Water is a precious resource that we often take for granted. It’s used in practically everything, including the production of our everyday essentials like milk.
But have you ever stopped to think about just how much water it takes to make a gallon of almond milk?
This popular dairy alternative has been gaining popularity in recent years, but its impact on the environment is often overlooked.
In this article, we’ll explore just how much water is required to produce a single gallon of almond milk and compare it to other milk alternatives.
Get ready to be surprised by the numbers!
How Much Water To Make A Gallon Of Almond Milk?
Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and straining out the solids. While it may seem like a simple process, it actually requires a significant amount of water.
According to research, it takes approximately 1.1 gallons of water to grow a single almond. Considering that it takes about 92 almonds to make one cup of almond milk, that’s already over 100 gallons of water just for one cup!
But the water usage doesn’t stop there. To make a gallon of almond milk, you need about 4 cups of almonds and 12 cups of water. That means it takes roughly 460 gallons of water to produce just one gallon of almond milk.
To put that into perspective, it takes about 2 gallons of water to produce a gallon of cow’s milk. So, almond milk requires more than double the amount of water compared to traditional dairy milk.
The Water Footprint Of Almond Milk Production
The water footprint of almond milk production is quite significant. As mentioned earlier, it takes about 1.1 gallons of water to grow a single almond. This means that in order to produce a gallon of almond milk, it takes approximately 460 gallons of water. This is because it requires about 4 cups of almonds and 12 cups of water to make one gallon of almond milk.
Compared to cow’s milk, which takes about 2 gallons of water to produce a gallon, almond milk requires more than double the amount of water. This is a significant difference, and it highlights the impact that almond milk production can have on water resources.
It’s important to note that all types of agriculture require water, and almond milk is not unique in this regard. However, the large amount of water required to produce almonds and almond milk should be taken into consideration when making decisions about what to consume.
In addition to the amount of water required for almond milk production, it’s also worth noting that much of the almond milk sold in stores contains very little actual almonds. Many brands use only about 2% almonds in their products, with the rest being mostly water and other additives.
How Almond Milk Compares To Other Milk Alternatives
While almond milk is a popular plant-based milk alternative, there are many other options available on the market. Here’s how almond milk compares to some of the other popular milk alternatives:
Soy Milk: Soy milk is a popular dairy-free alternative that’s been around for decades. It’s made from whole soybeans or soy protein isolate, and has a creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor. Soy milk is a good source of protein, with around 8 grams per cup, which is comparable to cow’s milk. It also contains essential amino acids and is fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Soy milk has a similar water footprint to cow’s milk, with about 2 gallons of water required to produce a gallon of soy milk.
Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is made by blending coconut meat with water and straining out the solids. It has a rich, creamy texture and a sweet, coconut flavor. Coconut milk is high in saturated fat, with about 5 grams per cup, but it’s also low in carbohydrates and calories. It’s not a good source of protein or calcium, but some brands are fortified with these nutrients. Coconut milk has a smaller water footprint than almond milk, with about 216 gallons of water required to produce a gallon of coconut milk.
Oat Milk: Oat milk is made by blending oats with water and straining out the solids. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture. Oat milk is low in fat and calories, but it’s also low in protein. It’s typically fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Oat milk has a smaller water footprint than almond milk, with about 48 gallons of water required to produce a gallon of oat milk.
Rice Milk: Rice milk is made by blending cooked rice with water and straining out the solids. It has a thin, watery texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Rice milk is low in fat and calories, but it’s also low in protein and other nutrients. It’s typically fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Rice milk has a smaller water footprint than almond milk, with about 25 gallons of water required to produce a gallon of rice milk.
The Environmental Impact Of Almond Milk Production
The high demand for almond milk has led to a monoculture of almond crops, which occupy around 1% of the total land area in California. This monoculture creates a number of environmental issues. Firstly, almond trees are very thirsty, and it takes approximately 5 liters of water to grow a single almond. This means that almond milk production requires a significant amount of water, which contributes to the serious drought conditions that California frequently faces.
Furthermore, the large concentration of almond crops in California has led to soil depletion, as the ground loses its variety of nutrients. This makes the ecosystem less resistant to plagues and other issues. Additionally, the high demand for almonds has led farmers to rip up relatively biodiverse citrus groves to feed the demand for almonds, creating an unsustainable monoculture fed by increasingly deep water wells that threaten statewide subsidence issues.
While almond milk may have a smaller carbon footprint than cow’s milk, it has a much larger water footprint. In fact, studies show that almond milk spends almost 20 times more water than dairy milk. This means that almond milk may not be as sustainable as some people believe. Soy milk and oat milk have been found to be more sustainable options as they require less water than almond milk.
Ways To Reduce Water Usage In Almond Milk Production
Although almond milk production requires a significant amount of water, there are ways to reduce water usage and make the process more sustainable. Here are some ways to reduce water usage in almond milk production:
1. Use water-efficient irrigation systems: Farmers can use drip or micro-sprinkler irrigation systems instead of flood irrigation, which can significantly reduce water usage.
2. Use recycled water: Instead of using freshwater sources, farmers can use recycled or reclaimed water for irrigation purposes. This can help conserve freshwater resources and reduce the overall water footprint of almond milk production.
3. Optimize almond harvesting: Almond harvesting methods can also impact water usage. By using mechanical shakers instead of handpicking, farmers can reduce the amount of water needed for irrigation.
4. Reduce food waste: Almond milk production generates a significant amount of almond pulp waste. This waste can be repurposed into other food products such as almond flour, reducing overall food waste and water usage.
5. Choose almond milk alternatives: While almond milk is a popular dairy milk alternative, there are other plant-based milk options available that require less water to produce, such as oat milk or hemp milk.
By implementing these methods, we can reduce the overall water usage in almond milk production and make the process more sustainable for both the environment and communities that rely on freshwater resources.
The Importance Of Being Mindful Of Water Usage In Food Production
As we can see from the above information, water is a precious resource that is being consumed at an alarming rate. The food production industry is one of the biggest consumers of water, and it is essential for us to be mindful of our water usage in this industry.
One of the first steps in reducing water usage in food production is to understand how water is being used in a facility. Conducting a water balance or audit can help track the input and output of water throughout the facility. This balance should include process operations such as cooling, cooking, cleaning, and waste streams.
Irrigation is another major source of water usage in food production. As demand for water conservation increases, professionals in this field will be under pressure to find innovative ways to increase physical irrigation efficiency. Farmers can invest their time and effort to reduce wastage of water by adopting water conservation technologies and increasing irrigation efficiency.
Another way to be mindful of water usage in food production is by reducing our consumption of products that require a significant amount of water to produce, such as almond milk. Producing almonds requires a large amount of water, and it takes approximately 460 gallons of water to produce just one gallon of almond milk. By reducing our consumption of products that require a lot of water to produce, we can help conserve this precious resource.
