Milk alternatives seem to be conquering the world, right? But perhaps it’s not too surprising since approximately 65% of the world population develops some sort of lactose intolerance or inability to properly digest lactose, which is a key sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
While this doesn’t occur until after infancy, it’s something that affects most people. So, it’s perhaps actually more surprising why we still drink so much milk if most of us have a problem digesting it. Sorry, stupid question. My fridge full of cheese can attest to that. But, while I can’t seem to give up cheese, I have successfully shifted to milk alternatives. They are better on my stomach, plus I like the taste more.
Though there’s lots of choice including coconut milk, soy and rice milk, the milk alternative that I’m most fond of is almond milk. It goes well added to drinks like tea or coffee, in baking or pretty much any other way that you would use regular milk.
But, if you’ve never had it before, you may be wondering what does almond milk taste like?
This depends on if it’s sweetened or not. But it actually tastes somewhat similar to regular milk, but it’s a bit more watery and has a slightly nutty taste. And the sweetened version tastes like sweetened dairy milk or the milk left over after you finish a bowl of sugary cereal.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about almond milk!
What Does Almond Milk Taste Like?
There are a few factors that can determine exactly what almond milk tastes like. However, similar to cow’s milk, it has a creamy texture. And when it comes to the taste it’s also not too far from the flavor of cow’s milk either. But almond milk (sweetened or unsweetened) has a slightly nuttier flavor (surprise, surprise, right?). But, while you may think that it would have a super-strong nutty taste, that’s not the case. While there are brands that have a nuttier taste than others, you won’t find that every type of almond milk tastes the same, or has the same level of “nuttiness”.
Unsweetened vs Sweetened
The biggest difference in flavor comes not between just plan unsweetened versus sweetened almond milk, but, rather, the flavored almond milk (which is almost always a sweetened version). Sweetened versions can vary from being just sweetened almond milk to something like vanilla, cinnamon, or even chocolate! When you compare these flavors to unsweetened almond milk, there is, of course, going to be a distinct difference in taste due to the strong added flavors. Sometimes the sweetness can be a bit too much in some of these instances. So, if you’re sensitive to sugar and sweetness, I would recommend avoiding these highly sugary versions.
But if we compare sweetened almond milk without additional flavors to unsweetened almond milk, you’ll find that it tastes pretty much just like a sweeter version of almond milk.
It has a creamy, slightly nutty taste with added sweetness. You may find that some brands are sweeter than others. So try out a few and see which one you like the most!
How Similar is Almond Milk to Dairy Milk?
One of the most common complaints about non-dairy milk or milk alternatives is that they have a watery texture and lack the creamy texture associated with cow’s milk.
This is not the case, however, with almond milk. Almond milk has a creamy, silky texture similar to cow’s milk. As a consequence, it’s delicious on its own or blended into a latte or other beverage. Because there are textural variances across brands, it’s best to test a few different ones if the first one doesn’t wow you.
And, as I’ve mentioned before, it doesn’t have an all to different taste than dairy milk either. While, of course, it tastes slightly different and has a slightly nutty addition, but when it comes to alternative milk drinks, almond milk is perhaps the closest alternative to dairy milk.
When it comes to the nutrients and the health profile of the two different kinds of milk are a bit different, perhaps with almond milk being a bit healthier overall. The main difference is in fat, protein, calcium, and carbs.
Almond milk has healthier fats as they are unsaturated. It also has fewer carbs and more calcium than dairy milk. However, dairy milk has more protein and is a complete protein. Dairy milk also has B-vitamins as well. Lastly, almond milk also has much fewer calories per serving than dairy milk.
Benefits of Almond Milk
Due to its pretty robust health profile (and delicious taste!), it’s probably not too surprising that it’s the most popular plant-based milk in the United States. Let’s check out some of the many benefits of almond milk.
It’s Nutritious
Almond milk is rich in several vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E without even being fortified. However, you can buy fortified versions that have even more nutrients added.
Unsweetened Almond Milk Doesn’t Raise Blood Sugar
Since there isn’t any added sugar in unsweetened almond milk, your blood sugar won’t spike. Regular, unsweetened almond milk is a low-carb drink, making it a good drink for those that have diabetes. However, sweetened almond milk on the other hand is a very bad choice due to the often very high amount of sugar that’s added.
It’s Low In Calories
If you’re trying to eat fewer calories, then using almond milk is a good idea. There are much fewer calories in almond milk than in cow’s milk, less than half the amount!
It’s Lactose-Free
For those that are lactose tolerant, almond milk is of course very beneficial because you can enjoy a tasty, creamy drink without upsetting your stomach!
It May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Some studies have shown that regular consumption of nuts is connected to a reduced risk of heart disease and it’s thought to be because of the high amount of healthy fats in nuts.
Many of the health advantages of almonds are attributed to vitamin E, as well as bioactive plant chemicals such as polyphenols, according to nutritionists. These substances are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which are beneficial to heart health.
Uses for Almond Milk
Almond milk is very versatile. You can use it in so many ways! And I alluded to it earlier, but you can use almond milk in nearly every way that you use dairy milk from baking to drinking, but some of the easiest ways to use almond are:
- Mixing it into smoothies.
- Make creamy soups, salad dressings, and sauces.
- Use it as a dairy milk replacement in your baking.
- Add it to coffee or tea.
- Use it in your oatmeal or breakfast cereal.
- Make dairy-free / lactose-free ice cream.
What Does Spoiled Almond Milk Taste Like?
When dairy goes bad, particularly milk, it’s super easy to tell. All you need to do is give it one whiff and you are more than certain. Sour dairy milk is certainly easy to spot.
However, with almond milk, particularly the sweetened kind, it’s a bit more tricky. This is because when you smell it, it won’t have that same pungent smell dairy milk has. But, like dairy milk, it will also have a sour taste. Additionally, it will also start to clump up and becomes a bit thicker.
Basically, if it seems ‘off’ to you – it probably is and you should throw it out.