Do You Like Almond Milk?

RadishRose

SF VIP
Location
Connecticut, USA
Is it just multivitamin water?

Well, it's not milk, so I don't know how they get away with calling this liquid: "milk".
I have read about this product. One site says in part-

But at least it doesn’t have any of the deadly side effects of massed produced dairy products, you might say.

Yeah, but it offers very little else.

It even robs almond milk of the main reason why almonds are so amazing: they’re an amazing vegetarian source of protein. If almond milk has basically no almonds, it’s just an illusion of a “healthy drink” stuffed full of synthetic vitamins the body can barely even process.

If this were only one rogue almond producer cutting corners, this would not be such a big issue. However, when contacted by multiple news outlets, almond growers and processors have revealed that this 2% ration recipe is the industry standard across the board.

How Almond Milk Stacks Up to Regular Almonds

The short answer is that almond milk simply doesn’t stack up to regular almonds. A standard serving of almonds holds 6 grams protein and 14 grams of healthy fat.

A cup of almond milk, on the other hand, only has 1 gram of protein and 2.5 grams of healthy fat.

In other words, to get the same nutritional value as a single serving of almonds from almond milk you would have to drink roughly a carton instead of one cup.

In fact, mass produced almond milk needs a moniker more worthy of its ingredients: multivitamin water with illusions of grandeur.

http://althealthworks.com/5907/how-...contain-industry-insiders-shocking-admission/

From another site in part-

Which Almond Milk Has the Most Almonds?

Ummmm, shouldn’t there be a lot of actual almonds in “almond milk?” It’s so sad that we even have to question this. But, we do.

Two of the leading brands of almond milk – Blue Diamond and Silk – were the subject of class action lawsuits for misleading (no, deceiving) consumers. Why? Because their “almond milk” contains only 2% almonds. Wow.

So, what are their primary ingredients? Water, sugar, carrageenan, and lecithin. So, basically, other than water and the whopping 2% almonds, the ingredients in these almond milks are not healthy.

CONCLUSION: It’s pretty much impossible for a consumer to find out the percentage of actual almonds in most almond milks sold in the U.S. because the companies don’t list this information on the carton. What we do know is that Blue Diamond and Silk are among the worst in this respect. (But, read on.)

http://www.thefitclubnetwork.com/blog/2015/12/truth-about-almond-milk/

(The second set of notes from the second URL turn out to be what looks like an advertisement for yet another almond "milk" which also does NOT list the percentage of almonds in it or at least, I couldn't find it .)
 

I've been drinking cow's milk all my life and am perfectly happy and healthy.

I don't understand why there is such a thing as almond milk or why anybody
would be interested in the stuff.
 
We've tried almond milk before, but we both prefer Rice Milk. Whatever brand we buy, we always get the unsweetened and preferably organic. Right now I have some unsweetened coconut milk in the fridge for the next time we have corn flakes. We don't use these "milks" for anything else. Also haven't drank regular cow's milk since I became an adult, will buy some 2% if I'm making chocolate eggcreams with seltzer water. Never thought too much about how they make almond milk, should be mostly almonds and water, but homemade would be more nutritious I'm sure. More on almond milk. https://healthyeater.com/almond-milk
 

SB, thanks for the article. The Whole Food 365 brand organic has "evaporated cane juice"- LOL, wouldn't that be sugar? Australia seems to have the highest almond content at 10%. It appears to me this stuff is junk, most of it harmless but it might be cheaper to take a multi-vitamn plus mineral tab each day. (I don't drink milk either )

Only 2% of almonds in something called "almondmilk" is outrageous.
 
I use unsweetened, vanilla flavored almond milk for drinking and on cereal. I don't care for it in cooking savory soups, eggs, etc... I like the fact that it lasts along time in the refrigerator after it has been opened. But it is definitely not milk!

I switched because it is low in carbs and calories.

I use heavy whipping cream diluted with water or stock for cooking.

If you have a blender you can try making your own almond milk at home.

Soak a cup of raw almonds in salted water overnight in the refrigerator, drain and rinse well. Put the nuts in a blender with a quart of water and blend for several minutes until smooth and creamy. Strain the mixture through cheese cloth or a coffee filter, add vanilla extract, sweetener if desired and store in the refrigerator. The almond sludge can be added to muffins, pancake batter, etc...

IMHO it is one of those things that I would buy rather than make but I like to know how just in case, in case of what I'm not sure LOL!
 
Why would anyone use these nut flavored waters on cereal? They don't taste like milk, it's agreed they are not milk, so why use them at all as a replacement for milk? Like I said, it's less expensive by far to take a multi tab each day than to chug almond flavored water that's been fortified by the added chemical vitamin/mineral, which without those added things, would practically be nothing more than expensive water. I just don't get it.

Of course water is low in carbs and calories.

Why not use low fat real milk or low fat lactose -free milk on your cereal if that's how you eat it. Or water. I make oatmeal with water.

To me, these cartons of nut flavored, artificially "nutrified" water are a big waste of money. It's a psychological draw using our emotional feelings about the value of milk.

Bea, you are only a step away from making healthy and nutritious almond butter. Just leave out the water if you want the nutrition from almonds.

Ok, I've had my say and thanks for your attention.
 
No. I tried it, but was not impressed. I use whole milk (and heavy cream) to make ice cream, and nonfat milk for everything else. Some people have allergies, or choose not to eat any animal-based products.
 
I don't like almond milk. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I don't buy it and only did one time. I purchase soymilk and I know there are good and bad reviews about that but it has the calcium I am looking for.
 
I buy 1% milk. I grew up on whole milk both bought and from our own cows. Whole milk tastes like ice cream to me now when I visit my sister as that's all she uses until we can get to town and get my 1%.
 
Odd one out, I actually do like it, goes well with my coffee and chia seeds since speaking of lactose intolerance, I don't do regular milk. It cost me less than other products, it really is the only thing I like to mix my chia seeds with, I don't much care for it chia with juice, the vitamin and calcium fortification and is low carb are a bonus. People pay a lot more for vitamin fortified water so I don't have a problem with it. I'm use to the taste, I will use half and half in coffee sometimes, but, that doesn't work with my chia seeds so much. :D
 
I tried buying both almond milk and coconut milk, and thought they both tasted like watered-down milk, or something maybe resembling milk. However, processed milk is not supposed to be healthy, and both almonds and coconut are healthy.
What to do......
So, I bought a bag of fresh almonds, soaked them overnight to soften them up, and put them in the blender with some water. I blended them until they were thoroughly turned into almond milk, and it was MUCH better and richer tasting than storbought almond milk.
For one thing, you can make it as rich as you want, so it does not have to be as thin and watery as what they sell commercially, and you can add whatever you want to flavor it. I have tried it plain, sweetened with splenda, and with added cocoa. What I actually like the best is to put in a scoop of whey protein powder (either chocolate or vanilla) and maybe add a bit of splenda and/or cinnamon.
There is no chemicals when you make your own, and it is as simple as can be if you have a blender.
 
I only use almond milk for my fiber one cereal, Happyflowerlady. I'm sure it would taste much better if I made my own. I bet the protein count would even be higher...a good way to get more almonds in my diet without breaking any crowns. :)
 
I only use almond milk for my fiber one cereal, Happyflowerlady. I'm sure it would taste much better if I made my own. I bet the protein count would even be higher...a good way to get more almonds in my diet without breaking any crowns. :)

If you ever try making your own almond milk, you will never want to go back the that stuff they sell as almond milk in the store !
It is really easy to make, too. I got a bag of almonds from Sam's Club; but I am sure that most of the large supermarkets have almonds. Once you have the almonds, start out with about 2 handsful ( maybe a little over a cup) of almonds , and put them in lukewarm water to soak overnight. The next morning, the skins will have stained the water, and it looks dirty; but it isn't really dirty.
If you have houseplants, this soak-water is great to use to water the plants, and will give them some added nutrients, too.

Then , I put the softened almonds in the blender (I use my Vitamix, but any blender should work), add a quart of water and blend.
Start the blender on slow until it starts blending the almonds, and slowly speed it up until it is at top speed, and then blend a while longer, until it looks like there are no bits left in the almond milk. If you blend long enough, you don't have to strain anything out, but otherwise some people strain it through cheese cloth or a nut-bag. I don't like to waste anything, so I blend until it is all puréed into almond milk.
Once you have made some, you will know if you want it richer or thinner, and can adjust the amount of almonds to water accordingly.
 
I actually have some almonds now at home that I can try it with tomorrow. I'll let you know.
How did it go, CeeCee ? Did you try making some almond milk yet ? If you add some whey protein powder, it gives it a nice vanilla (or chocolate) flavor, and sweetens it just a little, so it is more like the vanilla flavored almond milk from the grocery store, plus the milk then has more protein, and helps keep you full longer. Most of the whey protein (such as Body Fortress) doesn't have much carbs in it, so it is a great addition to a low-carb eating plan like you and I have going.
 
How did it go, CeeCee ? Did you try making some almond milk yet ? If you add some whey protein powder, it gives it a nice vanilla (or chocolate) flavor, and sweetens it just a little, so it is more like the vanilla flavored almond milk from the grocery store, plus the milk then has more protein, and helps keep you full longer. Most of the whey protein (such as Body Fortress) doesn't have much carbs in it, so it is a great addition to a low-carb eating plan like you and I have going.


Just saw this, no I haven't made it yet. Didn't really have enough almonds. I usually get them at Trader Joe's and I haven't gone there yet, maybe tomorrow or Monday.
 
I'm allergic to casein, the main dairy protein and unfortunately the product that is used to give a creamy mouth feel to many "non-dairy" products like coffee creamer and Cool Whip. Lactose-free products don't do a thing for anyone with casein allergy.

Non-dairy "milk" is like hitting the lottery for a non-dairy person like me. I buy coconut milk by the case, I make my own almond milk and cashew milk and I'm learning to use powdered coconut milk to make all kinds of things I would otherwise have to do without. I bought a countertop ice cream maker and have been enjoying non-dairy ice cream, a nice treat after years of doing without the real thing.

Believe it or not, there's something called aquafaba, the liquid from canned beans, that makes all kinds of great things. I'm not vegan, but there are some very creative vegan recipe creators who are figuring out how to make non-dairy cheeses and all kinds of other things, especially wonderful desserts.

https://www.vegansociety.com/whats-new/blog/20-amazing-things-you-can-do-aquafaba
 
Love my milk. Buy it for 1.88 a gallon at Kroger's and usually the 1%. No health care problems with milk so I continue to enjoy it. I like real milk not the faddy ones called milk. To each their own. Some store around here always has it on sale so I never pay that much for it.
 


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