Do all almond milks have carrageenan? The truth about thickeners

According to a 2016 survey, a handling subcommittee of the National Organic Standards Board found that suitable alternatives to carrageenan existed, especially in dairy alternatives, though they noted potential differences in texture. The short answer to "do all almond milks have carrageenan?" is no, but it is a common ingredient in many processed varieties.

Quick Summary

This article explores the use of carrageenan, a seaweed-derived additive, in almond milk for thickening and stabilization. It highlights that many brands have removed it due to consumer demand and outlines alternatives used in its place. We cover how to identify carrageenan-free products and why manufacturers use it.

Key Points

• Not All Almond Milks Contain Carrageenan: While a common additive, many brands, particularly organic and health-focused ones, have removed it due to consumer concerns.

• Check the Label: The easiest way to confirm is to read the ingredient list, where carrageenan must be explicitly named.

• Carrageenan is a Thickener: It is used by manufacturers to prevent separation of almond solids and water, creating a consistent, creamy texture and extending shelf life.

• Controversy Exists: Some studies suggest potential links between carrageenan and gastrointestinal inflammation, though food-grade carrageenan is considered safe by regulatory bodies.

• Common Alternatives Exist: Brands that avoid carrageenan often use other thickeners like gellan gum, guar gum, or xanthan gum to achieve a similar consistency.

• Homemade is an Option: For complete control over ingredients, you can easily make your own carrageenan-free almond milk with just almonds and water.

Understanding Carrageenan in Almond Milk

Carrageenan is a linear sulfated polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed, such as Irish Moss. It has been used for centuries for its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. When it comes to processed food products like almond milk, carrageenan serves a crucial purpose: to prevent the liquid and solids from separating. Without a stabilizer, the watery liquid would separate from the almond particles and settle at the bottom of the carton. While this separation is a natural occurrence, it can be unappealing to consumers, leading manufacturers to add thickeners to create a creamy, consistent mouthfeel.

Why Manufacturers Add Carrageenan

For manufacturers, carrageenan offers several benefits that help create a product that meets consumer expectations and has a longer shelf life. Almond milk is inherently a simple mixture of almonds and water. However, to mimic the rich and creamy texture of dairy milk and ensure the product remains stable on store shelves, additives are necessary. Carrageenan binds with water and helps create a smooth, homogeneous solution. This is especially important for non-dairy milks, which often have a thinner consistency than their dairy counterparts. The use of carrageenan is a cost-effective and efficient way to achieve this desired texture and stability.

The Controversy and Carrageenan-Free Trend

Despite its common use and status as "generally recognized as safe" by the FDA, carrageenan has been a subject of controversy. The debate primarily stems from the distinction between food-grade carrageenan and degraded carrageenan, or poligeenan. While degraded carrageenan is known to cause inflammation and is not used in food, some researchers have raised concerns that food-grade carrageenan might degrade in the digestive tract, potentially causing inflammation or other gastrointestinal issues. These concerns, amplified by consumer advocacy groups, have led to increased demand for carrageenan-free products.

Impact of Consumer Demand

The public concern over carrageenan has driven many brands to reformulate their products. Food manufacturers, particularly those in the organic and health-conscious market, have responded by marketing their products as "carrageenan-free" to appeal to consumers seeking fewer additives. This shift highlights a broader consumer trend toward more transparent ingredient lists and minimally processed foods. As a result, shoppers now have a wider variety of almond milk options that do not contain carrageenan.

How to Check for Carrageenan

Checking for carrageenan is straightforward: simply read the ingredient label. Carrageenan, like all legally required food ingredients, must be listed. When scanning the label, look for the term "carrageenan" or its European equivalent, "E 407". If you see this ingredient listed, the product contains it. Conversely, if you are looking for carrageenan-free almond milk, look for labels that explicitly state "carrageenan-free" or check the ingredient list for alternative stabilizers.

Comparison of Almond Milks

Feature	Almond Milk with Carrageenan	Carrageenan-Free Almond Milk
Texture	Often has a consistently creamy, smooth mouthfeel.	May be thinner or require shaking before use to remix separated ingredients.
Ingredients	Includes carrageenan and potentially other gums.	Replaces carrageenan with other thickeners like gellan gum or guar gum, or contains no thickeners.
Shelf Stability	Designed to prevent separation and maintain a uniform texture over time.	Less stable; natural separation of almond sediment is common.
Consumer Appeal	Appeals to those who prefer a traditional, creamy dairy-like texture.	Marketed to consumers concerned about food additives and those seeking simpler, cleaner ingredient lists.
Health Concerns	Subject of debate regarding potential gastrointestinal effects in sensitive individuals.	Generally preferred by those wishing to avoid carrageenan due to health concerns.

Alternative Thickeners in Almond Milk

For almond milk brands that have removed carrageenan, several other gums and stabilizers are used to maintain a desirable texture. These are often seen as less controversial alternatives and include:

• Gellan Gum: A naturally occurring polysaccharide produced by bacteria. It is an effective gelling agent used to prevent separation and improve texture.
• Guar Gum: Extracted from guar beans, this thickener helps increase viscosity.
• Xanthan Gum: A thickening agent created by fermenting sugars. It is widely used in gluten-free baking and dairy alternatives.
• Locust Bean Gum: Derived from the seeds of the carob tree, it is used to thicken and stabilize.
• Lecithin: Often sourced from sunflowers or soybeans, this is an emulsifier that helps bind ingredients and create a smoother consistency.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

To answer the question, "Do all almond milks have carrageenan?" definitively: no. The presence of carrageenan is entirely dependent on the brand and specific product formulation. While it has been a common additive for creating a creamy texture and preventing separation, consumer demand for cleaner labels has led many manufacturers to remove it. For those concerned about potential gastrointestinal issues linked to carrageenan, there are numerous options available that use alternative thickeners or no stabilizers at all. The simplest way to know for sure is to always read the ingredients list on the packaging. Your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences for texture, ingredient simplicity, and any specific health considerations. A thorough guide on interpreting food labels can help you choose the right product for your dietary needs.

List of Carrageenan-Free Almond Milk Brands

• Califia Farms Unsweetened Almondmilk
• MALK Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk
• Three Trees Almondmilk Unsweetened Original
• Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original
• Silk Unsweetened Almond milk
• Wholefoods 365 Unsweetened Almond Milk
• Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Almonds
• Trader Joe's organic Unsweetened Almond Beverage (shelf-stable)
• Pacific Foods Organic Unsweetened Almond Original
• Mooala Organic Original Unsweetened Almond Milk
• New Barn Organic Almond Milk
• Orgain Almond Milk
• Simply Almond

(Note: Product formulations can change, so always check the most current label to confirm the ingredients.)

How to Make Homemade Carrageenan-Free Almond Milk

For complete control over your ingredients and to ensure your almond milk is 100% carrageenan-free, making it at home is the simplest option.

1. Soak the almonds: Place 1 cup of raw almonds in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for 8-24 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Drain and rinse: Discard the soaking water and rinse the almonds thoroughly.
3. Blend: Combine the rinsed almonds with 2-4 cups of fresh, filtered water in a high-speed blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until a white, frothy liquid forms.
4. Strain: Pour the mixture through a nut milk bag or several layers of cheesecloth over a large bowl. Squeeze firmly to extract all the liquid.
5. Flavor (Optional): Add a dash of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or a natural sweetener like maple syrup to taste.
6. Store: Keep the almond milk in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Remember to shake before use as the mixture will naturally separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is carrageenan added to almond milk?

Carrageenan is added as a stabilizing and thickening agent to prevent the natural separation of the water and almond solids. This gives the milk a consistent, creamy texture and improves its shelf stability.

What are the health concerns surrounding carrageenan?

Some studies and reports have linked food-grade carrageenan to potential gastrointestinal issues and inflammation in sensitive individuals, though its safety is debated by researchers and it is approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA. Critics are often concerned that it may degrade in the gut.

How can I find almond milk without carrageenan?

To find carrageenan-free almond milk, you must read the ingredient list on the packaging. Many brands will also explicitly state 'carrageenan-free' on the label. You can also look for alternatives like gellan gum or simply choose brands with a minimal ingredient list.

Which brands of almond milk are typically carrageenan-free?

Many brands have shifted to carrageenan-free formulations due to consumer demand. Examples include Silk, Califia Farms, MALK Organic, and Trader Joe's (certain varieties). However, product ingredients can change, so it's always best to check the current label.

What are the common alternatives to carrageenan in almond milk?

Common alternatives include gellan gum, guar gum, xanthan gum, and locust bean gum. Some brands may also use sunflower lecithin as an emulsifier.

What happens if I make almond milk at home without carrageenan?

Homemade almond milk made without carrageenan or other thickeners will naturally separate over time, with the almond solids settling at the bottom. You will need to shake the container well before each use to re-mix the liquid.

Is carrageenan-free almond milk less creamy?

Not necessarily. While carrageenan creates a very consistent creamy texture, many carrageenan-free brands use alternative thickeners like gellan gum or simply have a higher almond content to achieve a creamy mouthfeel.