The Legal and Naming Controversy
For years, a contentious debate has pitted the dairy industry against producers of plant-based alternatives. The central argument from dairy producers is that only a product derived from a lactating animal should be called "milk." This has led some manufacturers to adopt alternative terminology, such as "almond beverage" or "almond drink," to avoid legal conflict or simply as a marketing choice.
In February 2023, the FDA released draft guidance that weighed in on this issue. The agency concluded that most consumers are not confused by the term "almond milk" and that it has become a commonly accepted name. While the draft guidance recommends voluntary nutritional comparisons on the label to clarify differences with dairy milk, it essentially allows plant-based products to continue using "milk" in their names. Therefore, the choice between the labels often comes down to a company's marketing strategy rather than a fundamental difference in the product itself.
Comparing Commercial vs. Homemade Almond Options
The difference between a store-bought and a homemade almond liquid is often much more significant than the labeling on commercial products. While store-bought products, whether called "milk" or "beverage," are heavily processed and contain a low percentage of almonds, homemade versions contain a much higher concentration of nuts and lack the stabilizers and additives.
How Commercial Products Are Made
- Processing: Manufacturers blend a small number of almonds with a large amount of water and then strain out the pulp.
- Low Almond Content: Studies and reports have suggested that some top brands of store-bought almond beverages contain as little as 2% almonds. This means that the product is primarily water with a small amount of almond flavor and added nutrients.
- Additives: Gums, thickeners (like carrageenan), emulsifiers, salts, and sweeteners are frequently added to improve texture, taste, and shelf-life.
- Fortification: To compensate for the low natural nutrient content, commercial products are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D, to mimic the nutritional profile of dairy milk.
The DIY Approach
- Higher Almond Concentration: Homemade recipes typically use a much higher ratio of almonds to water, resulting in a richer, nuttier flavor and thicker consistency.
- No Additives: Making almond milk at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid gums, sugars, and preservatives.
- Fuller Nutrient Profile: Though it's not fortified, the higher concentration of almonds in homemade versions means you get more of the natural nutrients and healthy fats found in the nuts themselves.
Comparison Table: Almond Milk vs. Almond Beverage
| Feature | Almond Milk (Commercial) | Almond Beverage (Commercial) | Homemade Almond Milk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Composition | Water, 1-5% almonds, thickeners, stabilizers, preservatives | Water, 1-5% almonds, thickeners, stabilizers, preservatives | Higher percentage of almonds, water, optional natural sweeteners (e.g., dates) |
| Labeling Reason | Terminology accepted by consumers and FDA guidance | Terminology used to avoid dairy industry labeling debates | Not applicable |
| Nutrient Profile | Fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients | Fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients | Richer in natural almond vitamins and fats, not artificially fortified |
| Taste and Texture | Can be watery and have a mild, nutty flavor; consistency is often uniform due to stabilizers | Can be watery and have a mild, nutty flavor; consistency is often uniform due to stabilizers | Creamier, richer, and more intensely nutty depending on almond-to-water ratio |
| Ingredient Control | Limited control over additives and sweeteners | Limited control over additives and sweeteners | Full control over all ingredients |
| Cost | Typically more expensive than dairy milk due to processing and packaging | Typically more expensive than dairy milk due to processing and packaging | Often cheaper per serving, assuming bulk nut purchase |
Conclusion: So, What's the Verdict?
In most cases, the difference between a store-bought product labeled "almond milk" and one labeled "almond beverage" is purely semantic and regulatory, not a difference in composition. Both are plant-based drinks made from almonds, water, and various additives. The term "beverage" became popular as some manufacturers sought to sidestep the debate over labeling plant-based products with a dairy-related term. The FDA's 2023 draft guidance now explicitly acknowledges that consumers are not confused by the term "almond milk," validating its widespread use.
The most significant differences exist between any store-bought almond liquid and a homemade version. Commercial products are highly processed, contain a low percentage of actual almonds, and are fortified with nutrients, while homemade ones offer a higher nut content and full ingredient control. The choice between labels is therefore a matter of branding, not substance. For optimal flavor and nutritional benefits, making your own almond milk is the best bet, but if convenience is your priority, the distinction between "almond milk" and "almond beverage" on a commercial carton is largely irrelevant. For more detailed information on regulations, you can refer to the official FDA draft guidance on labeling plant-based milk alternatives.
The Almond Board's View
Producers of almond-based products, represented by organizations like the Almond Board of California, have long supported the use of terms like "almond milk." They point to the long history of almond milk as a dairy alternative, dating back centuries, and emphasize its neutral flavor and low-calorie profile as key selling points. Their view aligns with the FDA's recent position that common usage and consumer understanding should prevail over strict definitions pushed by the dairy lobby.
Navigating the Supermarket Aisle
When standing in the supermarket aisle, your best bet is to ignore the "milk" vs. "beverage" distinction and instead read the nutrition label and ingredient list. Look for unsweetened versions to avoid added sugars and check if the product is fortified with essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which are important for those replacing dairy. Ultimately, whether it's called a milk or a beverage, the quality and nutritional value depend on the specific brand and recipe, not the name on the carton.
