Is Califia Farms almond milk healthy? A comprehensive nutritional guide

October 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Nielsen data, plant-based milk sales have grown significantly, making options like Califia Farms a staple in many households. With its smooth taste and dairy-free status, it is easy to assume it is a healthy choice, but is Califia Farms almond milk healthy for you, and what factors should you consider?

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed look at the nutritional content of Califia Farms almond milk, examining calories, sugar, and fortification to assess its overall health profile.

Key Points

Unsweetened Varieties are Healthiest: The unsweetened versions of Califia Farms almond milk contain zero sugar and are very low in calories, making them ideal for weight management and sugar control.
Low Protein Content: Unlike dairy milk, almond milk is not a significant source of protein, providing only about 1 gram per serving, so other protein sources are necessary.
Fortification is Key: Califia Farms almond milk is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D to match the profile of dairy, but the nutrients are not naturally occurring.
Watch for Additives: Gums like gellan and locust bean gum are used as stabilizers and can cause digestive issues for some individuals; organic versions may have cleaner labels.
Avoid Added Sugars: Sweetened and flavored Califia Farms almond milks can contain a notable amount of added sugar per serving, which can be detrimental to health if consumed frequently.
Not for Infants: Due to its low calorie and protein content, almond milk is not a suitable substitute for breast milk or formula for infants under 12 months.

A Closer Look at Califia Farms Almond Milk

Determining whether a plant-based milk is 'healthy' is not a straightforward question. The answer depends heavily on the specific product variety, the overall nutritional profile, and the needs of the individual consumer. Califia Farms offers several types of almond milk, including unsweetened, sweetened vanilla, and barista blends, each with a distinct nutritional composition.

Unsweetened Almond Milk: The Healthiest Option

The unsweetened variety is typically considered the best choice for health-conscious consumers. It has no added sugar and is very low in calories, with some versions containing as little as 35-40 calories per serving. This makes it a great option for those managing their weight or controlling blood sugar.

Nutritional highlights of Califia Farms Unsweetened Almondmilk often include:

Naturally low in calories and saturated fat.
Typically fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E to mimic the nutritional profile of dairy milk.
Low in protein, containing only about 1 gram per serving, which is significantly less than cow's milk.
Minimal, clean ingredients in the organic version.

Sweetened and Flavored Varieties: Handle with Care

Unlike their unsweetened counterparts, sweetened and flavored versions like Vanilla Pure Almondmilk contain added sugar. While still dairy-free and often lower in calories than sugary sodas, the added sugars can add up quickly, especially if consumed regularly. For instance, some vanilla varieties can contain 8 grams of added sugar per serving. Regularly consuming beverages high in added sugar is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Comparing Califia Farms Almond Milk Varieties

It is essential to read the nutrition label and ingredient list for each product. The following table provides a clear comparison of common Califia Farms almond milk varieties to help inform your choice.


Feature	Unsweetened	Vanilla	Barista Blend
Calories (per 8 oz)	~35-40	~70	~77
Total Sugars (per 8 oz)	0g	8g (Added Sugar)	5g
Protein (per 8 oz)	1g	1g	2g
Ingredients	Almondmilk, Vitamins/Minerals, Gums	Almondmilk, Cane Sugar, Natural Flavor, Vitamins/Minerals, Gums	Almondmilk, Cane Sugar, Calcium, Sunflower Lecithin, Pea Protein, Gums

The Additive Debate: Gums and Stabilizers

Many store-bought almond milks, including some from Califia Farms, contain additives like gellan gum and locust bean gum to provide a creamy texture and prevent separation. While generally recognized as safe by the FDA, some individuals with sensitive digestive systems may experience bloating, gas, or other discomfort when consuming products with these additives. Some of Califia's organic products use fewer ingredients and no gums, which may be preferable for those with sensitivities.

Almond Milk vs. Dairy Milk

For many, almond milk is a dairy-free and vegan alternative to cow's milk. Here's a brief comparison:

Calories and Fat: Unsweetened almond milk is significantly lower in calories and fat than most dairy milk, particularly whole milk.
Protein: Dairy milk is a natural source of high-quality protein (8.5 grams per cup), whereas almond milk provides very little. This difference is crucial for individuals relying on milk for a significant portion of their protein intake.
Fortification: While dairy milk naturally contains calcium and other vitamins, almond milk's nutritional profile relies heavily on fortification. Califia Farms adds substantial levels of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients.

Making a Healthy Choice for Your Lifestyle

Ultimately, whether Califia Farms almond milk is healthy depends on your personal dietary needs and the specific product. For those needing a low-calorie, low-sugar, dairy-free milk substitute, the unsweetened varieties are an excellent choice. They are versatile, good for weight management, and fortified with essential vitamins. For those with digestive sensitivities, the organic, minimalist ingredient options are a better bet. However, those looking for a significant source of protein should not rely on almond milk and instead seek protein from other dietary sources. Always check the label to ensure you're choosing the right product for your health goals.

Conclusion

In summary, Califia Farms almond milk can be a very healthy part of a balanced diet, especially the unsweetened and organic versions. Its low calorie count and fortification make it a suitable alternative for many. However, its low protein content and the presence of added sugars and gums in some varieties mean that consumers must be mindful of their specific health goals when making a selection. For those seeking optimal health benefits, an unsweetened variety with a minimal ingredient list is the superior option, and it should not be viewed as a high-protein source.

For more detailed nutritional information on Califia Farms products, refer to Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for most health-conscious consumers, the unsweetened variety is the best option because it has no added sugar and is very low in calories, typically 35-40 per serving.

Califia Farms almond milk is substantially fortified and can contain higher calcium levels than dairy milk, but this is added, not naturally occurring.

The unsweetened varieties, being very low in calories and sugar, can be an excellent choice for weight loss when replacing higher-calorie beverages.

Additives like gellan and guar gum are generally considered safe in small amounts. However, some individuals with sensitive digestive systems may experience discomfort, such as gas or bloating.

Almond milk is primarily water mixed with a small amount of almonds. The protein content from the nuts gets diluted during processing, resulting in very low protein per serving compared to cow's milk.

The organic version often has a simpler ingredient list, sometimes with no gums or thickeners, which can be a better option for those seeking a 'cleaner' label or who have sensitivities to additives.

Yes, Califia Farms almond milk is versatile and can be used in recipes that call for dairy milk. However, its low fat and protein content may slightly alter the texture of baked goods compared to using full-fat dairy milk.