Is Almond Milk Good For You? Nutrition, Benefits, & How To Make It
In recent years, non-dairy beverages have slowly started popping up in grocery stores and coffee shops around the U.S. Even if you appreciate the nostalgia or flavor of cow's milk, plant-based and lactose-free options may better suit your dietary needs. If you're considering switching to almond milk, but still have a few questions about it (i.e. health benefits, how it compares to dairy milk, and how to use it), some advice straight from nutritionists should help.
What is almond milk?
Almond milk is a plant-based alternative to cow’s milk. Similar to oat milk, macadamia milk, or hemp milk, it’s made by blending almonds and water together and straining out the excess liquid. The beverage might not taste exactly like dairy milk, but the consistency is comparable enough to make it an effective substitute.
If you’re patient enough to soak your almonds overnight, making your own almond milk at home is easy enough. Otherwise, you can buy almond milk from brands like Califia, Elmhurst, SoDelicious, and Almond Breeze at the grocery store.
Is almond milk healthy?
Almond milk is made primarily of water, and in a minimally processed, unsweetened form, can be healthy. But according to registered dietitian Willow Jarosh, M.S., RDN, the word healthy varies depending on your personal dietary and nutrition needs.
If you’re looking to manage weight, almond milk may be a good option. “Unsweetened almond milk is naturally lower in calories per serving than traditional skim cow’s milk,” registered dietitian Emily Kyle, R.D. says. Just be sure to look out for added sugars and preservatives.
If you’re lactose intolerant or following a plant-based diet, almond milk is a great option to have on hand. With a low carb count, this milk can also keep you in ketosis if you follow a keto diet.