What almond milk is Whole30 approved? A complete guide

Did you know that many popular almond milk brands contain ingredients like added sugar and thickeners that are not compliant with the Whole30 program? Learning what almond milk is Whole30 approved is crucial for navigating the challenge successfully and avoiding sneaky additives in your cart.

Quick Summary

This guide details the specific ingredients that make almond milk compliant or non-compliant with Whole30 rules. It offers a list of approved store-bought brands and provides a simple recipe for making your own almond milk at home.

Key Points

• Check Labels Thoroughly: Always read the ingredients list to find almond milk that is unsweetened and free of carrageenan, soy, and other banned additives.

• Know Compliant Brands: Brands like Mooala, Elmhurst, and Three Trees offer Whole30 Approved® or compliant almond milk options with clean ingredient lists.

• Homemade is Safest: For complete control over ingredients, make your own almond milk using only raw almonds, filtered water, and optional salt.

• Beware of Thickeners: While some gums like gellan gum are generally compatible, avoiding them altogether by choosing homemade or ultra-simple brands is the safest bet.

• Read Official Whole30 Guidance: Refer to the official Whole30 website for the most up-to-date information on compliant ingredients and products.

• Recognize Non-Compliant Additives: Steer clear of any almond milk with added sugars (including natural sweeteners), carrageenan, soy lecithin, or sulfites.

Understanding the Rules: What Makes Almond Milk Whole30 Compliant?

For almond milk to be Whole30 compatible, its ingredient list must be clean and free of specific, prohibited additives. The core rule is straightforward: no added sugar, no dairy, no carrageenan, and no soy. Many commercial almond milks, even unsweetened varieties, contain these non-compliant ingredients.

Ingredients to Avoid on Whole30

When reading the label, be vigilant for these common additives:

• Added Sugars: This includes cane sugar, cane juice, maple syrup, honey, and natural flavors that are derived from non-compliant sources. Dates are also not permitted.
• Thickeners and Emulsifiers: Carrageenan, a thickener, is explicitly banned. Some other thickeners like gellan gum, locust bean gum, and sunflower lecithin are generally compatible, but it's best to look for brands with the simplest ingredients.
• Soy Lecithin: As a soy derivative, soy lecithin is not compatible with the Whole30 program.
• MSG and Sulfites: These flavor enhancers and preservatives are not allowed.
• Unapproved Natural Flavors: Unless the brand explicitly confirms they are Whole30 compliant, be wary of products listing 'natural flavors'.

Your Whole30 Approved Almond Milk Options

Navigating the dairy-free aisle can be a minefield, but several brands have stepped up to offer compliant products. Here is a list of popular brands that offer at least one Whole30 approved almond milk option:

• Mooala: Unsweetened Simple Almondmilk and Organic Unsweetened Almondmilk are both Whole30 Approved®.
• Elmhurst 1925: Their Unsweetened Milked Almonds contain only filtered water and almonds, making them a safe choice.
• Three Trees: Unsweetened Almond Milk has a simple ingredient list of organic almonds and water.
• Malk Organics: The Unsweetened Almond Milk is compliant, using just organic almonds, filtered water, and Himalayan salt.
• Califia Farms: Some of their unsweetened varieties are compliant, but it is critical to check the label for any added thickeners or non-compliant ingredients.
• Friendly Farms (Aldi): Friendly Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk and Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk are Whole30 compliant.
• Whole Foods 365: The Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk is a compliant option exclusively available at Whole Foods.
• Simple Truth (Kroger): The Unsweetened Almond Milk is compliant, but always check the ingredients.
• Blue Diamond: Look for their Unsweetened Original Almond Milk in both shelf-stable and refrigerated options.

Making Your Own Whole30 Compliant Almond Milk

For complete control over ingredients and freshness, making homemade almond milk is the ultimate Whole30-approved option. It is often cheaper and tastes significantly better than the store-bought versions.

Homemade Almond Milk Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw, organic almonds
• 4 cups filtered water
• Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak the almonds overnight (8-12 hours) in a bowl covered with water.
2. Drain and rinse the soaked almonds.
3. Add the rinsed almonds and 4 cups of fresh filtered water to a high-speed blender.
4. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and opaque.
5. Place a nut milk bag or several layers of cheesecloth over a bowl and pour the blended mixture through it.
6. Squeeze the bag to extract all the liquid, leaving the pulp behind.
7. Transfer the milk to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before each use.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Almond Milk Comparison

Feature	Store-Bought (Compliant)	Homemade
Cost	Can be more expensive per ounce	Often more cost-effective over time
Ingredients	Clean, but may contain some permitted gums	Only almonds, water, and salt. You control everything.
Convenience	Ready to pour and use immediately	Requires pre-planning for soaking and blending
Taste	Can vary by brand; may have a less-rich flavor	Creamier and richer taste; can be customized
Shelf Life	Longer due to pasteurization and preservatives	Shorter, typically 3-5 days

Conclusion

Finding a compliant almond milk for your Whole30 journey is entirely possible, whether you prefer the convenience of a store-bought brand or the control of a homemade batch. The key takeaway is to always, without exception, read the ingredient label. Compliant options will be unsweetened and free of carrageenan, soy, and other restricted additives. Remember that making your own is a simple, cost-effective, and delicious way to guarantee a 100% compliant and fresh product. By understanding the rules and knowing which brands to trust, you can enjoy almond milk with confidence during your Whole30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened almond milk on Whole30?

No, sweetened almond milk is not allowed on Whole30. Even if sweetened with natural alternatives like honey or dates, any added sugar is a violation of the program's rules. Only unsweetened varieties are permitted.

Are 'natural flavors' in almond milk Whole30 compliant?

Not necessarily. Unless the product is specifically marked Whole30 Approved®, it is best to avoid almond milk with 'natural flavors' listed in the ingredients, as they can sometimes contain non-compliant ingredients.

Is almond milk with carrageenan allowed on Whole30?

No, carrageenan is a prohibited additive on the Whole30 program. Always check the ingredient list and avoid almond milk that contains it.

Can I use almond milk with sunflower lecithin on Whole30?

Yes, sunflower lecithin is generally considered a compliant emulsifier on Whole30. However, for the cleanest option, many choose brands with fewer or no added stabilizers.

How long does homemade Whole30 almond milk last?

Homemade almond milk has a much shorter shelf life than store-bought. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will typically last for 3 to 5 days.

Is vanilla almond milk Whole30 compliant?

Only unsweetened vanilla almond milk from a compliant brand is allowed. Some companies, like Mooala, offer Whole30 Approved® unsweetened vanilla options that use natural vanilla flavor derived from vanilla beans.

Is Blue Diamond almond milk Whole30 approved?

Yes, certain varieties of Blue Diamond almond milk are Whole30 compliant. Specifically, their Unsweetened Original Almond Milk (both refrigerated and shelf-stable) is approved, but always confirm the ingredient list.