Just because you can’t or would rather not consume dairy, it doesn’t mean milk is also off the table! After all, there are many alternatives on the market these days, one of the most popular being almond milk!
In fact, this variety seems to be the most popular and responsible for a huge decrease in dairy milk sales in the last couple of years and almond milk continues to take over the market, the number of households picking it over other options steadily increasing.
With that being said, you have probably been thinking of making this change in your diet for a while now but are not very sure where to start with the search for the best almond milk for your particular situation, which is why this guide is here to help you.
Benefits of almond milk
First of all, it’s important to know the benefits of almond milk and what it contains.
The main ingredient is, of course, almonds but also water and some thickening agents and stabilizers as well as minerals and vitamins, very important for your health and nutrition.
This means that, while many people go for this alternative because they have certain dietary restrictions, at the end of the day, it is good for everyone since it contains essential vitamins. More precisely, almond milk is a great source of calcium, and vitamins D and E.
So if you’ve heard that the best almond milk brands only contain almonds and water, know that this is nothing more than a misconception as most of them come packed with vitamins and a variety of nutrients and different substances necessary to getting to the final product.
Other indicators that an almond milk brand is healthy is if the product is as simple as possible, with no sweeteners or artificial flavoring.
Furthermore, make sure it’s Carrageenan free. This potentially inflammatory ingredient is usually added to foods and drinks to thicken them and also lengthen their shelf life.
However, this ingredient’s safety is questionable so, many brands have already removed it from their production process.
In conclusion, while this type of milk alternative may have started as a niche product for vegans, it is now quite the staple in most American households, its benefits recognized by many so it might be time for you to give it a try as well!
After all, the consensus is as clear as it can be – switching from normal dairy milk to an alternative, such as almond milk, is proven to be beneficial on all fronts.
This is because it is lower in calories but high in healthy fats so if you’re planning on dropping a few pounds or maintaining an already healthy weight, switching to almond milk, especially brands that supplement it with added nutrients, is a great decision.
Experts in nutrition claim almond milk also reduces the risk of heart disease.
Other benefits include the fact that it is also low in sugars, it is easily digestible and is high in vitamin E.
With that being said, now that you know the basics of almond milk and why it is so good for your health, here are just some of the best brands on the market in no particular order!
Silk
This brand has a variety of different options including the Original one, which contains 7 grams of sugar per cup, Vanilla flavored, with 16 grams of sugar, Light, with only 5 grams of sugar, as well as Light Vanilla (11 grams) and finally, Unsweetened and Unsweetened Vanilla (no sugar.)
It uses non-GMO almonds, it is Carrageenan free and contains a notable percentage of vitamins and minerals including E, A, D2 and more!
Blue Diamond Growers Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almondmilk
This almond milk contains 30 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 170 mg of sodium, 1 gram of protein and 1 gram of carbs per serving.
Furthermore, this brand does not use Carrageenan and their milk is fortified with 45 percent of the daily value of calcium needed and 25 percent of the daily value of vitamin D.
Elmhurst Almond Milk
The Elmhurst Milked Almonds brand is filled with protein and you’ll definitely love the taste as well, based on what reviewers have to say.
It is made with only two ingredients and the brand even uses a patented HydroRelease method that takes only almonds and filtered water to make this milk alternative both delicious and healthy in the simplest of forms.
Orgain Unsweetened Organic Almond Milk
This lactose-free drink will help increase your muscle mass and strength in general without containing any dairy.
More precisely, only one serving of the beverage gives your body no less than 10 grams of protein, promoting your nutritional intake even while training.
Three Trees Unsweetened Organic Almond Milk
The ingredients used to make this brand are all organic and high quality and the taste is able to reflect that! You can tell the difference from the first sip.
It is healthy but delicious and really creamy, this product featuring a really short list of ingredients with the added benefits of USDA organics.
Rest assured that there are no artificial ingredients or preservatives added.
Just enjoy the simplicity of this product containing organic almonds and filtered water for the cleanest result.
Whole Foods Market 365 Everyday Value Unsweetened Almond Milk
This product is made with premium organic almonds and has a really pleasant nutty flavor as well as a rich texture you’ll most likely enjoy a lot.
With that being said, it is especially great for desserts and creamy soups but, of course, it can be used in other recipes as well!
So Delicious Almondmilk
This brand features a wide range of different products, including a vanilla flavored one that contains 13 grams of sugar per serving, unsweetened, with no added sugar and a blend of almond and cashew!
Furthermore, the 5+ range also contains some extra protein from peas and rice.
The almonds used in making this milk are non-GMO.
Elmhurst Barista Edition Almond Milk
This almond milk contains 5 grams of sugar per serving so if you want an unsweetened option, this might not be the one for you.
Still, the sugar content is really low and all the other ingredients are simple and healthy such as almonds, filtered water, salt, cane sugar and natural flavors. It is Carrageenan free.
MALK Pure Unsweetened Almond Malk
This milk contains 100 calories, 9 grams of fat (0.84 grams of saturated fat), 75 mg sodium, 2 grams of carbs (1 gram of fiber, <1 g sugar) and 4 grams of protein per serving.
The ingredients are very straightforward – organic sprouted almonds, filtered water and Himalayan salt.
What makes it even better is that it contains no added sugars and is filled with beneficial nutrients.
Pacific Foods Organic Almond Milk
This brand includes a range of options – Original, containing 7 grams of sugar per serving, Vanilla, with 10 grams, as well as unsweetened and unsweetened Vanilla.
As for the ingredients, they are almonds and water, dried cane syrup, Potassium Citrate, Sea Salt, Carrageenan, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin A Palmitate, and Vitamin D2.
The almonds used in making this milk are non-GMO and they are also USDA certified organic, just like the sugar.
Califia Farms Almondmilk Barista Blend
The last product on our list contains 70 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 180 mg of sodium, 7 grams of carbs, 5 grams of sugar, 1 gram of fiber and 2 grams of protein.
It is especially great for lattes since it’s such a creamy milk alternative that offers you the same taste as the original.
Not only that, but it also has an unsweetened variety, which is actually quite rare amongst latte milk types.
