Is almond milk a dairy product? This is one question that many people who have dairy allergies have been asking themselves. It is very confusing since the word “milk” is in its name, some believe it is because it comes from almonds.

So is almond milk a dairy product? Almond milk is most certainly not a dairy product. It comes from almonds and water and does not contain any dairy. It is plant-based milk that has become incredibly popular in the last decade or so as people look for alternatives to cow’s milk.

Almond milk is usually unsweetened because it does not have as much sugar as regular milk. This lack of sugar makes almond milk a healthier choice than regular milk, but it also means that many people will find it less tasty.

Almond Milk – Not A Dairy Product

Almond milk is not a dairy product. It is a non-dairy beverage made by soaking almonds in water, blending the mixture until it becomes a smooth cream-like texture, and straining the solids.

It’s possible to make almond milk at home or buy it in most grocery stores.

The term “dairy product” is defined by federal regulation as something derived from cow’s milk.

This means that almond milk does not come from dairy animals, therefore it cannot be a dairy product.

Also, people who are lactose-intolerant should be able to drink almond milk without any problems.

Is Almond Milk Worse Than Dairy?

After making a choice to give up dairy, it is common for people to switch over to alternative non-dairy milk such as almond milk. But is it healthier?

The short answer – no – not necessarily – and with a long list of added sugars and slightly less protein than traditional milk, most nutritionists say you can do better.

Almond milk is not necessarily worse than dairy, but it is definitely not healthier.

It does contain about one gram of protein per cup, which is the same as traditional cow’s milk and soy milk, but if you want to drink almond to get your daily dose of protein — don’t.

While it contains a small amount of protein, it also contains an extra 15 grams of sugar than cow’s milk does not have.

Nutritionists say if you must drink non-dairy milk, go with soy milk, which has the least amount of added sugars and the most healthy dose of protein.

What Milk Is Dairy-Free?

Here is a list of milk substitutes you can drink instead of dairy milk:

• Soy milk – comes from soybeans.
• Oat milk – comes from oat groats.
• Sorghum milk – comes from sorghum grains, which are gluten-free grains that come from grasses.
• Rice milk – comes from brown rice that has been soaked in water and then ground into a paste. It is filtered, blended, and heated.
• Almond milk – comes from blanched almonds that have been ground up and filtered with water.
• Coconut milk – comes from the white flesh of coconuts.
• Hazelnut milk – comes from ground hazelnuts or filberts.

These are the most popular dairy-free milk substitutes that are available in the supermarket today.

Why Is Almond Milk Not Considered Milk?

Almond milk is not considered to be dairy because it does not contain lactose, which is a sugar found in dairy products.

Also, FDA regulations state that dairy products are only produced by the lactating mammary glands of mammals.

Almonds, on the other hand, come from a plant.

While almond milk may contain vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D, it is not enriched with any of these ingredients to make it nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk.

What foods are considered dairy?

Dairy products include cow’s milk, goat’s milk, buttermilk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream among others.

How Good Is Almond Milk For You?

Almond milk does not contain high levels of saturated fat like dairy, which is considered to increase the risk of heart disease.

It also does not cause lactose intolerance in most people who are lactose intolerant.

Many almonds milk on the market is fortified with vitamins and minerals such as calcium, B12, vitamin D, and vitamin A.

This makes them healthier than other non-dairy substitutes like coconut milk, but if you are trying to avoid added sugars, it might still be best to drink soy or rice milk instead.

Almond milk may contain up to one gram of protein per cup, which is about half that of cow’s milk.

What Are The Side Effects Of Drinking Almond Milk?

Here is a list of side effects that may be associated with drinking too much almond milk:

1. It may cause you to get bloated or gassy. This is because almonds contain phytic acid, which can lead to intestinal discomfort if consumed in large amounts.
2. It could interfere with the absorption of other vitamins and minerals like calcium. Calcium is an essential part of the diet because it helps with blood clotting, nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and other biological functions.
3. It may cause weight gain if it replaces healthier drinks like water or fruit juice in the diet.

Is almond milk good for you? When consumed in moderation and a healthy diet that does not rely too much on added sugars, the answer is yes.

Which Is Healthier, Almond Or Oat Milk?

It depends on what you are looking for.

Almond milk does not have naturally enough occurring nutrients to replace cow’s milk, but it is lower in calories than oat milk.

Oat milk has about one-third of the amount of sugar that almond milk has, which makes it a healthier choice even though it contains less protein and calcium than almond milk.

So if you want to avoid added sugars, it is better to choose oat milk over almond milk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Almond milk is not a dairy product. It is plant-based and does not contain any dairy products.

Dairy products are mammalian secretions that contain nutrients for their young. Since almond milk does not come from an animal, it is not a dairy product.

So if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative to milk, almonds and almond milk are the way to go!