Silk Almondmilk has become a popular dairy-free alternative for those looking to switch up their milk choices. With a variety of flavors and options, Silk Almondmilk has something for everyone.
But have you ever wondered if the almonds used in Silk Almondmilk are blanched?
In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients used in Silk Almondmilk and answer the question once and for all.
So sit back, grab a glass of your favorite Silk Almondmilk, and let’s dive in!
Is Silk Almond Milk Made With Blanched Almonds?
Silk Almondmilk is made with almonds and filtered water, as well as a few other ingredients such as sea salt, locust bean gum, sunflower lecithin, gellan gum, and natural flavor. But are these almonds blanched before being used in the milk?
After researching the Silk website and various sources, it appears that Silk Almondmilk is not made with blanched almonds. The ingredients list for Silk Original Almondmilk specifically states “almonds” without any mention of blanching.
Blanching almonds involves removing the skin from the nut by boiling them in water and then quickly cooling them in ice water. This process can affect the taste and texture of the almonds, which may not be desirable for use in Silk Almondmilk.
Additionally, blanching almonds can be a time-consuming and expensive process, which may not be practical for a large-scale production like Silk Almondmilk.
What Is Blanching And Why Does It Matter?
Blanching is a process of boiling almonds in water and then quickly cooling them in ice water to remove the skin from the nut. This process can affect the taste and texture of the almonds, making them smoother and less bitter. Blanching also removes tannins from the almond skin, which can cause a dry feeling in the mouth due to the way they react with proteins in saliva.
While blanching almonds can improve their taste and texture, it may not be necessary for all uses. For example, Silk Almondmilk is made with unblanched almonds, which may provide a slightly different flavor and texture than blanched almonds. However, this may not be noticeable in the final product, as Silk Almondmilk contains other ingredients that could mask any differences in taste or texture.
Blanching almonds can also be a time-consuming and expensive process, which may not be practical for home use or large-scale production. Therefore, whether or not to blanch almonds depends on personal preference and the intended use of the almonds. In general, blanched almonds may be preferred for use in baking or making almond milk for a smoother texture and less bitter taste, while unblanched almonds may be preferred for snacking or adding to salads for a more natural look and taste.
The Ingredients In Silk Almondmilk
Silk Almondmilk contains almond milk, which is made from almonds and filtered water. Other ingredients include sea salt, locust bean gum, sunflower lecithin, gellan gum, and natural flavor. The order of the ingredients differs between the original and vanilla flavors, which indicates the quantity of each ingredient used.
Silk Unsweetened Vanilla Almondmilk lists natural flavor as the third ingredient, while the original flavor lists it last. Both unsweetened varieties have similar nutritional values, with one cup containing 30 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, less than 1 gram of carbohydrate, and 1 gram of protein.
Silk Almondmilk also includes a vitamin and mineral blend for fortification and freshness. The blend contains calcium carbonate, vitamin E acetate, vitamin A palmitate, and vitamin D2. Ascorbic acid is also added to protect freshness.
Silk offers a “Less Sugar” version of their Original Almondmilk with only 3 grams of added sugar, compared to 7 grams in the original flavor and none in the unsweetened versions.
Silk Extra Creamy Almondmilk is blended with three different varieties of almonds to create a smoother texture and mouthfeel than regular almond milk.
How Silk Almondmilk Is Made
Silk Almondmilk is made by blending almonds and filtered water together until they form a smooth and creamy liquid. The almonds used in Silk Almondmilk are not blanched, as mentioned above.
After the almonds and water are blended together, sea salt, locust bean gum, sunflower lecithin, gellan gum, and natural flavor are added to the mixture. These ingredients help to thicken and stabilize the milk, as well as enhance its flavor.
The milk is then pasteurized to ensure that it is safe to consume, before being packaged and shipped out to stores.
Silk also offers a variety of flavored almond milks, such as vanilla and chocolate. These flavors are achieved by adding natural flavors to the original almond milk base.
Are The Almonds In Silk Almondmilk Blanched?
Based on the information available, it does not appear that the almonds used in Silk Almondmilk are blanched. The ingredients list for Silk Original Almondmilk simply lists “almonds” without any mention of blanching.
While blanching almonds can remove the skin and potentially affect the taste and texture of the nut, it can also be a time-consuming and expensive process. This may not be practical for a large-scale production like Silk Almondmilk.
It’s important to note that whether or not the almonds are blanched may not make a significant difference in the overall taste and quality of the almond milk. Silk Almondmilk has received positive reviews for its taste and texture, even without blanched almonds.
The Benefits Of Using Blanched Almonds In Almond Milk
While Silk Almondmilk may not use blanched almonds, there are some benefits to using blanched almonds in almond milk production.
Blanching almonds can remove the skin, which can result in a smoother and creamier texture for the almond milk. This is because the skin can sometimes cause a gritty texture in the milk.
Blanched almonds also have a slightly lower fat content compared to unblanched almonds. This can be beneficial for those who are looking for a lower calorie or lower fat option.
Furthermore, blanching almonds can remove any potential bitterness or off-flavors that may be present in the skin. This can result in a more neutral flavor profile for the almond milk, which can be desirable for some consumers.
