What is the best unsweetened almond milk?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 review of 22 brands, Silk Unsweet Almond milk was rated as the best tasting store-bought option. But taste is only one factor; the best unsweetened almond milk for you depends on your specific priorities, such as ingredients, creaminess, and budget. This comprehensive guide breaks down the top contenders to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Summary

This guide evaluates the top unsweetened almond milk brands, comparing key factors like taste, ingredients, and nutrition. A detailed comparison table and brand-specific information help consumers choose the ideal option for their preferences and dietary needs, including coffee compatibility and ingredient transparency.

Key Points

For Clean Ingredients: Brands like Elmhurst and Malk prioritize minimal ingredients, often just almonds and water, and avoid using gums, thickeners, or oils.
Best Tasting Store-bought: In a 2025 review, Silk Unsweet Almond milk was rated highly for its flavor and texture, though it does contain thickeners.
Consider Usage: For coffee, some brands like Silk and Almond Breeze (barista blends) are better for frothing, while for clean eating, low-ingredient options are preferred.
Check for Fortification: Many commercial brands add calcium and vitamins D and E to their products to boost nutritional value, which is important if you use almond milk as a primary milk source.
Homemade Option: Making your own unsweetened almond milk gives you full control over ingredients and texture, but it has a shorter shelf life.
Read the Label: Be aware of common additives like carrageenan, gums (guar, xanthan, gellan), and oils, as some consumers prefer to avoid these.

Top Contenders for the Best Unsweetened Almond Milk

Choosing the best unsweetened almond milk is a matter of weighing different factors, from taste and texture to ingredient purity and cost. While many brands are widely available, some stand out for their quality. For those prioritizing a minimal ingredient list, brands like Malk, Elmhurst, and Califia Farms are frequently praised for their simple formulations, often containing just water and almonds, and sometimes salt. These simpler milks appeal to consumers who want to avoid thickeners like gums and emulsifiers, which some find can cause digestive issues.

For example, Elmhurst Milked Almonds uses a unique process that results in a creamy, flavorful product without the need for gums. Malk is another fan favorite known for its simple, organic ingredients and pure taste. On the other hand, more widely available brands like Silk and Almond Breeze are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D, to match the nutritional profile of dairy milk. These brands may use gums to create a consistent texture, which some reviewers find appealing.

The Importance of Ingredients and Nutrition

When selecting an unsweetened almond milk, reading the ingredient list is crucial. Many brands contain thickeners and emulsifiers like carrageenan, guar gum, and sunflower lecithin. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals prefer to avoid them due to concerns about potential inflammation or digestive discomfort. The almond content itself varies significantly between brands, often correlating with creaminess and cost. Products with a higher almond percentage, such as those from Elmhurst or Three Trees, tend to be richer, while those with lower content, like many budget-friendly options, can be more watery.

Fortification is another important consideration. Since almond milk is naturally lower in protein, calcium, and vitamin D than dairy milk, many commercial producers add these nutrients. If you are using almond milk as a primary milk source, choosing a fortified version is recommended to prevent nutritional gaps. The nutritional profile of unsweetened almond milk is also favorable for those watching their blood sugar, as it is low in carbohydrates and contains no added sugar.

Comparison Table: Unsweetened Almond Milk Brands


Brand	Key Ingredient Features	Best For	Pros	Cons
Califia Farms Organic	Simple ingredients (almonds, water, sea salt), no gums or oils.	All-purpose, clean ingredients.	Clean, minimal ingredient list; smooth, creamy flavor.	May be pricier than other options; some find it doesn't froth well.
Elmhurst Milked Almonds	Water and almonds only; uses special process for creaminess.	Cleanest possible ingredients, richness.	Extremely clean label, rich texture and flavor.	High price point; potentially less available than mainstream brands.
Silk Unsweetened Original	Fortified, uses thickeners; free of carrageenan.	Taste, versatility, availability.	Creamy texture, widely available, good for coffee and smoothies.	Contains gums and stabilizers; lower vitamin and calcium content in newer formulas.
Almond Breeze Unsweetened	Fortified with vitamins and calcium; contains gums.	Budget-friendly, versatile.	Very affordable and accessible, reliable taste.	Some find it watery; contains gums and thickeners.
Kirkland Signature	Organic, fortified, uses thickeners; shelf-stable option available.	Value and bulk purchases.	Affordable when bought at Costco, good for general use.	Only available at Costco; can be more watery than premium brands.

How to Choose Your Almond Milk

Deciding which unsweetened almond milk is best comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a minimal, clean ingredient list, exploring specialty brands like Elmhurst or Califia Farms is a great starting point. For everyday use in cereal, smoothies, or recipes where a lighter texture is fine, a budget-friendly and accessible option like Almond Breeze or Kirkland Signature may be more suitable. For coffee, where texture and frothing are key, a more specialized barista blend might be necessary, though some standard options like Silk are praised for their coffee performance.

Ultimately, performing your own taste test can yield the most definitive results for your palate. The best unsweetened almond milk might be a different one for everyone. Always check the label for ingredients you wish to avoid, and consider fortification levels if you're concerned about specific nutrient intake.

Making Homemade Unsweetened Almond Milk

For those who want complete control over their ingredients, making your own unsweetened almond milk at home is a straightforward process. The recipe requires just two core ingredients: raw almonds and filtered water. Soaking the almonds overnight is an optional but recommended step, as it softens them and can make for a creamier final product, especially if you do not have a high-speed blender.

The process involves blending soaked and drained almonds with fresh filtered water until smooth and creamy. The mixture is then strained through a fine-mesh nut milk bag or several layers of cheesecloth to remove the pulp, resulting in a clean, smooth liquid. The ratio of almonds to water can be adjusted for desired thickness, and you can add natural flavorings like a dash of vanilla extract after straining. Homemade almond milk typically lasts for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

The quest for the best unsweetened almond milk leads to a variety of excellent choices, each with its own strengths. From the simple, pure formulas of Malk and Elmhurst to the widely available and versatile options like Silk and Almond Breeze, the market offers something for every consumer. Your final selection should be based on your personal taste preferences, dietary priorities, and budget. Whether you opt for a clean, premium store-bought brand, a convenient budget option, or take the homemade route for ultimate control, unsweetened almond milk provides a nutritious, dairy-free alternative for countless recipes, beverages, and meals.

To ensure your choice is fully informed, you can compare specific products side-by-side. For additional health information and comparisons of plant-based milks, refer to reputable health sources like Healthline.

One helpful resource is Healthline's comprehensive guide on the health benefits of almond milk, which can provide further insights into its nutritional aspects.

Frequently Asked Questions

For coffee, many prefer brands with a creamy consistency that don't separate when heated. Some versions of Silk Unsweetened are praised for this quality, and some brands offer specific 'barista' blends designed for better frothing. Brands with minimal ingredients may be less creamy and prone to separation.

No, unsweetened almond milks differ significantly in taste, texture, and ingredients. The amount of almonds used, presence of thickeners, fortification with vitamins, and processing methods all vary between brands.

Gums such as guar gum and gellan gum are added to commercial almond milks as stabilizers and emulsifiers. They help prevent separation of the ingredients and create a thicker, creamier texture that is more similar to dairy milk.

Organic almond milk is made from almonds grown without synthetic pesticides. While potentially healthier, it may come at a higher price. The choice between organic and conventional depends on your budget and preference for avoiding conventionally grown ingredients.

Yes, you can easily make your own almond milk at home using raw almonds and filtered water. Soaking the almonds first can improve the texture. Homemade versions typically do not contain added thickeners or preservatives.

Brands like Elmhurst and Malk are known for their exceptionally clean and minimal ingredient lists, often containing just water and almonds, with no gums or emulsifiers.

Unsweetened almond milk is low in calories and carbohydrates, and commercial versions are often fortified with nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E. It is naturally lactose-free, making it a good alternative for those with lactose intolerance.