Almond Milk – Which Brand Tastes Best?

Almond milk is a milky drink made from ground almonds. Unlike dairy milk, almond milk contains no cholesterol or lactose. Regular, unsweetened almond milk can be used as a substitute for dairy milk in recipes, smoothies and protein shakes, and since it does not contain any animal products, it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Most commercial almond milk products come in plain, vanilla, or chocolate flavors and are often enriched with vitamins. Almond milk can also be made at home by combining ground almonds with water in a blender. Vanilla or chocolate flavoring and sweeteners can be added. Due to possible allergies, almond milk should not be used in baby formula

Trader Joe’s Almond Milk – Original- Non-dairy

Price: $2.99/half gallon

Trader Joe’s contains 60 calories, 7 grams of sugar, and 2.5 grams of fat per 8oz serving.

Ingredients: filtered water, almonds, evaporated cane sugar, tricalcium phosphate, and sea salt.

Thumbs Up: Has a slightly more obvious almond flavor than the other two, feels rich in your mouth and is my favorite to drink plain.

Thumbs Down: Only available at Trader Joe’s so if there’s not one in your area, you’re out of luck.

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze – Original Flavor

Price: $3.50/half Gallon average price at most supermarkets

60 calories, 7 grams of sugar, and 2.5 grams of fat per 8oz serving

Ingredients: filtered water, almonds, all-natural evaporated cane juice, calcium carbonate and sea salt

Thumbs Up: Soy and lactose free. Good substitute for milk in some baking recipes as well as in smoothies. Texture is very similar to whole milk.

Thumbs Down: Has a slight aftertaste that doesn’t resemble almonds. Least favorite to drink alone.

Silk Pure Almond All-Natural – Original Flavor

Price: $3.59/half gallon at most supermarkets

60 calories, 7 grams of sugar, and 2.5 grams of fat per 8oz serving

Ingredients: filtered water, almonds, all natural evaporated cane juice, calcium carbonate and sea salt

Thumbs Up: Rich flavor and texture. Flavor is enhanced when served cold.

Thumbs Down: Not bad but just not quite as rich tasting as the Trader Joe’s brand

Since there was hardly any difference in macronutrient content, it pretty much comes down to taste preference. All brands tested are acceptable for substitutions in recipes and for smoothies/protein shakes. If purchasing this product to drink alone, the overall winner is the Trader Joe’s Brand. The Trader Joe’s brand is also the least expensive provided you have a Trader Joe’s in your area.