If you follow a plant-based diet, particularly a vegan diet, or if you have lactose intolerance, almond milk can be a healthy diet- and gut-friendly alternative. In fact, although almond milk may have started as just a niche vegan alternative option] to dairy milk, it is now a popular, go-to plant-based milk choice for even those who have no issues with dairy. Many people love the taste and texture of almond milk and prefer the flavor over regular cow's milk. In short, it pays to have some good milk alternatives.
Unsweetened almond milk is also low in sugar and calories, and it contains healthy fats and antioxidants like vitamin E. There is also enriched almond milk, which contains added nutrients to supplement your dietary intake of nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. Whether you choose almond milk for its environmental impact and animal-free nature or its taste and versatility, keep reading for our picks of the best almond milk brands that not only taste great but are good for you too.
Califia Farms Unsweetened Pure Almond Milk
The shortlist of ingredients and creamy flavor make Califia Farms Unsweetened Pure Almond Milk the top choice among consumers and nutritionists alike. It only contains 35 calories per serving, but it’s a good source of calcium and is naturally dairy-free.
Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almond Milk
If you suffer from diabetes or watch your sugar intake, reach for Almond Breeze's Unsweetened Original Almond Milk and enjoy a sugar-free drink any time of day. This low-carb beverage is also a good choice when you’re managing your weight and keeping an eye on your blood sugar.
Almond Breeze's Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk
Chocolate lovers rejoice because Almond Breeze's Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk delivers all the deliciousness of chocolate with none of the sugar. Made with the finest cocoa, this smooth and creamy beverage doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners either — just luscious chocolate and the health benefits of almond milk.
Silk's Unsweet Almond Milk
Keep your bones strong and your teeth healthy with the high calcium content of Silk's Unsweet Almond Milk. This flavorful milk doesn’t need any sugar to deliver outstanding flavor and silky texture. Plus, with 450 mg of calcium per serving, you get 30% of your recommended intake in just one glass of this mouthwatering almond milk.
Orgain Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk
Orgain Organic Unsweetened Almost Milk is a lactose-free beverage that helps increase muscle mass and strength without any unwanted dairy. One serving of this almond milk gives your body 10 grams of protein to support your training and power your daily nutrition intake.
Three Trees Unsweetened Organic Almond Milk
Taste the difference of organic ingredients with the Three Trees Almond Milk Unsweetened Original. This healthy, creamy, and delicious milk alternative combines the shortest list of ingredients with the goodness of USDA organics. No preservatives or funky ingredients, just filtered water and organic almonds.
Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk
Your body and your wallet will love Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk. Made from premium organic almonds, this milk alternative has a fresh nutty flavor and rich texture. You’ll love how it tastes in your soups, desserts, or any of your favorite recipes.
Califia Farms Barista Blend
If you enjoy creamy milk in your coffee but don’t appreciate what it does for your stomach, you’ll love the Califia Farms Barista Blend. Created specially for your morning cup of joe, this velvety milk alternative is great for foamy lattes and brings out the bold flavors of your favorite brews.
Malk Vanilla Almond Milk
For rich vanilla flavors that take over your taste buds, don’t hesitate to choose Malk's Vanilla Almond Milk. Cold-pressed from four simple ingredients, this almond milk is packed with health benefits and a yummy taste. Enjoy it on its own or use it to bring out the flavors of your smoothies and homemade desserts.
Elmhurst 1925 Unsweetened Almond Milk
Whether you choose Elmhurst 1925 Unsweetened Almond Milk for its clean-looking bottle or high protein content, it’s sure to be love at first sip. This brand uses a patented HydroRelease method that uses just almonds and filtered water to create a simple yet scrumptious milk alternative with only two ingredients.
Mooala Organic Almond Milk, Unsweetened
With a mere 40 calories per serving, Moola Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk is one of the healthiest almond milks to choose if you’re watching your waistline. Made with USDA-certified organic and non-GMO roasted almonds, this creamy almond milk is a high-quality product you can feel good about drinking. There is no added sugar, so it’s keto and Whole30 diet approved. It’s also shelf-stable and enriched with calcium and vitamin E.
Pacific Foods Almond Milk
This option from Pacific Foods clocks in at 40 calories per serving and packs a really pleasant nutty flavor. That makes it great not only as a sipper for alt-milk fans, but a great accompaniment to cereal, coffee, or baking projects, even for those who tolerate milk and just want something different. You also get 10% of your daily vitamin D intake with each pour of this tasty almond milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Almond milk is a vegan-friendly choice. Since it doesn’t contain any dairy or animal ingredients, this milk alternative is also lactose-free. These days, almond milk is essential in many kitchens across the world. Its undeniable goodness and delicate flavors have captured the hearts and palates of milk lovers everywhere. When choosing your brand of almond milk, be sure to read the ingredients and labels. This will help you find the right beverage to support your health goals and dietary needs.
Both milk alternatives are lactose-free and vegan. Almond milk is a low-calorie, low-fat choice that’s good for lactose intolerant people but not good for those with nut allergies. It’s available in plain, vanilla, and chocolate flavors. Coconut milk is rich in vitamins and minerals but has a high-calorie count and is often used for gaining weight. It’s known for its rich coconut flavor and is good for making curries or desserts.
While calorie content varies by brand, an 8-ounce glass of unsweetened almond milk usually provides between 40 and 60 calories. Unsweetened almond milk is a good choice for people watching their calorie intake and trying to lose weight.
Unsweetened almond milk is a good option to support your keto diet. On average, a serving of unsweetened almond milk contains fewer than 2 grams of carbs and zero grams of sugar. Be sure to review the basics of the keto diet to ensure you are on the right track.
Learning how to make your own almond milk takes practice and patience. Start by soaking your almonds overnight for a period of eight to 12 hours. Once the almonds look plump, drain and blend them with a small amount of water at room temperature to create a thick paste. Add boiling water to this paste and steep for 15 minutes, then strain the milk with a cheesecloth. For extra flavor, you can add ingredients like vanilla, chocolate, or cinnamon.
Almond milk can be a good addition to your diet, but whether it's good for you depends on several factors and what you're comparing it to other milks. Here are some pros of switching to almond milk.
- Low in calories and fat: Compared to cow's milk, unsweetened almond milk is significantly lower in calories and fat, making it a good choice for weight management or those following low-fat diets.
- Lactose-free and cholesterol-free: This makes it suitable for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. It's also naturally cholesterol-free, promoting heart health.
- Rich in vitamin E: Almond milk is a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant important for skin health, immune function, and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Fortified with nutrients: Many commercially available almond milks are fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients that may be lacking in a plant-based diet.
