-GMO Project Verified almond milk is devoid of dairy, lactose, soy, gluten, and cholesterol. Several customers have complained that it is overly sweet, and there is some doubt as to whether this brand contains carrageenan, an ingredient that some customers want to avoid. There is also the possibility of these boxes leaking during transportation.
Pros
Cons
2. Silk Pure Almondmilk
Highlighted Characteristics
Silk almondmilk vanilla, available in an 18-pack of 8-ounce cartons, provides 80 calories per serving and 50% more calcium than dairy milk. This is appropriate for sipping in coffee, over cereal, on its own, or in recipes. Non-GMO Initiative This almond milk is verified to be free of dairy, soy, gluten, casein, egg, and lactose, as well as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
This almond milk is shelf stable, however it should be cooled before consuming to get the most out of it. Once opened, it will also need to be refrigerated. There is a chance of the seals on these being destroyed, so check the carton carefully before drinking, and while they are smaller 8 fl. oz cartons for convenience, they do cost more than other almond milks.
Pros
Cons
3. Califia Farms Original Almondmilk Barista Blend
Highlighted Characteristics
At just 15 calories per serving, Califia Farms Almondmilk creamer (pecan caramel) is an excellent dairy creamer substitute for coffee and recipes. This creamer has no carrageenan and is free of dairy, soy, and gluten. It is also free of GMOs and kosher.
When used as a dairy substitute, this will not affect the color of your coffee, and there is a possibility of the rare carton separating. Some purchasers believe it lacks taste and is a tad overly sugary.
Pros
Cons
4. Califia Farms Barista Blend Almondmilk
Highlighted Characteristics
The Califia Farms Barista Blend almond milk has 70 calories per serving and is suitable for steaming to generate full-bodied froth and superior latte art (with better stretching). This vegan, soy-free, kosher, non-GMO almond milk is also carrageenan-free. This comes in a 6-pack of 32-ounce cartons.
While it is recommended that this milk froths best when cold, some customers have reported that it does not always froth depending on the kind of frother used, and that when it does froth, it does not always hold.
Pros
Cons
5. Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Almond Milk
Highlighted Characteristics
Orgain Organic Protein almondmilk (vanilla) is created with almonds and an organic protein combination that includes brown rice and peas. This product is kosher and USDA organic, as well as devoid of GMOs, carrageenan, soy, dairy, gluten, lactose, and sugar.
Some consumers have reported that this is a thicker almond milk that may be too thick for certain beverages and may have an aftertaste. It comes in six 32 fl. oz. cartons.
Pros
Cons
6. Elmhurst Milked – Unsweetened Almond Milk
Highlighted Characteristics
Elmhurst milked almonds unsweetened, which just comprises almonds and water, provides up to four times as many almonds per serving as other almond milks. This also increases the protein content to roughly 5 grams each glass. This milk is kosher and Non-GMO Project Verified.
This almond milk, which comes in six 32 oz cartons, is considerably more expensive than other forms of almond milk. Since there are no extra ingredients, the taste may be bland, and it may spoil quicker than other varieties of almond milk. When added to coffee, it may also separate.
Pros
Cons
7. Silk Almondmilk Unsweetened
Highlighted Characteristics
Silk Almondmilk unsweetened has 25 calories per serving and is devoid of carrageenan. These 8 fl. oz. cartons with straws come in a box of 18 and, although this almond milk is soy free, it is manufactured in a facility that also handles soy. This almond milk may also be thinner than other almond milks.
Pros
Cons
8. Goodmylk Co. – Almond Milk
Highlighted Characteristics
To produce six quarts of fresh almond milk, just defrost six packets of 10 oz frozen Goodmylk Co. pure almond concentrate, add water, and whisk. This concentrate is organic and non-GMO, with just water, almonds, and sea salt as ingredients.
Since it is sent frozen, it is more expensive than other varieties of almond milk, and you must produce 32 fl. oz. from each box, which may be a lot to use fast depending on how much is used daily.
Pros
Cons
9. So Delicious Dairy Free Almondmilk Beverage Unsweetened
Highlighted Characteristics
So Delicious Dairy Free almond milk beverage unsweetened is also devoid of carrageenan, sugar, and is kosher, vegan, and gluten free. This almond milk has also been certified by the Non-GMO Project. This comes in a six pack of 32 oz cartons that are shelf stable and do not need to be refrigerated until opened. Like with any almond milk, there is a possibility of getting separated milk, and this does include gum, which some purchasers may be allergic to, so it is worth checking the most recent ingredients before purchasing.
Pros
Cons
10. Pacific Barista Series Almond Original
Highlighted Characteristics
The quadruple 32 fl. oz pack of Pacific Barista Series almond original is gluten free, kosher, and vegan, making it ideal for micro-foaming and latte art. This almond milk contains carrageenan, and some customers have complained about how little froth it generates. Since it’s sweetened with cane sugar, it can be a touch too sweet in certain cocktails.
Pros
Cons
Considerations When Purchasing Almond Milk
Almond milk is created by combining almonds and water, then filtering the mixture to remove the particles, or by adding water to almond butter. Either approach yields a liquid with a nutty and pleasant taste and the texture of dairy milk. At this time, preservatives, thickeners, and flavors may be added to enhance the taste, texture, and shelf life.
Almond milk is a popular dairy replacement for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, while anyone who are allergic to tree nuts should avoid it. Those who are allergic or sensitive to dairy should avoid it.
Almond Milk Storage
Commercial almond milk is often sold as unrefrigerated (shelf stable) or refrigerated. Unopened shelf-stable almond milk should be stored in a cold, dark area away from heat sources. After the almond milk is opened, it should be firmly sealed and refrigerated for seven to ten days. Several manufacturers advocate storing almond milk in the main portion of the refrigerator rather than the door trays since the door trays are more prone to temperature variations. Refrigerate homemade almond milk as well.
Since commercial almond milks are normally pasteurized, they will stay in the refrigerator for about five days once opened, which is longer than homemade almond milk.
The texture of frozen almond milk changes noticeably, indicating that it will be unpleasant to consume. When used in recipes, however, the texture of frozen almond milk makes no difference, and being able to freeze part of it is an excellent method to avoid wasting any leftover almond milk. Using an ice cube tray to store leftover almond milk makes it simple to thaw tiny amounts for use in cooking.
If you leave an open carton of almond milk out of the refrigerator overnight by mistake, it is best to discard it since its quality degrades fast at ambient temperature. Almond milk that no longer smells fresh and nutty may be spoiling, and if the container has begun to bloat, discard it immediately.
Almond Milk’s Nutritional Value and Enrichment
While almonds are rich in nutrients, some of them, particularly fiber, are lost during the processing to create almond milk. The nutritional value of almond milk is determined not only by the amount of almonds and water used to manufacture the milk, but also by the addition of vitamins and minerals. The majority of commercial milks contain less almonds than homemade almond milk.
An enhanced almond milk often has extra calcium, vitamin D, and protein, providing a nutritional profile comparable to dairy milks; nevertheless, almond milk is not recommended as a milk substitute for newborns since it might inhibit iron absorption.
Since dairy products are the greatest source of calcium in our diet, persons who do not or cannot consume dairy may struggle to meet the recommended daily intake (RDI) of calcium. One cup of dairy milk has between 28% and 31% of the RDI, but almond milk supplemented with calcium may contain up to 50% of the RDI, helping to maintain bone health and lower the risk of osteoporosis.
Milk products are high in vitamin D, which, like calcium, is why almond milk is often fortified. One cup of enhanced almond milk has about the same amount of vitamin D as one cup of dairy milk, accounting for around 25% of our daily vitamin D RDI. Inadequate vitamin D levels in the body lead to tiredness, weakened muscles, and brittle bones.
Vitamin E is naturally present in almond milk. One cup of almond milk provides about 50% of our RDI. Together with the major beneficial fatty acid in almonds, oleic acid, vitamin E may help lower the risk of heart disease. Individuals who ate 66 grams of almonds or almond oil every day for six weeks had a 14% reduction in triglycerides, a 6% reduction in LDL cholesterol, and a 6% increase in HDL (or good) cholesterol.
While almond milk contains several important minerals, they are not always efficiently absorbed by the body because almonds contain phytic acid, which inhibits iron, magnesium, and zinc absorption. Part of the effect of phytic acid may be mitigated by not drinking almond milk with meals and instead drinking it later to enable the minerals from the food to be absorbed before the phytic acid is consumed.
An almond milk provides around half the calories, a tenth of the carbohydrates, and a fourth of the protein of low-fat dairy milk. While commercial almond milk has somewhat more fat than dairy milk, the addition of water has lowered the significant quantities of fat (about 50%) seen in whole almonds. Almond milk also has no saturated fats or cholesterol.
Benefits of Unsweetened Almond Milk
Several almond milks on the market include added sugar, which is often cane sugar. Sweetening is frequently added to flavored almond milks, such as chocolate or vanilla.
Unsweetened almond milk is lower in carbs, with roughly 0.6% carbs per cup, making it perfect for low carb diets. Unsweetened almond milk does not induce a jump in blood sugar levels since it is richer in fat and protein compared to its carb content, making it a healthy drink for diabetics as well as those on low-carb diets.
Nevertheless, not all unsweetened milks are supplemented with vitamins and minerals, so if you are on a dairy-free diet, you may want to alternate between enriched and unsweetened milks, or even combine the two to make a less sweetened mixture containing some of the vital vitamins and minerals.
The Almond Milk Debate
While pre-shipping creates less carbon than the same amount of half and half milk, there are additional issues to consider. It takes around 15 gallons of water to create 16 almonds, or slightly more than 1600 gallons of water to generate one quart of almond milk.
More than 80% of the world’s almond supply is farmed in California, and as more farmers convert natural areas and wetlands, or low water crops such as citrus groves, to almond fields to satisfy demand, this has a negative effect on biodiversity while also placing further pressure on the water supply.
Ground and surface waters from California’s aqueduct system must be diverted for irrigation in order to economically produce almonds. In the San Joaquin Valley, where many almonds are cultivated, land is sinking owing to groundwater depletion, which might have long-term consequences for the many communities who depend on groundwater for drinking water.
Farmers are also contributing to statewide subsidence since they are forced to depend on ever-deeper water wells.
Unless almonds are cultivated organically, pesticide usage on almond fields contaminates already scarce water sources and is hazardous to honey bees. The almond industry is working to find answers to these problems, and the Almond Board of California promotes sustainable water usage.
As customers, one alternative is to switch between various plant-based milks, since not only do they have varying nutritional profiles, but some have a lower environmental effect than others, and choosing organic not only means no pesticides, but it also means less water is needed.
Some almond milks additionally include carrageenan, a thickening and gelling agent derived from Irish Moss, an edible red seaweed. Some experts have connected the plant-based thickener to digestive system inflammation and maybe even colon cancer, while others have contested these results and argue there is no solid cause for its usage in meals to be prohibited. One of the reasons is that degraded carrageenan has been proven in animal studies to induce ulcers and tumors in the gastrointestinal system, yet this degraded form of carrageenan is not utilized in food processing.
Despite the fact that the European Union has prohibited carrageenan from baby formulae, the FDA still approves it as a food ingredient.
Include Almond Milk in Your Diet
If you want to include almond milk into your diet, it is a flexible plant-based milk that can be used in a range of recipes. Use it as a full-fat dairy milk substitute in coffee and tea, or in smoothies. It may be used in lieu of dairy in a variety of dishes, including ice cream, and it is also great for sauces, dressings, and soups.
If you are prone to kidney stones, you should limit your consumption of almond milk since it contains greater amounts of calcium oxalate, which may lead to kidney stones.
Conclusion
This article has discussed the many forms of almond milk available, as well as some of the nutritional advantages it may provide. We also covered some of the challenges around almond farming and the simplest methods to include almond milk into your diet.
We hope you liked our essay on almond milk, whether you are a long-time fan or just want to learn what has made it such a popular option. We also hope that our evaluations of the finest almond milk presently on the market will assist you in selecting the best flavored, sweetened, barista blend, or unsweetened almond milk for all of your beverage and baking requirements!