What is the healthiest almond milk on the market?

Over half of U.S. consumers now use plant-based milk alternatives, with almond milk being a top choice. When trying to find what is the healthiest almond milk on the market, the key is to look beyond the name and scrutinize the ingredient list to find options with minimal additives and no added sugars.

Quick Summary

A look at criteria for choosing the healthiest almond milk, focusing on simple, minimal ingredients, and avoiding additives and added sugars. Comparing popular brands and offering guidance on reading labels and understanding fortifications.

Key Points

• Check the Ingredients: The healthiest options have the shortest, most recognizable ingredient lists, ideally just almonds, water, and salt.

• Choose Unsweetened: Select unsweetened varieties to avoid unnecessary and unhealthy added sugars that are common in flavored almond milks.

• Avoid Additives: Steer clear of thickeners and emulsifiers like carrageenan and gellan gum, especially if you have digestive sensitivities.

• Look for Organic: Opting for organic ensures the almonds were grown without synthetic pesticides and is a good baseline for a cleaner product.

• Consider Fortification: Depending on your dietary needs, choose a fortified version to ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, but still check for a minimal ingredient list.

• Reputable Brands: Brands like Three Trees, Malk, Califia Farms Organic, and Elmhurst are known for using minimal ingredients and producing a high-quality, pure almond milk.

Decoding the Almond Milk Label for Optimal Health

Not all almond milks are created equal. While many are sold as a healthy, dairy-free alternative, a quick glance at the ingredients list can reveal a different story. Many commercial products contain a long list of additives, thickeners, and preservatives that can dilute the nutritional benefits and introduce potential health concerns. The secret to finding what is the healthiest almond milk on the market lies in prioritizing products with the cleanest, most straightforward ingredient list possible.

What to Avoid: The Unhealthy Additives

To make an informed decision, it's crucial to know which ingredients to steer clear of. Common additives are used to create a texture similar to dairy milk and prolong shelf life, but some have been linked to potential health issues.

• Added Sugars: Sweetened varieties often contain significant amounts of added sugars, which contribute to excess calorie intake and offer no nutritional value. Always opt for plain, unsweetened almond milk to keep sugar content at zero.
• Carrageenan: Derived from seaweed, this additive is used as a thickener and emulsifier. While approved by the FDA, some research suggests it may cause inflammation and digestive issues in some individuals. Many brands have removed it, but it's still worth checking for.
• Gums and Emulsifiers: Ingredients like gellan gum, locust bean gum, and sunflower lecithin are added for stability and texture. While generally considered safe in small quantities, some people report digestive discomfort from these additives.
• "Natural Flavors": This can be a catch-all term for proprietary blends of chemicals that are not always what they seem. Choosing a brand with only real, whole food ingredients ensures you're not consuming hidden, potentially harmful substances.

The Healthiest Almond Milk Brands: A Comparison

When searching for a truly healthy option, certain brands stand out for their commitment to using minimal, high-quality ingredients. Here's a comparison of some top contenders:

Brand	Key Ingredients	Notable Features	Notes
Three Trees Organic	Organic Almonds, Filtered Water	High almond content, no gums or thickeners.	Very clean label, higher fat and calorie content due to more almonds.
Malk Organic	Organic Almonds, Filtered Water, Pink Himalayan Salt	Simple ingredients, no gums, fillers, or oils.	Cold-pressed for maximum flavor, may taste more intensely almondy.
Califia Farms Organic	Organic Almonds, Filtered Water, Sea Salt	No gums or oils, widely available.	Excellent, simple option found in most major grocery stores.
Mooala Organic Simple	Organic Almonds, Filtered Water, Salt	Only three ingredients, no gums or oils.	Look specifically for the "Simple" version to avoid gums.
Elmhurst Milked Almonds	Almonds, Filtered Water	Made with a lot of almonds, uses a unique process that removes the need for emulsifiers.	Known for being extremely creamy and flavorful.

What About Fortified Almond Milk?

Many conventional almond milks are fortified with added vitamins and minerals to mimic the nutritional profile of dairy milk, particularly with calcium and vitamin D. A plain, unsweetened almond milk with a short ingredient list is typically healthier than one with gums and fillers, but it naturally contains less protein and calcium than cow's milk.

• Check the Label: For those concerned about calcium intake, choosing a fortified version can be a good compromise. The best fortified options will still have a minimal ingredient list, with the added calcium being one of the few "extra" items.
• Consider Your Diet: If you get enough calcium from other food sources (like leafy greens, fortified cereals, or tofu), then an unfortified almond milk with just almonds and water is an excellent, pure choice. If not, a fortified product can help fill the gap.

Can I Just Make My Own Almond Milk?

For ultimate control over ingredients and freshness, making almond milk at home is the best option. The process is relatively simple and requires only two ingredients: almonds and water. Soaking the almonds overnight and blending them with fresh water results in a pure, additive-free milk that can be customized with vanilla or cinnamon to taste. The main drawback is that homemade almond milk does not contain the added vitamins and minerals found in fortified store-bought versions and has a much shorter shelf life.

The Verdict: How to Choose the Right One

Ultimately, the healthiest almond milk is one that aligns with your personal dietary needs and preferences. However, a good rule of thumb is to seek out brands with the shortest, most recognizable ingredient list. Look for terms like "unsweetened" and "organic" to start. Beyond that, prioritizing brands that avoid unnecessary gums, thickeners, and added sugars will lead you to the cleanest, most wholesome choice on the market. Always read the back of the package, not just the front, to find the truth about what's inside. For those looking for the absolute cleanest option, brands like Three Trees, Malk, and Elmhurst offer a product that is very close to homemade in its simplicity.

Conclusion

Choosing the healthiest almond milk on the market can be simple if you focus on a few key principles: avoid added sugars, be wary of unnecessary additives like carrageenan and gums, and prioritize brands with minimal, simple ingredients. Whether you opt for a clean, store-bought brand like Three Trees or Califia Farms or choose to make it at home, focusing on ingredient quality is the best path to making a truly nutritious choice.

Key Factors for Choosing the Healthiest Almond Milk

• Look for unsweetened: Always choose plain, unsweetened varieties to avoid unnecessary sugar.
• Check the ingredients list: Prioritize brands with the shortest ingredient lists, ideally just almonds, water, and maybe a pinch of salt.
• Avoid gums and additives: Watch out for thickeners like carrageenan and gellan gum if you are sensitive to them or prefer a purer product.
• Consider organic options: Organic certification ensures the almonds were grown without synthetic pesticides.
• Determine fortification needs: Decide if you require a fortified version for extra calcium and vitamins, depending on your dietary intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is all almond milk healthy? Answer: No. While almond milk is a dairy-free and cholesterol-free alternative, many commercially available brands contain unhealthy additives like added sugars, gums, and artificial flavors, which diminish its health benefits.

Question: Why do some almond milks have a long ingredient list? Answer: Manufacturers add ingredients like thickeners (gums), emulsifiers, and stabilizers to give the milk a creamier texture and a longer shelf life, making it more appealing to consumers.

Question: Is carrageenan in almond milk harmful? Answer: Carrageenan is a food additive derived from seaweed. While considered safe by the FDA, some studies suggest it may cause digestive inflammation in certain individuals. Many brands now offer carrageenan-free options.

Question: Are organic almond milks always the healthiest option? Answer: Organic almond milk ensures the almonds are grown without synthetic pesticides, but it doesn't guarantee a clean label. Always read the ingredient list, as some organic brands still contain added sugars and gums.

Question: How can I know if my almond milk has hidden sugars? Answer: Check the nutrition facts panel for "added sugars." Many vanilla or flavored almond milks contain surprising amounts of sugar, so opting for unsweetened plain varieties is the safest bet.

Question: Do fortified almond milks have an advantage? Answer: Fortified almond milks have vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D added to them, making their nutritional profile closer to dairy milk. This is an advantage for those who rely on milk for these nutrients.

Question: Is homemade almond milk better than store-bought? Answer: Homemade almond milk is typically healthier because it contains only almonds and water, with no additives. However, it lacks the added nutrients found in fortified store-bought milks and has a much shorter shelf life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific brands are the cleanest?

Brands consistently praised for having minimal, clean ingredients include Three Trees Organic, Malk Organic, and Califia Farms Organic (only the unsweetened version). They typically avoid gums, fillers, and added oils.

What is the primary sign of a healthy almond milk?

The primary sign is a very short and simple ingredient list. The healthiest options contain only almonds, filtered water, and sometimes a pinch of salt.

Are all organic almond milks free of gums and additives?

No, being organic does not guarantee an absence of gums and additives. While it ensures the almonds are grown organically, you must still check the ingredients list for added thickeners.

How can I avoid added sugar when buying almond milk?

Always choose a product labeled as "unsweetened" and check the nutrition label for "added sugars." Many flavored or "original" varieties contain significant amounts of added sugar.

Is almond milk a good source of calcium?

Not inherently. Almonds themselves are not particularly high in calcium. The calcium in many commercial almond milks is added during processing (fortification), so you must check for this on the label if it is a priority for you.

What if I can't find a clean brand in my local store?

Consider making your own almond milk at home. It's a straightforward process using just almonds and water. This ensures you have complete control over the ingredients.

Do healthier almond milks taste different?

Yes. Almond milks with more almonds and fewer additives often have a richer, creamier, and more authentic nutty flavor compared to commercial varieties that can be watery or have a mild, synthetic taste.