Silk almond milk has become a popular choice for those seeking a dairy-free alternative to traditional milk.
But have you ever wondered where this creamy and delicious plant-based milk comes from?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of Silk and where their almond milk is made.
From their humble beginnings in Boulder, Colorado to their acquisition by DanoneWave, we’ll explore the journey of Silk and the process behind their almond milk production.
So sit back, grab a glass of Silk almond milk, and let’s dive in!
Where Is Silk Almond Milk Made?
Silk almond milk is made in North America, according to the company’s website. This includes both organic and non-GMO soybeans, which were initially the focus of the company when it was founded in 1977 by Steve Demos in Boulder, Colorado.
The first Silk product was introduced in 1996 at the Natural Foods Expo in Anaheim, California, and it quickly became a successful worldwide organic food brand. In 2002, WhiteWave, Inc., the parent company of Silk, was sold to Dean Foods for over $300 million.
As the business grew, Silk became the largest purchaser of organic, non-GMO soybeans in North America. In 2010, Silk introduced its first non-soy-based product, Silk Pure Almond, an almond milk that quickly became a popular choice for those seeking a dairy-free alternative.
In 2013, WhiteWave Foods separated from Dean Foods and became an independent publicly traded company. Silk has been a five-year recipient of the Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
In July 2016, it was announced that French company Danone would purchase WhiteWave Foods for $10.4 billion. The acquisition was completed in April 2017, and the newly formed company was named “DanoneWave.”
Today, Silk supports regenerative agriculture because they believe in the power of plants for people and the planet. They use responsibly sourced ingredients to bring you food that’s dairy-free and delicious.
The History Of Silk: From Boulder To DanoneWave
Silk was founded in 1977 by Steve Demos in Boulder, Colorado, with a focus on soy and tofu. At the time, the company was one of the pioneers in the organic and non-GMO food movement. Silk quickly became known for its high-quality soy products and grew to become the largest purchaser of organic, non-GMO soybeans in North America.
The first Silk product was introduced in 1996 at the Natural Foods Expo in Anaheim, California, and it was an instant success. The brand quickly became a worldwide organic food brand and expanded its product line to include a variety of dairy-free alternatives, including almond milk, coconut milk, and cashew milk.
In 2002, WhiteWave Foods, the parent company of Silk, was sold to Dean Foods for over $300 million. Despite this change in ownership, Silk continued to grow and innovate. In 2010, Silk introduced its first non-soy-based product, Silk Pure Almond, which quickly became a popular choice for those seeking a dairy-free alternative.
In 2013, WhiteWave Foods separated from Dean Foods and became an independent publicly traded company. Silk continued to receive recognition for its commitment to sustainability and was awarded the Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency for five consecutive years.
In July 2016, French company Danone announced that it would purchase WhiteWave Foods for $10.4 billion. The acquisition was completed in April 2017, and the newly formed company was named “DanoneWave.” Today, Silk continues to be a leader in the plant-based food movement and supports regenerative agriculture practices to help protect the planet.
The Rise Of Almond Milk: Why Silk’s Plant-Based Milk Is So Popular
Almond milk has been rising in popularity as a dairy-free alternative to traditional cow’s milk. Silk, a leading plant-based dairy brand, has been at the forefront of this trend with their almond-based products.
Silk’s almond milk is popular for several reasons. First, it is made with a delicious blend of three kinds of almonds, giving it a silky-smooth taste that is almost indistinguishable from cow’s milk. The company claims that their new Extra Creamy Almondmilk is so close to the real thing that you’ll willingly drink it by the glass.
In addition to its taste, Silk’s almond milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin E, making it a healthy choice for those looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet. It also has zero grams of cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy alternative to dairy milk.
Silk’s almond-based products are also incredibly versatile, making them easy and delicious to incorporate into your everyday diet. From enjoying Silk almondmilk in your favorite smoothie or over cereal, to starting your day with Silk almondmilk coffee creamers, to snacking on the go with Silk almondmilk yogurt alternatives, there are endless ways to enjoy the benefits of almond milk.
Sourcing And Selecting Almonds: Where Silk Gets Their Ingredients
Silk’s almond milk is made from filtered water and almonds, which are responsibly sourced from North America. The company is committed to using non-GMO and organic ingredients whenever possible.
Silk works closely with almond growers to ensure that their almonds meet strict quality and sustainability standards. They require their almond suppliers to adhere to a set of responsible farming practices, including water conservation, soil health, and biodiversity.
In addition to sourcing responsibly grown almonds, Silk also uses a careful selection process to ensure that only the best almonds are used in their products. The almonds are carefully inspected for quality before they are processed into almond milk.
Silk’s commitment to responsible sourcing and ingredient selection is evident in the quality of their almond milk. Their products are not only dairy-free and delicious, but they are also made with ingredients that are good for people and the planet.
From Almond To Milk: The Process Of Making Silk Almond Milk
Silk Almondmilk is made using a process that starts with the highest quality almonds. The almonds are first washed and soaked in water to soften them. This step helps to remove any dirt or debris from the almonds and also makes them easier to blend.
Once the almonds have been soaked, they are blended with filtered water to create a smooth, creamy mixture. This mixture is then strained through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids or pulp. The resulting liquid is Silk Almondmilk.
To ensure the highest quality and consistency, Silk uses a unique method of pasteurization called “ultra-high temperature” (UHT) processing. This process heats the milk to a very high temperature for a short period of time, which kills any bacteria and extends the shelf life of the product.
Silk Unsweetened Almondmilk contains only six ingredients: almond milk, sea salt, locust bean gum, sunflower lecithin, gellan gum, and natural flavor. The vanilla-flavored variety adds natural vanilla flavor as the third ingredient. Both varieties contain no added sugars or sweeteners.
Silk’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond their ingredients and production methods. They use renewable energy sources in their manufacturing facilities, package their products in recyclable materials, and work with farmers who use regenerative agriculture practices to promote soil health and reduce carbon emissions.
Sustainability And Social Responsibility: Silk’s Commitment To The Environment And Community
Silk has been a leader in sustainability for over 25 years, with a mission to help protect and restore nature through various efforts. As a company, Silk recognizes the importance of taking collective action to achieve meaningful impact towards protecting our planet. They are passionate about doing right by the planet and are working to drive solutions to combat climate change and its effects on the earth and our food system.
One of Silk’s key initiatives is water conservation, which they have expanded through partnerships with organizations such as Bonneville Environmental Foundation and National Geographic Society. They have pledged to offset all of their water use and are committed to offsetting 100% of both their water and electricity footprint in the coming years through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.
Silk is also committed to reducing their carbon footprint and producing products that are environmentally friendly. Their plant-based beverages produce two-thirds less GHG emissions than conventional dairy milk, and they are constantly working on initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint even further.
In addition to their environmental efforts, Silk is also committed to social responsibility and giving back to the community. They offer free eco-counseling and other environmental initiatives to help relieve climate anxiety, recognizing that climate change can be stressful for many people.
