

Carrageenan is a controversial food additive that is extracted from red seaweed and FDA-approved for use by food manufacturers as a thickening agent. In addition, some people are uncomfortable with the added ingredients that some brand s contain. Downsides of almond milkĪs mentioned above, not all almond milk varieties are created equally in terms of nutrient profile. An example is Orgain Organic Protein Almondmilk, which contains 10 grams of protein (from peas) per one-cup serving. However, some companies are now add ing plant protein to almond milk. At just one gram of protein per one-cup serving, almond milk is not a good source of protein (compare that with cow’s milk, which contains 8 grams of protein in one cup). Also, unsweetened almond milk has a low glycemic index of 25, which means that it’s less likely to cause rapid spikes in glucose levels.Ī drawback of almond milk (and many other nut milks, as well) is the low protein content. Obviously, sweetened regular and chocolate almond milk, which are often sweetened with cane sugar, contai n more calories and carbohydrate than the unsweetened variety. One cup of sweetened chocolate almond milk contains: One cup of sweetened almond milk contains: One cup of unsweetened and unsweetened vanilla almond milk contains: It may help halt the growth of prostate cancer cells, according to a 2011 study in the journal Nutrition and Cancer.īefore you head to the supermarket to stock up on almond milk, it’s important to evaluate the various types, as not all are healthy choices.Vitamin E and polyphenols in almond milk also help to support heart health.Note that almond milk is cholesterol- and saturated-fat free, as well. Oleic acid, the main fatty acid in almond oil, can help maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels and contribute to a lower risk of heart disease.Almond milk fortified with calcium and vitamin D can support bone health.Because it’s dairy-free, it doesn’t contain milk protein or lactose, which are ingredients that some people need to avoid.Unsweetened almond milk is less likely to raise blood sugar levels compared to other types of milk, including cow’s milk.It’s low in calories (at least, the unsweetened variety is), making it a good choice for those who are aiming to lose or maintain their weight.Here are some of the benefits that almond milk can provide: If you drink almond milk or are considering trying it, you might be wondering if it’s a healthy choice. On a side note, almond butter can also be used to make almond milk by adding water. And like cow’s milk, almond milk can go bad, so it’s important to check out the “use by” date on the package and use the milk within seven days after opening. Sweeteners, sodium, protein, vitamins and thickening agents, such as carrageenan, may be added, as well. Commercially made almond milk is homogenized and pasteurized for stability and shelf life. The resulting milky white liquid is then strained, removing all of the solids. Almond milk was first mentioned in English literature in the late 1300s.Īlmond milk is made by soaking and grinding whole or blanched almonds with water. One reason for the use of almond milk is that nuts are acceptable to consume during fasting times, such as during Ramadan and Lent. The use of almond milk dates way back to the 13 th century, when it was first referenced in Middle Eastern cookbooks. In 2019, sales of almond milk reached $1.3 billion, far surpassing sales of soymilk, which reached just $194 million during that time period. The rise of almond milkĪlmond milk has risen to the top of plant-based milks in terms of popularity. The nondairy milk market is projected to reach revenues of more than $38 billion by 2024, according to the website. KC Wright, MS RDN, writing for Today’s Dietitian, states “Much of this growth can be attributed to the fact that almond milk has surpassed soymilk as American’s favorite cow’s milk substitute.” And sales are expected to increase. Sales of plant-based milks have skyrocketed from $7.4 billion in 2010 to $16 billion in 2018. People who have diabetes may also be concerned with the amount of “sugar” (meaning, carbohydrate) in cow’s milk and prefer to use a lower-carbohydrate milk alternative. Concern over use of antibiotics, pesticides or hormones.Why do people switch to or use plant-based milk? Here are some common reasons:
