Is Blue Diamond almond milk ultra processed?

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the most widely used NOVA food classification system, many commercial plant-based milks, including almond milk, are considered ultra-processed. The question, 'Is Blue Diamond almond milk ultra processed?' leads to a nuanced answer that explores industrial techniques and added ingredients.

Quick Summary

Blue Diamond almond milk qualifies as an ultra-processed food because of its extensive industrial manufacturing, Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) pasteurization, and the inclusion of additives like stabilizers and emulsifiers.

Key Points

NOVA Classification: Based on the NOVA system, Blue Diamond almond milk is classified as an ultra-processed food (UPF) due to its industrial manufacturing and use of cosmetic additives.
Industrial Process: The UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) pasteurization process and homogenization techniques used for shelf-stable products are key indicators of its ultra-processed nature.
Ingredient List: The presence of stabilizers (gellan gum), emulsifiers (sunflower lecithin), and natural flavors, which are not typically used in home cooking, contributes to its UPF classification.
Health Nuance: While ultra-processed, unsweetened Blue Diamond almond milk can still be a part of a healthy diet, particularly for those needing calcium fortification or avoiding dairy. The health impact depends on the overall diet, not just one product.
Sweetened vs. Unsweetened: Sweetened versions have added sugars that increase their calorie count and may be less desirable than unsweetened options for health-conscious consumers.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade almond milk is considered minimally processed (NOVA Group 1), containing only almonds, water, and optional salt, offering a lower processing alternative.
Informed Choice: Understanding the processing behind commercial products like Blue Diamond empowers consumers to make dietary choices aligned with their health goals.

Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods

To determine whether Blue Diamond almond milk is ultra processed, it is essential to first understand the framework used for classification. The most referenced system is the NOVA classification, which categorizes foods into four groups based on the extent and purpose of their processing.

The NOVA Classification System

Group 1: Unprocessed or minimally processed foods. These are natural foods, like fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which have been altered in a way that does not add new ingredients or substantially change their properties (e.g., washing, peeling, freezing).
Group 2: Processed culinary ingredients. These are derived from Group 1 foods through processes like pressing, refining, or milling, and include items like oil, sugar, and salt.
Group 3: Processed foods. Created by adding Group 2 ingredients to Group 1 foods (e.g., canned vegetables with salt, salted nuts).
Group 4: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These are industrial formulations made from food substances derived from foods (e.g., starches, proteins, fats) and often contain cosmetic additives (e.g., flavors, emulsifiers, stabilizers) not typically used in home cooking.

The Making of Blue Diamond Almond Milk

Blue Diamond’s popular Almond Breeze product undergoes a series of industrial processes and includes several ingredients that push it into the ultra-processed category. Unlike homemade almond milk, which only requires almonds and water, the store-bought version has a much longer list of components.

Key Ingredients and Additives

Let's examine some of the common ingredients in Blue Diamond almond milk varieties:

Filtered Water and Almonds: The base of the product, with almonds typically making up a very small percentage of the total volume.
Stabilizers: Gellan gum is a common stabilizer used to prevent the ingredients from separating and to maintain a smooth consistency. It's produced through fermentation and is a soluble fiber, but is not a culinary ingredient found in a home kitchen.
Emulsifiers: Sunflower lecithin helps to bind the almond milk's fat and water, ensuring a creamy texture and preventing separation.
Fortification: Vitamins and minerals like calcium carbonate, Vitamin A palmitate, and Vitamin D2 are added to enhance the nutritional profile to more closely resemble dairy milk.
Natural Flavors: The term "natural flavor" can refer to a complex mix of chemicals and extracts added to enhance taste.
Sweeteners: Sweetened versions include cane sugar, which adds calories and is another layer of industrial modification.

The Industrial Process

Blue Diamond uses Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) processing to ensure a long shelf life for its shelf-stable products. This high-temperature sterilization process, combined with specialized packaging, eliminates microorganisms and allows the product to be stored at ambient temperatures for months before being opened. While this is a safe and effective method for creating a stable product, it is a key industrial technique that distinguishes it from minimally processed foods. The homogenization process further refines the texture by breaking down fat molecules and ensuring a uniform consistency.

Why Processing Isn't Always a Problem

While ultra-processed foods are often associated with negative health outcomes, some dietitians and food scientists argue that the classification needs nuance. Not all UPFs are created equal, and some, like unsweetened fortified almond milk, can serve as a beneficial part of a diet. The fortification with calcium and vitamins, for example, can be an advantage for individuals avoiding dairy. The issue arises when UPFs contain high levels of added sugar, salt, and fat, which is more typical of sweetened versions, snacks, and sugary cereals.

Comparing Almond Milk Products

Here is a comparison of Blue Diamond Unsweetened Almond Milk, Homemade Almond Milk, and another commercial brand like Malk, which aims for minimal processing.


Feature	Blue Diamond (e.g., Unsweetened Original)	Homemade Almond Milk	Malk Almond Milk (Unsweetened)
Ingredients	Almonds, filtered water, calcium carbonate, sea salt, potassium citrate, sunflower lecithin, gellan gum, natural flavor, vitamins A, D2, E.	Almonds, filtered water, pinch of salt (optional).	Filtered water, organic almonds, salt.
Processing	Industrial scale, UHT pasteurization, homogenization, fortification, emulsification, stabilization.	Small scale, blending, straining through cheesecloth or nut milk bag.	High Pressure Processing (HPP), few ingredients, but still a commercial process.
Additives	Contains emulsifiers (lecithin), stabilizers (gellan gum), and fortifying vitamins.	No additives.	No additives.
Shelf Life	Months (shelf-stable UHT) or weeks (refrigerated).	3-5 days, refrigerated.	Weeks, refrigerated.
NOVA Classification	Group 4: Ultra-processed food.	Group 1/Minimally Processed.	Generally considered Group 1/Minimally Processed, but HPP is a commercial process.

The Health Implications

The health impact of consuming Blue Diamond almond milk depends heavily on the specific product and individual dietary patterns. Sweetened varieties, with their added sugars, can contribute to higher sugar intake, which is linked to various health issues. However, unsweetened versions with minimal additives may pose less concern for some consumers. The additives themselves, such as gellan gum and sunflower lecithin, are generally considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA, though some research and anecdotal reports suggest potential gut inflammation in excessive amounts. The ultimate health context relies on the overall quality of one's diet.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Blue Diamond Almond Milk

So, is Blue Diamond almond milk ultra processed? According to the widely recognized NOVA system, yes, it fits the criteria for ultra-processed foods. This is due to its industrial manufacturing process, Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) pasteurization, and the inclusion of additives such as gellan gum, sunflower lecithin, and fortification agents. However, this classification is not a definitive judgment of its healthfulness. For consumers seeking a fortified, shelf-stable, and dairy-free option, unsweetened Blue Diamond almond milk can still be a reasonable choice, particularly when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Individuals aiming for a less processed diet should opt for homemade almond milk or commercially available alternatives with minimal ingredients. The key is understanding the level of processing and evaluating the specific ingredients to make an informed decision for your own dietary goals. For a deeper understanding of the NOVA system, consider reviewing the official documentation from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). NOVA Food Classification

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, even the unsweetened varieties are classified as ultra processed because they still undergo extensive industrial processing, including UHT pasteurization, and contain additives like stabilizers and emulsifiers.

Common additives include gellan gum (a stabilizer), sunflower lecithin (an emulsifier), calcium carbonate, sea salt, potassium citrate, natural flavors, and fortifying vitamins like A, D2, and E.

For most people, consuming ultra-processed almond milk is safe. Many additives are approved by regulatory bodies, but the potential health impact often depends on the overall diet and moderation of consumption.

No, UHT pasteurization is a standard, safe industrial process that extends shelf life by eliminating microorganisms. It doesn't make the product inherently unhealthy, though it is a key reason for its UPF classification.

Homemade almond milk is minimally processed and contains only almonds and water. Blue Diamond is ultra-processed due to added ingredients and industrial techniques designed for shelf-stability and texture.

These additives, like gellan gum and sunflower lecithin, are added to prevent the natural separation of fats and solids from the water, ensuring a consistent texture and smooth mouthfeel over a long shelf life.

Most commercial plant-based milks, including many oat and soy varieties, are classified as ultra-processed due to similar industrial processes and additive use. However, some brands offer minimally processed alternatives, and homemade versions are not ultra-processed.