Do You Like Almond Milk?

Check out my post number 15 in the bottled water thread. It is Lewis Black's take on all the different "milk's " on the shelves.

https://www.seniorforums.com/showthread.php/28710-Do-you-drink-quot-Bottled-Water-quot

One time I accidentally bought a gallon of distilled water to have at work. It was good! Now I buy it on purpose.
We use Almond milk because my husband is allergic to dairy. He drinks a lot and it's expensive. He likes the store brand better than silk or blue diamond. I've tried to explain about the low % of almonds but it falls on deaf ears and because of his allergy I leave it alone. I use some. It has some potassium added which I need. I've started mixing a little cream with the almond milk to make creamer for my coffee.
 

Almond "milk" is not milk.

It's water with less than 2% almonds in it.

Is the attraction that it appears white-ish while pouring clear water over your cereal is unappetizing?

Is it the word "MILK" that magically makes us buy it because we've been brainwashed by the Dairy Assoc?

A daily vitamin plus minerals is way less expensive than this half gallon of water, a few almonds and a sprinkle of vitamin powder.

Eat almond butter (the label should only read "almonds & salt", or just "almonds". Or eat the nuts.

I know I'm not alone in this, one of the biggest food product hoaxes ever pulled on American consumers.
 
Almond "milk" is not milk.

It's water with less than 2% almonds in it.

No idea why that would be set out as an argument. The composition of dairy milk is mostly water (see article linked below); no "milk," whether it comes from an animal or a nut, has any inherent magical properties.

Is the attraction that it appears white-ish while pouring clear water over your cereal is unappetizing?

Cereal with water is so unappetizing I can't imagine eating that.

Is it the word "MILK" that magically makes us buy it because we've been brainwashed by the Dairy Assoc?

My buying nut milk has nothing to do with the word "milk," but I agree we've been brainwashed by the Dairy Association.I don't care if it's called "milk." The name has nothing to do with its ability to provide a more digestible substitute for dairy.

A daily vitamin plus minerals is way less expensive than this half gallon of water, a few almonds and a sprinkle of vitamin powder.

That argument assumes nut milks are the only source of vitamins and minerals some of us consume on a daily basis. I doubt that's true for any of us.

Eat almond butter (the label should only read "almonds & salt", or just "almonds". Or eat the nuts.

I don't like peanuts, so I eat nut butters, mostly homemade without additives. I also eat several kinds of nuts every day. Following your guidelines, peanut butter should be labeled "peanuts & salt" or if one of the grocery store varieties, "peanuts, sugar, hydrogenated vegetable shortening, preservatives and salt."

I know I'm not alone in this, one of the biggest food product hoaxes ever pulled on American consumers.

Why would it matter if you're not alone in your opinion? it's obvious I'm not the only one drinking almond or coconut or cashew milk. I don't consider non-dairy milk to be a hoax; it's simply a substitute for dairy milk. Allergic to casein, I can't consume dairy without getting very sick. Why should I be forced to pour water over cold cereal because you don't approve of almond milk? Almond milk and coconut milk have more of a dairy product consistency and water doesn't. I made a custard this weekend with homemade almond milk, and it was quite good. Can you imagine custard made with water?

Most of the people I know who use nut milks do so because we can't digest dairy. Others don't choose dairy products because they're vegan, on a special diet or they are simply turned off by the thought of dairy.

Why do you want me to be forced to drink nothing but water when I can make almond milk or open a can of coconut milk and be happy I've got a substitute for the dairy I can't digest?

http://ansci.illinois.edu/static/ansc438/Milkcompsynth/milkcomp_water.html
 

No idea why that would be set out as an argument. The composition of dairy milk is mostly water (see article linked below); no "milk," whether it comes from an animal or a nut, has any inherent magical properties.

Milk should state if extra water is added. I believe the water content of cow's milk is inherent to the product. I do not think anything has "magical properties".............that was a question, not a statement.

Cereal with water is so unappetizing I can't imagine eating that.

I couldn't either, and it seemed obvious that I'm not suggesting that, but my point was mixing it with a few almonds isn't much better.

People that are allergic obviously have no other choice, now why would you think I would not recognize that?



Dairy other than full fat cow’s milk has the same amount of carbohydrates and protein, with some or all of the fat removed. While whole milk has 150 calories in one cup, 1 percent milk has 110 calories, and skim milk has just 80 calories. Fat-free milk has all of the nutritional benefits of whole milk — protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals — without the saturated fat and calories. However, absorption of some vitamins may be reduced due to the lack of fat.

thumbs up Pros of cow’s milk

Whole milk can provide essential proteins, extra calories from fats, as well as vitamins and minerals for infants and older adults.
Lactose-free versions are available for people who have a lactose intolerance.
Cow’s milk, including grass-fed and low-heat pasteurized options, is widely available in grocery stores and convenience stores.

thumbs down Cons of cow’s milk


The versions that aren’t fat-free are higher in saturated fats and calories.
The protein in cow’s milk is a common allergen for babies, children, and adults.
Some people have ethical concerns about modern dairy farming practices.

Almond milk


Almond milk is made from ground almonds and filtered water. It may also contain starches and thickeners to improve its consistency and shelf life. People who are allergic to almonds or nuts should avoid almond milk.

Almond milk is lower in calories than other milks, as long as it is unsweetened. It’s also free of saturated fat, and it’s naturally lactose-free.

Per cup, unsweetened almond milk has:

about 30 to 60 calories
1 gram of carbohydrates (sweetened varieties have more)
3 grams of fat
1 gram of protein

Even though almonds are a good source of protein, almond milk is not. Almond milk is also not a good source of calcium. However, many brands of almond milk are supplemented with calcium and vitamin D.

thumbs up Pros of almond milk


It’s low in calories and contains no saturated fat.
It’s a good source of vitamin A and can be fortified to be a good source of calcium and vitamin D.
It’s vegan and naturally lactose-free.

thumbs down Cons of almond milk

It’s not a good source of protein.
It may contain carrageenan, which may cause digestive issues in some people.
There are some environmental concerns about the amount of water used to cultivate almonds.


My buying nut milk has nothing to do with the word "milk," but I agree we've been brainwashed by the Dairy Association.I don't care if it's called "milk." The name has nothing to do with its ability to provide a more digestible substitute for dairy.

That's right, nothing to do with the ability. You and I know that, millions of others do, but millions don't - because of the Dairy Assoc. agenda.

The Dairy Assoc. certainly did brainwash us so that I feel that many people buy milk substitutes because they think they MUST drink milk but can't for various reasons. (Naturally, and needless to say, we are not considering allergic people)


That argument assumes nut milks are the only source of vitamins and minerals some of us consume on a daily basis. I doubt that's true for any of us.

No, you might assume that but I honestly doubt most readers here believe nut milks are the only source .


I don't like peanuts, so I eat nut butters, mostly homemade without additives. I also eat several kinds of nuts every day. Following your guidelines, peanut butter should be labeled "peanuts & salt" or if one of the grocery store varieties, "peanuts, sugar, hydrogenated vegetable shortening, preservatives and salt."

I'm unsure what you mean here, but my thoughts were that nut or legume spreads are better without any other ingredients besides salt. I can buy these in the grocery store, with or without salt. The almond "butters" are delicious!


Why would it matter if you're not alone in your opinion?

If it doesn't matter to you, that's fine.

it's obvious I'm not the only one drinking almond or coconut or cashew milk. I don't consider non-dairy milk to be a hoax; it's simply a substitute for dairy milk.

I don't agree almond milk is a like kind and quality substitute.

Spending $3.99 for a half gallon of almondized water with some chemical nutrients thrown in is grossly out of proportion to what it costs to produce, it's the same price as dairy milk and remembering that many feel they must have milk, it can all be considered a hoax.

No cows, no pastures, no barns, no milking machines, no veterinary expenses, no corn silos, no corn, no land, nothing- just water, some ground nuts and sprinkle of chemical nutrients and chemical thickeners- for the same price as dairy milk. Maybe "hoax" is too strong, but it sure feels like one.

Allergic to casein, I can't consume dairy without getting very sick. Why should I be forced to pour water over cold cereal because you don't approve of almond milk?

I'll repeat it (Naturally, and needless to say, we are not considering allergic people) Nobody's "forcing" you to do anything. Whiten your cereal water with it's dusting of ground almonds an chemical calcium, D and protein, you have no other choice, anyone can see that.

Almond milk and coconut milk have more of a dairy product consistency and water doesn't. I made a custard this weekend with homemade almond milk, and it was quite good. Can you imagine custard made with water?

There are even more additives in it that give it some texture. Sorry, I cannot imagine custard at all.

Most of the people I know who use nut milks do so because we can't digest dairy. Others don't choose dairy products because they're vegan, on a special diet or they are simply turned off by the thought of dairy.

Certainly, but I also know many that drink it because it's a fad, they think it's healthier when it's not.

Why do you want me to be forced to drink nothing but water when I can make almond milk or open a can of coconut milk and be happy I've got a substitute for the dairy I can't digest?

Why do I? Jane. You're taking my thoughts way too personally . "I" don't force "you" to do anything.

I agree to disagree.
 
No idea why that would be set out as an argument. The composition of dairy milk is mostly water (see article linked below); no "milk," whether it comes from an animal or a nut, has any inherent magical properties.



Cereal with water is so unappetizing I can't imagine eating that.



My buying nut milk has nothing to do with the word "milk," but I agree we've been brainwashed by the Dairy Association.I don't care if it's called "milk." The name has nothing to do with its ability to provide a more digestible substitute for dairy.



That argument assumes nut milks are the only source of vitamins and minerals some of us consume on a daily basis. I doubt that's true for any of us.



I don't like peanuts, so I eat nut butters, mostly homemade without additives. I also eat several kinds of nuts every day. Following your guidelines, peanut butter should be labeled "peanuts & salt" or if one of the grocery store varieties, "peanuts, sugar, hydrogenated vegetable shortening, preservatives and salt."



Why would it matter if you're not alone in your opinion? it's obvious I'm not the only one drinking almond or coconut or cashew milk. I don't consider non-dairy milk to be a hoax; it's simply a substitute for dairy milk. Allergic to casein, I can't consume dairy without getting very sick. Why should I be forced to pour water over cold cereal because you don't approve of almond milk? Almond milk and coconut milk have more of a dairy product consistency and water doesn't. I made a custard this weekend with homemade almond milk, and it was quite good. Can you imagine custard made with water?

Most of the people I know who use nut milks do so because we can't digest dairy. Others don't choose dairy products because they're vegan, on a special diet or they are simply turned off by the thought of dairy.

Why do you want me to be forced to drink nothing but water when I can make almond milk or open a can of coconut milk and be happy I've got a substitute for the dairy I can't digest?

http://ansci.illinois.edu/static/ansc438/Milkcompsynth/milkcomp_water.html

I must have missed out where anyone here was "forcing" you to drink nothing but water. People seemed to be expressing their opinions, just like you have. I think you're reading something into this that wasn't intended.
 
Sorry I used the word forced. It must have triggered something I didn't intend. I'll leave the thread so you can go on protesting a product that has never done anything to harm you.
 
Sorry I used the word forced. It must have triggered something I didn't intend. I'll leave the thread so you can go on protesting a product that has never done anything to harm you.

It seemed to me that it was not the use of almond milk that was “being protested” (as you describe it); but the way that commercial almond milk is made, and how it is priced for the product that is sold.
Almond milk is, of course, just one of the products that are nowhere worth the price we are charged for them; but as far as being a healthy product, I believe that almond milk is a good food, at least when it is made at home with fresh almonds and no added ingredients.
I was also looking for a milk alternative, mainly to use for protein drinks or smoothies, and when you read the label for most kinds of vegan milk products, they seem like a viable alternative to dairy milk.
However, when I actually bought a container of it to try, it tasted like white-colored water, about exactly the way that Radish Rose described it, and only remotely resembling the taste and appearance of milk.

I tried both coconut and almond milk, and I think that I tried rice milk, too. Unless I mixed something else in with it, like powdered milk or whey protein, it just tasted watery and almost tasteless.
Then , I read more about the added ingredients that they put in the commercial almond/coconut milks, and decided that they were not even healthy like they were supposed to be.
That is when I decided to try making my own almond milk, and I am very happy how that turns out, plus I know there is only water and almonds in it, and since it has more almonds than commercial brands use, it is much healthier, as well as a whole lot fresher and cheaper besides.
I think that it can certainly be a viable alternative to dairy milk, but would be best when home-made with fresh soaked almonds and a good blender.
 
As I read the original post, it was more about the misleading labeling and/or advertising of the product rather than the product itself. As to who buys or uses it or why, it's like everything else produced for human consumption and readily available. If I like it and can afford it, I'm free to buy it and use it. Personal choice.

I agree that without close study, one could easily mistake the product for something that it is not but that's true about much of today's product labeling and advertising. Advertisers often dance around with fancy words that are aimed at misleading the unwary public. Money drives that train and 'Truth in Advertising' is just a pretty phrase that means little when money is to be made.
 
I have found that even though the almond milk that I make in the Vitamix is great for making protein drinks, or even just drinking plain, it still seems too thin tasting when I tried it in my coffee or tea.
This last time, I experimented with making the quart of almond milk but using regular milk as the liquid base instead of just plain water.
I added a dab of vanilla, and part of a scoop of vanilla protein powder, and the result was a really rich and creamy almond milk that works perfectly as a coffee creamer.
Almonds are such a healthy food, and provide so many good minerals that I have been working on getting more almond in my diet, and making the almond “creamer” is going to be an addition to how I get extra almonds.
I have been making the almond meal microwave bread, with flax seed meal and chia seeds in it; so I should be getting plenty of the Omega 3 as well as the potassium and magnesium from the almonds.
 
I make my own almond/cashew milk and I like it OK. I'm not a fan of cow's milk but I like cold cereal and the nut milks work well for that. I use real dairy in cooking and half-n-half in my coffee.
 
I tried almond milk once in iced coffee and thought it tasted peculiar. I drink hot coffee black, iced coffee with milk (or cream when I am feeling especially decadent.) I like my dry cereal plain in a bowl, no liquid (yep I'm weird.) Tea also black.
 
My husband drinks a lot of unsweetened vanilla almond milk since he developed an allergy to milk. He only likes some of the store brands like Wal-Mart, not Silk, which is good. I hate it because I know it is mostly water and so expensive and he drinks a lot. I tried to make it. Not worth it.
I drink it along with him.
It will go down as one of the big trend scams I'm sure. Organic grass fed healthy milk is more expensive so I only buy it when grandbabies visit.
I actually like soymilk but I've had cancer so I stay away.
 
I haven't liked cow's milk since birth but would eat my cereal with skim milk, then eventually gave up both the cereal and skim milk. I have found that Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk from Costco is super good. It says "vanilla" but I don't taste it as much as other brands. It comes to about $1 per carton. Each carton has 4 Cups (1 QT). That's only 25 cents a cup. I've tried other brands and this one tastes best to me. It's 30 calories per 1 Cup and has lots of nutrition. I use it in my coffee and anytime a recipe calls for milk or cream.

I made an organic Quiche (fresh cremini mushroom, spinach, "caged gruyere" cheese, carmelized sweet onion, mustard, fresh thyme, eggs) with a cup of almond milk...it turned out better than I've ever tasted before...*curtsy* :D
 
My husband drinks a lot of unsweetened vanilla almond milk since he developed an allergy to milk. He only likes some of the store brands like Wal-Mart, not Silk, which is good. I hate it because I know it is mostly water and so expensive and he drinks a lot. I tried to make it. Not worth it.
I drink it along with him.
It will go down as one of the big trend scams I'm sure. Organic grass fed healthy milk is more expensive so I only buy it when grandbabies visit.
I actually like soymilk but I've had cancer so I stay away.

Almond milk is pretty easy and fast to make if you have a blender, Hearlady; so I am wondering why you thought it was not worth the time of making it yourself ?
I set aside about a cup of almonds in warm water overnight to soak, then rinse them the next morning, put them in the blender with a quart of filtered water (or milk if I am making the almond creamer) and blend it. The whole operation takes me about 5 minututes at night, and another 5 minutes the next day to blend it.
I guess that some people also strain it afterwards, but I have never felt the need to do that because it came out like a rich milky drink, and no almond lumps or anything that needed straining out.
One thing that I did not know, that the Vitamix instructions said to do , was to start blending on low speed, giving the blender time to crunch things up, and then slowly turn the speed up to high as everything is getting well blended. Before, I had always just put stuff in the blender and turned it on high right away; but I have found that starting out slow does work better for me.
 
Haha, first of all I just realized I responded to this thread a few pages ago. I guess I like it.
Happyflowerlady, my husband drinks a lot of milk maybe that's why. Easier to pick it up at the store. What about the cost? Seems the last time I bought almonds at Sam's they were $12. 'The taste sounds like it would be good but last time I tried to make it it had a lot of pulp and no taste. I think I used the food processor. Ill try the blender and process it longer.
 
almond milk

almond milk !!!!! yeech , i hate it . it should be called almond juice , it sure ain't milk . last i heard there were no almond titties lol
I agree/ Just ground almonds and water. I want real milk and regular water and almonds. But not mixed with water. To each their own. I will take 1% milk anytime over almond flavored water!!
 
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I know that almond milk doesn't work for making pudding (I thought less carbs, like using almond flour for baking). But maybe having almond milk without so much almonds involved might be better because too much almonds can actually be bad for you.
 

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