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Nutrition Advice / Is Almond Milk Good For You? Plus, Almond Milk Recipe

Is Almond Milk Good For You? Plus, Almond Milk Recipe

AIPDairy FreeGluten FreeVeganVegetarianWhole30By Aimee Niedosik  Published: 10/10/2021  Updated: 10/11/2021
Jump to Recipe

Is Almond Milk Good For You? – Let me explain whether almond milk is good for you in the most simplest way possible — YES! Almond Milk IS good for you, especially in comparison to dairy from a cow. However, we want you to know some very important truths about commercially processed almond milk and the incredible almond milk benefits and nutrition.

Make your own using whole almonds or buy from one of our recommended brands.

is almond milk good for you

TABLE OF CONTENTS: This article has grown over the years to include additional research and frequently asked questions by our readers. Use this guide to help you find the areas of this article with ease.

  • Is Almond Milk Good For You? We answer all of your questions!
  • Almond Milk Ingredients – Processed versus homemade recipe
  • Health Benefits of Almond Milk – ONLY if you use Whole Almonds
  • The Best Almond Milk Recipe
  • Almond Milk Brands
  • Almond Milk FAQ

Then, the best almond milk recipe full of nutrition and lots of health benefits.

If you saw my recent post about the best plant-based milk alternatives you may have noted that this wildly popular almond milk did not make the cut. That’s because the health benefits of almond milk are practically non-existent unless you are buying “whole” almond milk.

Most almond milk brands do NOT use “whole” almonds in their almond milk. Instead, these almond milks have been highly strained and have added sugars and other additives mixed in.

Clean store-bought “whole” almond milk brands DO exist though! See my favorites at the bottom of this page.

is almond milk good for you

Is Almond Milk Good For You?

We get asked all the time if almond milk is good for you. The truth is, yes, it’s better than cow’s milk. BUT, we don’t believe it’s the most nutritious unless you are getting “whole” almonds in your almond milk.

Almond milk is good for you only if it isn’t highly strained. Most companies add in a few tablespoon of refined sugar which means it’s not really offering much nutrition.

Yes, there are plenty of health benefits of almond milk, but today we are going to tell you why “whole” almond milk is best. It seems alternative plant-based milks are turning up in the grocery store every month. Which tells me, the general population is beginning to realize that cow’s milk is really not a good option.

It’s important to know the health benefits of almond milk, when “whole” almonds are used. Plus, some information about commercially produced almond milk. Clean store-bought “whole” almond milk brands DO exist though! See my favorites at the bottom of this page.

The problem with commercially produced almond milk is that the vast majority of brands contain less than 5 percent almonds. Whereas, the rest of the “milk” consists of water with some emulsifiers and added synthetic nutrients.

Let’s Talk About Almond Milk Ingredients

Almond milk ingredients can differ from company to company. But, we have gone ahead and listed below the ingredients for the most popular brand available right now:

Almond milk (Filtered Water, Almonds), Cane Sugar, Sea Salt, Natural Flavor, Locust Bean Gum, Sunflower Lecithin, Gellan Gum, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Acetate, Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin B12, Vitamin D2.

This particular brand advertises that their product contains 50% more calcium than cow’s milk and that it is an excellent source of vitamin E.

However, this type of marketing is deceiving to the consumer. This brand of does not naturally contain significant amounts of calcium or vitamin E. Instead the almond milk has been artificially fortified with these synthetic nutrients making their almond milk ingredients less than nutritious.

Companies are doing to almond milk today as they did to flour years ago. Basically, they are processing a food and removing all of the good nutrition and then “fortifying” the food with synthetic nutrients.

The health benefits of commercial-processed almond milk is practically non-existent. For the same reason that enriched white flour is also not healthy. If you have been a Clean Cuisine follower in the past, then you know we are against fortifying foods with synthetic nutrients. Your body will never be able to utilize a synthetic nutrient the same way it can utilize nutrients from whole foods.

Now, let’s talk about the health benefits of almond milk when we use “whole” almonds!

health benefits of almond milk

Health Benefits of Almond Milk – Made with Whole Almonds

As you can tell, I am not a fan of commercially-processed milk or really many things processed and packaged in stores. However, homemade almond milk done right is a completely different story.

There are literally 1,000’s of recipes floating around the internet and I note 2 problems with every single one.

Problem #1: Almost every single homemade recipe requires a lengthy process of soaking almonds overnight — or up to 2 days.

Problem #2: Using a high speed blender and then straining the almond meal out with a cheesecloth.

Not only do these recipes take forever to get delicious homemade, unprocessed almond milk but straining out the meal removes all of the nutrients!

Yes, this method is certainly far superior to the processed milk you find at the local grocery store. Of course, homemade strained milk does not have synthetic nutrients added and often contains less sugar than commercial versions. However, that doesn’t make it a super nutritious milk alternative.

It also doesn’t make it a rich and creamy alternative either. In other words, strained homemade almond milk is going to have the consistency of skim milk. Not good.

There is a better, easier way and it makes a thicker milk similar to whole cow’s milk.

is almond milk good for you

The Health Benefits of Almond Milk Using “Whole” Almonds

I have found the simplest, tastiest and most nutritious way to make homemade almond milk is to simply use raw almond butter. Of course you could always use whole almonds instead of almond butter, but you would definitely need to soak the almonds first. I have found using raw almond butter to be much easier and surprisingly tastier too.

Raw almond butter is uses “whole” almonds and is therefore a “whole” food. There are so many incredible health benefits of almonds from “whole” almond milk with raw almond butter. You get a significant source of REAL antioxidant vitamin E, REAL calcium, trace minerals, plant-protein and so much more.

The far-reaching benefits of whole almond milk verses conventional almond milk can be compared with the benefits of “whole” juice.

The only juice we drink in our house is “whole” juice made from the “whole” fruit. Conventional juice is just a processed food with the anti-inflammatory fiber removed. Once you remove the fiber from the fruit the sugar that is left behind is rapidly absorbed and can elevate insulin levels, promote inflammation, promote fat storage, etc.

When you remove the pulp from “whole” almonds to make almond milk you are, in essence, turning almonds into a refined food to drink. Not nutritious.

There is simply no way around it, almond milk that is strained is just not as nutritious as “whole” almond milk.

There is Only One Downside to Using Whole Almonds…

Yes, there is one downside to “whole” almond milk. You will definitely need to shake it well just before using it, otherwise all of the stuff that is normally strained out with conventional will all sink to the bottom.

The Best Almond Milk Recipe

As I mentioned earlier, this almond milk recipe is the simplest and healthiest almond milk you can find. My recipe uses raw almond butter.

Of course you could always use whole almonds instead of almond butter, but you would definitely need to soak the almonds first. I have found using raw almond butter to be much easier and surprisingly tastier too.

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Print

Almond Milk Recipe and Almond Milk Benefits

is almond milk good for you
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

Almond Milk IS good for you and much better than cow’s milk. But, we recommend using WHOLE ALMONDS and avoid the commercially processed almond milk.

  • Author: Ivy Larson
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x
  • Category: Milk Alternatives
  • Method: Blender
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup raw organic almond butter
  • 2 cups filtered water
  • 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons organic Grade A maple syrup
  • Pinch of unrefined sea salt

Instructions

  1. In a high speed blender, add the almond butter, water, vanilla extract, maple syrup and sea salt.
  2. Process on high speed for 1 full minute. Transfer to a glass container and refrigerate.
  3. Shake well before serving.

Keywords: Is Almond Milk Good For You, Almond Milk Recipe

Clean Cuisine Approved:

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CLEAN CUISINE PANTRY

Our Favorite Whole Almond Milk Brands:

And finally, store-bought clean “whole” almond milk does now exist! Here are my three favorite brands that you can pick up at Wegman’s, a local health food store and look online!

#1: Goodmylk Almond Mylk

Goodmylk Co. makes whole almond milk and packages them in concentrated sleeves that pop in the freezer. When you’re ready to make some almond milk, just let the concentrate sit in the fridge overnight. Then add 22 ounces of water and shake. Remember, you will need to shake before each use.

#2: New Barn Organics Unsweetened Almondmilk

New Barn Organics makes a creamy unsweetened almond milk using just a few natural organic ingredients. You can learn more about their products here. A few of their varieties are made with sugar, so be sure to check the ingredients.

#3: MALK Pure Almond Milk

Malk Organics uses just three ingredients in their cold pressed almond milk: filtered water, organic almonds and salt. That’s it.

FAQ:

Is almond milk good for weight loss?

If you are already drinking cow’s milk and you switch to almond milk – then yes, almond milk can help with weight loss. Almond milk has 50% lesscalories than cow’s milk. In addition, it’s not an animal product, it has no cholesterol. It’s kind of like the difference between drinking whole milk and skim milk.

Should almond milk be watery?

I don’t want to bash name brands, but have you noticed how watery it is? Some popular brands of almond milk brands are probably watery and that’s surely because they are not “whole” almond milk. When you use WHOLE ALMONDS, then no, the milk will not be watery.

How much almond milk should I drink a day?

We recommend 1-2 cups total per day. You can add it to your smoothies or add some raw cacao powder and a little more maple syrup for chocolate milk.

What’s the healthiest milk to drink?

Any nut or seed based milks are the best to drink. Such as almond milk, hemp milk or coconut milk. Preferably made at home with whole ingredients.

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Comments

  1. Mary Ann Evans says

    June 26, 2022 11:23 AM

    I have recently started to lead a more vegan lifestyle and part of that is trying soy and almond milk. My whole adult life I have only drank skim milk and am finding the soy & almond versions too thick for my liking. Are there “thinner” brands of these milk alternatives that more mimic skim? Thanks for any info you can provide and I look forward to trying more of your healthy versions of recipes.

    Reply
    • Aimee Harris Niedosik says

      July 1, 2022 10:08 AM

      I would recommend making your own almond milk using almond butter as per instructions below. Maybe start off with 1/2 of the recommended almond butter and then add more until you are satisfied with the consistency. Keep me posted on how it turns out.

      Reply
  2. Allie says

    December 19, 2020 10:07 PM

    I’m am daughter of clean cuisine owner (12) and we put it in the gingerbread and it was great!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. nan says

    April 1, 2020 8:53 AM

    First of all , thank you for all recipes that make us “healthy and ALIVE ” !

    I normally buy ( before this recipe came to me ) almond breeze chocolate almond milk

    can you pls tell me what to use to make it chocolatey and the ratio

    many thanks for all you do

    Reply
    • Aimee Harris Niedosik says

      April 10, 2020 8:29 AM

      I found a recipe by the Minimalist Baker that calls and for the 2 cup ratio in our recipe, it would suggest you use 1/2 a cup of dairy free dark chocolate and she does this:

      STEP 1: To a separate small bowl, add your chocolate and melt in 30 second increments in the microwave, or over a double boiler (a large bowl over a saucepan with an inch of simmering water).

      STEP 2: Once melted, spoon 1/3 cup of almond milk into the bowl and whisk to combine. You’re wanting a chocolate “sauce” so it will more easily mix with the milk.

      STEP 3: Once combined, add to the almond milk and whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust flavor. You could add more melted chocolate using the same method, or even another sweetener of choice or cocoa powder for a more well-rounded chocolate flavor.

      – Let me know how it turns out and we’ll have to create a recipe using our almond milk method! 😉

      Reply
  4. Lynn says

    January 3, 2019 7:59 PM

    More like ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ sooo much better than any store bought I’ve had, and no straining needed. I ground the almonds in Whole foods, so it was fairly inexpensive!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Ivy Larson says

      January 9, 2019 2:31 PM

      YAY! I am thrilled to hear you like it so much Lynn! Thank you for taking the time to let me know 😉

      Reply
  5. Mary says

    June 21, 2018 5:23 PM

    Where can you buy almond butter?

    Reply
    • Ivy Larson says

      June 25, 2018 10:37 AM

      Hi Mary, You can buy it at any natural foods store or even online at Amazon or at online grocery stores such as Vitacost or Thrive Market. Just be sure to look for one without added oils or sugar 😉

      Reply
  6. Diane says

    November 10, 2016 2:12 PM

    Hi Ivy, I purchased your smoothie download from Amazon. Unfortunately, I have no idea where it downloaded to on my tablet / phone. Do you have a hard copy available for purchase?? I love your cranberry superfruit smoothie, it’s delicious!! I need some more ideas. Thanks, Diane

    Reply
    • Ivy Larson says

      November 11, 2016 12:07 PM

      Hi Diane! Oh no =( I am so sorry it didn’t save properly. I have never actually downloaded a Kindle version of anything so I wouldn’t even know how to walk you through it. I have the recipes all saved as word document files, which I can email to babeunit@hotmail.com –I’ll try to send them over to you right now. Please let me know if they don’t go through. FYI–I will be out of the country for the next 10 days so if for some reason I don’t email you back right away after tomorrow that’s why!

      Reply
      • Diane says

        November 14, 2016 9:08 PM

        Got them thank you!

        Reply
  7. Christen says

    November 9, 2016 7:06 PM

    That makes complete sense. And I definitely would love to try that and have felt the same about our almond milk here. Even though I have unsweetened, one has vanilla and the other original I could probably play to make ours all individually fairly easily.

    My only question is this. If you drink 16 oz of almond milk/day. That’s 1/2 cup of almond butter which is about 60 grams of fat! For someone like me who needs to lose 15 pounds, while I may only drink 1 cup/daily that’s still 30 grams of fat right? ? Now my kiddos definitely have 16 oz. daily. Isn’t 60 grams of fat regardless of being natural or good fat isn’t that a lot for an 8 & 11 year old?

    Reply
    • Ivy Larson says

      November 10, 2016 10:27 AM

      Hi Christen, That is a GREAT question! Although we are not at all big advocates of counting calories, fat grams, etc. (here is why: https://cleancuisine.com/calorie-counting-is-not-helpful-all-calories-are-not-equal/ ) I absolutely understand your concern. But here’s the thing, you will naturally get VERY full if you tried to drink 16 ounces of full-fat almond milk a day. So full in fact that I actually do not think you would be able to do so UNLESS your body really needed the calories. Our son is 15 years old and still not 100 pounds—his body is going through a rapid growth phase though and the amount of food he is able to consume at this stage is rather startling. However, I do not even attempt to limit the calorie or worry about the fat grams he is consuming. As long as it is “whole food” and nutrient-dense I just feed him what his body needs.

      As for me, although I am not trying to lose weight, at 40 years old I also am not trying to gain weight 😉 I personally though do not drink almond milk or any other milk straight up—I always use it as part of a recipe, a smoothie, in my morning oatmeal, etc. So for example, if I am making a smoothie I might only be using 1/2 cup of almond milk along with other ingredients or if I am having oatmeal I might only be using 1/4 cup (I cook my oatmeal in water always but then like to add about 1/4 cup almond milk on top) So here is what I would suggest if you are trying to lose 15 pounds…I would not drink almond milk straight up but rather I would use it the way I do as an ingredient in other foods OR if you really want to just drink it straight up I would simply dilute it a bit with water. You can always make “skim” almond milk simply by adding an additional cup or 2 cups of water. You will still be getting all the nutrition of the original recipe—just not as much!

      I hope this makes sense?

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Favorite Kids' Foods Made Healthier and Full of Nutrients - Green Child says:
    November 10, 2021 at 8:10 PM

    […] I swapped out dairy for dairy alternatives that were full of nutrients. I learned how to make homemade almond milk using 2 simple ingredients: almond butter and filtered water. By the way, if you add a little bit […]

    Reply

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