Plain, Unsweetened Almond Milk
Plain, unsweetened almond milk is a plant-based milk alternative made from almonds and water. It is low in calories, carbohydrates, and saturated fat, and is a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Many brands are fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D. This entry focuses on the unsweetened variety, which contains no added sugars.
Benefits
- Low in Calories: A good option for those watching their calorie intake.
- Low in Saturated Fat: Naturally low in saturated fat.
- Lactose-Free and Dairy-Free: Suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
- Vegan: A plant-based alternative to dairy milk. Low in Sugar (Unsweetened): Contains no added sugars.
- Source of Vitamin E: Almonds are naturally a good source of vitamin E.
- Often Fortified: Many brands are fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
Considerations
- Low in Protein: Significantly lower in protein than cow’s milk or soy milk.
- Low in Nutrients (Unfortified): Unfortified almond milk is not a significant source of many nutrients found in whole almonds.
- Additives: Some brands contain added thickeners, stabilizers, or emulsifiers (e.g., carrageenan, gums). Check the ingredient list if you wish to avoid these.
- Environmental Concerns: Almond production can have a high water footprint, particularly in drought-prone areas. Allergen: Almonds are a tree nut allergen. Not suitable for people with nut allergies.
- Phytic Acid: Almonds contain phytic acid, which can inhibit the absorption of certain minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium. While present, the impact is often lessened by the overall lower mineral content of almond milk compared to whole almonds.
Taste Profile
Mild, slightly nutty flavor. Texture is thinner than cow’s milk.
Usage Tips
- Use as a beverage, in smoothies, cereal, coffee, cooking, and baking as a substitute for dairy milk.
Wellness Alignment
By Goal:
- Weight Management: Low in calories compared to dairy milk and many other plant-based milks.
By Condition/Insight:
- Blood Sugar Regulation Support: Low in carbohydrates and sugar (unsweetened variety).
- Weight Management Support: Low in calories
Dietary & Lifestyle Tags:
- Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free (Usually – Check Label), Sugar-Free, Caffeine-Free, Organic (Check Label), Non-GMO (Check Label), Keto-Friendly, Low Carb
- Unsweetened almond milk is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and caffeine-free. It is also typically soy-free, but check the label. Organic and non-GMO status depend on the specific product. It’s not nut-free. It is suitable for Keto and Low Carb diet.
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