Alpro is a leading brand in the plant-based foods sector, offering a wide selection of milk alternatives made from ingredients like soya, almonds, and oats. These products are popular among vegans, people with lactose intolerance, or those simply looking to diversify their diets with more plant-based options. However, with a variety of base ingredients and sweetening levels, the calorie and nutritional value can differ substantially between products.
Alpro Milk Calories: A Detailed Breakdown
The calorie content in Alpro milk is primarily determined by its source ingredient and whether it has added sugars. In general, unsweetened varieties are lower in calories than their original, sweetened counterparts. This is an important consideration for anyone managing their daily calorie intake.
Alpro Soya Milk
Soya milk is a classic plant-based option known for its higher protein content compared to other alternatives.
- Alpro Soya Original: Contains 42 kcal per 100ml.
- Alpro Soya Unsweetened: Provides a lower 33 kcal per 100ml.
- Alpro Soya Barista: This is a good option for coffee and provides 42 kcal per 100ml, similar to the original.
Alpro Almond Milk
Almond milk is often chosen for its light, nutty flavour and is typically one of the lowest-calorie plant-based milks.
- Alpro Almond Original: Has 23 kcal per 100ml.
- Alpro Almond Unsweetened: An even lighter option, containing just 13 kcal per 100ml.
- Alpro Almond Barista: This variant has 24 kcal per 100ml.
Alpro Oat Milk
Oat milk is known for its creamy texture, making it a favorite for hot drinks and cereals, though it tends to be higher in carbohydrates than almond or soya milk.
- Alpro Oat Original: Contains 45 kcal per 100ml.
- Alpro Oat No Sugars: With no added sugar, this has 44 kcal per 100ml.
Alpro Coconut Milk
For a tropical flavour, coconut milk is an excellent choice, and it's also low in calories.
- Alpro Coconut Original: Contains 20 kcal per 100ml.
- Alpro Coconut No Sugars: The unsweetened version is even lower, with just 14 kcal per 100ml.
Alpro Milk Calorie Comparison Table
| Product Variant | Calories (per 100ml) | Fat (per 100ml) | Sugars (per 100ml) | Protein (per 100ml) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soya Original | 42 kcal | 1.9 g | 2.5 g | 3.3 g |
| Soya Unsweetened | 33 kcal | 1.8 g | 0.0 g | 3.3 g |
| Almond Original | 23 kcal | 1.1 g | 2.4 g | 0.4 g |
| Almond Unsweetened | 13 kcal | 1.1 g | 0.0 g | 0.4 g |
| Oat Original | 45 kcal | 1.5 g | 3.2 g | 0.8 g |
| Oat No Sugars | 44 kcal | 1.8 g | 0.0 g | 0.7 g |
| Coconut Original | 20 kcal | 0.9 g | 1.9 g | 0.1 g |
| Coconut No Sugars | 14 kcal | 1.2 g | 0.0 g | 0.2 g |
Key Factors Influencing Alpro's Calorie Content
The calorie difference between Alpro products comes down to a few key nutritional components:
- Fat Content: While all Alpro milks are naturally low in fat compared to dairy, the specific fat content of the base ingredient (e.g., coconut vs. almond) affects the final calorie count.
- Added Sugars: The most significant factor is added sugar. As shown in the table, unsweetened versions consistently have lower calories than their 'Original' counterparts.
- Protein and Carbohydrates: The protein and carbohydrate content of the base ingredient also contributes to the total calories. For example, soya milk generally has higher protein than almond milk.
Beyond Calories: Nutritional Profile of Alpro Milk
When evaluating Alpro milk, it is important to look at the whole nutritional picture, not just the calories. Most Alpro drinks are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
Here are some of the key nutritional benefits:
- Fortified Vitamins: Alpro fortifies many of its drinks with Vitamins D and B12, which are often lacking in vegan diets.
- Calcium Source: The milks are also a good source of calcium, crucial for bone health.
- Protein: Soya milk, in particular, offers a good source of high-quality plant-based protein.
- Lower Saturated Fat: All Alpro drinks are naturally low in saturated fat, contributing to a heart-healthy diet.
- Fibre: Oat milk provides a source of dietary fibre, which supports digestive health.
For more detailed nutritional information on different Alpro products, including a comparison of soya and almond, you can visit the Alpro website.
Conclusion
The number of calories in Alpro milk varies depending on the type and whether it's sweetened. Unsweetened almond and coconut drinks contain the fewest calories, while sweetened oat and soya drinks contain the most. Choosing an unsweetened option is the best way to keep calories and sugar in check. However, regardless of the calorie count, Alpro milks are a valuable source of fortified nutrients like calcium and vitamins D and B12, and can be a healthy addition to a balanced, plant-based diet. Always check the nutritional label for the most accurate information on your specific product of choice.
