Almond milk?

kittyhasclaws

What are the benefits of almond milk vs. skim milk. I was looking at the labels, and I just don't get why people are so crazy over almond milk. It's got more fat, more sodium, less protein, less potassium... There are only two things it's better on: calcium and cholesterol (I believe).

So why are people so nuts (pun not intended) over almond milk?

coliema

I've never had almond milk myself, but I think I'm going to try some because I hear a lot about it. I looked online for some information about almond milk, to try to help answer your question and this is what I found:

Almond milk, like soy milk, is an alternative to cow's milk. This fortified beverage, made from almonds, has a surprisingly rich and creamy taste. Lower in calories and fat than regular cow's milk, it is high in vitamins, such as vitamin E. Like cow's milk and fortified soy milk, almond milk boasts an impressive dose of bone-building calcium.

Diet-Friendly
Plain, original almond milk provides 60 to 70 calories per cup, about 15 calories less than the same amount of skim milk. It is low in protein, providing only 1 to 2 g per cup, 2.5 g fat, and has 0 g saturated fat and 8 g carbohydrates. Because of its low calorie content, almond milk may be a beneficial addition to a diet geared toward weight loss or weight management.

Almond milk is lower in both potassium and phosphorus than regular or soy milk. Individuals with kidney disease, chronic or acute, must restrict their intake of these minerals, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Thus, almond milk may be a better choice. It is a nutritious option for those suffering from lactose intolerance. In addition, soy products may not be appropriate for all individuals; for example, women with a history of breast cancer may be advised by their physicians to avoid soy.

Vitamin-Rich
Like conventional dairy products, almond milk is nutrient-fortified, and a good source of several important fat-soluble vitamins. One cup of plain almond milk meets 10 percent of the Recommended Daily Value (DV) for vitamin A, 25 percent for vitamin D and 50 for vitamin E, making it high in many nutrients compared to the amount of calories it provides per serving. Vitamins A and E act as antioxidants, enhancing immunity and protecting the body's cells and tissues from damage. In addition, vitamin A is important for healthy eyesight and supports normal growth and development. Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth, and enhances immunity.

High in Calcium
Almond milk is rich in calcium, providing the same amount per cup as cow's milk and soy milk. One cup offers approximately 300 mg, meeting 30 percent of the DV for this major mineral. Calcium plays many roles in the human body. Along with vitamin D, phosphorus and magnesium, calcium is needed to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. It also helps regulate blood pressure and is necessary for muscle contraction. Those who cannot tolerate dairy products, or do not use them, often come up short on this important nutrient; consuming almond milk regularly ensures adequate calcium intake.

Birder150

Milk gives me gas.
Almond milk does not.

I use it to replace milk in my smoothies and occasionally when I eat cereal.

916lude

The almond milk I drink is 35 cals a cup and more calcium than dairy milk.

Can't stand the taste of dairy milk either. That's why I drink almond milk.

CoderGal

What are the benefits of almond milk vs. skim milk. I was looking at the labels, and I just don't get why people are so crazy over almond milk. It's got more fat, more sodium, less protein, less potassium... There are only two things it's better on: calcium and cholesterol (I believe).

So why are people so nuts (pun not intended) over almond milk?

Almond milk: Waterer, less calories and everyone is more concerned about getting as few calories no matter how much stuff is processed. Usually artificially sweetened though unsweetened is available. Usually contains salt. Usually long ingredient list and usually includes carrageenan which doesn't sit well in some peoples stomachs. You can keep it for much longer because of it and I like the taste. I add the nonsweetened to coffee. It's also vegan and lactose friendly. You can make your own almond milk without any of the 'added stuff' at home.

Example of ingredient list:

ALMONDMILK (FILTERED WATER, ALMONDS)
EVAPORATED CANE JUICE
CALCIUM CARBONATE
SEA SALT
POTASSIUM CITRATE
CARRAGEENAN
SUNFLOWER LECITHIN
VITAMIN A PALMITATE
VITAMIN D2
D-ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL (NATURAL VITAMIN E).

Skim milk: Full amino acid profile, protein, etc. Many people are afraid of cows milk saying theres added hormones in it. If you're in Canada and I believe the states that's illegal to do. Other people fear animal hormones, these people often don't eat meat.

Example of ingredient list:

PARTLY SKIMMED MILK (vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D2 or D3)

drmerc

I've never been a big fan of dairy milk, but I actually really like almond milk.
I use it to mix shakes or eat cereal

CF4L

Because some people can't handle dairy products like myself

formerlynobel

It took me a long time to accept almond milk, mostly because I wanted it to have more protein. But almond milk is NOT meant to be a one-for-one substitute for milk. I stopped drinking cow's milk 7 years ago because I realized it was giving me bad stomachaches. The smell of cow's milk grosses me out (plus, you should see what's in it, but I won't go there).

So I looked for a non-dairy alternative and found almond milk to be the most economical (vs. hemp or flax milk), decent tasting (unlike rice milk) and not questionable like soy milk. I use just a little in smoothies, oatmeal, and recipes and never straight up. We are not animals or babies -- we don't need to rely on milk all that heavily.

ZoeyRobinson

I make my own so it has less calories, no sugar (regular milk has a crapload) and I know that it's fresh. Plus it helps my loved ones diabetes.

lauren3382

I drink it for the higher calcium and lower sugar content then cow's milk. Plus at 35 cals per serving (I use the unsweetened almond milk), it doesn't kill my diet and it has healthy fats that I need too.

thinnnnnnner

(plus, you should see what's in it, but I won't go there)

This. Milk is disgusting. Plus almond milk tastes like dessert.

gogonunubean

I drink both. Almond milk is lower in calories and the calcium is more easily absorbed. Our doctor told me to cut back on cows milk as it is acidic, and my body was taking out calcium from my bones to neutralize that: thus leaving me with less calcium than before! Which I found ironic, but I have checked other studies that agree, so yes, I only have cow milk in my morning tea, cos for that, Almond milk just does not cut it for me!

superawesomekt

I used to drink tons of milk every day growing up, also used to have my 'cereal & milk' daily. Then I got ulcerative colitis and have had to move off of milk. Every now and then I can have it with cookies and I'm fine, but if I have it daily I get quite sick. I also avoid excess soy, so almond milk is a fantastic alternative.

For those who, like me, struggle with milk, another option that my body seemed to do okay with was goat's milk and also raw milk, but both can be hard to find, expensive, and many people have concerns about raw milk (especially during pregnancy, etc.). But almond milk is easier to find now and is delicious, so... there you go!

My favorite brand: silk almond milk vanilla unsweetened. Kind of hard to find, but delicious.

My husband mostly drinks regular milk still, although he likes almond milk when we're out.

elka67

(plus, you should see what's in it, but I won't go there)

This. Milk is disgusting. Plus almond milk tastes like dessert.

So does Hazelnut milk. Tastes almost chocolatey

ElviraCross

I drink it because it's sugar free and I think it tastes really really really good!

I get the unsweetened coconut almond milk blend. It's delicious!

kittyhasclaws

It took me a long time to accept almond milk, mostly because I wanted it to have more protein. But almond milk is NOT meant to be a one-for-one substitute for milk. I stopped drinking cow's milk 7 years ago because I realized it was giving me bad stomachaches. The smell of cow's milk grosses me out (plus, you should see what's in it, but I won't go there).

So I looked for a non-dairy alternative and found almond milk to be the most economical (vs. hemp or flax milk), decent tasting (unlike rice milk) and not questionable like soy milk. I use just a little in smoothies, oatmeal, and recipes and never straight up. We are not animals or babies -- we don't need to rely on milk all that heavily.

I actually DO know what's in cow's milk and how it's handled. I grew up around several dairies. I can totally understand for people with lactose issues. I can't say that I rely at all on it (I mix milk in with shakes, a little with oatmeal and that's it). I just see everyone all the time with "almond milk" in everything. So, I was curious.

LaurySch

I wanted to give up cow's milk for a few reasons and I tried rice milk (tastes nasty) and soy milk (also mostly nasty tasting!) wasn't an option for other reasons. I was worried about my situation until I tried almond milk and was pleasantly surprised! Honestly, it wasn't for calories, protein, fat, etc. So that stuff never crossed my mind. I was more worried about getting enough calcium in my diet that didn't come from dairy products and almonds are a good natural source. I still use dairy milk for cooking/baking and most of my fam indulge but for a cold glass of 'milk' or in my cereal or occasional tea my carton of almond milk is what I reach for!

krisiepoo

Overall, my body responds better to almond milk vs skim milk... plus if you get the unsweetened, it's better for ya

heliumheels

Regular almond milk drinker here. I usually buy original unsweetend almond milk (great in cereal, oatmeal, shakes, recipes, and straight up). This week I bought unsweetend vanilla coconut almond milk., because my store was out of the regular one. Have only tried it in cereal so far, but it's not bad. I was raised on whole cow's milk and now the taste/smell grosses me out. I've been vegetarian for 8 years and I drank unsweetend soymilk for most of that time, but have switched to almond milk within the past year, due to all the hoopla around soy products. Almond milk is definitely a better choice than cow's milk.

amanda_ataraxia

There is actually a variety that has protein- So Delicious Almond Plus, with 5g of protein for 40 calories per cup.

I don't drink dairy milk because I am a vegan.

LLRider

It's a great choice for low carb dieters. Tasty too!

OnWisconsin84

Milk gives me gas.
Almond milk does not.

I use it to replace milk in my smoothies and occasionally when I eat cereal.

This.

RunnerBlonde808

Almond milk is non dairy. That's a big reason why I use it. Plus unsweetened vanilla is only 35 calories and 1 carb. Since I do low carb, it's awesome for me.

np11073

The biggest difference is that cow's milk has casein which has been found to increase the chance of several forms of cancer. Almond milk is lower in calories and has the same amount of calcium. Almonds are higher in total fats but they are unsaturated which is good in the regulation of the HDL/LDL ratio. I have been drinking almond milk for a long time. It tastes much better than soy milk and for me...I don't need the isoflavones....pseudoestogens.

CarleyLovesPets

I actually love soy milk and almond milk.
I use almond milk because I find ...

1. It's cheaper since the store near me always has it on sale
2. Not as strong of a flavor then soy milk, so it's more unnoticeable.
3. 35 calories a cup, so it's good in my shakes.

I think if I had both in my fridge and I was going to have an actual glass of it - I'd reach for the soy milk.
If I was going to put it in a shake or in cereal - almond milk (because it tastes fantastic in cereal!)

deviantcupcake

I find skimmed milk has about as much taste as water. It seems pointless to me, so I use either semi-skimmed or almond, depending on whether it's for coffee (semi) or porridge/baking (almond).

capriciousmoon

Higher calcium is a great bonus, isn't that why people drink milk in the first place? You don't really need protein in milk since it's easy enough to get that from food if you're eating a properly balanced diet.

My personal reason for choosing almond milk? Dairy milk tastes disgusting and causes phlegm.

ang3h

Almond milk is a staple in my house.. I use it in shakes, cereal, oatmeal, any recipe that uses milk.. I like cow's milk but almond milk has way less calories.

flatbellybella

:huh: don't hate on almond milk...
I'm lactose intolerant. I either have almond milk or lactose free milk. They all taste like plain old milk to me :drinker:

Halleeon

I drink both. Almond milk is lower in calories and the calcium is more easily absorbed. Our doctor told me to cut back on cows milk as it is acidic, and my body was taking out calcium from my bones to neutralize that: thus leaving me with less calcium than before! Which I found ironic, but I have checked other studies that agree, so yes, I only have cow milk in my morning tea, cos for that, Almond milk just does not cut it for me!

^ this. I've also read that dairy milk leeches calcium from your bones, and being a woman, and knowing about osteoporosis...I choose almond or soymilk.

Also, I have issues with lactose intolerance and I'm trying to get away from making that worse.

curvyvegan

I like almond milk for baking and cooking. It's not my favorite for drinking, I prefer soy milk on my cereal or in my coffee, but I also use almond milk just for variety of nutrients.

I don't drink cow's milk because I don't want to support unnecessary cruelty. Cow's milk is for calves. I think it is unspeakably cruel to impregnate a cow, only to take her baby away so that humans can have the milk. It's so wrong on so many levels.