Almond milk has been around for hundreds of years, but it has just recently become popular in the US. The first written record of almond milk is from a Baghdadi cookbook from the 13th century. The demand for almond milk in the US skyrocketed in the middle of the decade; even Starbucks included it as a non-dairy milk option on its menu in 2016. Given the wide variety of brands available and the brands of almond milk to avoid, it might be challenging to find the one that tastes the best. The almond brands on my list have an excellent ingredient list, a creamy texture, taste delicious, and are both versatile and slightly nutty. They are also the healthiest almond milk brands available.
What Is Almond Milk and What Are Its Benefits?
Almond milk is a non-dairy substitute for milk. It is often made from a mix of almonds, water, chemicals that thicken or stabilize, and extra vitamins and minerals. Obviously, people with dietary restrictions prefer almond milk to dairy milk, but the best almond milk will also contain a lot of critical vitamins.
Almond milk is an excellent substitute for dairy if you don’t eat it because it’s enriched with vitamins and minerals. It contains calcium, vitamin E, and vitamin D in good amounts. Almond milk is a great non-dairy alternative to cow’s milk because it has the same essential nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D, as cow’s milk.
Best Almond Milk Brands
Getting the best almond milk brands is really important. Get the best, it’s for your own benefit: Here is a list of the best almond milk brands you can choose from:
#1. Blue Diamond Almond Breeze
The best vitamins and minerals are added to the leading brand of almond milk in the US, which also offers a taste guarantee. If you’re looking for a calcium-rich beverage, go no further than Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, which has 50% more calcium than milk from the cow.
Being free of carrageenan makes Blue Diamond Almond Breeze a winner in my book. A food additive called carrageenan lengthens the shelf life of beverages.
To learn more about this substance, additional research must be done. However, carrageenan is also inflammatory and perhaps unsafe.
Another benefit is that Blue Diamond Almond Breeze is easy to find, doesn’t cost too much, and is sold in most grocery stores.
#2. Elmhurst Milked Almonds
5g of protein is contained in each serving of this drink, which is made from only two simple ingredients: almonds and water. Elmhurst Milked Almonds are free of carrageenan, just like Blue Diamond Almond Breeze.
With just two ingredients, they were able to make rich and tasty almond milk. This showed that they had somehow mastered the milking process.
Your morning cup of coffee will taste fantastic with Elmhurst Milked Almonds in it. It has a well-balanced flavor and a smoothness resembling that of cow’s milk.
Elmhurst Milked Almonds are guilt-free because they are easy, delicious, and healthful.
The only drawback is that it may be challenging to find Elmhurst Milked Almonds at your neighborhood grocery store, but you can order almond milk directly from their website.
#3. Pacific Organic Almond Milk
The almond flavor of Pacific Organic Almond Milk is outstanding. It’s perfect for people who want a milk substitute but don’t like the taste of nuts because it’s not too strong or distracting.
Almonds are first roasted by Pacific Foods before being “milked,” resulting in milk with a subdued, smooth flavor. Additionally, it is free of carrageenan, which gets my seal of approval.
Pacific Organic Almond Milk is the ideal dairy alternative for more savory meals like mac and cheese, creamy soups, or sauces because of its mild almond flavor.
Pacific Organic Almond Milk is the ideal addition to your fridge because of its many uses.
#4. Almond Dream
If you choose the almond hazelnut flavor, Almond Dream is a delightful almond beverage that is creamy and sweet. The nicest thing about Almond Dream is that there are no extra sweets in it, so you may enjoy a refreshing glass of delectable almond milk guilt-free.
#5. Three Trees
Because it needs some movement to get smooth, be careful to shake it well before pouring. Your almond milk could become thick if you don’t.
They are a fantastic option for baristas and coffee enthusiasts because of the high-fat content in their milk, which helps the milk to foam and froth perfectly. The almond cream inside will be adored by those who like that.
Three Trees is the best alternative to dairy milk that is easy to make and healthy. It only has two ingredients. Although it is a little plain, its simplicity lets you adjust it to suit your personal tastes.
Three Trees is the ideal beverage for people who value the simpler joys in life because of its crisp, refreshing flavor.
#6. Califia Farms Almondmilk
For those who prefer milk over almonds, California is the most reminiscent of the dairy version. You can almost picture a milkman delivering a few bottles at your door to satisfy your craving for milk and cookies without giving in to the dairy devil.
While this would absolutely satisfy your needs and wonderfully creamy your coffee, it’s important to note that the blue-ribbon company also offers an alternative Barista Blend that results in “full-bodied foam and excellent latte art” for people who are serious about their cups of joe.
#7. Simply Nature Almond Beverage
It has a great flavor. However, it is seriously deficient in calcium, protein, and vitamin D. There are a lot of other brands of almond milk that not only taste great but also have better ingredients and a good amount of important nutrients, so you feel your best after drinking them.
#8. Trader Joe’s Almondmilk
One of my all-time favorite grocery stores is Trader Joe’s, and I can assure you that their almond milk is excellent. Trader Joe’s Almond Beverage has a mild sweetness and is creamy. This silky, well-balanced beverage is unsweetened, vegan, and dairy-free (which is expected but not always a given).
As is occasionally the case with almond milk brands, some people might think this beverage is a little watery.
However, I didn’t detect the salinity that some tasters have noted. Your own preference is actually what matters.
#9. Engine 2 Plant-Strong Almondmilk
You would be right to think that the slogan “plant-strong” on this almond milk’s container doesn’t mean anything. It is part of the Engine 2 Diet line of products and, at least at your local Whole Foods, is only available in unsweetened versions. It is part of the Engine 2 Diet line of products and, at least at your local Whole Foods, is only available in unsweetened versions. Put bland and watery in the file.
#10. Imagine Foods Dream Ultimate Almond Beverage
This is the drink you need to follow up with another beverage if you’re seeking one. At first, the very thick, almost grainy liquid makes you wonder if you’re drinking almond milk or almond butter. It almost has the consistency of eggnog. Maybe that would taste well in a smoothie. It coats the inside of your mouth in a similar way to how milk coats the inside of your glass, and it will probably leave you with a milk mustache that rivals the famous mustaches that have been painted on the faces of people of note ever since the “Got Milk?” ad campaign made its debut in 1993. Having said that, you should probably wipe your top lip if you’re not a superstar.
Healthiest Almond Milk Brands
Do you need the healthiest almond milk brands? I know the answer is YES! Here are some of the healthiest almond milk brands you should try today!
#1. Silk Original Almondmilk
“Any supermarket should carry this almond milk.” Although the ingredient list appears to have a lot of ingredients, the only genuine ones are almonds, water, additional vitamins and minerals (for fortification and freshness), and gum for texture “Haber Brondo adds. The unsweetened varieties are nutritionally superior because they contain no sugar and a lot of calcium, as well as vitamins D and E. In addition, Silk produces a “Less Sugar” variety, which contains just 3 grams of added sugar as opposed to 7 grams in the original taste and 0 in the unsweetened kind.
#2. Natura Almond Milk
Natura Almond Milk is another almond drink that has added calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. It is one of the healthiest almond milk brands you can go for. The Canadian brand Natura Almond Milk has three different types of gum stabilizers and vitamin A palmitate.
Despite not causing digestive problems like gum stabilizers, vitamin A palmitate is controversial since it might originate from palm plantations, which can harm the ecosystems nearby.
#3. So Delicious Almondmilk
Is it really that tasty? Yes, it is, and I can attest to that! I adore using this in smoothies or on top of granola. So Delicious Almondmilk is quite pleasant and packed with nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. It is made from a list of ingredients that is reasonably brief.
It is free of carrageenan, but extra gum components have been added to help it maintain its shelf life and preserve its freshness.
Many people who don’t consume almond milk quickly enough for the truly fresh, just-milked ingredients find this brand to be a fantastic pantry staple.
This is the ideal brand of almond milk for you if you just occasionally drink it.
#4. MALK Pure Unsweetened Almond Malk
You won’t be stocking up on possibly dubious fillers that can affect your GI system because the ingredients are simple to read and understand: “Filtered Water, Organic Sprouted Almonds, and Himalayan Salt,” according to Shaw. “Compared to the popular brands, it is a little more expensive, but depending on how frequently you consume almond milk, it might be worthwhile.” Furthermore, it has no added sugar and 5 grams of protein.”
#5. Three Trees
Almond milk from Three Trees has the same texture as homemade almond milk. It is one of the healthiest almond milk brands you can go for. They are a great option for baristas and coffee enthusiasts because of the high-fat content in their milk, which helps the milk foam and froth perfectly. The almond cream inside will be adored by those who like that.
Three Trees is the best dairy milk substitute because it requires just two ingredients and is both easy and healthy. Although it is a little plain, its simplicity lets you adjust it to suit your personal tastes.
To create their own delectable beverage, some individuals like to add stevia, cinnamon, and/or vanilla.
#6. Orgain Unsweetened Almondmilk
I know a brand if you want an almond milk beverage with lots of protein! Orgain Unsweetened Almondmilk contains ten, repeat TEN, grams of protein per serving. That may be the most protein I’ve ever seen in almond milk, in my opinion.
Although they add organic pea protein to increase the protein content, this amount of protein is still a great complement to anyone’s diet as a vegan protein source.
Orgain Unsweetened Almondmilk, like a few other brands of almond milk, has extra vitamins, minerals, and almonds, as well as additives that help the milk last longer.
#7. Friendly Farms Almondmilk
Original Friendly Farms Almondmilk is like the other brands listed above in that it has a lot of ingredients, some of which I think are unnecessary, but it lacks vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D.
Additionally, it contains only 1g of protein and 7g of added sugar in the form of evaporated cane juice.
It has a flavor that is comparable to 2% dairy milk. If you’re in a hurry, Friendly Farms Almondmilk will do
#8. 365 Organic Almondmilk
The 365 Organic Almondmilk is a light, organic almond beverage from Whole Foods, the legendary organic grocery store chain. It’s better to use it in recipes than to eat it by itself because it doesn’t have much flavor, especially almond or nutty flavor, and tastes more like watered-down almond milk.
The almond milk is totally acceptable, albeit a little tasteless.
Almond Milk Brands to Avoid
The unhealthiest almond milk has a high sugar content, and dubious ingredients like carrageenan, and aren’t fortified with vitamins and minerals. Here are almond milk brands to avoid to stay healthy:
#1. Almond Dream Original Unsweetened Almond Drink
According to Haber Brondo, this is probably one of the only brands that continue to add carrageenan to their almond milk. I wouldn’t pick this one simply because there are so many other excellent almond milks available, including some without carrageenan. Therefore, this almond milk brand is one of the almond milk brands to avoid.
#2. New Barn Organics Unsweetened Almondmilk
“[New Barn Organics] doesn’t add any vitamins or minerals, in contrast to other products. This indicates that this almond milk scarcely provides any calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin E, in contrast to a cup of another brand that does, as Haber Brondo states.
#3. Silk Dark Chocolate Almondmilk
“Don’t be fooled by dark chocolate’s positive health effects here! “One serving of this almond milk still contains 17 grams of added sugar,” Shaw says. Enjoy a piece of 70% dark chocolate instead and benefit from the antioxidant properties of the flavonoids in that delicacy as opposed to the excessive sugar in this beverage.
#4. Any variety with over 10 grams of sugar
According to Jones, dairy contains lactose, a natural sugar that has less of an effect on blood sugar reactions than added sugars, which makes the difference between dairy and almond milk. “Protein is also present to dampen the reaction.” “Save the options that include up to 20 grams of sugar per cup of sweetened almond milk for special occasions.”
Carrageenan-Free Almond Milk Brand
A thickening ingredient called carrageenan is added to a range of processed foods that you can typically find at your neighborhood grocery store.
Carrageenan comes from red seaweed and is used to “thicken, emulsify, and preserve” food and drinks. It is also known as Irish moss. Carrageenan is a common ingredient in meat and dairy products, but because it comes from plants, it is also included in popular vegan and vegetarian nut milk, cheese, and yogurt substitutes. Carrageenan is also seen in items with the “all-natural” label because it comes from a plant and is “naturally” sourced.
It appears to be a somewhat contentious food ingredient.
In the late 1960s, studies started to show that carrageenan causes inflammation, and stomach ulcers, and harms your digestive system. A few small studies have also found a link between eating carrageenan and food allergies, colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, glucose intolerance, and bloating.
According to research from the University of Iowa’s College of Medicine, “there may be no meaningful difference between “food-grade” (undegraded) and deteriorated carrageenan,” despite the fact that degraded carrageenan has been proven to be carcinogenic — or cancer-causing — and is not permitted for use by the FDA.
These results need to be confirmed by additional research, but the outlook for this plant-based thickener is not promising at this point.
One of the almond milk brands that is carrageenan-free is Silk Unsweetened Original Almond Milk
#1. Silk Unsweetened Original Almond Milk
One of the most well-liked nut-based milk substitutes is almond milk. Having said that, some brands thicken with carrageenan. This protein-rich, carrageenan-free Silk Unsweetened Original Almond Milk is available now! This almond milk substitute can be consumed in the same ways as regular milk, such as in smoothies, cereal, baking, tea, and coffee, as well as straight from the glass. Silk Unsweetened Original Almond Milk is cholesterol- and saturated-fat-free in addition to being healthy and nutritious.
#2. Califia Farms Almondmilk Pure Soy Free Unsweetened Carrageenan Free
The nutritional value of Califia Farms Almondmilk Pure Soy Free Unsweetened Carrageenan Free is extremely high, it is moderately processed, and it is expected to have a very high water footprint and a low carbon footprint.
Why Should You Avoid Carrageenan in Almond Milk?
Make sure you check the label when purchasing almond milk and steer clear of any kinds that contain carrageenan. This widely used substance comes from seaweed and is used to thicken and stabilize almond milk and other dairy and non-dairy products.
I’m not sure how safe it is because it hasn’t been tested enough, and some studies show that it could hurt the GI system and possibly cause tumors to grow. Anything that hasn’t been thoroughly tested and shown to be safe should be avoided at all costs. Even now, it baffles me why questionable ingredients like this may be included in our meals.
Is Almond Milk Healthier Than Dairy Milk?
No, not always! There are many misleading and harmful claims about almond milk products on the market. If that is the case, consumers might be better off drinking high-quality dairy milks (local, organic, and from pasture-raised cows) than subpar almond milks, leaving veganism and dairy sensitivity out of the equation. However, you have a lot of great stuff to pick from.
What Is Almond Milk Made Of?
All almond milks contain at least some water and almonds. Many also have flavorings, preservatives, added protein, vitamins, and minerals, thickening agents, emulsifiers and stabilizers, thickeners, sweeteners, and thickening agents. In general, I find that the quality of almond milk goes down as the number of additives goes up.
Do I Need to Choose a Fortified Almond Milk?
Some brands of almond milk add calcium and the vitamins A, D, and E to their products so that they have more of the same nutrients as commercial dairy milk. Some goods even claim to have twice as much calcium as a cup of regular cow’s milk in an effort to surpass it.
If you’re trying to find a dairy substitute that is also nutrient-dense, you might select fortified almond milk. But this could be a problem if kids take fortified almond milk along with a lot of other fortified foods. They may ingest excessive amounts of minerals, including vitamin A, zinc, and niacin. This is a challenging problem that is influenced by your unique dietary profile. You should discuss it with your healthcare provider.
I personally substitute almond milk for cow’s milk, even though I’m not searching for the same amount of nutrition. I eat a well-balanced diet and take vitamin D and multivitamin supplements, so I opt for unsweetened almond milk.
Does Almond Milk Need to Be Refrigerated?
Always put almond milk in the refrigerator after opening it, regardless of the brand or preparation method. Almond milk should be kept in the back of the fridge, where the temperature is usually the coolest and most consistent. Keep it away from the door where the temperature can change.
Who Should Not Drink Almond Milk?
Almond milk doesn’t have any dairy in it, so it’s good for vegans and people who can’t handle lactose or have a dairy allergy. Nevertheless, if you have a tree nut allergy, stay away from them.
What Should You Avoid in Almond Milk?
Make sure you check the label when purchasing almond milk and steer clear of any kinds that contain carrageenan. This widely used substance comes from seaweed and is used to thicken and stabilize almond milk and other dairy and non-dairy products.
Can I Drink Almond Milk Everyday?
Yes, you can drink almond milk every day. Almond milk has a lot of vitamin E and good lipids. Regular consumption could be good for your heart.
Which Is Healthier Dairy Milk or Almond Milk?
Almond milk is healthier for you! Unsweetened almond milk has fewer sugars and carbs than animal milk. It is just as flavorful as dairy milk but has 50% to 80% fewer calories. This makes it food with a low glycemic index. Almond milk has a lower risk of elevating blood sugar levels as a result.
What Is Better Oat Milk or Almond Milk?
Each serving of oat milk and almond milk has about the same number of calories and is similar in terms of nutrition. There are a few slight variations between the two drinks, though. For instance, oat milk has more carbs and iron than oat milk, whereas almond milk is somewhat higher in fat and calcium.
What About Sugar in Almond Milk?
Cow’s milk is naturally sweet because of lactose, hence, some almond milks have additional sugars to replicate the sweetness of cow’s milk. Then there are what I like to refer to as “dessert milks,” which contain even more sugar to create treats like chocolate almond milk or festive “nog.”
The fact that lactose in dairy products doesn’t affect blood sugar responses as much as added sugars do is a significant distinction between cow’s milk and almond milk. Therefore, beware of almond milk’s added sugars. Certain sweetened almond milks contain up to 20 grams of sugar per serving. We do not deem sugar-sweetened almond milk to be good.
What’s the Problem With Additives in Almond Milk?
As I previously stated, a lot of commercial almond milks have additives that serve as thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, flavorings, and preservatives. While some stabilizers and emulsifiers can be harmful, these compounds aren’t all terrible. Typically, they are categorized as carrageenans, lecithins, and gums.
Some research (mostly on animals) and anecdotal evidence show that these ingredients may cause inflammation in the digestive tract. This could cause mild discomfort or gas, or in the case of carrageenan, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and colon cancer. I strongly advise staying away from carrageenan. Select almond milk from our “good stuff” category if you wish to avoid all of these dubious components.
Most popular commercial almond milks have many extra ingredients to make up for the low amount of almonds in the milk. Many almond “milks,” in actuality, are more akin to thicker almond water. There may be as few as three almonds in a cup of almond milk, but there could be twenty or more in a cup.
How can you tell the difference between real almond milk and almond water? Check the ingredient list first. Pay attention to substances like tapioca or rice starches, guar and gellan gums, sunflower lecithin, and carrageenan. Almond milk with thickeners added typically has the fewest real almonds in it.
Examining the fat, protein, and calorie content on the nutrition label is another way to determine how rich in almonds your almond milk is. The likelihood of there being more almonds in the milk increases as those numbers rise.
How Do You Choose the Best Almond Milk?
There are countless options available if you want to try almond milk. But it’s crucial to remember that not all almond milks are created equal.
“Many people think that the healthiest almond milk should just be made of water and almonds. “The majority of almond milks actually have additional additives added to them to improve the texture and extend the shelf life,” Haber Brondo says. Most almond milks are made with water, almonds, some kind of gum for texture, a vitamin to keep them fresh, and extra vitamins and minerals to make them more nutritious.
Nutritionists revealed the nutritional standards they use to choose wholesome almond milk brands:
#1. Unsweetened Flavors
“Any almond milk labeled “unsweetened” is a good option. With less sugar added, the unsweetened versions nevertheless taste great and sweet,” “Haber Brondo remarks.
#2. Enriched Nutrients
The best almond milk brands add calcium and vitamins A, D, and E to their products so that they are just as healthy as the dairy milk they are meant to replace.
#3. Shortest Ingredient List as Possible
“It’s preferable to opt for almond milk that has fewer ingredients added to it and a shorter ingredient list. While having a few stabilizers added is normal and completely safe, using more than two or three of them is typically unneeded,” Haber Brondo explains.
#4. Carrageenan-Free
Elizabeth Ann Shaw, MS, RDN, CLT, a registered dietitian nutritionist and the author of the Fertility Meals Cookbook, says that carrageenan is “a potentially inflammatory ingredient that is added to foods and drinks to thicken them and make them last longer.” Haber Brondo says that most brands took carrageenan out of their products because of safety concerns, even though most of the studies done so far have only been done on animals.
Conclusion
Almond milk is among the best plant milks available as a substitute for dairy milk. With hundreds of brands to select from, there is something for everyone, from those with a more nutty flavor to those with a creamier texture and a stronger resemblance to cow’s milk. There are countless brands of almond milk to choose from.
You can get any of the almond milk brands to suit your demands based on your preferences and the intended purpose of the product, whether it’s for smoothies, baking, making savory foods, or simply sipping.
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