Is Almond Milk Gluten Free? (Yes, Here’s Why)

Only a few years ago, the milk aisle consisted of about one or two refrigerators of various versions of cow’s milk. Nowadays the milk aisle has really upped its game. There is an option for everyone to choose from, and one of the more popular options is almond milk.

Almond Milk is naturally gluten free. Almond milk is made by toasting and grinding almonds and then blending them with filtered water. It’s imperative to check the label on flavored almond milk to be sure there aren’t any gluten-containing additives. The best gluten-free alternatives to almond milk are Elmhurst Walnut Milk and Oatly Oat Milk.

Throughout this article, we will discuss the nutritional information for popular brands of almond milk and compare different almond milk options. Let’s dig in!

Is Almond Milk Healthy?

When compared to traditional dairy milk, almond milk does fall short on protein (unless it’s a protein-fortified version). However, as long as you’re getting protein from other sources in your diet, you should meet your daily protein needs.

Almond milk is very low in calories, and most unsweetened almond milk brands are low in sugar. Some brands of almond milk fortify their product to contain higher amounts of vitamins or minerals. For example, Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almond Milk adds additional Calcium and vitamin E.

How Is Almond Milk Made?

Almond milk is produced using very few ingredients. Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and then straining the mixture to remove the solids. Listed in this article is a fun homemade almond milk recipe to try on your own!

What is the Shelf Life of Almond Milk?

You can find some versions of almond milk in the grocery store on a shelf, not refrigerated. Unopened, unrefrigerated, almond milk can be stored in the pantry much longer than opened almond milk. Refer to the “best by use” date for unopened almond milk. Once almond milk is opened, most almond milk brands are recommended to be consumed within 7-14 days. However, each brand should have specified on the carton when to use by.

Almond Milk and Nut Allergy

If you have a nut allergy, specifically to almonds, it is recommended to avoid almond milk. There are many different types of nut milk that may be better suitable for you if you have an almond allergy. Such as walnut milk, pistachio milk, cashew milk, and so on. Nowadays, there is a milk option for everyone!

Almond Milk Nutritional Information

Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almond Milk

Ingredients:

Almond Milk (Filtered Water, Almonds)
Calcium Carbonate
Sea Salt
Potassium Citrate
Sunflower Lecithin
Gellan Gum
Natural Flavors
Vitamin A Palmitate
Vitamin D2
D-Alpha-Tocopherol

Nutrition Facts:

1 serving size – 8 fl. Oz (240 mL)

Calories: 30
Total Fat: 2.5 g
Sodium: 170 mg
Carbohydrate: 1 g
Fiber: < 1 g
Sugar: 0 g
Protein: 1 g

Simply Almond Original

Ingredients:

Almond Milk (Filtered Water, Almonds)
Cane Sugar
Natural Flavors
Sea Salt

Nutrition Facts:

1 serving size – 8 fl. Oz (240 mL)

Calories: 70
Total Fat: 4 g
Sodium: 90 mg
Carbohydrate: 8 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 7 g
Protein: 2 g

Califia Barista Blend Almond Milk

Ingredients:

Almond Milk (Water, Almonds)
Cane Sugar
Calcium Carbonate
Sunflower Lecithin
Sea Salt
Potassium Citrate
Natural Flavors
Locust Bean Gum
Gellan Gum

1 serving size – 8 fl. Oz (240 mL)

Calories: 70
Total Fat: 4.5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 180 mg
Carbohydrate: 7 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 5 g
Protein: 2 g

Elmhurst Unsweetened Almond Milk

Ingredients:

Filtered Water
Almonds

Nutrition Facts:

1 serving size – 8 fl. Oz (240 mL)

Calories: 130
Total Fat: 11 g
Sodium: 5 mg
Carbohydrate: 3 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 1 g
Protein: 5 g

Malk – Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Malk

Ingredients:

Organic Almonds
Natural Vanilla Flavor Derived from Vanilla Beans
Himalayan Salt
Filtered Water

Nutrition Facts:

1 serving size – 8 fl. Oz (226 g)

Calories: 110
Total Fat: 10 g
Sodium: 75 mg
Carbohydrate: 2 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: < 1 g
Protein: 4 g

Silk Original Almond Milk

Ingredients:

Almond milk (Filtered Water, Almonds
Cane Sugar
Vitamin and Mineral Blend
Calcium Carbonate
Vitamin E Acetate
Vitamin A Palmitate
Vitamin D2
Sea Salt
Gellan Gum
Sunflower Lecithin
Locust Bean Gum
Ascorbic Acid (to protect freshness)
Natural Flavor

Nutrition Facts:

1 serving size – 1 cup (240 mL)

Calories: 60
Total Fat: 2.5 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Carbohydrate: 8 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 7 g
Protein: 1 g

Silk Sweet and Creamy Almond Milk Creamer

Ingredients:

Almond milk (Filtered Water, Almonds)
Cane Sugar
High Oleic Sunflower Oil
Pea Protein
Potassium Citrate
Salt, Baking Soda
Sunflower Lecithin
Natural Flavor
Gellan Gum

Nutrition Facts:

1 serving size – 1 Tbsp (15 mL)

Calories: 25
Total Fat: 1 g
Sodium: 20 mg
Carbohydrate: 4 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 4 g
Protein: 0 g

Homemade Almond Milk Recipe

Making almond milk at home is super simple, the recipe only requires a few ingredients, and it will take 10 minutes (after you have soaked your almonds) It can also be a fun experience and you can play around with added ingredients to make your desired sweetness.

Ingredients:

1 cup raw almonds
5 cups filtered water
Sea Salt

*You will also need a blender, a milk bag or a thin dish towel, a mixing bowl, and a jar.

Instructions:

Soak the almonds overnight in cool water. Or if you are in a pinch for time, you can soak the almonds for 1-2 hours in very hot water.
Add the soaked almonds, water, and a pinch of sea salt to your blender. Blend at a high speed for at least 1-2 minutes until creamy and smooth.
Place your milk bag or dish towel over the mixing bowl. Pour the contents from the blender over the bag/towel. Squeeze the remaining contents left on top of the bag/towel with your hands until all of the liquid has been extracted. You can discard the remaining pulp.
Transfer the almond milk to the jar and refrigerate.

Note: the almond milk will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Before drinking shake well.

Additional Add-ins: