10 Best Almond Milks in 2022 (Vegan Pastry Chef-Reviewed)
Almond milk is a good alternative for vegans, plant-based diets, and those who are lactose intolerant. They can be used as a substitute for cow's milk, although they aren't the same because they lack protein and calcium. Even so, they're now one of the most popular plant-based milk in America.
Since there are many brands out there, you may be unsure of which one you should buy. That's why we did the research for you. In this article, we provide a buying guide with information that you need to know as well as the benefits and drawbacks of almond milk. In addition, we've also narrowed down the choices to 10 recommended products to buy online including Silk's Almond Milk for its vanilla flavoring, lack of cholesterol, and calcium. We even have some tips and tricks from vegan pastry chef, Shayanne Brents!
Quick List - Top Almond Milks
I am a pastry chef of 10+ years, classically trained. I'm also the owner and operator of Bleu Moon Bakery - Vegan (2016-2021). My newest endeavor (small business) - Baby Cakes - creates custom cakes and treats with allergy-friendly options.
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Who Should Drink Almond Milk?
Natural almond milk has the fewest calories compared to other types of milk. They’re rich in vitamins and minerals but are low-carbohydrate and have no sugar or cholesterol. In addition, eight ounces of almond milk gives you 20-50 percent of the vitamin E you need in a day. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to improve the condition of your skin as well as your eyes.
Moreover, almond milk can lower LDL and total cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol. One study showed that eating 66 grams of almonds daily for about one and a half months could reduce levels of LDL by six percent and triglycerides by 14 percent while increasing the levels of HDL by six percent. Almond milk may also help prevent cancer and diabetes and reduce the risk of heart disease.
On the other hand, almond milk's lack of nutrients, especially protein and calcium, means it’s not suitable as a total milk substitute for toddlers and young children. It can also contain additives such as carrageenan, which may link to many health problems.
Unlike cow's milk, any calcium in almond milk is added calcium, in the form of either calcium carbonate or tricalcium phosphate. These aren't calcium from a whole-food source, so they aren't able to be completely absorbed by the body.
Almond milk is lactose-free, so anyone who has lactose intolerance or dairy allergy can consume almond milk. It's also low in sugar and calories, so it's also great for anyone who is on a specific diet trying to limit their calorie or sugar intake, like someone with kidney disease.
People who have allergies, especially anaphylactic episodes, to tree nuts should definitely not consume almond milk. It's also a risk for people who have hypothyroidism to consume almond milk.
Some of the additives involved in producing almond milk can also cause gastrointestinal issues and discomfort. People with poor bone health should also look for a better calcium and Vitamin D source than almond milk.
How to Choose an Almond Milk - Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing almond milk, it's important to understand the nutrition facts label as well as know how to read ingredients.
Consider Additives That Can Change the Texture
Natural almond milk contains only two ingredients: almonds and water. However, the most common almond milk that we see on the market contains certain additives. Additives in almond milk are things such as flavorings, sweeteners, salt, guar gum, gellan gum, and carrageenan. Many of these additives are added to give the almond milk a better texture and consistency.
Carrageenan is used to make a thick texture. Without carrageenan, the almonds and water will separate and the milk will require a good shake before drinking. However, carrageenan is a concern for some because it can be linked to health issues like inflammation and cancer. So, many people try to avoid it.
It's difficult to find additive-free almond milk unless you're making your own at home. However, there are some brands that are carrageenan-free. Some of these brands are Silk, 365, and Trader Joe's. Overall, though, additives in almond milk are generally safe for consumption in small amounts.
In some cases, you might actually want additives in the milk. If you're serious about your coffee, for example, you actually need protein and fat in your milk to foam it up for latte art. The lower protein and fat content in almond milk makes it difficult to whip up, so you'll want to find brands with higher amounts of both to be able to properly foam almond milk. You can also search for milks labeled specifically for baristas!
Paying attention to additives is important, especially if you have a specific diet or health issues. Some simple additives to look out for would include sugar, salt, and flavorings.
More additives with arguably less simple names include thickeners like guar gum, gellan gum, tapioca starch, and protein additives like pea protein. All of these can have major effects on people with gastrointestinal issues.
Look for Additional Nutrients
Some brands of almond milk are supplemented with nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamin D. This is because natural almond milk is low in calories, protein, carbohydrates, sugar, and calcium; however, it's high in vitamin E and vitamin A. Because it is lacking in many nutrients, almond milk can’t replace cow’s milk.
The nutrition between unsweetened almond milk and whole cow’s milk per one cup (eight ounces) is 40 calories versus 150 calories; one gram of carbohydrates versus 12; zero grams of sugar versus 12; three grams of fat versus eight; and two grams of protein versus eight. But of course, this can vary by product, so always check the ingredient label to see what your almond is rich or lacking in.
Choose Between Sweetened or Unsweetened Options
Almond milk inherently has a light sweetness and a rich, nutty flavor; however, some people find it difficult to drink as-is. Most almond milks have added sugar and flavor to improve the taste. It contains zero grams of sugar if unflavored, but sweetened almond milks have seven grams of sugar on average.
Flavored, sweetened almond milks can have about 16-22 grams of sugar! Natural almond milks are good for health, but if you choose ones that contain added sugar, they can have a lot of negative impacts on your health as well.
According to the American Heart Association, Americans have consumed more and more sugar over the past 30 years, which has been linked to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Still, we can't deny that sweet things taste great, so enjoy a sweetened or flavored one once in a while!
Although sweetened almond milks are higher in sugar and calories than unsweetened milk, they have much of the same nutritional makeup. You may want to consider what you're going to use the almond milk for when purchasing instead. If you're planning on using it with sugary cereals, then you might want to stick with unsweetened almond milk to balance out the sugar content.
Use sweetened almond milk with bitter food and drink, like with black coffee. You can use either sweetened or unsweetened for baking, though with sweetened, you may want to lessen the amount of sugar you need in the recipe to account for the almond milk's sweeteners.
Almond milk is already naturally low in sugar, but people who need an even lower sugar intake can look for natural and unsweetened almond milks. I only bake with unsweetened almond milks, so I can control the amount of sugar in my recipes.
Some of my favorites would be Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original, Califia Farms Unsweetened Pure Almond Milk, and 365 Everyday Value Organic Almondmilk Unsweetened. They all taste great blended in smoothies or added to cereal.
10 Best Almond Milks
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Silk Almond Milk｜Vanilla, 6 pack | | Best Overall Option That's Shelf-Stable | |
2 | Blue Diamond Almond Breeze ｜Unsweetened, Original | | Best Unsweetened, Low-Calorie Almond Milk Option | |
3 | Califia Farms Barista Blend｜Unsweetened | | Best for Low-Sodium Serving Sizes | |
4 | 365 Everyday Value Unsweetened Almond ｜Original | | Best for Mixing With Other Drinks | |
5 | Califia Farms Coconut Almondmilk Blend｜Toasted Coconut | | Best for a Unique Coconut Flavor | |
6 | JOI Almond Nut Base Concentrate｜Almond | | Best for a Long-Lasting, Shelf-Stable Almond Milk | |
7 | Orgain Organic Protein Almond Milk｜Vanilla, 6 pack | | Best for a Boost in Protein | |
8 | Elmhurst Milked Almonds｜Unsweetened, 6 pack | | Best for Coffee, Lattes, and Frothing | |
9 | Almond Breeze Organic Almond Plant-Based Beverage｜Banana | | Best for Boosting Your Potassium Intake | |
10 | Silk Almond Milk Frappuccino｜Dark Chocolate, 18-pack | | Best for Transportation and Convenience |
SilkAlmond Milk ｜ Vanilla, 6 pack
Best Overall Option That's Shelf-Stable
Pros:
- Shelf-stable before being opened, so it will last a long time
- Fortified with 50% more calcium than regular milk
- No cholesterol, saturated fat, artificial flavors, or colors
- Also fortified with B and D vitamins
- Vanilla for additional flavor
Cons:
- Amazon option only comes in a 6-pack
- Packages can be damaged easily in shipping
Silk's almond milk has vanilla added in as flavoring to complement the thicker consistency. It has no cholesterol and saturated fat, but it does have a high calcium content for those looking for nutrition.
A few reviewers had problems with the spout and cap spilling almond milk out, though this is largely due to shipping errors. Nevertheless, the majority said they enjoyed how the vanilla flavoring enhanced the almond milk's flavor. They also liked how it was thicker and had a creamy texture.
Blue DiamondAlmond Breeze ｜ Unsweetened, Original
Best Unsweetened, Low-Calorie Almond Milk Option
Pros:
- Contains a solid variety of vitamins like A, D, and E
- Fortified with plenty of calcium
- Has only 30 calories per serving
- No sugar or saturated fat
Cons:
- Lots of additives
This one has the lowest calorie per serving size compared to other choices. It's also super nutritious since it has no sugar, no saturated fat, and plenty of calcium.
Some reviewers said they didn't like the various additives included with the almond milk. On the bright side, a plethora of reviewers loved using it for cereal, coffee, and as a mixture. They also liked that this one was a healthy option due to its vitamins, calcium, and low calories.
Califia FarmsBarista Blend ｜ Unsweetened
Best for Low-Sodium Serving Sizes
Pros:
- Has 160 milligrams of sodium which is low compared to other milk
- Only has 35 calories in each serving
- No added sugar
- Comes in 48 ounces as opposed to the usual 32
- No trans or saturated fat
Cons:
- Only has 430 milligrams of calcium in the form of additives
- Lacks vitamins for additional nutrition
This one has low sodium and calories compared to other almond milk on the market. It doesn't have any sugar added to it, so you can avoid unwanted carbs and calories.
A couple of reviewers said the milk tasted off, as if something was added to the almonds. On the other hand, a plethora of reviewers said they loved how the milk was creamier and thicker than other options. They also said it mixed well with coffee.
365 Everyday ValueUnsweetened Almond ｜ Original
Best for Mixing With Other Drinks
Pros:
- Contains various vitamins including A, B12, D2, and E
- Only has 40 calories per serving
- No added sugars
- Contains 64 fluid ounces per container
- No trans or saturated fat
Cons:
- Contains lots of additives
- Only available in unsweetened
This one has vitamins added to it such as A, B12, and many more. It also has a lower calorie count compared to other types of almond milk, so this one works great for people focused on their calorie and vitamin intake.
A couple of reviewers didn't like how this almond milk didn't have much calcium in it. On the bright side, multiple reviewers said the almond flavor stuck out more than other brands. They also liked how it mixed and blended well with protein powder.
Califia FarmsCoconut Almondmilk Blend ｜ Toasted Coconut
Best for a Unique Coconut Flavor
Pros:
- Only 35 calories in a serving
- Large lid for easy pouring and opening
- Only has 170 milligrams of sodium
- No added sugar
- Unique coconut flavor
Cons:
- Lacks any significant amount of vitamins
- Has calcium added to it
Instead of just having almond milk, this one mixes coconut into it for an additional flavor. It also has a low number of calories per serving along with a good amount of calcium for people focused on their calcium intake.
A couple of reviewers said the milk tasted bitter to them due to the addition of coconut. Despite that point, quite a few reviewers appreciated the creamy texture of the milk. They also appreciated the low calories per serving of this milk since they can drink it during their diets.
Best for a Long-Lasting, Shelf-Stable Almond Milk
Pros:
- Makes seven quarts of almond milk
- 18-month shelf life
- Doesn't require refrigeration
- Made with only almonds
- Easy to mix with smoothies, ice cream, and more
Cons:
- You have to mix the milk yourself with water
- Requires a blender to make quickly
This milk concentrate gives you the option to choose an almond or cashew variation for people who want to experiment. Due to the long shelf life, it works great for people who don't drink almond milk that often.
A couple of reviewers said the recommended amount of water in comparison to the concentrate made it too watery, so try using less than the recommended amount at first. However, more than a few reviewers loved how it didn't require refrigeration. They also loved how they could use it for spread, smoothies, coffee, and more.
OrgainOrganic Protein Almond Milk ｜ Vanilla, 6 pack
Best for a Boost in Protein
Pros:
- Offers two variations
- Contains 10 grams of protein in each serving
- Comes in a six-pack
- Contains no saturated or trans fat
- Has no sugar in it
Cons:
- Contains lots of additives
- Only 250 milligrams of calcium
This protein-rich option comes in a six-pack for people who prefer to make purchases in bulk. There are also two variations, so you can choose between unsweetened and lightly sweetened flavors.
A few reviewers didn't appreciate the large number of additives. Nevertheless, quite a few others loved how much protein they got from each serving. They also thought it tasted good especially when used with cereal or smoothies.
ElmhurstMilked Almonds ｜ Unsweetened, 6 pack
Best for Coffee, Lattes, and Frothing
Pros:
- Comes in five nut types
- Four times more nuts than other brands
- No additives or flavors
- No trans fat
- No additional sugar
Cons:
- Must purchase in a six-pack
- Lacks fortified vitamins and calcium
This one focuses on minimizing additives like fortified vitamins and calcium. It's available in a six-pack while also giving you the option to choose between five different nut flavors.
Some reviewers had problems with the milk spoiling quickly since it didn't have anything to preserve it. Despite that point, many reviewers were happy the milk didn't have anything added to it, especially sugar. They also loved how the milk was thick and creamy like whole milk.
Almond BreezeOrganic Almond Plant-Based Beverage ｜ Banana
Best for Boosting Your Potassium Intake
Pros:
- Comes in a larger container
- Only 80 calories in each serving
- Has 470 milligrams of potassium and 7.5 milligrams of vitamin E
- Half a banana in each serving
- Only natural flavors
Cons:
- Only 450 milligrams of calcium
- You must purchase the banana flavor for the potassium
- Contains some vitamins as additives
This one offers a unique taste for people who enjoy bananas and want to boost their potassium intake. It's designed to be consumed in a glass, used with cereal, or mixed into smoothies and similar foods.
A couple of reviewers didn't like the taste or texture of this flavor. However, many reviewers said this milk mixed amazingly well with oatmeal and smoothies for people who want them. They also appreciated how the milk only had natural flavors and additives.
SilkAlmond Milk Frappuccino ｜ Dark Chocolate, 18-pack
Best for Transportation and Convenience
This option comes in small pouches, so you can easily transport it and enjoy milk. It's also a shelf-stable container, so you don't need to refrigerate it if it's closed.
Some reviewers had problems with the milk having a shorter expiration date than expected. Despite that point, multiple reviewers loved the chocolate flavor while having the right balance of sweetness. They also found the pouches convenient for lunches and trips.
How to Make a Latte With Almond Milk
You can still make amazing, creamy, picturesque lattes at home, even with non-dairy milks. Here's an easy recipe prepared by Roasty Coffee for Almond Milk Latte. You will need an espresso maker first to make your coffee shot!
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup of espresso
- 2/3 cups of almond milk
- 1 tsp sugar
Directions:
- In a saucepan, pour in the almond milk and sugar and warm the mixture on medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn!
- While the liquid is heating, start your espresso maker.
- Once the milk begins to bubble, take it off the heat.
- Pour the coffee into a mug and then pour in some of the almond milk mixture.
- Top it off with some of the milk foam that's formed in the saucepan.
- Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Maybe you've sorted out which almond milk to get, and maybe you haven't. The answer to these commonly asked questions may solve your problems until you decide on the best one for you!
How is almond milk made?
At its base, almond milk is pretty simple: it's made of almond and water. You'll need to soak a cup of almonds for anywhere from four hours to two days, then drain them. The more you let the almonds soak, the creamier your final product will be.
After you drain the almonds, combine them with two cups of water in a blender and blend until the almonds have been completely broken down and the water has become milky. Then strain the mixture in cheesecloth to extract only the liquid. This is the almond milk. Then add sweeteners as desired.
If you decide to make homemade almond milk, be sure to save the pulp for bakes or to use in oatmeal for an additional nutritional boost!
Can almond milk go bad?
Like most food and drink, almond milk can go bad - especially when it's freshly made. Homemade almond milk should be consumed in about a week, while store-bought almond milks depend on whether you buy the shelf-stable version or the refrigerated version.
Shelf-stable versions are packaged in special cartons that were made to be sealed and sterile. They can be left at room temperature, unopened, for up to 10 months. If opened, they need to be refrigerated and can last about 10 days most. Refrigerated options last up to a week whether opened or unopened.
Is almond milk bad for the environment?
Because almond trees trap a lot of carbon dioxide within them, almond milk production contributes very little to greenhouse gas emissions. Growing an almond tree also takes up less land than it does to raise dairy cows. However, almond trees require tons of water to grow; it's said that it takes one gallon of water to produce just one almond.
All nuts require a similar amount of water to grow, but because of the popularity of the almond and its significance as a crop in states such as California, most attention has been paid to how much water is used to grow the nut.
However, according to One Green Planet, it takes 30 gallons of water to produce one cup of milk compared to 23 gallons of water to make one cup of almond milk, so it is still more sustainable than traditional dairy.
If you're worried about water use, however, you can opt for soy or oat milk instead. Both use slightly more land and release a few more kilograms of gas, but they need significantly less water to grow.
Check Out These Other Great Milk Alternatives
There are plenty of alternative, non-dairy milks out there for people who dislike the taste of traditional milk, live a vegan lifestyle, or are lactose-intolerant. If you want to check out other great products and learn about some tips and tricks for how to choose the best one, take a look at the articles below!
Top 5 Almond Milks
No. 1: Silk｜Almond Milk｜Vanilla, 6 pack
No. 2: Blue Diamond｜Almond Breeze ｜Unsweetened, Original
No. 3: Califia Farms｜Barista Blend｜Unsweetened
No. 4: 365 Everyday Value｜Unsweetened Almond ｜Original
No. 5: Califia Farms｜Coconut Almondmilk Blend｜Toasted Coconut
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Most ViewedFeatured Rankings Similar to Plant-based milks
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