Are you a fan of almond milk but concerned about the use of carrageenan as a thickening agent?
You’re not alone.
Carrageenan, derived from seaweed, is a common ingredient found in many almond milk brands and other dairy or faux-dairy products. However, some studies suggest that it can be harmful to the GI tract and even promote tumor growth.
So, which almond milk brands are carrageenan-free?
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best options on the market and provide a simple recipe for making your own almond milk at home.
Say goodbye to questionable ingredients and hello to wholesome, nutritious almond milk!
Which Almond Milk Has No Carrageenan?
When it comes to finding carrageenan-free almond milk, there are several brands to choose from.
One popular option is Silk Unsweetened Original Almond Milk. This brand is not only carrageenan-free but also filled with protein and can be used in a variety of ways, including in smoothies, cereal, baking, tea or coffee, and even straight from the glass.
Another great choice is Elmhurst Almond Milk. This brand is made with 4x more nuts compared to other brands and contains 5 grams of natural protein per glass. It’s also non-GMO and does not contain any gums or thickening agents.
Oakhurst Almond Milk is another option that is both non-GMO and carrageenan-free.
If you prefer to make your own almond milk at home, it’s a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Soak 2 cups of raw or pre-soaked almonds in 4 cups of filtered water overnight (or at least four hours). Then blend the almonds and water on high for 2 minutes or until there are no almond chunks left. Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer and add optional ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup if desired.
What Is Carrageenan And Why Is It Used In Almond Milk?
Carrageenan is a common ingredient found in almond milk and other dairy or faux-dairy products. It is derived from seaweed and is used as a stabilizer and thickening agent. Carrageenan is extracted from a particular type of red seaweed known as Irish moss or Chondrus crispus, which is boiled to extract the carrageenan.
While carrageenan is regarded as safe by the FDA, some studies have shown that it can be harmful to the GI tract and even promote tumor growth. This has led some consumers to avoid products that contain carrageenan.
It’s important to note that not all almond milk brands contain carrageenan. However, it is commonly found in refrigerated almond milk products. The reason for using carrageenan in almond milk is to improve the texture and mouthfeel of the product.
If you prefer to avoid carrageenan in your almond milk, there are several brands available that do not contain this ingredient. Alternatively, you can make your own almond milk at home using raw or pre-soaked almonds and filtered water. By doing so, you can ensure that your almond milk is free of any additives or thickening agents, including carrageenan.
The Potential Health Risks Of Carrageenan
Carrageenan is a common food additive derived from red seaweed that is used as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier in many dairy and non-dairy products. While it may seem harmless, research has linked carrageenan to increased inflammation in the body, particularly gastrointestinal inflammation, which can lead to colitis-like disease and tumor promotion. Animal studies have also shown that food-grade carrageenan causes gastrointestinal inflammation and higher rates of intestinal lesions, ulcerations, and even malignant tumors.
There are conflicting studies on the safety of carrageenan. Some studies suggest that carrageenan is not significantly absorbed or metabolized by our bodies and does not significantly affect nutrient absorption at doses up to 5% in the diet. However, other studies suggest that carrageenan can cause immune dysfunction when administered intravenously and may have potential health risks.
While the exact health risks of carrageenan are still unclear, it’s best to avoid consuming it regularly. Many popular foods contain carrageenan, including dairy foods, non-dairy alternatives, juices, and even organic foods. When choosing almond milk or other non-dairy alternatives, look for brands that do not contain carrageenan or consider making your own at home. By being mindful of the ingredients in your food and beverage choices, you can help promote better health and wellness for yourself.
Almond Milk Brands Without Carrageenan
If you’re specifically looking for almond milk brands without carrageenan, there are a few options to choose from. One of the most widely available brands is Blue Diamond Almond Breeze. This brand is not only carrageenan-free but also fortified with excellent vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent source of calcium with 50% more calcium than dairy milk.
Trader Joe’s also offers carrageenan-free almond milk options, including their refrigerated almond milks and their boxed almond milk. However, the boxed almond milk may not always be available in stores.
It’s important to note that some brands may have previously contained carrageenan but have since removed it from their ingredients list. For example, Almond Breeze previously contained carrageenan but has since replaced it with gellan gum, which is Whole30 compliant.
When shopping for almond milk, make sure to read the label and avoid any brands that contain carrageenan if it’s a concern for you. Making your own almond milk at home is also a simple and cost-effective option that allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any questionable additives like carrageenan.
How To Make Your Own Carrageenan-Free Almond Milk
Making your own carrageenan-free almond milk is a simple and easy process that only requires a few ingredients and a blender. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of raw or pre-soaked almonds
– 4 cups of filtered water, plus more for soaking
– 1 teaspoon of real maple syrup OR raw honey (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Equipment:
– High-speed blender
– Nut milk bag (or fine mesh strainer, or cheesecloth)
– Funnel
– Medium/large mason jar
Directions:
1. Soak the almonds in enough water to cover by 1 inch for at least 8 hours at room temperature. If you purchase pre-soaked almonds, then still give them a quick soak to soften them.
2. Drain the water and place the soaked almonds in a high-speed blender with the 4 cups of filtered water. Blend on high for 2 minutes or until you can no longer make out any almond chunks, about 90 seconds.
3. Place the funnel on your mason jar, and the nut milk bag in the funnel so the center of the nut milk bag is above the funnel opening and upper portions of the nut milk bag are draped over the rim of the funnel. Now pour the blended almond milk into the nut milk lined funnel so the pulp is caught at the top and the pure almond milk collects in the mason jar. If you don’t have a funnel, put the nut milk bag in a bowl and collect the milk there. Then, pour the milk into a rinsed blender container for easy pouring into your mason jar.
4. When there is a good amount of pulp collected at the top, take a pause from pouring to squeeze the pulp and extract all the liquid. Transfer the remaining dry pulp out of the funnel and then continue pouring the rest of the pulp-mixed almond milk and squeezing the pulp until you have transferred all the blended almond milk.
5. Optional: Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup and blend another 10 seconds until incorporated.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
By making your own almond milk, you can ensure that it is carrageenan-free and contains only natural ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to save money and reduce waste by using reusable nut milk bags instead of buying cartons of pre-made almond milk.
Other Alternatives To Almond Milk With No Carrageenan
If you’re looking for other alternatives to almond milk without carrageenan, there are a few options to consider.
One option is oat milk, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. Brands like Oatly and Califia Farms offer carrageenan-free oat milk that can be used in a variety of ways, including in coffee, smoothies, and baking.
Coconut milk is another alternative that is carrageenan-free. Brands like So Delicious and Native Forest offer coconut milk that can be used in a variety of ways, including in curries, soups, and desserts.
Hemp milk is a lesser-known alternative that is also carrageenan-free. Brands like Pacific Foods and Manitoba Harvest offer hemp milk that can be used in smoothies, cereal, and baking.
Ultimately, there are several alternatives to almond milk without carrageenan that can meet your dietary needs and preferences. It’s important to read labels carefully and choose brands that prioritize natural ingredients and transparency.
Conclusion: Choosing The Best Almond Milk For Your Health
When it comes to choosing the best almond milk for your health, it’s important to look for brands that are carrageenan-free and made with minimal ingredients. Carrageenan is a common ingredient found in many store-bought almond milks and is used as a stabilizer and thickening agent. However, studies have shown that it can be harmful to the GI tract and even promote tumor growth.
Silk Unsweetened Original Almond Milk, Elmhurst Almond Milk, and Oakhurst Almond Milk are all great options that are both non-GMO and carrageenan-free. They are also filled with protein and can be used in a variety of ways.
If you prefer to make your own almond milk at home, it’s a simple process that only takes a few minutes. By making your own almond milk, you can ensure that it contains only two simple ingredients: water and nuts. This is the healthiest option compared to many store-bought almond milks that are essentially almond-flavored water thickened with highly processed gums and sweetened with excessive levels of added sugar.
