Skip to content

Are Alpro Drinks Healthy? A Full Nutritional Breakdown

2 min read

According to research from Yumda, almond drinks were a major driver of growth in the plant-based milk market in early 2025. With plant-based alternatives gaining popularity, many people ask: Are Alpro drinks healthy? The answer depends on the specific product and your dietary needs, but most Alpro options offer nutritional benefits as part of a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Alpro's range of plant-based milk alternatives, including soya, almond, and oat drinks. The nutritional value, ingredients, and potential health benefits are examined to help consumers make informed choices for their dietary needs.

Key Points

  • Alpro is Plant-Based: All Alpro drinks are 100% plant-based, making them suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.

  • Nutritional Variety: The nutritional value differs significantly between Alpro’s soya, almond, and oat drinks, particularly regarding protein, calories, and fibre.

  • Fortified for Health: Many Alpro drinks are fortified with essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins D, B12, and B2 to support bone health and energy.

  • Watch the Sugar: While unsweetened varieties are low in sugar, some flavoured Alpro drinks contain added sugars that can impact overall intake.

  • Soya for Protein: Alpro Soya drinks offer a high-quality, complete plant-based protein source, making them a great muscle-supporting option.

  • Almond for Low Calories: The unsweetened Alpro Almond drink is the lowest in calories and sugar among the main types, suitable for weight management goals.

In This Article

Alpro: A Closer Look at Plant-Based Ingredients

Alpro offers a variety of plant-based drinks made from ingredients like soya, almonds, and oats, each with a distinct nutritional profile. They are all naturally lactose-free and plant-based, suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. The healthiness varies based on whether a product is sweetened and if it's fortified with vitamins and minerals.

The Health Benefits of Alpro's Main Varieties

Soya Drinks

Alpro's soya drinks are a good source of high-quality plant-based protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. The soya is sustainably sourced, mainly from Europe.

  • Protein: Soya Original provides protein similar to dairy milk.
  • Fortification: Many soya drinks are fortified with calcium, vitamins D, and B12.
  • Low Fat: Soya options are low in saturated fat.

Almond Drinks

Known for a light taste and low calories, especially the 'no sugars' varieties, Alpro almond drinks use lightly roasted almonds.

  • Low in Sugar and Calories: Unsweetened almond drinks are low in sugar and calories.
  • Source of Vitamins: Almond drinks are typically fortified with vitamins D, E, and B12.
  • Low Saturated Fat: They are naturally low in saturated fat.

Oat Drinks

Alpro's oat drinks are popular for their creamy texture and fibre content.

  • Rich in Fibre: Oat drinks contain dietary fibre.
  • Naturally Sweet: Sweetness comes from oats, with 'no sugars' options available.
  • Fortified Nutrients: Oat drinks are fortified with calcium and vitamins D, B2, and B12.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

Some Alpro drinks, particularly flavored types, contain added sugars. Processed plant milks may also contain thickeners and stabilizers. Protein content varies, with almond and coconut drinks being lower than soya.

Comparative Nutritional Value: Alpro Soya vs. Oat vs. Almond

Here is a comparison of typical nutritional values for Alpro's original versions per 100ml.

Nutrient Alpro Soya Original Alpro Oat Original Alpro Almond Original
Energy 42 kcal 46 kcal 22 kcal
Fat 1.9 g 1.5 g 1.1 g
Saturates 0.3 g 0.1 g 0.1 g
Carbohydrate 2.7 g 7.2 g 2.4 g
Sugars 2.5 g 3.3 g 2.4 g
Protein 3.3 g 0.3 g 0.4 g
Fibre 0.6 g 1.5 g 0.4 g
Salt 0.08 g 0.09 g 0.14 g
Calcium 120 mg 120 mg 120 mg

How to Choose the Right Alpro Drink for You

Selection depends on your dietary needs:

  • High protein: Choose Alpro Soya, especially the 'High Protein' variant.
  • Low calories: Alpro Almond Original and its 'No Sugars' version are lowest in calories.
  • Fibre: Alpro Oat offers the most fibre.
  • Reduced sugar: The 'No Sugars' options are best.

Alpro drinks should be part of a balanced diet, not a meal replacement. For cholesterol advice, visit Heart UK.

Conclusion: Are Alpro drinks a healthy choice?

Alpro drinks can be a healthy part of a diet, particularly for those seeking plant-based or dairy-free options. The best choice depends on individual needs. Soya provides protein, oat offers fibre, and unsweetened almond is low in calories. Choosing fortified and lower-sugar options allows consumers to enjoy Alpro's benefits within a nutritious lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alpro offers both sweetened and 'No Sugars' variants. The unsweetened versions of their soya, almond, and oat drinks contain only naturally occurring sugars and are therefore very low in sugar, making them a healthier choice for managing sugar intake.

Alpro's soya drinks, particularly the 'High Protein' variant, are an excellent source of high-quality plant-based protein. While other varieties like almond and oat are lower in protein, Alpro ensures all its soya products are a good source.

Yes, all Alpro drinks are naturally dairy-free and lactose-free, making them safe for individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. They provide a suitable and nutritious alternative to traditional milk.

Yes, many Alpro plant-based drinks, including soya, almond, and oat varieties, are fortified with calcium to help support the maintenance of normal bones. The fortification helps ensure that those on plant-based diets don't miss out on this key mineral.

Unlike some other Alpro products, their oat drinks are generally not gluten-free, as traces of gluten can enter during the manufacturing process. However, other varieties like almond and soya are typically gluten-free, but always check the label.

Alpro drinks, particularly soya, can be comparable to dairy milk in key areas like protein and fortified vitamins. However, the nutritional profile varies by type. For instance, unsweetened almond milk is much lower in calories than cow's milk, while soya can have a similar protein content.

Alpro states that its soya beans are responsibly farmed in Europe, not the rainforest, and their oat drinks have a lower environmental footprint than dairy milk. Opting for plant-based drinks can be a more sustainable choice.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.