Almond milk has become a popular alternative to dairy milk, touted as a healthier and more eco-friendly option. However, recent reports have raised concerns about the heavy use of pesticides in almond production, with almonds being sprayed with more pesticides than any other crop in California.
Additionally, laboratory testing has revealed the presence of glyphosate, the world’s most used herbicide, in both conventional and organic almond milk. This raises the question: are there pesticides in almond milk?
In this article, we will explore the use of pesticides in almond production and their potential impact on almond milk.
Are There Pesticides In Almond Milk?
The short answer is yes, there are pesticides in almond milk. As mentioned earlier, almonds are sprayed with more pesticides than any other crop in California, and laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of glyphosate in both conventional and organic almond milk.
Glyphosate is a herbicide commonly used in large-scale almond production, and it has been linked to cancer in humans and lethal effects on bees. The levels of glyphosate found in almond milk may not be immediately harmful to human health, but the long-term effects of consuming glyphosate residues are still unknown.
It’s important to note that not all almond milk brands contain the same amount of pesticides. The testing commissioned by Moms Across America found that conventional almond milk contained higher levels of glyphosate than certified organic almond milk. This suggests that choosing organic almond milk may be a safer option for those concerned about pesticide residues.
The Use Of Pesticides In Almond Production
Almond production in California heavily relies on the use of pesticides. In fact, more pesticides are used on almond trees than any other crop in the state. The high use of pesticides is due to the susceptibility of almond trees to various pests and diseases, such as ants, mites, leafrollers, and the peach twig borer.
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation reported that in 2017, more than 34 million pounds of “active ingredients” were sprayed on almond orchards, which is a 15% increase from four years prior. The pesticides used include herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Methoxyfenozide, one of the top five insecticides used, is toxic to bees.
The timing of pesticide application is also concerning for bees. Almond trees are often sprayed with pesticides when they are in bloom, which is when bees are brought in for pollination. This common practice is exceedingly harmful to honey bees, which are essential for pollinating almond orchards. The U.S. Department of Agriculture considers these bees as livestock because they play a key role in pollinating 75% of all food crops. However, millions of them die every year from pesticide exposure, diseases, and habitat loss.
The use of pesticides in almond production not only harms bees but also affects the surrounding environment near orchards. Neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides, have been shown to harm both commercial and native bees. A study done by Ohio University in early 2019 established a strong connection between insecticides and bee deaths due specifically to almond pollination.
Glyphosate In Almond Milk: What You Need To Know
Glyphosate, the main ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, is widely used in almond production, and as a result, it has been found in both conventional and organic almond milk. Glyphosate is a known carcinogen and has been linked to lethal effects on bees. The levels of glyphosate found in almond milk may not be immediately harmful to human health, but the long-term effects of consuming glyphosate residues are still unknown.
It’s important to note that not all almond milk brands contain the same amount of pesticides. The testing commissioned by Moms Across America found that conventional almond milk contained higher levels of glyphosate than certified organic almond milk. This suggests that choosing organic almond milk may be a safer option for those concerned about pesticide residues.
Consumers should also be aware that glyphosate is not the only pesticide used in almond production. The USDA Pesticide Data Program has found residues of nine different pesticides on almonds, five of which are toxic to honey bees. Pesticide use has contributed to contamination of California’s already limited water sources, especially for farm communities.
Organic Vs. Conventional Almond Milk: Are There Differences In Pesticide Levels?
Recent research has shown that there are significant differences in pesticide levels between organic and conventional almond milk. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides on land for three years before it can be certified as organic. However, “legacy” pesticides may still persist in the soil, where organic cow feed is grown.
A study found that levels of two out of three legacy pesticides were significantly higher in conventional almond milk compared to organic almond milk. Additionally, laboratory testing found that conventional almond milk contained higher levels of glyphosate, a herbicide commonly used in large-scale almond production.
Choosing certified organic almond milk means no pesticide use and often less water use as well. While it may be more expensive than conventional almond milk, the potential health benefits and environmental impact make it a worthwhile investment for those who can afford it.
When purchasing almond milk, read the label carefully and avoid brands that contain carrageenan. It’s also important to note that not all organic almond milk brands are created equal, so do your research and choose a reputable brand with transparent sourcing and production practices.
Potential Health Effects Of Pesticides In Almond Milk
The potential health effects of consuming pesticides in almond milk are still being studied, but there are concerns about the long-term effects on human health. Pesticides have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including gastrointestinal symptoms, increases in LDL cholesterol, prostate cancer, kidney disease, and calcium stones.
Glyphosate, in particular, has been shown to be toxic to honey bees and may also be harmful to human health. Studies have linked glyphosate exposure to cancer and other health problems. While the levels of glyphosate found in almond milk may not be immediately harmful, the cumulative effects of consuming glyphosate residues over time are still unknown.
Consumers who are concerned about the potential health effects of pesticides in almond milk may want to consider choosing organic almond milk or other plant-based milk alternatives that are produced without the use of pesticides. It’s also important to note that reducing overall pesticide use in agriculture can have positive effects on both human health and the environment.
Alternatives To Almond Milk: Are They Pesticide-Free?
If you are looking for a pesticide-free alternative to almond milk, there are several options available. First, it’s important to note that not all non-dairy milks are created equal when it comes to pesticide use. For example, soy milk is often made from genetically modified soybeans that have been heavily sprayed with pesticides.
However, there are several plant-based milks that are known to have lower pesticide residues than almond milk. One option is oat milk, which is made from oats and water and does not require any pesticides to grow. Pea milk is another environmentally sustainable option that uses fewer resources than almond milk and has a lower risk of pesticide contamination.
Cashew milk and macadamia milk are also good alternatives to almond milk, but it’s important to choose organic versions to avoid pesticide residues. Sesame milk is another environmentally-friendly choice that uses less water and has a lower risk of pesticide contamination.
When choosing a non-dairy milk, it’s important to read the labels carefully and look for products that are certified organic or labeled as pesticide-free. Homemade non-dairy milks are also a great option because you can control the ingredients and ensure that no harmful additives or preservatives are included.