Are you a fan of almond milk?
Have you ever wondered if it contains probiotics?
Well, the answer is yes!
Almond milk can be fermented with probiotics to create a delicious and nutritious beverage packed with gut-friendly bacteria.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of probiotics, the advantages of making your own almond milk yogurt, and how to make it at home.
So, grab a glass of almond milk and let’s dive in!
Is Almond Milk A Probiotic?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide numerous health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are commonly found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
But did you know that almond milk can also be a source of probiotics? By fermenting almond milk with probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus reuteri and Streptococcus thermophilus, you can create a delicious and nutritious beverage that is packed with gut-friendly bacteria.
In fact, a recent study found that a high probiotic population was obtained in almond milk that was fermented with the right combination of glucose, fructose, inulin, and starters. The fermentation process increased the viscosity values, forming a weak gel structure, whose physical properties hardly changed. Probiotic bacteria notably survived to the in vitro digestion, surely related to the inulin presence, which would add value to the developed product by enhancing the potential health benefits of its consumption.
The Benefits Of Probiotics
Probiotics have numerous health benefits that can improve overall well-being. They are live microorganisms that can help balance the gut microbiota, which is considered a key to health. The “good” bacteria in the intestines have a symbiotic relationship with the body, getting energy from the foods people eat and providing health benefits to the entire body.
One of the major benefits of probiotics is their ability to improve immune function. They protect against hostile bacteria to prevent infection and improve digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. Probiotics can also act as gut-beneficial bacteria that create a physical barrier against unfriendly bacteria. This can help offset the bacterial imbalance caused by taking antibiotics, which kill good bacteria along with the harmful ones, often leading to gas, cramping or diarrhea.
Probiotics have also been shown to be effective in the treatment or prevention of many conditions such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. They may help breakdown protein and fat in the digestive tract — a valuable benefit to help infants, toddlers or patients who need to build strength throughout and after an illness.
Regular consumption of probiotic-rich foods can enhance the good bacteria in the gut, improve health, and reduce disease risk, while also providing important vitamins, minerals and protein. By fermenting almond milk with probiotic strains, you can create a delicious and nutritious beverage that is packed with gut-friendly bacteria. So next time you’re looking for a healthy drink option, consider trying almond milk kefir or other probiotic-rich foods.
What Is Almond Milk Yogurt?
Almond milk yogurt is a dairy-free alternative to regular yogurt that is made from almond milk. It has a similar texture and taste to regular yogurt, but it is made with almonds instead of dairy. The recipe for almond milk yogurt is vegan, grain-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free, making it a great option for individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences.
To make almond milk yogurt, blanched almonds are used to create a thickened and cultured almond cream. The skins of almonds are removed because they contain tannins, which are astringent compounds that can make the yogurt taste bitter. Additionally, the skins contain a lot of fiber which can contribute to a gritty texture in the final product.
Almond milk yogurt can be made at home with just a few ingredients and a little bit of time. It is typically thickened with a starch and a small amount of agar agar to help it set. The flavor of homemade almond milk yogurt is clean, pure, and simple, making it a great option for those who prefer natural and wholesome foods.
With the right combination of glucose, fructose, inulin, and starters, almond milk can also be fermented to create a probiotic-rich beverage that is packed with gut-friendly bacteria. This fermentation process increases the viscosity values and forms a weak gel structure that hardly changes physical properties. The probiotic bacteria in almond milk yogurt notably survive in vitro digestion, adding value to the product by enhancing its potential health benefits.
Advantages Of Making Your Own Almond Milk Yogurt
Making your own almond milk yogurt has several advantages over buying store-bought yogurt. First and foremost, homemade almond milk yogurt is completely dairy-free, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. Additionally, homemade almond milk yogurt is free from additives, preservatives, and refined sugars that are often found in store-bought yogurts.
Another advantage of making your own almond milk yogurt is that you have complete control over the ingredients and the fermentation process. You can choose to use organic almonds and probiotic strains that you trust, ensuring that you are getting the most nutritious and beneficial probiotics possible.
Furthermore, making your own almond milk yogurt is cost-effective in the long run. While the initial investment in a high-speed blender and nut milk bag may seem daunting, once you have these tools, making your own almond milk yogurt is much cheaper than buying dairy-free yogurts from the store.
Finally, making your own almond milk yogurt is a fun and creative process that allows you to experiment with different flavors and textures. By playing with the variables such as the consistency of the milk, the starter cultures used, and the temperatures and times of the culturing process, you can dial into the style of yogurt that you like most.
How To Make Almond Milk Yogurt At Home
Making almond milk yogurt at home is easy and affordable. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
– 4 cups of blanched almond milk
– 2 tablespoons of arrowroot or cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon of agar agar or xanthan gum
– 2 tablespoons of yogurt starter (or probiotic capsules)
– Sweetener of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, mix the arrowroot or cornstarch with a bit of cold almond milk to make a slurry. Add this mixture to the rest of the almond milk in the saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture on low-medium heat until it reaches 85°C/185°F. This can take up to 30-40 minutes, so be patient and stir occasionally.
3. Once the temperature is reached, switch off the heat and let the mixture cool down to about 45°C/113°F. This can take another 30-40 minutes.
4. Add your yogurt starter or probiotic capsules to the cooled mixture and stir gently.
5. Sieve the mixture to remove any lumps and possible bits of almonds.
6. Pour the mixture into sterilized jars or containers and cover them with a lid.
7. Place the jars in a warm environment, such as a wrapped blanket, to incubate overnight for at least 12 hours.
8. After incubation, refrigerate the jars for another 6 hours before consuming.
9. If you want a thicker and tangier yogurt, you can incubate it for up to 24 hours before refrigerating.
Making almond milk yogurt at home allows you to customize the sweetness and thickness of your yogurt. It’s also a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. Enjoy your homemade probiotic-rich almond milk yogurt!
Tips And Tricks For Fermenting Almond Milk With Probiotics
Fermenting almond milk with probiotics may seem intimidating at first, but with a few tips and tricks, you can create a delicious and nutritious beverage in no time.
Firstly, it’s essential to use skinless almonds to avoid mold during fermentation. If you don’t have skinless almonds, blanch them and remove the skins yourself. Soak the almonds overnight in filtered water with sea salt to make them more digestible.
Once the almonds are soaked, drain, rinse, and discard the soak water. Place the nuts in a high-powered blender along with water, and blend until the nuts have been pulverized. Do not sweeten or add flavorings until you have strained the milk from the pulp.
Pour the almond milk into a quart glass jar, add the probiotic powder, and stir with a wooden spoon. Cover with a breathable cloth and secure with a rubber band. Culture at room temperature for 12 hours or until a thick “foam” forms on top, and it smells sour like yogurt. Be sure to start taste testing the almond milk at the 6-hour marker and then every few hours until it hits the level of flavor that you enjoy.
Store the almond milk yogurt in the fridge for 5-7 days. Sweeten and flavor to your liking before serving. Homemade almond milk yogurt is perfect for smoothies, breakfasts, and desserts. It’s healthier for your family because you control what mix-ins you use, and it’s packed with gut-friendly bacteria that are beneficial for your overall health.
Conclusion: Almond Milk Yogurt – A Nutritious And Delicious Probiotic Beverage
In conclusion, almond milk yogurt is a nutritious and delicious probiotic beverage that is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or simply looking for a dairy-free alternative. With its creamy texture and slightly tart flavor, it can be enjoyed as a snack or added to smoothies and desserts.
Not only is almond milk yogurt rich in probiotics, which help to improve digestion and boost the immune system, but it is also a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Moreover, it is naturally soy-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
With the growing popularity of plant-based diets and the increasing demand for non-dairy alternatives, it’s no wonder that the alt-dairy market is expected to reach $35 billion by 2026. So why not embrace change and try making your own almond milk yogurt at home? It’s easy, affordable, and a great way to support your overall health and wellbeing.
