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What are the ingredients in Almond Breeze Extra Creamy Almond Milk?

2 min read

According to research from EWG, many popular plant-based milks contain additives to improve texture and extend shelf life. The specific ingredients in Almond Breeze Extra Creamy Almond Milk are carefully selected to give it a rich, dairy-like consistency that sets it apart from other almond milk varieties.

Quick Summary

A detailed look at the components that make up Almond Breeze Extra Creamy, covering the core ingredients, added thickeners, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to its distinctive taste and mouthfeel.

Key Points

  • Core Ingredients: Almond Breeze Extra Creamy Almond Milk is made from filtered water, almonds, and cane sugar.

  • Texture Enhancers: Almond oil and tara gum are added to achieve the product's signature thick, dairy-like consistency.

  • Stabilizers and Emulsifiers: Sunflower lecithin and gellan gum prevent ingredient separation and ensure a smooth texture.

  • Nutritional Fortification: Essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin D2, and Vitamin E are added.

  • Extra Creamy vs. Original: The Extra Creamy version includes almond oil and tara gum, which are not in the Original formula, for a richer mouthfeel.

In This Article

Core Ingredients of Almond Breeze Extra Creamy

Almond Breeze Extra Creamy Almond Milk starts with filtered water and almonds. Its signature texture and flavor are achieved with additional ingredients, including Cane Sugar, Almond Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Citrate, Sea Salt, Tara Gum, Sunflower Lecithin, Gellan Gum, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2, and D-Alpha-Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E).

Filtered Water and Almonds

The foundation of this almond milk is a blend of almonds and filtered water, utilizing California almonds.

Cane Sugar

This variety includes cane sugar for sweetness, distinguishing it from unsweetened options.

Almond Oil

Essential for the "extra creamy" texture, almond oil provides a richer mouthfeel compared to relying solely on the natural fat from almonds.

Thickeners and Emulsifiers

To maintain a consistent, smooth texture and prevent separation, stabilizers and emulsifiers are included.

Tara Gum

This water-based thickener, derived from the Tara tree, increases viscosity and stabilizes the mixture.

Sunflower Lecithin

As an emulsifier, sunflower lecithin helps blend fats and water, ensuring a smooth consistency and preventing oil separation.

Gellan Gum

This stabilizer helps suspend particles and keeps added minerals like calcium evenly distributed.

Fortification with Vitamins and Minerals

Almond Breeze is fortified to boost its nutritional content, similar to dairy milk.

Calcium Carbonate

A source of calcium, vital for bone health.

Vitamin A Palmitate

Added to support eye and immune health.

Vitamin D2

Crucial for calcium absorption and bone health; this form is vegan-friendly.

Natural Vitamin E (D-Alpha-Tocopherol)

Supplements the natural antioxidant content from almonds.

Comparison: Extra Creamy vs. Original Almond Breeze

Ingredient Extra Creamy (Sweetened) Original (Sweetened) Purpose Key Difference
Filtered Water, Almonds Yes Yes Base Same
Cane Sugar Yes Yes Sweetener Same
Almond Oil Yes No Texture Extra Creamy adds almond oil for a richer, dairy-like mouthfeel
Sea Salt Yes Yes Flavor Same
Thickeners (Tara Gum, Gellan Gum) Yes Yes (Gellan Gum, Natural Flavors) Texture, Stability Extra Creamy uses Tara Gum for added richness
Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin) Yes Yes Consistency Same
Fortification Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Citrate, Vit. A, D2, E Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Citrate, Vit. A, D2, E Nutrition Same

What makes it "Extra Creamy"?

The key distinction is the inclusion of almond oil and tara gum in the Extra Creamy version. These ingredients enhance the fat content and provide additional thickening, creating a more decadent texture than the Original formula.

Conclusion: Decoding the Ingredients for Informed Choices

The ingredients in Almond Breeze Extra Creamy Almond Milk explain its richer texture compared to other varieties. The addition of almond oil and thickeners like tara and gellan gums contribute to its creamy consistency. Fortification with vitamins A, D, and E enhances its nutritional profile. Understanding these components, including the presence of cane sugar and various gums, helps consumers make informed decisions about their plant-based milk options.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the addition of almond oil and tara gum in the Extra Creamy version, which gives it a richer, thicker texture that more closely resembles dairy milk.

Yes, Almond Breeze Extra Creamy contains cane sugar as a sweetener. For an option without added sugar, you should look for the 'Unsweetened' varieties.

Yes, Almond Breeze Extra Creamy is a plant-based, dairy-free product, making it suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.

Gums like tara gum and gellan gum are stabilizers that prevent ingredients from separating, while lecithin is an emulsifier that creates a consistent, smooth texture.

Yes, it is fortified with several vitamins and minerals, including calcium carbonate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2, and D-Alpha-Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E).

Yes, as a product made from almonds, it is naturally gluten-free. However, if you require certified gluten-free products due to sensitivities, it is always best to check the product label for certification.

The almond oil increases the fat content and contributes to the product's overall richness and creaminess, making it feel more like a full-fat dairy product.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.