What are the ingredients in Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk?

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturers, commercial almond milk, unlike homemade versions, often contains stabilizers and added nutrients. Many people want to know exactly what are the ingredients in Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk, a popular dairy-free beverage found in refrigerated and shelf-stable options. This article provides a comprehensive look at the specific components that make up this product.

Quick Summary

This article details the ingredients in Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk, from primary components like almonds and water to additives such as calcium carbonate, sunflower lecithin, and gellan gum. It explains the purpose of each additive in creating the milk's texture and stability, differentiating between flavored and original versions and comparing it with other brands.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk is primarily made from filtered water and almonds.
Stabilizers are Key: Gellan gum and sunflower lecithin are added to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, consistent texture.
Fortified for Health: The product is fortified with nutrients like calcium carbonate and vitamins A, D2, and E to boost its nutritional profile.
Additive Considerations: It contains 'natural flavors' for taste and stabilizers that some sensitive individuals may react to.
Differs from Homemade: Store-bought versions differ significantly from homemade almond milk due to the inclusion of stabilizers and fortification.
Low in Protein: A key nutritional difference is that almond milk contains considerably less protein than dairy milk.

What's in Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original?

For consumers with allergies, dietary restrictions, or those simply curious, understanding the exact composition of a product is essential. The ingredients for Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original, based on the EWG's Food Scores, are:

Almondmilk (Filtered Water, Almonds)
Calcium Carbonate
Sea Salt
Potassium Citrate
Sunflower Lecithin
Gellan Gum
Natural Flavors
Vitamin A Palmitate
Vitamin D2
D-Alpha-Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E)

The Purpose of Each Ingredient

Beyond the straightforward base of filtered water and almonds, the additional ingredients play specific roles in the product's quality, shelf-life, and nutritional profile.

Filtered Water and Almonds: The foundation of the product. The concentration of almonds can vary between brands, affecting flavor and creaminess.
Calcium Carbonate: Fortifies with calcium, similar to dairy milk.
Sea Salt: Enhances flavor.
Potassium Citrate: Preserves and stabilizes by regulating acidity.
Sunflower Lecithin: An emulsifier preventing separation and ensuring smooth texture. It is a soy-free option.
Gellan Gum: A plant-based stabilizer and thickener from bacterial fermentation. It keeps nutrients suspended evenly.
Natural Flavors: Enhance taste and smell.
Vitamins A, D2, and E: Added for nutritional value and antioxidant benefits.

Unsweetened Original vs. Unsweetened Vanilla

The unsweetened vanilla flavor of Almond Breeze adds vanilla flavoring but no sugar. This version suits recipes needing a vanilla hint, while the original is neutral for general use. Core ingredients like almonds, water, and stabilizers are consistent.

How Almond Breeze Ingredients Compare to Other Brands

Commercial almond milk products often have similar ingredients, but differences exist.


Feature	Almond Breeze Unsweetened	Silk Almond Milk Unsweetened	Califia Farms Unsweetened	Homemade Almond Milk
Almond Content	Standard processing with water.	Standard processing with water.	Higher proportion for creaminess.	High percentage of almonds.
Emulsifier	Sunflower Lecithin	Sunflower Lecithin	Sunflower Lecithin	None (requires shaking).
Stabilizer	Gellan Gum, Potassium Citrate	Locust Bean Gum, Gellan Gum	Locust Bean Gum, Gellan Gum	None (will separate).
Fortification	Fortified with Ca Carbonate, Vitamins A, D2, E.	Fortified with Ca Carbonate, Vitamins A, D2, E.	Fortified with Ca Carbonate, Vitamins A, E, D2, B12, B2.	Not fortified.
Flavors	Natural Flavors	Natural Flavors	Natural Flavors	Variable, can add extracts.
Processing	Highly processed for consistency and shelf life.	Highly processed for consistency.	Less processed, often requires refrigeration.	Minimally processed.

Potential Health Considerations of Almond Milk Ingredients

While generally safe, some ingredients warrant consideration.

Stabilizers and Gums: Gellan gum is safe but may cause digestive sensitivity in some individuals.
Protein Content: Store-bought almond milk has significantly less protein than dairy milk (about 1 gram per serving).
Nutrient Absorption: Absorption of nutrients from fortified beverages might differ from whole foods.
Natural Flavors: This term is not fully transparent and may contain undisclosed chemicals, a concern for those with sensitivities.

Conclusion: Understanding Your Unsweetened Almond Milk

Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk utilizes several additives like gellan gum and sunflower lecithin for texture and stability, and calcium carbonate and vitamins for fortification. While a popular dairy-free choice, awareness of these ingredients helps consumers make informed decisions. Homemade almond milk offers a simpler ingredient list but lacks fortification. The best choice aligns with personal health needs and preferences. For more on the nutritional comparison, refer to the University of Wyoming's resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gellan gum is a vegan-friendly stabilizing agent that is used to prevent separation of the ingredients and keep nutrients, like calcium, suspended evenly throughout the liquid.

No, the unsweetened version of Almond Breeze does not contain any added sugars. Any sweetness comes naturally from the almonds themselves.

Sunflower lecithin is an emulsifier derived from sunflower seeds. Its purpose is to prevent the oil from the almonds and the water from separating, which ensures the milk maintains a creamy consistency.

Yes, Almond Breeze is fortified with calcium carbonate to provide a dose of calcium comparable to cow's milk. This is often done to ensure it remains a nutritious alternative.

The term 'natural flavors' refers to a proprietary blend of complex chemical mixtures derived from natural sources, which are used to improve the product's taste and aroma.

Both almond milk and dairy milk have nutritional advantages. Unsweetened almond milk is often lower in calories and carbs, but it is also much lower in protein than dairy milk. The best choice depends on individual dietary needs.

Yes, Almond Breeze is a plant-based beverage and is suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.

Homemade almond milk lacks emulsifiers like sunflower lecithin and stabilizers such as gellan gum. These additives are what keep commercial almond milk from naturally separating.