Almond milk has become a popular alternative to dairy milk for various reasons. It’s lactose-free, vegan, and often lower in calories than cow’s milk. Almond milk also offers a subtle, nutty flavor that many people enjoy in their cereals, coffees, and smoothies. In this extensive guide, we’ll explore some of the best almond milk brands available, their nutritional benefits, flavors, and what makes them stand out in the market. We will also address a comprehensive FAQ section followed by a brief conclusion.
Top Picks
- RICH BUT : No need to be afraid of the big bad sweetness craving anymore. Silk Vanilla Almondmilk will save you with its smooth rich vanilla goodness & more calcium than dairy milk. Silk Pure Almondmilk is the smart way to indulge your sweet tooth.
- DELICIOUS ANYWAY YOU WANT: At 25 calories a serving, how can you not enjoy the creamy goodness of Silk Vanilla Almondmilk? Kissed with a hint of vanilla, it’s delicious over cereal, with coffee, added to favorite recipes or straight from the carton.
- WHOLESOME AND NOURISHING: Silk believes in the goodness (and good-for-you-ness) of plant-based foods. Our soymilk, almondmilk, coconutmilk, cashewmilk and other delicious, plant-based products are simple, wholesome and nourishing, as nature intended.
- DAIRY FREE AND DELICIOUS: We know you have so many choices for dairy alternatives: soymilk, almondmilk, hempmilk, coconutmilk, cashewmilk, ricemilk, peamilk, goats milk, flaxmilk, and so many more. Silk Almondmilk has been a trusted brand for decades.
- NO COMPARISON: Hold Silk's dairy-alternative products up to Veggemo, Freydas, Charged Chocolate, Good Karma, Augason Farms, Milkadamia, Almond Breeze, Meyeberg, Tigers Milk, Instant Milk, Honeyville Farms, Rice Dream, Tempt, Healthworks, or Coconut Cloud. Container Type: Paperboard Carton
- Contains 6 - 32-ounce boxes of Almond Breeze Dairy Free Almondmilk, unsweetened original
- Made with real California almonds
- Free from dairy, soy and lactose
- Excellent source of vitamins D & E, 50% more calcium than milk
- Non-gmo Project Verified
- FROTH + STEAM PERFECT LATTES: With Almond Barista Blend you can froth and steam perfect dairy-free lattes at home. Naturally creamy with a neutral taste, Almond Barista Blend is made for lattes
- SIMPLE PLANT-BASED INGREDIENTS: Califia Farms Barista Blends are made with plant-based, dairy-free ingredients that are Non-GMO Certified, Kosher, vegan, and free from carrageenan
- BLENDS SMOOTHLY INTO COFFEE: This plant-based non-dairy Barista Blend blends beautifully into both hot and iced coffee, for a smooth and creamy cup of coffee every time
- BARISTA'S CHOICE DAIRY-FREE MILK: Califia Farms Barista Blends are favored by professional baristas across the country for their ability to froth, steam, and form latte art
- LOW-CAL DECADENCE: With lattes this luscious, you won’t believe there’s just 70 calories per serving.
- Just 3 ingredients: Because it's simply made, you never have to worry about any gums, oils or fillers. Mooala Simple Almond Milk is made using only organic almonds, a pinch of sea salt and filtered water. That's it.
- Mooala's Organic Difference: Our Simple Almond Milk is made from USDA organic, sustainably farmed almonds. No toxic herbicides or chemical sterilization are ever used.
- Shelf-Stable Convenience: Created for longer storage without additives, our Simple Almond Milk remains fresh without refrigeration until opened, making it perfect for pantry stock and on-the-go needs.
- Simply Versatile: Whether it's a frothy latte, a refreshing smoothie, or just a chilled glass, our Simple Almond Milk can be enjoyed by lactose intolerants, vegans, or anyone just looking to switch to a plant based milk alternative.
- No Added Sugars: Naturally delicious with no artificial sweeteners or added sugars, keeping it as pure as nature intended.
- DELICIOUSLY CREAMY: Califia’s unsweetened almondmilk has a satisfyingly creamy texture without a hint of chalk.
- SMOOTH, NOT BITTER: This plant milk has a great-tasting smoothness akin to dairy milk that’s very low on the bitterness scale.
- LOW-CAL DECADENCE: With a taste this smooth and creamy, you won’t believe there’s just 40 calories per serving.
- PANTRY FRIENDLY: Because this Shelf Stable Unsweetened Almondmilk doesn’t need to be refrigerated (until opened), you can stock up.
- UNSWEETENED: Made from the best ingredients, no sugar is needed to make Unsweetened Almondmilk taste good.
- Looking For The Perfect Dairy-Free, Plant-Based Milk Alternative? Pour A Smooth 40-Calorie Cup Of Our Organic Almond Milk And Be Impressed. No Sugar Was Added, But There'S Still A Subtle Sweet Nuttiness. It'S Amazing What Organically Grown Almonds Can Do When Prepped Just Right. Sip, Smile, "Ahh," Repeat.
- Only 40 Calories Per Serving
- Trust & Quality We Are Proud To Offer This Product To You Because It Meets Our Rigorous Quality Standards, Which Prohibit Over 100 Ingredients For Both Food And Supplements.
- 365 by Whole Foods Market products give you that dance-down-the-aisles feeling, virtual aisles too! Our huge range of choices with premium ingredients at prices you can get down with makes grocery shopping so much more than tossing the basics in your cart.
- An Amazon brand
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: Made with water and almonds. This dairy free, creamy alternative milk is excellent for those seeking a better dairy alternative. Enjoy with coffe, smoothies, soups, and more!
- Simple Ingredients: Vegan, gluten-free nut milk made without gums or emulsifiers; Crafted with HydroRelease method and up to 4x more almonds per serving and 5g of protein per serving.
- Delicious Versatility: Pour our unsweetened almond milk in your coffee, enjoy with cereal and other cooking uses. Our creamy almond milk is best served chilled. Shelf Stable until opened.
- Unique Varieties: From nuts to grains, unsweetened to barista to creamers. Our plant based, dairy free milk can be used in all applications! Try our Unsweetened Cashew, Oat, Walnut, and Hazelnut milk!
- Elmhurst Milks: We believe plant-based milk should be tasty and nutritious as whole grains, nuts, and seeds. That's why we only use a few simple ingredients. Simpler Better.
- One 64 fl oz carton of original unsweetened almondmilk
- 50% more calcium than dairy milk, excellent source of Vitamin E, and good source of Vitamins A & D
- 30 calories per serving
- No added sugar, dairy, or GMOs; free of cholesterol, gluten, soy, casein, egg, and carrageenan; Contains almonds
- From meat alternatives to dairy-free milks, Fresh Plant-Based has all the essentials to create a healthy meal that’s free of animal products and full of flavor.
- Contain six (6) 32 fl oz units
- 3 Simple Ingredients - Organic Almonds, Filtered Water and Himalayan Pink Salt
- No Gums, No Dairy, No Filler, No Binders, No Gluten, No Carrageenan
- Enjoy Malk with coffee, iced lattes, malkshakes, smoothies, cereal, baking or on its own
- This level of ruthless integrity is what makes us the premium plant milk brand that we are, and consequently why we taste so good. We might cost a touch more, and we may be a touch harder to find, but we believe we’re worth it. Because we believe you’re worth it
- Contains 12 32 ounce shelf stable containers
- A deliciously creamy lactose free alternative to dairy, soymilk and ricemilk
- Only 30 calories per serving, Contains no added sweeteners
- Low on the glycemic index, making it an ideal choice for people who want to avoid sugar
- Non GMO Project Verified, soy free, gluten free, calcium enriched
What is almond milk?
Almond milk is a plant-based milk alternative made from almonds and water. The almonds are soaked, blended with water, and then strained to remove the solids, resulting in a smooth, creamy liquid. Almond milk is often fortified with vitamins and minerals to enhance its nutritional profile.
Is almond milk healthier than cow’s milk?
The health benefits of almond milk compared to cow’s milk depend on individual dietary needs and preferences. Almond milk is lower in calories and fat, making it a good choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake. It is also lactose-free, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. However, almond milk typically has less protein than cow’s milk, so it may not be the best option for those needing a high-protein diet.
Is almond milk suitable for vegans?
Yes, almond milk is plant-based and free from animal products, making it suitable for vegans and those following a plant-based diet. It’s also a popular choice for people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
How is almond milk made?
Almond milk is made by soaking almonds in water, blending them with additional water, and then straining the mixture to remove the solids. The resulting liquid is almond milk. Some brands may add sweeteners, flavors, and fortifying nutrients such as calcium and vitamins D and E.
Does almond milk need to be refrigerated?
Refrigerated almond milk should be kept in the fridge and consumed within the recommended time frame, usually 7-10 days after opening. Shelf-stable almond milk can be stored at room temperature until opened, after which it should be refrigerated and consumed within the same time frame.
What are the nutritional benefits of almond milk?
Almond milk is low in calories and fat, especially compared to cow’s milk. It is also naturally lactose-free and often fortified with essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E. Almond milk can be a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Best Almond Milk
Silk Almond Milk
Silk is a well-known brand in the plant-based milk market, and its almond milk is one of the most popular choices. Silk Almond Milk comes in several varieties, including Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Chocolate.
Features:
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E.
- Free from cholesterol and saturated fat.
- Available in both shelf-stable and refrigerated forms.
- Known for its creamy texture and versatile use in various recipes.
Califia Farms Almond Milk
Califia Farms is another top contender in the almond milk market. Their almond milk is known for its high-quality ingredients and unique packaging.
Features:
- Carrageenan-free and made with non-GMO almonds.
- Available in various flavors, including Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Toasted Coconut.
- Comes in both refrigerated and shelf-stable options.
- Often praised for its rich, creamy consistency and smooth taste.
Blue Diamond Almond Breeze
Blue Diamond Almond Breeze is produced by one of the largest almond growers in the world. Their almond milk is a staple in many households.
Features:
- Offers a wide range of flavors, including Original, Vanilla, Chocolate, and Hint of Honey.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Available in sweetened and unsweetened varieties.
- Known for its affordability and availability in most grocery stores.
Elmhurst 1925 Almond Milk
Elmhurst 1925 is known for its minimalist approach to plant-based milk, focusing on simple ingredients.
Features:
- Contains only a few ingredients: almonds and water, with no added gums or emulsifiers.
- Offers an Unsweetened variety that’s ideal for those looking to avoid added sugars.
- Known for its thick, creamy texture that closely resembles dairy milk.
- Packaged in eco-friendly cartons.
MALK Organics Almond Milk
MALK Organics is committed to producing organic, clean-label almond milk with high-quality ingredients.
Features:
- Made with organic almonds and free from preservatives, carrageenan, and artificial ingredients.
- Available in Unsweetened and Vanilla flavors.
- Known for its rich, nutty flavor and clean ingredient list.
- Often found in health food stores and specialty markets.
New Barn Organics Almond Milk
New Barn Organics offers a premium almond milk that focuses on organic and sustainable practices.
Features:
- Made with organic almonds and contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients.
- Available in Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Barista Blend varieties.
- Known for its smooth, creamy texture and rich almond flavor.
- Packaged in environmentally friendly cartons.
So Delicious Almond Milk
So Delicious is a well-known brand in the dairy-free market, and their almond milk is a popular choice for many consumers.
Features:
- Offers a range of flavors, including Original, Vanilla, and Chocolate.
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals for added nutritional benefits.
- Available in both sweetened and unsweetened varieties.
- Known for its light, refreshing taste and versatility in recipes.
Kirkland Signature Almond Milk
Kirkland Signature, Costco’s in-house brand, offers a high-quality almond milk at an affordable price.
Features:
- Available in Unsweetened and Vanilla flavors.
- Fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E.
- Known for its great value and quality.
- Often sold in bulk, making it a cost-effective option for families.
Trader Joe’s Almond Milk
Trader Joe’s is known for its unique and affordable products, and their almond milk is no exception.
Features:
- Available in a variety of flavors, including Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Chocolate.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Known for its affordability and great taste.
- Popular among Trader Joe’s shoppers for its consistency and flavor.
Alpro Almond Milk
Alpro is a European brand that has gained popularity in the plant-based milk market.
Features:
- Offers a wide range of flavors, including Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Chocolate.
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D.
- Known for its creamy texture and mild almond flavor.
- Available in both refrigerated and shelf-stable options.
Simple Truth Almond Milk
Simple Truth is Kroger’s organic and natural product line, offering a high-quality almond milk.
Features:
- Available in Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Chocolate flavors.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Known for its affordability and clean ingredient list.
- Popular among Kroger shoppers for its taste and nutritional benefits.
365 by Whole Foods Market Almond Milk
365 by Whole Foods Market offers an affordable and high-quality almond milk option.
Features:
- Available in Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Chocolate flavors.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Known for its great taste and affordability.
- Popular among Whole Foods shoppers for its quality and value.
Thrive Market Almond Milk
Thrive Market is an online grocery service that offers a private-label almond milk.
Features:
- Available in Original, Unsweetened, and Vanilla flavors.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Known for its affordability and high-quality ingredients.
- Popular among Thrive Market members for its convenience and taste.
Good & Gather Almond Milk
Good & Gather is Target’s in-house brand, offering a high-quality almond milk at a competitive price.
Features:
- Available in Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Chocolate flavors.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Known for its affordability and great taste.
- Popular among Target shoppers for its quality and value.
Great Value Almond Milk
Great Value is Walmart’s private-label brand, offering an affordable almond milk option.
Features:
- Available in Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Chocolate flavors.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Known for its affordability and availability in Walmart stores.
- Popular among Walmart shoppers for its taste and value.
Pacific Foods Almond Milk
Pacific Foods offers a high-quality almond milk made with simple ingredients.
Features:
- Available in Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Chocolate flavors.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Known for its clean ingredient list and great taste.
- Popular among health-conscious consumers for its quality and flavor.
Orgain Organic Almond Milk
Orgain is known for its organic nutritional products, and their almond milk is a high-quality option.
Features:
- Made with organic almonds and free from artificial ingredients and preservatives.
- Available in Original and Unsweetened flavors.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Known for its clean ingredient list and nutritional benefits.
Plenish Almond Milk
Plenish is a UK-based brand that offers a premium almond milk made with simple, high-quality ingredients.
Features:
- Contains only a few ingredients: almonds, water, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Available in Unsweetened and Vanilla flavors.
- Known for its rich, creamy texture and pure almond taste.
- Popular among health-conscious consumers for its simplicity and quality.
Three Trees Almond Milk
Three Trees offers a premium almond milk made with organic almonds and minimal ingredients.
Features:
- Contains only a few ingredients: almonds and water, with no added sugars or preservatives.
- Available in Original, Unsweetened, and Vanilla flavors.
- Known for its thick, creamy texture and rich almond flavor.
- Popular among health-conscious consumers for its purity and quality.
JOI Almond Milk Base
JOI offers a unique approach to almond milk with its concentrated almond milk base.
Features:
- Made with 100% almonds and no added ingredients.
- Users mix the base with water to create fresh almond milk at home.
- Available in a shelf-stable form that reduces waste and packaging.
- Known for its versatility and convenience.
Simply Almond
Simply Almond offers a high-quality almond milk made with simple, clean ingredients.
Features:
- Made with almonds, water, and a touch of cane sugar for sweetness.
- Available in Original, Unsweetened, and Vanilla flavors.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Known for its clean ingredient list and great taste.
Mooala Organic Almond Milk
Mooala offers an organic almond milk that is both delicious and nutritious.
Features:
- Made with organic almonds and free from artificial ingredients and preservatives.
- Available in Original, Unsweetened, and Vanilla flavors.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Known for its rich, creamy texture and great taste.
Amande Almond Milk Yogurt
Amande offers a unique almond milk product in the form of yogurt.
Features:
- Made with almond milk and available in a variety of flavors.
- Fortified with probiotics for added health benefits.
- Known for its creamy texture and delicious taste.
- Popular among those looking for dairy-free yogurt alternatives.
Simply Balanced Almond Milk
Simply Balanced, a Target exclusive brand, offers a high-quality almond milk.
Features:
- Available in Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Chocolate flavors.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Known for its affordability and great taste.
- Popular among Target shoppers for its quality and value.
Almond Breeze Barista Blend
Blue Diamond offers a specialized almond milk for coffee lovers with their Barista Blend.
Features:
- Designed to froth well, making it ideal for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Available in Original and Unsweetened flavors.
- Known for its creamy texture and ability to create rich, frothy foam.
- Popular among baristas and coffee enthusiasts.
FAQs About Best Almond Milk
Can I make almond milk at home?
Yes, almond milk can be easily made at home. Soak raw almonds in water overnight, blend them with fresh water, and strain the mixture using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Homemade almond milk can be customized by adding sweeteners or flavors like vanilla or cocoa.
Is almond milk good for weight loss?
Almond milk can be a good choice for those looking to lose weight because it is lower in calories and fat than cow’s milk. Unsweetened almond milk typically contains around 30-40 calories per cup, making it a low-calorie option for smoothies, cereals, and coffee.
Does almond milk contain calcium?
Many commercially available almond milk brands are fortified with calcium to make them comparable to cow’s milk in terms of calcium content. It’s important to check the nutrition label to ensure the almond milk you choose is fortified with calcium if that is a dietary concern.
Is almond milk safe for people with nut allergies?
Almond milk is made from almonds, so it is not safe for people with tree nut allergies. Those with nut allergies should choose alternative plant-based milks, such as oat milk, soy milk, or rice milk, which do not contain nuts.
What are the different flavors of almond milk?
Almond milk is available in a variety of flavors, including Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla, Chocolate, and specialty flavors like Toasted Coconut or Barista Blend. These options allow consumers to choose the flavor that best suits their taste preferences and dietary needs.
Can almond milk be used in cooking and baking?
Yes, almond milk can be used as a substitute for cow’s milk in most cooking and baking recipes. It works well in smoothies, cereals, soups, sauces, and baked goods. Unsweetened almond milk is usually the best choice for savory dishes, while flavored varieties can add a unique twist to sweet recipes.
What is the environmental impact of almond milk?
Almond milk has a lower carbon footprint than dairy milk but requires a significant amount of water to produce. The majority of the world’s almonds are grown in California, a region prone to droughts, which raises concerns about water usage. However, many consumers choose almond milk because it is plant-based and has a smaller environmental impact than animal-based products.
Is there a difference between refrigerated and shelf-stable almond milk?
Refrigerated almond milk and shelf-stable almond milk are similar in terms of ingredients and nutritional content. The main difference is the packaging and processing methods. Shelf-stable almond milk is typically pasteurized at a higher temperature and packaged in aseptic cartons to extend its shelf life. Once opened, both types should be refrigerated and consumed within the recommended time frame.
Can almond milk cause digestive issues?
Some people may experience digestive issues when consuming almond milk, especially if they are allergic to nuts or have a sensitivity to certain additives like carrageenan or gums. Choosing almond milk with minimal ingredients and no added preservatives can help reduce the risk of digestive discomfort.
Is almond milk a good source of protein?
Almond milk is not a significant source of protein, typically containing only 1-2 grams of protein per cup. Those looking to increase their protein intake may need to supplement with other protein-rich foods or choose a different plant-based milk, such as soy milk, which has a higher protein content.
Can almond milk be frothed for coffee drinks?
Yes, many brands of almond milk offer barista blends specifically designed for frothing and steaming. These almond milks create a creamy, frothy texture that works well in lattes, cappuccinos, and other coffee drinks. Regular almond milk can also be frothed, but the results may vary depending on the brand and formulation.
Does almond milk contain added sugars?
Some almond milk varieties contain added sugars, especially flavored versions like Vanilla and Chocolate. Unsweetened almond milk is a good option for those looking to avoid added sugars. Always check the nutrition label to determine the sugar content of the almond milk you choose.
How does almond milk compare to other plant-based milks?
Almond milk is one of many plant-based milk options, each with its own unique characteristics. Compared to soy milk, almond milk is lower in calories and protein. Oat milk is often creamier and higher in carbohydrates, while coconut milk has a distinct flavor and higher fat content. The best choice depends on individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
Can almond milk be frozen?
Almond milk can be frozen, but the texture may change upon thawing, becoming grainy or separated. If you choose to freeze almond milk, it’s best used in cooking or baking rather than drinking straight. Shake or blend the thawed almond milk to help recombine the ingredients.
What is the shelf life of almond milk?
Unopened, shelf-stable almond milk can last for several months, while refrigerated almond milk typically has a shorter shelf life. Once opened, both types should be consumed within 7-10 days. Always check the expiration date on the packaging and follow storage instructions to ensure freshness.
Are there any health concerns associated with drinking almond milk?
For most people, almond milk is a safe and healthy alternative to cow’s milk. However, those with nut allergies should avoid almond milk. Additionally, some commercial almond milks contain additives like carrageenan, which may cause digestive issues in some individuals. Choosing almond milk with minimal ingredients can help reduce potential health concerns.
Can almond milk be used as a baby formula substitute?
Almond milk should not be used as a substitute for baby formula or breast milk for infants. It lacks the necessary nutrients that babies need for proper growth and development. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate feeding options for infants and young children.
What is the best way to store almond milk?
Unopened shelf-stable almond milk can be stored at room temperature, while refrigerated almond milk should always be kept in the fridge. After opening, both types should be refrigerated and consumed within 7-10 days. Store almond milk in its original container with the lid tightly closed to maintain freshness.
Can I make flavored almond milk at home?
Yes, homemade almond milk can be easily flavored by adding ingredients like vanilla extract, cocoa powder, honey, or maple syrup. Blend these flavorings with the almond milk during the preparation process to create a customized beverage that suits your taste preferences.
Is organic almond milk better than conventional almond milk?
Organic almond milk is made from organically grown almonds that are free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It may also contain fewer additives and preservatives. Choosing organic almond milk supports sustainable farming practices and reduces exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. However, both organic and conventional almond milks can be part of a healthy diet.
Conclusion
Almond milk is a versatile and nutritious plant-based milk alternative that offers a variety of flavors and nutritional benefits. With so many brands and options available, there is an almond milk to suit everyone’s taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you choose it for its health benefits, environmental impact, or simply its delicious flavor, almond milk is a great addition to your diet. By understanding the different brands and types of almond milk available, you can make an informed choice that best fits your lifestyle.
