Is Califia Almond Milk Healthy? A Detailed Guide

Almond milk has become a popular alternative to dairy milk, especially for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. Among the many brands available in the market, Califia Farms is a well-known name.

But is Califia almond milk healthy? With concerns about additives and fillers in some almond milk brands, it’s important to know what you’re consuming.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Califia almond milk and its ingredients to determine if it’s a healthy choice for you.

So, let’s dive in and explore the world of Califia almond milk!

Is Califia Almond Milk Healthy?

Califia Farms Unsweetened Pure Almond Milk is a popular choice among consumers and nutritionists alike. It’s low in calories, naturally dairy-free, and a good source of calcium. But what about its ingredients?

Califia Farms is not certified organic, but they are certified glyphosate-residue free by The Detox Project. They use sunflower lecithin, which raises some health concerns, and gellan and locust bean gums, which are potentially problematic and added to somewhat hide how few almonds are actually in the milk.

However, despite these concerns, Califia almond milk still remains a healthy choice. It’s low in calories and fat, and high in calcium. Plus, it’s vegan, non-dairy, non-soy, non-GMO, and kosher.

Compared to other almond milk brands like Almond Dream and So Delicious, Califia almond milk has fewer fillers and additives. And while Pacific Organic Almond Milk is certified organic, it still contains fillers like sunflower lecithin and rice starch.

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almondmilk is another popular choice because it’s affordable and widely available. It’s fortified with 45% of the daily value (DV) of calcium and 25% of the DV of Vitamin D. However, it also contains sunflower lecithin and gellan gum, which raise some health concerns.

What Is Califia Almond Milk?

Califia Farms Unsweetened Pure Almond Milk is a plant-based milk made from almonds and other natural ingredients. It is free from dairy, soy, gluten, carrageenan, and GMOs. The almond milk is made by blending almonds with water, calcium carbonate, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, natural flavor, guar gum, gellan gum, and potassium citrate.

Califia almond milk is known for its smooth and creamy texture, which makes it a great alternative to dairy milk in various recipes. It contains only 35 calories per serving and 0g of sugar, making it a low-calorie and low-sugar option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

One of the key benefits of Califia almond milk is its high calcium content. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and Califia almond milk provides a good source of this important mineral. Additionally, Califia almond milk is vegan-friendly, making it a great option for those following a plant-based diet.

While some concerns have been raised about some of the ingredients in Califia almond milk, such as sunflower lecithin and gellan gum, overall it remains a healthy choice for those looking for a dairy-free alternative to milk. Its simple ingredient list and low calorie count make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients In Califia Almond Milk

The ingredients in Califia Almond Milk include filtered water, almonds, calcium carbonate, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, natural flavor, guar gum, gellan gum, and potassium citrate. The almonds used are non-GMO and sustainably sourced. Calcium carbonate is added as a source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Sunflower lecithin is used as an emulsifier to keep the almond milk from separating. Sea salt is added for taste and to enhance the flavor of the almonds. Natural flavor is used to give the almond milk a mild vanilla flavor. Guar gum and gellan gum are added as thickeners to give the almond milk a smooth and creamy texture. Potassium citrate is added as a source of potassium, which is important for healthy blood pressure and heart function.

Additives And Fillers In Almond Milk

Almond milk, like many other processed food products, can contain additives and fillers to improve texture, consistency, and flavor. Some of the most common additives found in almond milk include sugar, salt, gums, flavors, lecithin, and carrageenan.

Sunflower lecithin is a common emulsifier used in almond milk to prevent separation and improve texture. However, there are some health concerns associated with its use, including potential allergic reactions and its sourcing from genetically modified sunflowers.

Gellan gum and locust bean gum are also used in some almond milk products to improve texture and consistency. However, these ingredients have been linked to digestive issues and may cause bloating or discomfort in some individuals.

Carrageenan is another commonly used emulsifier in almond milk that has been linked to gut health issues. While it is recognized as safe by the FDA, some studies suggest that it may cause inflammation and digestive problems in some individuals.

It’s important to note that many companies are now avoiding the use of carrageenan due to these concerns. Additionally, many flavored and sweetened almond milks are high in sugar, which can increase the risk of weight gain and other chronic conditions.

When choosing an almond milk product, it’s important to read the label carefully and be aware of any potential additives or fillers. Opting for unsweetened and unflavored varieties can help reduce the intake of added sugars. Overall, Califia almond milk remains a healthy choice despite some concerns over its use of fillers and additives.

Other Almond Milk Brands To Consider

If you’re looking for other almond milk brands to try, there are plenty of options on the market. Elmhurst Milked Almonds is a good choice for those looking for a simple ingredient list, as it only contains almonds and water. Three Trees is another brand with a short ingredient list and high-quality ingredients.

Silk Original Almondmilk is a popular choice because of its taste and texture. It’s also non-GMO verified, gluten-free verified, and free from carrageenan and artificial colors and flavors. However, it does contain gums for thickening.

Trader Joe’s Almondmilk is another affordable option that’s widely available. It’s fortified with vitamins A, D, and E, and has a creamy texture. However, it does contain sunflower lecithin and gellan gum.

For those looking for an organic option, 365 Organic Almondmilk is certified organic and only contains almonds and water. Malk Vanilla Almond Milk is another organic option that’s made with high-quality ingredients like organic sprouted almonds and organic maple syrup.