Core and Fortifying Ingredients
Across its diverse product range, Alpro uses several core components in its plant-based milk alternatives. These fundamental ingredients form the basis of the drink, with specific variations differentiating each type. A key feature across most of Alpro's products is the fortification with essential vitamins and minerals to rival the nutritional profile of dairy milk.
Common Ingredients Found in Most Alpro Milk Varieties:
- Water: The primary ingredient, used to blend with the plant base.
- Calcium: Added for bone health, typically in the form of calcium carbonate or tricalcium phosphate.
- Stabilisers: Ingredients like Gellan gum are used to achieve a consistent, smooth texture and prevent separation.
- Sea Salt: A small amount is added to enhance the overall flavour.
- Acidity Regulators: Compounds such as potassium phosphates help maintain the correct pH balance of the drink.
- Vitamins: Most Alpro milks are fortified with Vitamin D2, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B12.
Specific Ingredients by Alpro Milk Type
The exact ingredient list is defined by the plant base and whether the product is sweetened, unsweetened, or a barista blend. Here is a breakdown of ingredients for Alpro's most popular varieties.
Alpro Soya Milk
Alpro Soya milk uses sustainably sourced, non-GMO hulled soya beans. The recipe changes slightly between different products.
Alpro Soya Original:
- Water
- Hulled soya beans (8.7%)
- Sugar
- Calcium (Calcium carbonate)
- Natural flavouring
- Sea salt
- Acidity regulators (Potassium phosphates)
- Stabiliser (Gellan gum)
- Potassium iodide
- Vitamins B2, B12, D2
Alpro Soya No Sugars: This version removes the added sugar, making it ideal for those seeking a less sweet or sugar-free option.
- Water
- Hulled soya beans (8.7%)
- Acidity regulators (Potassium phosphates)
- Calcium (Calcium carbonate)
- Flavourings
- Stabiliser (Gellan gum)
- Sea salt
- Potassium iodide
- Vitamins B2, B12, D2
Alpro Almond Milk
Alpro's almond drinks are known for their naturally low fat content and delicate flavour from lightly roasted Mediterranean almonds.
Alpro Almond Original:
- Water
- Almond (2.3%)
- Sugar
- Calcium (Calcium carbonate)
- Sea salt
- Stabilisers (Guar gum, Gellan gum)
- Natural flavouring
- Emulsifier (Lecithins)
- Potassium iodide
- Vitamins B12, D2, E
Alpro Almond No Sugars: This product excludes sugar and is particularly low in fat.
- Water
- Almond (2.3%)
- Calcium (Calcium carbonate)
- Sea Salt
- Stabilisers (Guar Gum, Gellan Gum)
- Natural Flavouring
- Emulsifier (Lecithins)
- Vitamins B12, D2, E
- Potassium Iodide
Alpro Oat Milk
Made with 100% British oats, Alpro's oat milk offers a smooth, creamy texture and is naturally rich in fibre.
Alpro Oat Original:
- Water
- Oat (10.5%)
- Soluble corn fibre
- Sunflower oil
- Calcium (Tri-calcium phosphate)
- Sea salt
- Stabiliser (Gellan gum)
- Potassium iodide
- Vitamins B2, D2
Alpro Oat No Sugars: Similar to the original, but without any added sugar.
- Water
- Oats (9.9%)
- Sunflower oil
- Soluble corn fibre
- Calcium (Calcium carbonate)
- Sea salt
- Stabiliser (Gellan gum)
- Potassium iodide
- Vitamins B2, B12, D2
Comparison Table: Alpro Soya, Almond, and Oat Milks
| Feature | Alpro Soya Original | Alpro Almond Original | Alpro Oat Original |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Hulled Soya Beans (8.7%) | Almond (2.3%) | Oat (10.5%) |
| Fat Source | Soya beans | Almond | Sunflower oil |
| Added Sugar | Yes | Yes | Naturally occurring |
| Fibre Content | 0.6 g/100ml | 0.4 g/100ml | 1.4 g/100ml |
| Protein Content | 3.3 g/100ml | 0.4 g/100ml | 0.8 g/100ml |
| Added Vitamins | B2, B12, D2 | B12, D2, E | B2, D2 |
| Stabilisers | Gellan Gum | Guar Gum, Gellan Gum | Gellan Gum |
The Function of Additives
While some might see additives and feel concerned, many serve a specific functional purpose in creating a quality product. For instance, stabilisers like gellan gum prevent the plant solids from settling at the bottom, ensuring a smooth, consistent drink from first pour to last. Acidity regulators, such as potassium phosphates, help control the overall acidity, which is particularly important in barista blends to prevent curdling when added to coffee. Vitamins and minerals are added to fortify the milk alternative, ensuring that consumers receive important nutrients like calcium and vitamin B12, which can sometimes be lacking in vegan or plant-based diets.
Conclusion
Alpro milk alternatives are composed primarily of water and a plant base, supplemented with fortifying vitamins, minerals, and a range of functional additives to ensure a desirable texture, flavour, and shelf life. The exact ingredients vary significantly across different products, so checking the specific product label is crucial for understanding the content. All varieties are 100% plant-based and lactose-free, and most are fortified with essential nutrients to make them a nutritious dairy-free option. Consumers can choose based on their taste preference, desired nutritional profile, and need for added sugar or specific fortification. For a detailed breakdown of specific product nutrients, you can often find information on the Alpro official website: www.alpro.com.