Can You Get Almond Milk Without Additives? Your Guide to Clean Options

According to MDVIP, many commercial almond milks contain a long list of additives, including gums and emulsifiers, to achieve their texture and stability. But can you get almond milk without additives? The answer is yes, and this guide will show you how to find or make pure, additive-free almond milk.

Quick Summary

This guide explores finding and creating almond milk with no additives. It covers common additives, identifies brands prioritizing simple ingredients, and provides a simple recipe for homemade milk. Readers will understand ingredient lists better to make informed, healthier choices.

Key Points

• Homemade is always additive-free: The purest almond milk comes from making it yourself with just almonds and water, giving you complete control over ingredients.

• Read the ingredient list carefully: Look for brands with minimal ingredients, such as only almonds, water, and salt, to avoid thickeners and stabilizers.

• Check for common additives: Be on the lookout for gums like carrageenan, guar gum, and gellan gum, as well as emulsifiers like lecithin.

• Choose clean brands: Brands like Mooala, Elmhurst, and MALK prioritize simple, additive-free recipes for their milk.

• Consider product variants: 'Barista' or 'Extra Creamy' almond milk versions almost always contain extra additives for texture, so opt for standard, unsweetened versions.

Why Are Additives Added to Almond Milk?

Store-bought almond milk often contains a variety of additives designed to improve its texture, appearance, and shelf life. Without these ingredients, a simple mix of almonds and water would naturally separate, appearing thin and unappetizing to consumers. The most common additives include gums like carrageenan, gellan gum, and guar gum, as well as emulsifiers like lecithin.

• Thickeners and Stabilizers: Gums such as gellan gum and guar gum are added to thicken the milk and prevent the natural separation of solids from the liquid. This ensures a creamy, uniform consistency from the first pour to the last.
• Emulsifiers: Ingredients like sunflower or soy lecithin help the almond milk and water mix into a single, cohesive fluid. This prevents the solids from settling at the bottom of the carton.
• Fortification: Many commercial almond milks are fortified with vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin E, to boost their nutritional profile, which can naturally be low compared to cow's milk.
• Natural Flavors: The term "natural flavor" is often a catch-all for a complex blend of up to 100 ingredients that can mask the true flavor and are not required to be explicitly disclosed.

While these additives are generally considered safe by regulatory bodies, some people experience digestive issues from gums or simply prefer a product with fewer, more recognizable ingredients. The presence of gums and emulsifiers is the primary reason for the texture difference between homemade and store-bought almond milk.

Potential Health Concerns with Common Additives

Some consumers are concerned about the potential health effects of certain additives. Carrageenan, for instance, has been a subject of debate for years, with some studies linking it to gastrointestinal inflammation, although regulatory bodies have largely deemed it safe. For those with sensitive digestive systems, avoiding these thickening agents is often a personal preference rather than a medical necessity.

How to Find Store-Bought Almond Milk Without Additives

Finding a clean, additive-free almond milk at the supermarket requires careful label reading. Focus on brands that prioritize a short, transparent ingredient list. Look for terms like "unsweetened" and check the back of the carton for the full list of ingredients. The ideal choice will list only almonds, filtered water, and possibly a dash of sea salt. If fortification is important to you, be aware that these vitamins and minerals will also be listed.

Here are some brands known for offering cleaner options:

• Mooala Organic Simple Almondmilk: Praised for its minimal ingredient list, often containing only organic almonds, filtered water, and Himalayan pink salt.
• Elmhurst 1925 Unsweetened Almond Milk: Uses its unique HydroRelease method to create a creamy milk from just almonds and water, without any added gums or emulsifiers.
• MALK Pure Unsweetened Almond Milk: Features organic sprouted almonds and filtered water, avoiding gums, fillers, and oils.
• Califia Farms Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk: Another good option for simple, organic ingredients, often using just almonds, water, and sea salt.

Remember to check the specific product variant, as some brands produce different versions with varying ingredient lists. The "Barista" or "Extra Creamy" versions often contain added emulsifiers to ensure they froth properly for coffee.

The Ultimate Solution: Making Your Own Additive-Free Almond Milk

The simplest and most surefire way to ensure your almond milk is completely free of additives is to make it at home. It's an easy process that gives you total control over the ingredients and flavor.

Homemade Almond Milk Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 4 cups filtered water
• Pinch of sea salt (optional)
• 1-2 dates or a splash of vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)

Instructions:

1. Soak: Place the almonds in a bowl, cover with water, and let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This softens them and makes them easier to blend.
2. Rinse: Drain and rinse the soaked almonds thoroughly.
3. Blend: Add the rinsed almonds to a high-speed blender with 4 cups of fresh filtered water and any optional flavorings.
4. Process: Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
5. Strain: Pour the blended mixture through a nut milk bag, fine-mesh sieve, or cheesecloth over a large bowl or jug. Squeeze the bag to extract as much milk as possible.
6. Store: Transfer the fresh almond milk to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for up to 5 days. It is normal for it to separate; simply shake well before each use.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Additive-Free Almond Milk

Feature	Homemade Almond Milk (No Additives)	Store-Bought (Additive-Free Brands)
Ingredients	Only almonds, water, and optional salt/sweetener. Total control over quality.	A short list of clean ingredients, but less control over sourcing and processing.
Shelf Life	Short, typically 3-5 days. Must be refrigerated.	Longer, with shelf-stable options lasting months until opened. Requires refrigeration after opening.
Cost	Can be more cost-effective per ounce, depending on the price of almonds.	Generally more expensive than conventional almond milk due to premium ingredients.
Convenience	Requires time for soaking, blending, and straining. Needs regular preparation.	Ready to use instantly. Offers convenient, mess-free access.
Texture	Thinner and more watery. Natural separation will occur and requires shaking.	Creamier and smoother due to proprietary processing methods. Less separation.
Flavor	Fresh, pure, and nutty flavor. Highly customizable with natural additions.	A consistent, clean flavor profile that may vary slightly by brand.
Fortification	Not fortified with vitamins and minerals unless you add a supplement yourself.	Often fortified with calcium and vitamins D and E to match cow's milk nutrient levels.

Conclusion

Yes, it is entirely possible to get almond milk without additives. The path you choose—either finding a pure, clean store-bought brand or making it yourself—depends on your priorities for convenience and ingredient control. For the purest and most customizable option, making your own at home is the best choice. However, for those seeking the convenience of a store-bought product, a growing number of brands are meeting the demand for clean, simple, and additive-free almond milk. By becoming a discerning label reader, you can easily find a healthier, cleaner option that fits your dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common additives in store-bought almond milk?

Common additives include thickening gums like carrageenan, gellan gum, and guar gum, as well as emulsifiers like lecithin to prevent separation and ensure a smooth texture.

Why do manufacturers add gums to almond milk?

Gums are added to commercial almond milk to stabilize the liquid, thicken it, and prevent the natural separation of solids from the water, resulting in a consistent, creamy mouthfeel.

Is carrageenan in almond milk safe?

While food safety regulators have generally deemed carrageenan safe, some people report digestive issues and inflammation related to its consumption, leading many brands to produce carrageenan-free options.

How can I make my own additive-free almond milk?

To make your own, simply soak raw almonds, blend them with filtered water, and strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. You can add a pinch of salt or a date for flavor.

Do all store-bought almond milks have additives?

No, not all store-bought almond milks have additives. Many brands, particularly those focused on organic and simple ingredients, offer versions with minimal or no additives. Always check the ingredient list to be sure.

Is homemade almond milk nutritionally different from fortified store-bought versions?

Yes, homemade almond milk is typically lower in protein and is not fortified with vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D, which are often added to commercial versions.

Will homemade almond milk separate?

Yes, homemade almond milk will naturally separate into a watery layer and a thicker, sediment layer because it lacks emulsifiers. Simply shake the container before use to reincorporate the ingredients.