Almond Milk Pros and Cons List

Almond is becoming more and more popular and can be found on almost any grocery store’s shelves these days. As many consumers consider making the switch from dairy to almond milk or are thinking about changing from another plant-based milk to almond milk, they may want to consider the pros and cons of this alternative to dairy.

The Pros of Almond Milk

1. Creamier Texture than Milk
Many consumers find the taste of almond milk better than other plant-based milks due to its creamier texture and its nuttier taste and find it more satisfactory for both drinking and as a cooking ingredient. Vegans and people with milk allergies appreciate the alternative to cow’s milk. But some question whether the price of almond milk makes it a reasonable choice, and whether its nutrients are as readily absorbed as those in cow’s milk.

2. Good Dairy Alternative
As a dairy alternative, almond milk works as a satisfactory substitute. Many consumers need to use a plant based milk because of an allergy or intolerance to dairy products. Containing lactose, a natural sugar and casein, a protein, cow’s milk may cause digestive problems and almond milk may be a better choice.

3. Soy Replacement
Soy, which is also a popular choice as an alternative to dairy, raises concerns about its phytoestrogen content. A plant-based version of the estrogen hormone, phytoestrogen may increase the risk of breast cancer in women who use soy regularly in their diets. In this case, almond milk may be a safer bet.

4. Offers Many Nutritional Benefits
Regarding nutrition, almond milk has the same amount of Vitamin D and calcium as dairy milk. It also contains other vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E, copper, and manganese. In addition, almond milk is also low in unsaturated fat and contains no dietary cholesterol. A typical serving of 8 ounces has just 60 calories; other milks have from 90 to 130 calories for the same size serving.

The Cons of Almond Milk

1. Nutrient Warnings
On the other hand, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has warned that the nutrients in milk and milk products are more easily absorbed than those in plant-based milks such as almond milk. Although many public health organizations state that fortified plant-based milks are legitimate sources of calcium, consumers may want to check with their healthcare provider about whether the issues around nutrient absorption interferes with its nutritional value.

2. More Expensive
If you are looking at the switch from dairy to almond milk’s effect on your grocery budget, it is true that many plant-based milks are usually more expensive than cow’s milk. However, almond milk is usually significantly cheaper than other alternatives such as soy, rice, and coconut milk. Many big box stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club offer almond milk in bulk, which can further reduce the cost of the product.