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What Does Almond Milk Taste Like?

Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or just interested in alternative healthy foods, you’ve probably come across alternatives to dairy like oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk, and almond milk. But did you ever wonder what does almond milk taste like or will any other milk resemble it’s taste.

These plant milks are not only healthier than cow’s milk (and more humane, from a vegan perspective), they each have their own characteristics and flavors.

Almond milk is one of the most popular, and today you’ll find almond milk in cartons at your local grocery store as well as in coffee shops and restaurants.

In this article, we’ll take a close look at almond milk and what it tastes like, so you can decide for yourself whether it is right for you.

What Is Almond Milk?

Almond milk is a plant-based alternative to cow’s milk that has grown in popularity to become a mainstream drink in its own right. It is especially popular with vegans and those who are allergic to the lactose in cow’s milk. 

Almond milk is thinner than cow’s milk, with more water and less fat, but it works well in coffee, in smoothies, with cereal, or as a drink right out of a glass.

You can replace cow’s milk with almond milk in nearly any recipe and get pretty good results.

What Does Almond Milk Look Like?

Almond milk is a thick white liquid that resembles milk in almost every way, except that it is noticeably thinner.

If you swirl cow’s milk in a glass (even skim milk), it will move as a whole and adhere to the walls of the glass more than almond milk. This is because cow’s milk has a higher fat content. 

In the grocery store, you’ll often find almond milk sold in both small and large cartons. It may be refrigerated, or it may not be, since the carton is sealed and the almond milk is preserved inside.

If you are looking for almond milk, you should look in the health food section rather than alongside cow’s milk.

What Texture Does Almond Milk Have?

Almond milk is noticeably thinner than cow’s milk, but still has an inherent creaminess that coats your mouth like milk.

Although there is more water and less fat in almond milk, the texture is similar. It is thicker and creamier than water.

Where Does Almond Milk Come From?

Almond milk is made from almonds, which are drupes grown in Mediterranean climates around the world. 

The process of turning almonds into almond milk is simple, and it can even be done at home with nothing more than a piece of cheesecloth, some almonds, and water.

When almonds are ground, split, or mashed along with water, they create a thick and creamy mash. When you strain this, the liquid is almond milk. The leftover solids can be thrown away, or dried and ground further into almond flour.

Is Almond Milk Healthy?

Yes! Almond milk is a very healthy drink and makes an excellent addition to your diet – especially if you are vegan or lactose intolerant and have already cut out cow’s milk and other dairies.

Almond milk is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. It contains high levels of vitamin E, which is important to support brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Almond milk also has lots of magnesium, one of the 4 most important minerals to the body, with roles in regulating blood sugar and metabolism as well as sleep and brain function. 

There are antioxidants in almond milk that attack free radicals in your bloodstream, reducing inflammation and the risk of chronic illnesses and cancer.

Almond milk is low in both calories and carbohydrates when compared with cow’s milk, which makes it a healthier choice for those who are trying to lose weight.

A serving of almond milk has 50% to 80% fewer calories while providing the same creamy flavor and texture.  

If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, commercially produced almond milk is especially healthy.

While homemade almond milk won’t bring these benefits, most commercial almond milk has nutrients added specifically to benefit people who are incapable or unwilling to drink cow’s milk – including added calcium and vitamin B12.

Calcium is important to prevent osteoporosis, and vitamin B12 is a vital supplement for people who don’t eat meat or animal products. 

Almond milk is a very healthy drink, whether you are comparing it to cow’s milk or not. 

What Are The Dangers Of Drinking Almond Milk?

Almond milk is generally safe for those who don’t have almond or nut allergies, but there are some things to keep in mind to keep yourself and your family safe.

Almond milk does sometimes lead to stomach and gut problems, although it is unclear why. Some dietitians point to the additive carrageenan.

It is present in most commercially produced almond milk and is technically indigestible although it is safe as a food additive, according to the FDA.

There are conflicting studies about it, but there is a possibility that carrageenan in almond milk can lead to stomach issues.

Almond milk is goitrogenic, and drinking a lot of it could have an impact on your thyroid. If your thyroid function is low, you should limit the amount of almond milk you drink.

There are high levels of sugar in most sweetened almond milk, so drinking a lot of it could increase your sugar levels and lead to sugar crashes.

It is important to keep an eye on how much sugar is in your almond milk, especially for those who are diabetic or on reduced sugar diets. 

Also, although almond milk is a great substitute for cow’s milk in coffee or cereal, it should never be a replacement for human breast milk or formula.

Almond milk does not contain the right levels of nutrition for babies, and they should never be given almond milk. 

How Can I Store Almond Milk?

While it typically has a better shelf life than cow’s milk, almond milk can go bad too, which is why it is important to preserve it in the right way.

You might not need to refrigerate your almond milk immediately if you buy it unrefrigerated at the grocery store.

You can store sealed almond milk in a cool cupboard until the expiry date. However, once you open it and break the seal, you should keep it cool in the refrigerator at all times. 

You can keep store-bought, opened almond milk in your refrigerator for 5-7 days before it goes bad. Your homemade almond milk will only last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. 

Can You Freeze Almond Milk?

You can freeze your almond milk to preserve it for longer, but there is a bit of a catch.

When you freeze almond milk it separates, and once that happens it is a bit of a challenge to put it back together again.

After a couple of weeks or months in the freezer, your almond milk will have retained its flavor, but you will need to put it into a blender and blend it well before it returns to the kind of consistency you want.  

RELATED: How Long Is It Safe To Leave Milk That’s Been Unopened Sitting On Your Counter?

How To Tell If Almond Milk Is bad?

If you’re not sure whether your almond milk is still good to drink or not, and you don’t remember when you opened it or put it in the refrigerator, there are a couple of ways to tell if it has gone bad. 

First of all, check the appearance. If there are lumps, chunks, or spots in the milk, then you need to throw it out.

Smell the milk. If it smells sour or rotten, you know you need to throw it out. Almond milk shouldn’t smell like much of anything at all. 

Lastly, you can take a sip. Sometimes you need to be bold to test! If the almond milk tastes bad, or even just a little bit strange, you should throw it out. 

Almond milk is not cow’s milk, but it can still make you very sick if you drink it after it has gone bad! Don’t take any chances with food poisoning – it is better to be safe than sorry.

Almond Milk Nutrition Information

Per 1 cup (240ml) commercial almond milk, according to Healthline.com
Calories39
Fat3g
Protein1g
Carbohydrates3.5g
Fiber0.5g
Calcium24% of the Daily Value (DV)
Potassium4% of the DV
Vitamin D18% of the DV
Vitamin E110% of the DV

Quick Table: Almond Milk Recipes

RecipesPreparation TimeCalories Per Servings
Almond Milk Ice Cream5 Minutes240
Coconut Latte Overnight Oats with Almond Milk5 Minutes290
Butter Pecan Pumpkin Pie Dairy-Free Milkshake with Almond Milk10 Minutes149

1. Almond Milk Ice Cream

Whether you are vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for a reduced-calorie ice cream that doesn’t skimp on flavor and creaminess, you’ll love this recipe!

You can use your own flavors for this rich, almond milk dessert. It is just as delicious as ice cream, but it has fewer calories and more health benefits, and it can be served to anyone who sits at your table.

Although it certainly helps to have an ice cream maker, you don’t need one for this recipe. A good blender is more than enough to create your own almond milk ice cream. 

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

Calories Per Servings: 240

2. Coconut Latte Overnight Oats With Almond Milk

This rich dish uses oats in almond milk to make a breakfast that could just as easily be a dessert. The creamy texture of almond milk melts into the oats and lends them a nice consistency, while delicious coconut is the star of the flavor show.

If you love the health properties of almond milk, you’ll also love how healthy this breakfast recipe is. It looks (and tastes) like it’s a treat for a special occasion, but you can feel free to enjoy this as often as you like.

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

Calories Per Servings: 290

3. Butter Pecan Pumpkin Pie Dairy-Free Milkshake With Almond Milk

This drink is a dessert in a glass that you won’t soon forget! It calls for butter pecan ice cream, but it is just as good if you substitute dairy-free ice cream with a coconut milk base, for example. That way, you can enjoy this treat even if you are vegan or lactose intolerant.

It’s also a very beautiful dessert, with a bright orange color, a rich texture, and a creaminess thanks to almond milk. 

This might look complex, but it’s easier to make than you might think – it starts with blending a piece of pumpkin pie!

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

Calories Per Servings: 149

RELATED: Does Drinking Milk Make You Gain Weight (Get Fat)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Almond Milk Taste Good By Itself?

Most people enjoy almond milk as a substitute for cow’s milk in coffee or cereal. However, it has a great taste that can be enjoyed all on its own.

A glass of almond milk, sweetened or unsweetened, has a delicate and unobtrusive nutty flavor and a gentle creaminess that makes for a pleasant drinking experience. 

If you enjoy cow’s milk on its own, you will notice the differences more when you compare a glass of cow’s milk with a glass of almond milk.

It is clear that almond milk is thinner, and has a different flavor. Almond milk is not a great replacement for cow’s milk when drunk straight from a glass, but it is an excellent drink in its own right.

Does Almond Milk Taste Better Than Milk?

This is a matter of opinion, but many people agree that the flavor of almond milk is superior to cow’s milk, at least in some circumstances.

Almond milk is usually sweeter than cow’s milk, with a gentle and unobtrusively pleasant flavor. 

What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Almond Milk?

There are many important benefits to drinking almond milk:

  • It is lower in fat.
  • It has fewer calories.
  • It wards off Alzheimer’s with vitamin E.
  • Commercial almond milk has calcium to strengthen bones
  • It is rich in antioxidants.
  • It contains important minerals like magnesium.
  • It doesn’t contain any lactose.
  • It is harvested from almonds, not cows.

Is Almond Milk Good In Coffee?

When it comes to coffee, people can sometimes get particular, and the issue of almond milk in coffee is a heated debate that continues to this day.

Almond milk has a sweet flavor that does impact the taste of coffee, albeit slightly. It works just like cow’s milk to cut the bitterness and acidity in brewed coffee and lend a creamier texture. 

However, especially in fancy coffees with foam, etc, almond milk can lead to some lackluster results. Almond milk has less fat content and, therefore, it won’t foam the way that cow’s milk does. 

Although almond milk works well in coffee, if you want whipped or frothed milk you need to find a brand of commercial almond milk that is made especially for baristas or choose another kind of milk to get the results you want.

What Does Almond Milk Taste Like?

Almond milk is usually sweeter than cow’s milk, with a gentle and unobtrusively pleasant flavor. 

Directions

  • Pick a recipe from the list above
  • Click the recipe name and visit the website
  • Collect the ingredients and cook the food
  • Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review

Recipe Video

Jess Smith
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Saturday 22nd of April 2023

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