Are you someone who suffers from IBS or lactose intolerance? Are you looking for a dairy-free alternative to regular milk that won’t cause digestive issues?
Look no further than chocolate almond milk! Made from ground almonds and cocoa, this delicious beverage is not only a tasty treat but also low in FODMAPs.
But what exactly does that mean? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of chocolate almond milk and why it’s a great choice for those on a low-FODMAP diet.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about this creamy and smooth chocolate treat that won’t leave you feeling bloated.
Is Chocolate Almond Milk Low Fodmap?
Yes, chocolate almond milk is low FODMAP! While almonds themselves are only low FODMAP to a limited extent, most types of almond milk contain only a small percentage of almonds, making them low FODMAP. According to Monash University, chocolate almond milk has a low FODMAP content and is safe to consume in a serving size of 1 cup or 250 ml per day.
What Is A Low-FODMAP Diet?
A low-FODMAP diet is a type of diet that is designed to help people with digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can cause digestive discomfort and symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The acronym FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols.
The low-FODMAP diet involves eliminating high-FODMAP foods from your diet for a period of time, typically 2-6 weeks. After this elimination phase, you gradually reintroduce FODMAPs back into your diet to determine which ones are triggering your symptoms. Once you have identified your trigger foods, you can then create a personalized diet plan that avoids these foods.
The low-FODMAP diet is not a long-term diet plan, but rather a diagnostic tool to help identify trigger foods. Once you have identified your trigger foods, you can then work with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to create a long-term dietary plan that meets your nutritional needs while avoiding trigger foods.
Some examples of high-FODMAP foods include wheat, onions, garlic, dairy products, legumes, and some fruits such as apples and pears. Low-FODMAP alternatives include gluten-free grains such as rice and quinoa, lactose-free dairy products, and low-FODMAP fruits such as strawberries and bananas.
Why Choose Chocolate Almond Milk?
There are many reasons why you might choose chocolate almond milk as a beverage of choice. For starters, it is a dairy-free and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional cow’s milk. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals with lactose intolerance or those who follow a plant-based diet. Additionally, almond milk is naturally low in calories, sugar, fat and cholesterol, making it a healthier alternative to dairy milk. It also provides a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones, teeth, and muscles.
Moreover, chocolate almond milk provides additional nutrients due to the cocoa powder used to sweeten it. Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from cell damage and keep your mood and energy levels up. Chocolate almond milk usually contains small amounts of iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. These nutrients can help boost your health, increase energy and support your immune system.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for a beverage that can help with weight gain or muscle building, chocolate almond milk is a great choice. It has more calories than regular milk, making it an excellent choice for gaining weight. You can also gain lean muscle mass by consuming a serving of chocolate milk every day. A glass of chocolate milk every day will help you gain 0.5 pounds per week. Protein consumption immediately following a workout improves muscle remodeling. Chocolate milk, in particular, appears to be beneficial to the recovery process after a hard workout.
Lastly, if you’re trying to avoid added sugars or preservatives in your diet, chocolate almond milk can be a great option as long as you choose one that is low in added sugars and made with natural ingredients. Stock your pantry with a lasting supply of shelf stable Almond Breeze® almondmilk that has been blended with cocoa to create a delicious drink with no added sugar. Our unsweetened chocolate almondmilk is a guilt-free way for people who want to avoid sugar to cure their chocolate cravings.
Nutritional Benefits Of Chocolate Almond Milk
Aside from being low FODMAP, chocolate almond milk also provides a number of nutritional benefits. For starters, it is a great source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. In fact, many commercial brands of almond milk are fortified with calcium to make sure people get enough of this important mineral.
Chocolate almond milk is also rich in magnesium, a mineral that plays a key role in muscle function, blood sugar control, blood pressure regulation, and bone health. Additionally, almond milk is a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. Studies have shown that high intake of vitamin E may lower the risk of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Compared to dairy milk, chocolate almond milk is lower in calories and fat. It is also a good option for people who are lactose intolerant or vegan. Additionally, chocolate almond milk has a more sustainable production process than dairy milk and helps to reduce water use.
When it comes to incorporating chocolate almond milk into your diet, there are many options. It can be enjoyed on its own as a tasty beverage or used as a substitute for dairy milk in recipes such as smoothies, baked goods, and sauces.
How To Incorporate Chocolate Almond Milk Into Your Diet
If you’re looking for a delicious and low FODMAP alternative to regular milk, chocolate almond milk is a great option. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your diet:
1. Drink it straight up: Enjoy a cold glass of chocolate almond milk as a refreshing and tasty beverage.
2. Add it to your morning cereal: Pour chocolate almond milk over your favorite low FODMAP cereal for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
3. Use it in smoothies: Chocolate almond milk makes a great base for smoothies. Blend it with your favorite low FODMAP fruits and veggies for a healthy and satisfying snack.
4. Make hot cocoa: Warm up some chocolate almond milk on the stove and add cocoa powder and a little maple syrup for a cozy and comforting treat.
5. Use it in baking: Chocolate almond milk can be used in place of regular milk in most recipes. Try using it in muffins, pancakes, or even chocolate cake for a low FODMAP twist on classic recipes.
By incorporating chocolate almond milk into your diet, you can enjoy a delicious and low FODMAP alternative to regular milk that won’t cause digestive issues. Experiment with different ways to use it in your favorite recipes and enjoy its rich and creamy flavor.
Other Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives To Consider
If you’re unable to consume nut-based milks like almond milk, there are plenty of other dairy-free milk alternatives to consider. Here are some options:
1. Lactose-Free Milk: Lactose-free cow’s milk is treated with lactase enzymes, which break down the lactose and make it easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance. This type of milk is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients.
2. Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is a popular dairy-free alternative that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Coconut milk is low FODMAP in small amounts, but be sure to check the ingredient list for added high FODMAP ingredients.
3. Rice Milk: Rice milk is made from milled rice and water. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a thin consistency. Rice milk is low FODMAP and a good option for those with nut allergies.
4. Hemp Milk: Hemp milk is made from hemp seeds and water. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture. Hemp milk is not widely available in Australia or New Zealand, but it can be found in Europe and the USA.
5. Soy Milk (made from hulled soy): Soy milk made from hulled soy is low FODMAP, as the carbohydrate component (GOS) is removed in processing. Look for soy milk products that are made from hulled soy to ensure they are low FODMAP.
When choosing a dairy-free milk alternative, be sure to check the ingredient list for added high FODMAP ingredients like honey or agave syrup. Additionally, keep in mind that plant-based milks do not contain the natural benefits of lactose-free dairy products like calcium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. If you have a dietary requirement for plant-based milks, look for products that are calcium fortified to ensure you are getting the nutrients your body needs.
