What's the difference between almond milk and vanilla almond milk?: A Nutritional Breakdown

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

As almond milk continues to rise as a popular dairy alternative, many consumers find themselves deciding between its plain and vanilla varieties. So, what's the difference between almond milk and vanilla almond milk? The short answer is simple: vanilla almond milk has added flavoring and often sweeteners, which affects both taste and nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

Vanilla almond milk includes added vanilla flavoring and often sweeteners, providing a sweeter taste compared to the milder, nuttier flavor of regular almond milk. The addition of sugar affects calories and nutritional content, so ingredient labels should always be checked.

Key Points

Flavor Profile: The main difference is the addition of vanilla flavoring, which gives vanilla almond milk a sweeter, more fragrant taste compared to the neutral, nutty flavor of plain almond milk.
Sugar and Calories: Sweetened vanilla varieties contain more calories and sugar than unsweetened plain or unsweetened vanilla almond milk.
Culinary Use: Plain almond milk is better for savory cooking and neutral recipes, while vanilla almond milk is preferred for sweet applications like smoothies, cereal, and coffee.
Ingredient Control: Opt for unsweetened versions or make your own at home to control added sugar and unnecessary ingredients.
Nutritional Fortification: Both types are often fortified with nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, but fortification levels can vary between brands.
Dietary Suitability: Both are dairy-free and vegan, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices.

Understanding the Core Distinction

At its most basic, the distinction lies in the ingredients. Almond milk is made by blending almonds and water, then straining the solids. It has a mild, nutty, and sometimes earthy flavor profile. Vanilla almond milk starts with this same base but incorporates vanilla extract or other natural flavorings to create a sweeter, more aromatic product. Depending on the product, it may also contain additional sweeteners like cane sugar or maple syrup. This added vanilla and sugar directly impacts the final taste and nutritional makeup of the beverage.

The Role of Sweeteners and Flavorings

Not all vanilla almond milk is created equal. The market offers both sweetened and unsweetened vanilla versions. An unsweetened vanilla product will have the flavor of vanilla without the added calories from sugar, while a sweetened one is designed for a richer, more dessert-like taste. This is a crucial distinction for those monitoring their sugar intake, as the added sweeteners can significantly increase the calorie count compared to unsweetened almond milk. Some brands may use natural sweeteners like dates, while others opt for cane sugar.

Taste and Texture: A Flavorful Comparison

Almond Milk (Unsweetened/Original): The taste is subtly nutty, and the texture is creamy but lighter than dairy milk. Some may find unsweetened versions to have a slightly bitter or more neutral flavor, making them ideal for a wide range of culinary applications.
Vanilla Almond Milk (Unsweetened): This version maintains the nutty base but adds a fragrant, milder vanilla note. It's a great option for those who want a slight flavor boost without increasing their sugar consumption.
Vanilla Almond Milk (Sweetened): The most distinct of the options, this product features a sweet, creamy, and dessert-like flavor profile that masks the raw nutty taste. It’s a popular choice for drinking on its own or in coffee.

The Nutritional Impact of Vanilla vs. Plain

When comparing the nutritional content, it's vital to read the label and check for the sweetened or unsweetened distinction. For example, a single cup of unsweetened almond milk can have as few as 30 calories, while sweetened vanilla almond milk can contain around 90 calories per cup, primarily from added sugar. Many brands fortify both types of milk with vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D, to match the nutritional profile of dairy milk. Both are naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly. The main nutritional differences to watch for are:

Sugar Content: Sweetened vanilla almond milk will contain significantly more sugar than unsweetened plain or unsweetened vanilla varieties.
Calories: The added sugar in sweetened vanilla versions means a higher calorie count.
Vitamins and Minerals: Fortification levels can vary by brand, so always check the label for added nutrients like calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E.

Cooking and Culinary Uses

The choice between almond milk and vanilla almond milk often depends on how you plan to use it in your kitchen. Both are versatile, but their distinct flavor profiles make them better suited for different recipes.

Uses for Plain Almond Milk:

Savory Cooking: The neutral flavor of unsweetened almond milk makes it an excellent base for savory dishes like creamy soups, sauces, curries, and vegan mashed potatoes.
Neutral Flavor Recipes: Use it in baking recipes where you don't want to add a vanilla flavor, such as pancakes, muffins, or bread.
Coffee and Tea: Unsweetened plain almond milk is a great dairy alternative in coffee or tea for those who prefer no sweetness.

Uses for Vanilla Almond Milk:

Smoothies and Shakes: The added vanilla and sweetness (if sweetened) can enhance the flavor of fruit smoothies or shakes.
Sweetened Oatmeal and Cereal: Vanilla almond milk is a delicious addition to breakfast cereals or oatmeal, offering extra flavor without needing to add extra sugar.
Coffee Drinks: Many find that sweetened vanilla almond milk enhances the flavor of their coffee, taking away any potential bitterness.
Dessert Recipes: The sweetness and flavor profile are perfect for desserts like chocolate pudding or chia seed pudding.

Comparison of Almond Milk vs. Vanilla Almond Milk


Feature	Almond Milk (Unsweetened/Plain)	Vanilla Almond Milk (Sweetened or Unsweetened)
Primary Difference	No added flavor or sweeteners.	Contains added vanilla flavor. May also contain added sweeteners.
Taste Profile	Subtly nutty, mild, and neutral.	Sweet and fragrant with a distinct vanilla taste.
Sweetness	Varies (often unsweetened or lightly sweetened).	Varies, with sweetened and unsweetened options widely available.
Calories/Sugar	Lower in calories, often no added sugar in unsweetened versions.	Higher calories and sugar if sweetened; same low calories as plain if unsweetened.
Best For	Savory cooking, neutral baking, coffee, tea.	Smoothies, sweet treats, cereals, coffee.

Making Your Own Almond Milk at Home

For those who want full control over their ingredients, making almond milk at home is a simple process. To make vanilla almond milk, you can simply add a splash of vanilla extract and a natural sweetener like a pitted date or maple syrup to your homemade almond milk. This allows you to customize the flavor and sweetness to your exact preference without any unnecessary additives. The process involves soaking almonds overnight, blending them with fresh water, and straining the pulp through a nut milk bag. It's a great way to ensure the freshest, purest product possible.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Milk for You

The right choice between almond milk and vanilla almond milk comes down to your personal taste, dietary goals, and intended use. If you prioritize a neutral flavor for a variety of culinary applications or want to keep sugar and calories as low as possible, unsweetened plain almond milk is the clear winner. However, if you enjoy a sweeter, more flavorful beverage for your coffee, smoothies, or cereal, unsweetened or sweetened vanilla almond milk will serve you better. Always remember to check the nutrition label to understand the sugar and calorie content, especially if you are on a specific diet. The flexibility of both options makes them excellent dairy-free staples for many different lifestyles and recipes. For more information on the general health benefits of almond milk, you can visit Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. The 'healthier' option depends on the specific product. Unsweetened versions of both are low in calories and sugar. However, sweetened vanilla almond milk will contain more sugar and calories than unsweetened regular almond milk.

The difference is only the addition of vanilla flavoring. Both contain no added sugar, so their calorie and sugar counts will be very similar. The vanilla version will just have a more fragrant, sweeter taste.

It depends on the recipe. Sweetened vanilla almond milk is best for sweet dishes and desserts, while unsweetened plain almond milk is more versatile and better suited for savory recipes.

Many people prefer vanilla almond milk for coffee, especially if it's sweetened. The vanilla flavor and added sweetness can help balance any bitterness in the coffee. Plain almond milk provides a neutral base.

It is not recommended. The distinct sweet vanilla flavor of vanilla almond milk can overpower or clash with the intended taste of a recipe, particularly savory ones. Choose based on whether the recipe is savory or sweet.

Yes. Almond milk is made from nuts and is therefore not safe for people with a tree nut allergy. It is, however, naturally dairy-free and suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

No. You can find both sweetened and unsweetened varieties of vanilla almond milk in stores. Always check the packaging to see if it contains added sugar.

Some brands add stabilizers like lecithin or thickeners like carrageenan to create a creamy texture and prevent separation. If you prefer to avoid these, look for brands with minimal ingredients or consider making your own at home.