Almond milk is one of the most popular types of plant-based milks on the market today. Almond milk is made by grinding almonds, water, and sometimes added sweeteners and flavorings. It's a great alternative to cow's milk for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
How Is Almond Milk Made?
Almond milk is a popular dairy alternative that is made from ground almonds. To make almond milk, manufacturers must start by soaking raw almonds in water overnight. After the almonds have been soaked, they are blended with water to create a smooth liquid. Some manufacturers add additional ingredients like sweeteners and flavors to improve the flavor of their almond milk.
Once the mixture has been blended, it is strained through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve to remove any chunks of almonds. Finally, the almond milk can be packaged and sold as a dairy alternative.
Some brands choose to use blanched almonds rather than raw almonds when making their almond milk. This helps to improve the color and flavor of the final product. There are also several different varieties of almond milk available in most stores. Some examples include vanilla-flavored almond milk, chocolate almond milk, and even protein-packed almond milk.
Fortified Unsweetened Almond Milk Nutrition Facts
While there are many sweetened almond milks available, the healthiest option is unsweetened almond milk. Store-bought almond milks are usually fortified, so the following nutrition information is for one cup of fortified unsweetened almond milk. Always check the nutrition label of the product you are considering for the most accurate nutrition information.
- Calories 37
- Carbohydrates 1 gram
- Protein 1 gram
- Fat 3 grams
- Fiber 0 grams
- Calcium 422 mg
- Vitamin D 88 IU
Benefits of Almond Milk
Fortified unsweetened almond milk boasts several benefits. It is lower in calories than cow's milk and other non-dairy milks. And it is low in fat. But it is also lower in protein than cow's milk, so it is not a good plant-based protein source.
Because it is fortified, almond milk has more calcium than cow's milk and is high in vitamin D. An additional benefit is that it is a good source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that plays a key role in protecting cells from damage that can lead to chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
Almond milk is a good dairy milk alternative for people who are lactose intolerant, have other allergies or sensitivities to dairy products, or choose a dairy-free lifestyle. It is also vegan and vegetarian-friendly. And some people prefer the taste of almond milk to other non-dairy milks.
How to Make Almond Milk at Home
To make almond milk at home, soak raw almonds in water overnight or for 12 hours if you live at high altitude. Drain and rinse the almonds. Puree them with fresh water in a blender until smooth. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine sieve to remove any remaining pieces of almond pulp.
Add a sweetener, such as honey or agave nectar, and flavoring, such as vanilla extract, to your almond milk if desired. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Almond Milk FAQs
No, almond milk is lactose free since it does not contain the sugar called lactose. So it's suitable for those with a lactose intolerance.
Yes, almond milk is good for you because it is low in calories and fat and high in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, and other vitamins and minerals. But is is low in protein, so it is not a good protein source.
Yes, store-bought fortified almond milk has more calcium than cow's milk. But homemade almond milk will not have calcium.
Yes, store-bought fortified almond milk is a good source of vitamin D. But homemade almond milk will not have vitamin D.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a great dairy alternative, try almond milk. This nutritious beverage is made from simple ingredients and has a mild nutty flavor that makes it ideal for use in everything from smoothies to baked goods. There are many different brands of almond milk available on the market today, so you will have no trouble finding one that suits your tastes and preferences.
