Almond milk has become a popular dairy-free alternative for those who are health-conscious or have dietary restrictions. But have you ever wondered how many almonds are actually in a carton of almond milk?
A recent lawsuit claims that some popular brands may not contain as many almonds as we think. In this article, we’ll explore the truth behind the almond content in almond milk and offer some tips on how to make your own almond milk at home.
So, let’s dive in and find out just how many almonds are in that carton of almond milk.
How Many Almonds In A Carton Of Almond Milk?
The amount of almonds in a carton of almond milk varies depending on the brand and type of almond milk. Some brands claim to use a high percentage of almonds, while others use only a small amount.
One popular brand, Almond Breeze, is currently facing a lawsuit for allegedly falsely portraying that their almond milk is made primarily from almonds when it actually contains only two percent of the nut. This means that the majority of the milk alternative is water, sugar, and additives like carrageenan, sunflower lecithin, and calcium carbonate.
While Blue Diamond, the company that produces Almond Breeze, does not disclose how much almond is in their almond milk sold in the U.S., their U.K. version states that the nut makes up just two percent of the milk. This has led to speculation that the U.S. version may contain a similar amount.
However, most homemade almond milk recipes call for one part almond and three or four parts water, which amounts to 25-33 percent of almonds. This suggests that some store-bought almond milks may contain significantly less almonds than homemade versions.
The Truth About Almond Content In Store-Bought Almond Milk
Many mainstream almond milk brands are made of approximately 98% water and additives with only a few almonds. This means that if you’re buying almond milk hoping to reap the nutritional benefits of almonds, you might not be getting as much benefit as you think. In fact, there is currently a lawsuit pending against two manufacturers of almond milk, Blue Diamond and Silk, asserting that these products’ packaging misleads consumers into assuming a much greater percentage of almonds than the 2% they actually contain.
Manufacturers are not currently required to list the percentage of almonds on packaging, so it’s impossible to know the percentages in various brands. Perhaps more concerning than the percentage of almonds in the products are some of the other ingredients in packaged almond milk. There’s good reason to question whether you want to include them in your diet.
It’s important to note that the amount of almonds in store-bought almond milk can vary greatly depending on the brand and type. Some brands may use a higher percentage of almonds, while others may use only a small amount. It’s always a good idea to read the label carefully and look for brands that use a higher percentage of almonds and fewer additives. Alternatively, making almond milk at home is a great way to ensure that you know exactly what’s going into your drink and how many almonds are being used.
The Lawsuit Against Popular Almond Milk Brands
In addition to Almond Breeze, Silk brand almond milk products are also facing a class-action lawsuit for falsely advertising the amount of almonds in their products. The lawsuit alleges that these almond milk products contain only two percent almonds, despite the packaging and promotion leading consumers to believe otherwise.
The question in this false advertising claim is not necessarily whether the product contains two percent or 100 percent almonds, but rather what percentage consumers believe they are buying based on the packaging and promotion. Under New York state laws, where the lawsuits have been filed, these false and deceptive trade practices and false advertising are being questioned.
Consumers who purchase almond milk with the expectation of reaping the nutritional benefits of almonds may be disappointed to find out that some top brands contain only about two percent actual nuts. This means that many mainstream almond milk brands are made up of approximately 98 percent water and additives with only a few almonds.
Additionally, some packaged almond milk brands contain Carrageenan, an ingredient that has been linked to gastrointestinal inflammation. Consumers should look for brands that are Carrageenan-free when choosing almond milk.
How To Read Almond Milk Labels
When shopping for almond milk, it’s important to read the label carefully to determine the amount of almonds in the product. Unfortunately, manufacturers are not currently required to list the percentage of almonds on packaging, so it can be difficult to know the exact percentage in various brands.
One way to get an idea of how much almond is in a particular brand is to look for phrases like “made with real almonds” or “contains almonds.” However, keep in mind that these phrases do not necessarily indicate how much almond is actually in the product.
Another thing to look for on the label is the list of ingredients. If almonds are listed high up on the list, it’s likely that the product contains a higher percentage of almonds. On the other hand, if water or other additives are listed first, it’s likely that the product contains a lower percentage of almonds.
It’s also important to note that refrigerated almond milk should be stored in the refrigerator when you get home and used within 7 days of opening. Be sure to check the use-by dates on cartons while at the store and choose the farthest out date to ensure you’re getting the freshest product.
Making Your Own Almond Milk: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making your own almond milk is a simple and satisfying process that allows you to control the ingredients and nutritional value of your milk. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own almond milk at home:
1. Gather your ingredients: You will need one cup of organic, raw almonds, three pitted dates, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and four cups of filtered water.
2. Soak the almonds and dates: Place the almonds and dates in separate bowls and cover each with filtered water. Soak both overnight.
3. Rinse the almonds: Strain the soaking water from the almonds and rinse them with fresh water.
4. Blend the ingredients: Place the rinsed almonds, pitted dates, date water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and four cups of filtered water in a blender. Blend well until the mixture is as smooth as possible.
5. Strain the milk: Place a nut bag into a large bowl or pitcher and pour the liquid from the blender into the bag. Holding it over the bowl or pitcher, allow the liquid to strain from the bag. Tie up the bag and wring out any remaining milk from the pulp.
6. Store and enjoy: Decant the almond milk into a glass jar and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 4-5 days. You can use the leftover almond pulp to make almond flour or add it to recipes for added nutrition.
By following these simple steps, you can make your own delicious and nutritious almond milk at home without any additives or preservatives. Plus, you can customize it to your liking by adding different flavors or sweeteners. So why not give it a try?
Benefits Of Making Your Own Almond Milk
Making your own almond milk has several benefits. Firstly, you have control over the quality and quantity of ingredients used. By using organic almonds and filtered water, you can ensure that your almond milk is free from any harmful chemicals or additives that may be present in store-bought versions. Additionally, making your own almond milk allows you to create new flavors and explore new combinations by using different nuts or adding natural sweeteners like dates or honey.
Furthermore, homemade almond milk is a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, as it contains a higher percentage of almonds and fewer additives. Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats, which are beneficial for brain health, skin health, and heart health. By making your own almond milk, you can ensure that you are getting the full nutritional benefits of almonds.
Another benefit of making your own almond milk is that it is a more sustainable option. Store-bought almond milk often comes in plastic containers that contribute to environmental waste. By making your own almond milk at home, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Finally, making your own almond milk is cost-effective in the long run. While the upfront cost of purchasing a nut milk bag or a high-speed blender may seem expensive, the cost per serving of homemade almond milk is significantly lower than store-bought versions. Plus, you can use the leftover almond pulp in recipes like crackers or energy balls, reducing food waste and saving money on other ingredients.
Conclusion: Is Store-Bought Almond Milk Worth Buying?
The question of whether store-bought almond milk is worth buying ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in a milk alternative. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option that is low in calories and high in calcium and vitamin E, then almond milk may be a good choice for you. However, if you’re buying almond milk hoping to reap the nutritional benefits of almonds, you may not be getting as much benefit as you think. Many mainstream almond milk brands contain only about 2% actual nuts, which means that you’re mostly paying for water and additives.
If you’re concerned about the amount of almonds in your almond milk, making your own almond milk may be a better option. This allows you to control exactly how many almonds are in your final drink and avoid any additives that may be present in store-bought versions.
While homemade almond milk may be more expensive than store-bought options, it does offer the benefit of being free from any additives or preservatives. Additionally, making your own almond milk can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to experiment with different flavors and textures.
