Are you a fan of almond milk but concerned about the use of carrageenan in some brands?
Look no further than Simple Truth Almond Milk.
But does this popular brand contain carrageenan?
We’ve done the research and have the answer for you.
Plus, we’ll also share some information on the potential health risks of carrageenan and a simple recipe for making your own carrageenan-free almond milk at home.
Keep reading to learn more.
Does Simple Truth Almond Milk Have Carrageenan?
After thorough research, we can confirm that Simple Truth Almond Milk does not contain carrageenan. This is great news for those who are looking for a carrageenan-free alternative to traditional cow’s milk.
Carrageenan is a common ingredient used as a stabilizer and thickening agent in many processed foods, including almond milk. While it is considered safe by the FDA and WHO, there is growing research linking carrageenan to inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Simple Truth Almond Milk is a great option for those looking to avoid carrageenan in their diet. This brand is made without any artificial flavors or preservatives and is also free from cholesterol and saturated fat.
What Is Carrageenan And Why Is It Used In Almond Milk?
Carrageenan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide derived from red seaweed. It has been used for centuries as a thickening agent in foods and cosmetics. In the food industry, carrageenan is used to improve the texture and consistency of many processed foods, including almond milk.
Carrageenan is added to almond milk to give it a creamy texture and prevent separation of the liquid and solids. It acts as a stabilizer, keeping the almond milk smooth and consistent. However, there are concerns that carrageenan may have negative effects on human health.
Studies have shown that carrageenan can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. There is also evidence linking carrageenan to an increased risk of colon cancer and impaired insulin response.
While the FDA and WHO have deemed carrageenan safe in small amounts, many health experts recommend avoiding it whenever possible. Simple Truth Almond Milk is a great option for those looking for a carrageenan-free alternative to traditional cow’s milk.
The Potential Health Risks Of Carrageenan
While carrageenan is considered safe by the FDA and WHO, there is growing concern about its potential health risks. Studies have linked carrageenan to increased inflammation in the body, particularly gastrointestinal inflammation, which can lead to colitis-like disease and tumor promotion. Animal studies have shown that food-grade carrageenan causes gastrointestinal inflammation and higher rates of intestinal lesions, ulcerations, and even malignant tumors.
While there are conflicting studies on the safety of carrageenan, it is important to note that many individuals experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms have noticed that eliminating carrageenan from their diet leads to profound improvements in their gastrointestinal health. Reports of bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive issues are mostly self-reported. People also report relief when they drop carrageenan from their diet.
It is also worth noting that there may be no substantial difference between “food-grade” (undegraded) and degraded carrageenan. Degraded carrageenan is a carcinogenic (cancer-causing) version that isn’t approved. It’s even used to induce inflammation in animal studies. According to Cornucopia, test results of food-grade carrageenan carried at least 5 percent degraded carrageenan. One sample had about 25 percent.
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential health risks of carrageenan, it is important to be aware of its presence in our food and make informed choices about the products we consume. Choosing carrageenan-free alternatives like Simple Truth Almond Milk can be a step towards a healthier diet.
Making Your Own Carrageenan-Free Almond Milk At Home
If you want to ensure that your almond milk is carrageenan-free, making your own at home is a great option. Not only will you have full control over the ingredients, but it can also be a fun and rewarding process.
To make your own carrageenan-free almond milk, you will need:
– 2 cups of raw or pre-soaked almonds
– 4 cups of filtered water, plus more for soaking
– 1 teaspoon of real maple syrup or raw honey (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
– A high-speed blender
– Nut milk bag (or fine mesh strainer, or cheesecloth)
– Funnel
– Medium/large mason jar
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Soak the almonds in enough water to cover by 1 inch for at least 8 hours at room temperature. If you purchase pre-soaked almonds, then still give them a quick soak to soften them.
2. Place the soaked almonds in a high-speed blender with the water, and blend on high for 2 minutes or until you can no longer make out any almond chunks, about 90 seconds.
3. Place the funnel on your mason jar, and the nut milk bag in the funnel so the center of the nut milk bag is above the funnel opening and upper portions of the nut milk bag are draped over the rim of the funnel. Now pour the blended almond milk into the nut milk lined funnel so the pulp is caught at the top and the pure almond milk collects in the mason jar. If you don’t have a funnel, put the nut milk bag in a bowl and collect the milk there. Then, pour the milk into a rinsed blender container for easy pouring into your mason jar.
4. When there is a good amount of pulp collected at the top, take a pause from pouring to squeeze the pulp and extract all the liquid. Transfer the remaining dry pulp out of the funnel and then continue pouring the rest of the pulp-mixed almond milk and squeezing the pulp until you have transferred all the blended almond milk.
5. Optional: Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup and blend another 10 seconds until incorporated.
Your homemade almond milk should keep in the refrigerator for up to five days. Not only will it be free from carrageenan, but it will also be free from any other additives or preservatives that store-bought almond milk may contain.
Conclusion: Choosing The Best Almond Milk For Your Health
When it comes to choosing the best almond milk for your health, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, it’s important to look for a brand that is carrageenan-free. While this ingredient is considered safe by some organizations, many health experts caution against its use due to potential links to inflammation and digestive issues.
In addition to avoiding carrageenan, it’s also a good idea to choose almond milk that is minimally processed and free from added sugars and thickeners. Look for brands that contain only a few simple ingredients, such as water and almonds.
If you have specific dietary needs or concerns, such as digestive issues or food allergies, it may be worth exploring alternative non-dairy milk options like oat or coconut milk. These alternatives can offer different nutritional benefits and may be better suited to your individual needs.
Ultimately, the best almond milk for your health will depend on your individual preferences and needs. By doing your research and choosing brands that prioritize quality ingredients and minimal processing, you can enjoy the many benefits of this delicious and versatile non-dairy milk.
