Does almond milk contain gums?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 65% of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy, leading many to seek plant-based alternatives like almond milk. A key concern for health-conscious consumers is whether almond milk contains gums, which are often added to enhance texture and shelf life. While not all brands include them, many commercial varieties do.

Quick Summary

Most commercial almond milks utilize thickening gums such as gellan or xanthan gum for a smooth, stable consistency and to extend product shelf life. Consumers can find gum-free options by carefully reviewing ingredient lists for minimal ingredients or choosing specific brands known for cleaner products. Some individuals may experience digestive sensitivities to these additives.

Key Points

Gums are common: Many store-bought almond milks contain gums like gellan, xanthan, and guar to prevent separation and thicken consistency.
Purpose of gums: These additives primarily function as stabilizers and emulsifiers, making the milk appear creamier and extending its shelf life.
Check the label: The best way to identify a gum-free almond milk is by reading the ingredients list and looking for products with minimal ingredients (almonds, water, salt).
Health concerns: Some people, especially those with sensitive digestive systems, may experience gastrointestinal issues like bloating and gas from consuming food gums.
Gum-free options exist: Specific brands, often organic, market themselves as gum-free. Natural separation is a normal sign of these cleaner products.
Homemade is an option: Making your own almond milk at home guarantees a product with no additives, requiring only almonds, water, and a blender.

Gums in Almond Milk: The Stabilizing Truth

Many consumers are surprised to learn that their favorite carton of almond milk often contains more than just almonds and water. Commercial almond milk, which is fundamentally a suspension of almond particles in water, is prone to natural separation over time. To combat this, manufacturers add various food-grade gums and stabilizers. These additives serve several important functions, primarily to create a creamy mouthfeel, prevent the liquid and solids from separating, and extend the product's shelf life.

Why Are Gums Added to Almond Milk?

The primary reasons for adding gums and stabilizers to almond milk are tied to consumer expectations and manufacturing efficiency.

Prevents Separation: Without stabilizers, the almond solids will naturally settle to the bottom of the carton. Gums act as a binding agent, keeping the ingredients uniformly mixed.
Enhances Texture: By thickening the beverage, gums create a richer, more dairy-like consistency. This is especially important for brands that use a low percentage of actual almonds.
Improves Shelf Life: Some gums inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms, helping to extend the almond milk's freshness.
Facilitates Frothing: For barista-style almond milks, specific gums are added to improve their ability to foam for coffee drinks.

Common Gums Found in Commercial Almond Milk

Several types of gums are prevalent in the almond milk industry. Understanding which ones are used can help consumers make informed decisions.

Gellan Gum: Produced by bacterial fermentation, this polysaccharide acts as a gelling and stabilizing agent. It is often combined with other gums to create desired textures.
Xanthan Gum: Another fermentation-derived gum, xanthan gum is a popular thickening agent that contributes to a smooth consistency and has been linked to mild digestive side effects in some individuals.
Guar Gum: Extracted from the guar bean, this gum is an effective thickener. High doses have been associated with gastrointestinal discomfort such as gas and bloating.
Locust Bean Gum: This gum is derived from the seeds of the carob tree. It's used as a thickener and stabilizer and is generally considered safe, though some people may be sensitive to it.
Carrageenan: Derived from red seaweed, carrageenan is a controversial stabilizer. While approved by regulatory bodies, some studies suggest a link to intestinal inflammation, and many brands have since removed it.

Potential Health Concerns and Digestive Issues

For most people, the small amounts of gums used in food products are safe to consume. However, a small percentage of the population may experience adverse effects, particularly those with sensitive digestive systems. Common complaints include bloating, gas, and general digestive discomfort. Individuals with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may find that certain gums, such as guar gum, exacerbate their symptoms. Furthermore, gums like xanthan and carrageenan have been subject to more scrutiny, with some studies suggesting potential links to gut inflammation.

How to Find Almond Milk Without Gums

The good news is that almond milk without added gums is widely available, particularly from brands that focus on simpler, cleaner ingredient lists. To find them, you need to read the nutrition label carefully. Look for products with minimal ingredients—ideally just almonds and water, and perhaps a pinch of sea salt. Many organic and specialty brands prioritize a cleaner label. Brands like Malk Organics, Three Trees, and Califia Farms' organic line are known for omitting gums. A telltale sign of a gum-free product is natural separation; you'll need to shake the container well before use to re-emulsify it.

Comparison of Almond Milk Products


Feature	Commercial Almond Milk (with gums)	Gum-Free Almond Milk	Homemade Almond Milk
Ingredients	Almonds, water, various gums (gellan, xanthan), emulsifiers, vitamins, natural flavors	Almonds, water, sea salt	Almonds, water, optional sweetener (dates, maple syrup)
Texture	Smooth, creamy, and consistent due to added stabilizers	Thinner consistency, natural separation occurs	Richer, more intense almond flavor and thicker consistency
Shelf Life	Longer shelf life, often shelf-stable until opened	Shorter shelf life once opened, must be refrigerated	Shortest shelf life, usually lasts up to 5 days in the fridge
Additives	Contains various gums and emulsifiers for stability and texture	Free of added gums, oils, and fillers	No additives; total control over ingredients
Preparation	No preparation needed; ready to pour	Shake well before serving due to natural separation	Requires soaking almonds and blending at home

Making Your Own Gum-Free Almond Milk

For those who want complete control over their ingredients, making homemade almond milk is a simple process.

Soak: Place 1 cup of raw, unsalted almonds in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Drain: Drain and rinse the soaked almonds.
Blend: Add the almonds to a blender with 4 cups of fresh, filtered water. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt or a date for sweetness.
Strain: Pour the mixture through a nut milk bag or a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a large bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Store: Transfer the milk into a clean, airtight container and refrigerate. The milk will naturally separate, so shake well before each use.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Almond Milk Choices

In conclusion, the presence of gums in almond milk is not universal, but it is a common practice among most commercial brands to improve texture and stability. While these additives are generally considered safe for consumption, some individuals may experience digestive sensitivities. By reading ingredient labels and seeking out brands with minimal ingredient lists, consumers can easily find gum-free alternatives. For the purest and freshest option, making almond milk at home offers total control and ensures no unwanted additives. By understanding the role of gums, consumers can make a more informed choice that best suits their health and dietary preferences. The official FDA website on food additives is a reliable source for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common gums found in commercial almond milk are gellan gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, and locust bean gum. Carrageenan, a controversial seaweed extract, has also been used as a thickener.

Gums are added primarily to prevent the natural separation of almond solids and water, to create a smooth, creamy texture, and to extend the product's shelf life.

For most people, the small quantities of gums in food are safe. However, some individuals with sensitive digestive systems may experience discomfort like bloating or gas. Regulatory bodies generally recognize them as safe.

To find a gum-free almond milk, check the ingredients list on the packaging. Look for products with a very short ingredient list, typically just consisting of almonds, water, and salt. Natural separation is also a key indicator.

Yes, gum-free almond milk often has a thinner, less creamy consistency than brands with added stabilizers. You will also need to shake the carton before each use to mix the naturally separated liquid and almond solids.

Several brands offer gum-free options, especially in their organic lines. Some examples include Califia Farms Organic, Malk Organics, Three Trees, and Elmhurst 1925.

Carrageenan is a stabilizer derived from red seaweed. While it has been used in almond milk, some studies have raised concerns about its link to inflammation, and many brands have phased it out. It's best to check the label.

Homemade almond milk gives you complete control over the ingredients, guaranteeing it is free of gums and other additives. It typically has a richer almond flavor but a shorter shelf life and requires refrigeration.