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.