What is the Safest Almond Milk to Buy?

According to reports, many plant-based milks, including almond milk, contain controversial thickeners and stabilizers to improve texture. This can leave consumers wondering: what is the safest almond milk to buy to avoid potentially problematic ingredients? This guide will help you understand what to look for and what to skip.

Quick Summary

To find the safest almond milk, seek out unsweetened organic brands with simple ingredient lists. Avoid products containing additives like carrageenan, excessive gums, and added sugars, and look for essential nutrient fortification.

Key Points

• Check Ingredients: The safest almond milk has a short, simple ingredient list, ideally just water, almonds, and salt.

• Avoid Additives: Prioritize brands that do not contain carrageenan, gums (like gellan or xanthan), and unnecessary vegetable oils.

• Choose Unsweetened: Always opt for unsweetened and plain varieties to avoid high levels of added sugar.

• Look for Organic: Select products with an organic certification to minimize exposure to pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

• Consider Fortification: While a clean list is key, fortified versions with calcium and vitamins D/E can be beneficial for those relying on almond milk for nutrients.

• Explore Homemade: For maximum purity and ingredient control, consider making your own almond milk at home.

Understanding Almond Milk Ingredients for Safety

When you're perusing the dairy-free aisle, it's crucial to read beyond the marketing claims on the front of the package. The safest almond milk is defined by its ingredient list, which should be as short and simple as possible. Many commercial varieties add ingredients for texture, shelf-life, and flavor that can be less than ideal for your health.

The Additives to Avoid

• Carrageenan: Perhaps the most controversial additive, carrageenan is a thickener derived from red seaweed. While the FDA classifies it as a safe food additive, some studies suggest it may cause or worsen gut inflammation and digestive issues. Many brands now specifically advertise as carrageenan-free due to consumer demand.
• Thickeners and Gums: Common gums like gellan gum, guar gum, and xanthan gum are used to give almond milk a creamy consistency and prevent separation. For some individuals, these can cause digestive discomfort, bloating, or other gastrointestinal issues. The safest options use a higher percentage of almonds, eliminating the need for these gums.
• Added Sugars: Sweetened and flavored almond milks can contain a significant amount of added sugar, often listed as evaporated cane juice or cane sugar. These unnecessary sugars can spike blood glucose levels and contribute to overall poor health. Always choose the 'unsweetened' and 'plain' varieties.
• Vegetable Oils: Some brands add inexpensive vegetable oils, such as sunflower or canola, to increase the fat content and create a creamier texture. These oils can be inflammatory and contribute to an imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
• Natural Flavors: This ambiguous ingredient can mask a host of synthetic chemicals and is used to enhance the natural flavor profile of the milk. For a truly clean product, it's best to avoid it, with the exception of clear additions like vanilla bean extract.

What to Look For: Hallmarks of a Safe Almond Milk

On the flip side, a healthy almond milk should feature a very short and straightforward ingredient list. The ideal consists of filtered water, organic almonds, and sea salt. For optimal nutrition, look for these additional signs of quality:

• Organic Certification: Choosing organic ensures the almonds were grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, avoiding potential chemical contamination.
• Fortification: Since almond milk is naturally low in some key nutrients, many brands fortify it with vitamins and minerals. Look for products fortified with calcium and vitamin D, and sometimes vitamin B12, to better match the nutritional profile of dairy milk.
• Higher Almond Content: Some premium brands use a higher ratio of almonds to water, resulting in a richer, creamier texture naturally, without relying on gums. Check the percentage of almonds on the label or packaging details.

Safest Almond Milk Brands: A Comparison Table

This table compares some of the safest and cleanest almond milk brands currently available, based on publicly available information and industry reviews.

Feature	Califia Farms Organic Unsweetened	Malk Organic Unsweetened	Three Trees Organic Original	Elmhurst Milked Almonds	Whole Foods 365 Organic Unsweetened
Organic?	Yes	Yes	Yes	No (Conventional)	Yes
Fortified?	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
Gums/Carrageenan?	No	No	No	No	Yes (Contains Gellan Gum)
Key Ingredients	Water, organic almonds, sea salt	Water, organic almonds, Himalayan salt	Water, organic almonds	Water, almonds	Filtered water, organic almonds, gellan gum, natural flavors, sea salt
Notes	Often praised by experts for simple, clean ingredients.	Uses high-quality ingredients, including organic almonds.	Very clean and simple, but not fortified.	HydroRelease process for rich flavor without additives.	A budget-friendly organic option, but with additives.

The Homemade Alternative: Maximum Safety and Purity

For those who want absolute control over their ingredients, making almond milk at home is the best option. This ensures your final product contains nothing but almonds, filtered water, and any natural flavoring or sweetener you choose. While more labor-intensive, it guarantees the purest, safest almond milk you can find.

Here are the basic steps for making homemade almond milk:

1. Soak: Soak one cup of raw almonds in water overnight to soften them.
2. Rinse: Drain and rinse the soaked almonds.
3. Blend: Add the almonds and four cups of filtered water to a high-speed blender.
4. Flavor: Add a pinch of sea salt, a dash of vanilla extract, or a few dates for natural sweetness, if desired.
5. Strain: Pour the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine-mesh sieve to separate the liquid from the pulp.
6. Store: Keep the fresh almond milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Special Considerations for Children and Toddlers

While almond milk can be a part of a child's diet, it should not be their primary milk source, especially for infants under 12 months. Almond milk is significantly lower in protein and fat compared to cow's milk or formula, which are essential for a baby's growth and development. Always consult a pediatrician before introducing any new milk alternative to your child's diet.

For toddlers, fortified almond milk can supplement their diet, but ensure they receive adequate protein and fat from other sources like eggs, meat, and legumes. For a nutritionally superior plant-based option for toddlers, fortified soy milk or pea milk is often recommended as a better alternative.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, finding the safest almond milk involves a careful review of the product's ingredient list. Your top priority should be unsweetened, organic products with the fewest ingredients possible—ideally just water, almonds, and salt. While fortified milks can offer a nutritional boost, always check that the fortification doesn't come with a cocktail of undesirable additives like carrageenan or unnecessary gums. By prioritizing a clean and simple label, you can confidently choose the safest almond milk for your home. To learn more about the specifics of food additives, including carrageenan, review reputable sources like the Verywell Health report on almond milk downsides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary concern with store-bought almond milk?

The primary concern is the presence of controversial additives like carrageenan, various gums, and high amounts of added sugars in many commercial brands. These can affect digestion and overall health.

Why should I avoid carrageenan in almond milk?

While generally recognized as safe by the FDA, some studies have linked carrageenan to gastrointestinal inflammation and digestive problems in animals and sensitive individuals. Many brands now offer carrageenan-free alternatives.

Which specific brands are recommended for having minimal ingredients?

Brands like Malk Organic, Califia Farms Organic Unsweetened, Three Trees Organic, and Elmhurst Milked Almonds are often cited for their simple ingredient lists that exclude unnecessary gums and oils.

Does organic almond milk contain carrageenan?

Not all organic almond milks are carrageenan-free, so it's essential to check the ingredient label. Many brands, including some organic ones, have started removing it, but verification is necessary.

Is almond milk safe for toddlers?

Almond milk is generally safe for toddlers over 12 months, but it is not a complete nutritional replacement for breast milk or formula due to lower protein and fat content. It should be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet, ideally a fortified, unsweetened variety.

Is homemade almond milk better than store-bought?

Homemade almond milk is superior for those seeking the safest option, as it gives you complete control over ingredients, with no need for preservatives, thickeners, or artificial flavors.

How do I ensure my almond milk is adequately fortified with nutrients?

Check the Nutrition Information Panel on the packaging for nutrient levels. Look for brands that list added calcium and vitamins D and E. A good choice should have at least 100mg of calcium per 100mL.