Is almond milk Whole30 approved? A complete guide to finding compliant options

October 12, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Whole30 program guidelines, many non-dairy milks, including some types of almond milk, are considered acceptable and can be enjoyed in moderation. However, navigating the ingredient list is absolutely crucial to ensure the product you choose is truly compliant, as many commercial brands contain hidden sugars and additives.

Quick Summary

Yes, many unsweetened almond milks are Whole30 compliant, but reading labels is essential to avoid hidden sugars, soy, and certain additives. Find out what ingredients to look for and which to avoid in commercial brands. Learn how to spot Whole30 Approved products or make your own almond milk for a completely compliant beverage.

Key Points

Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredients list for added sugars, soy, or other non-compliant ingredients, regardless of marketing claims.
Look for "Unsweetened": Only unsweetened almond milk varieties are allowed on the Whole30 program, but this label doesn't guarantee full compliance.
Avoid Added Sugars: All forms of added sweeteners, including natural ones like maple syrup and artificial ones like stevia, are strictly prohibited.
Beware of Soy: The Whole30 program eliminates all soy products, including soy lecithin, a common emulsifier found in many commercial nut milks.
Gums are Now Allowed: Thickening agents like guar gum and xanthan gum are no longer automatically excluded from the Whole30 diet, a rule change from previous years.
Homemade is Best: Making your own almond milk at home guarantees compliance and avoids all additives and preservatives.
Carrageenan Rule Update: The Whole30 program no longer automatically excludes carrageenan, but recommends caution for those with inflammatory bowel conditions.

Decoding the Whole30 Rules for Almond Milk

The Whole30 program is a 30-day elimination diet designed to help identify food sensitivities and reset your health. The program has very strict rules regarding added sugars, dairy, legumes, and specific additives. Since almond milk is a popular dairy alternative, many participants wonder if they can continue to use it. The answer is yes, but with a significant caveat: the specific brand and its ingredients must align perfectly with Whole30's standards.

Most commercial almond milk contains ingredients that are not compliant with the program, such as added sugars, soy lecithin, and carrageenan (though the rules on carrageenan have recently been updated). Successfully navigating your Whole30 requires careful label reading and a firm understanding of what's allowed.

Non-Compliant Ingredients to Watch Out For

When scanning the ingredient list on a carton of almond milk, keep an eye out for these common culprits that would make the product off-limits:

Added Sugars: The most common offender is any form of added sweetener. This includes real sugar, cane sugar, agave, maple syrup, honey, and artificial sweeteners like stevia or Splenda. The sugar content on the nutrition label is irrelevant; if any form of sugar is listed in the ingredients, the product is out.
Soy-Based Ingredients: All forms of soy are restricted on the Whole30, and this includes soy lecithin, a common emulsifier used to give nut milks a smooth consistency.
Certain Additives: While the program has evolved to be more lenient on thickeners, specific additives are still banned. Historically, carrageenan was forbidden, but this rule has been updated. The official Whole30 website notes that while carrageenan is no longer an automatic exclusion for most, those with inflammatory bowel diseases should still avoid it. Additionally, other additives like sulfites are still on the prohibited list.
Other Restricted Foods: As with all foods and beverages on the Whole30, the almond milk must not contain any grains or legumes.

Whole30 Compliant Almond Milk: What to Look For

Finding a compliant carton of almond milk can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The best options have a very short, simple ingredient list. The goal is to find a product that is just almonds and water, possibly with a little sea salt for flavor.

Common compliant commercial brands often include:

MALK Organics: Known for their simple, clean ingredient lists, MALK's unsweetened almond milk is a popular choice.
Three Trees: Their unsweetened varieties often consist of just organic almonds and filtered water, making them an ideal Whole30 choice.
Elmhurst 1925: The brand's "milked almonds" are often made with just water and almonds.
Whole Foods 365 Organic Unsweetened: This house brand can be a reliable, cost-effective option, but always double-check the label for additives.
Califia Farms Unsweetened: Certain products, such as their Unsweetened Almondmilk, are Whole30 compliant.

The Best Compliant Choice: Homemade Almond Milk

If you want to be 100% certain your almond milk is compliant and completely free of additives, making it yourself is the best solution. The process is straightforward and guarantees a clean, delicious end product. All you need are raw almonds, water, and a high-speed blender.

How to make homemade almond milk:

Soak one cup of raw almonds in water overnight to soften them.
Drain and rinse the soaked almonds.
Blend the almonds with about 4 cups of fresh filtered water until the mixture is smooth and milky.
Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh nut milk bag or several layers of cheesecloth into a clean glass jar.
Store in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Comparing Almond Milk Options for Whole30


Feature	Compliant Store-Bought Almond Milk	Non-Compliant Store-Bought Almond Milk	Homemade Almond Milk
Ingredients	Water, almonds, possibly salt, approved gums	Water, almonds, added sugar, soy lecithin, carrageenan	Water, almonds, (optional: pinch of salt)
Additives	Minimal, potentially compliant gums (e.g., guar gum)	Added sweeteners, emulsifiers, stabilizers	None
Convenience	Easy to buy, no preparation required	Easy to buy, but careful label-reading is essential	Requires soaking, blending, and straining
Cost	Typically higher than non-compliant versions	Cheaper, but contains additives and sugar	Most cost-effective option over time
Compliance	Check for the official 'Whole30 Approved' label or read the ingredients list carefully	Always non-compliant due to added sugar or other ingredients	Guaranteed compliant when made with simple ingredients

Conclusion: Read Labels to Find a Compliant Almond Milk

Ultimately, the question of "Is almond milk Whole30 approved?" boils down to the specific product's ingredient list. While the dairy-free nature of almond milk makes it a viable option for many, the vast majority of commercial products contain non-compliant additives and sweeteners. Your best bet is to either carefully select a product from a brand known for its clean ingredients, like MALK or Three Trees, or to take the guesswork out of it entirely by making your own at home. Remember that the official Whole30 website is the best place to check for specific approved brands and product rules. By being a diligent label reader, you can successfully incorporate almond milk into your Whole30 and enjoy its creamy texture in your recipes, coffee, or on its own.

Whole30 Program Rules

What are the main ingredients to avoid in almond milk for Whole30?

For Whole30 compliance, avoid any form of added sugar (natural or artificial), soy lecithin, and sulfites. While carrageenan is no longer an automatic exclusion, it is still recommended to avoid if you have inflammatory bowel issues.

How can I tell if a brand of almond milk is Whole30 Approved?

The easiest way is to look for the official 'Whole30 Approved' label on the packaging. Alternatively, you must read the ingredients list to ensure there are no added sugars, soy lecithin, or other prohibited additives.

Is vanilla almond milk Whole30 compliant?

No, nearly all vanilla almond milks are not Whole30 compliant because they contain added sugars or vanilla extract with alcohol. The safest options are plain, unsweetened varieties. Some brands like Mooala offer a compliant vanilla version, but you must check the specific brand.

What if the label says 'unsweetened' but has other ingredients?

Even with an 'unsweetened' label, you must still check the full ingredient list. Many brands use thickeners and stabilizers that could contain soy lecithin or other non-compliant additives. A clean, compliant product will typically have a very short ingredient list.

Can I use homemade almond milk for Whole30?

Yes, homemade almond milk is the safest and most compliant option for Whole30. By making it yourself with only almonds and filtered water, you have complete control over the ingredients and can guarantee its compatibility.

Is it okay if my Whole30 compliant almond milk contains gums like guar gum?

Yes, according to recent updates from the Whole30 team, certain gums like guar gum, xanthan gum, and gellan gum are now considered compatible with the program.

What other dairy-free milks are Whole30 approved?

Besides compliant almond milk, other unsweetened non-dairy milks like cashew milk and coconut milk are also permitted, provided they have a clean ingredient list free of additives and sugars. Always check the label. Nut-based creamers, such as those from Nutpods, are also a popular choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands like MALK Organic Unsweetened, Three Trees Unsweetened Original, Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Almonds, and certain Califia Farms unsweetened varieties are often compliant. Always check the most current ingredients list before purchasing.

Yes, Whole30 rules have been updated. Thickeners such as guar gum, xanthan gum, and gellan gum are now allowed. However, it's still best to choose products with the shortest ingredient list for the cleanest option.

Most vanilla almond milks are not compliant due to added sweeteners or vanilla extract containing alcohol. A few select brands, like Mooala Organic Unsweetened Vanilla Bean Almondmilk, have received the Whole30 Approved® designation, but a standard vanilla flavor is generally a no-go.

The simplest method is to choose a brand that has the official Whole30 Approved® seal on its packaging, or to make your own at home using only almonds and filtered water.

While a high-speed blender like a Vitamix makes the process very quick and smooth, a standard blender can also work. You'll simply need to blend for a little longer to achieve a creamy consistency.

No, oat milk and rice milk are not compliant on Whole30 because they are made from grains, which are explicitly excluded from the program.

Natural flavors are now generally compliant on the Whole30 program, unlike in earlier versions of the diet. However, to be certain, products with the simplest ingredient list are always the safest choice.