American consumers love almonds. In 2015, the average American consumed over 5 pounds of almonds per year, up from 2.3 pounds in the year 2000. Almonds are popular with Americans looking to lose weight, eat a more vegetarian diet, and reduce saturated fat in their diets. Americans consume almonds in a number of ways: as almond milk, sliced almonds, almond butter, and even almond oil. Since it’s so popular, many manufacturers are keen to produce flavored almond milk, and this has resulted in a flood of almond milk varieties on retail shelves that gives consumers a hard time when it comes to choosing which brand to buy. To make things easier for you, we’ve taste tested the most popular almond milk brands and ranked them according to quality. Our reviews are based on the following quality criteria:
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Silk Shelf-Stable Almondmilk Singles | Best Overall |  |
| So Delicious Dairy Free Almondmilk Beverage | Budget Pick |  |
| Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk Concentrate | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Silk Shelf-Stable Almondmilk Singles
Pros:
- Free from dairy, soy, gluten and GMOs
- Easy to reseal and store
- Velvety and mild, with the subtle flavour of vanilla
Cons:
- The vanilla taste isn’t strong enough for some
- Doesn’t thicken the same way you would expect homemade almond milk to
2. Pacific Foods Organic Almond Non-Dairy Beverage
Pros:
- Available in 24 packs
- A well-rounded, mild taste is perfect for sweet and savory recipes
- Comes in different sizes
- Contains no cholesterol
Cons:
- The texture may be grainy, which affects the taste
- A white film forms on top, which can be either daunting or convenient depending on how you look at it
- Packaging may not be able to withstand shock, which can affect the product inside
Pacific Foods love their almonds, and these almond drinks are a touch of heaven. Well, quite literally. BC residents have been drinking Pacific Foods almond milk for years, and it’s about time that the rest of the world can enjoy it as well.
Many almond milk manufacturers sweeten their product to make it taste sweeter. Of course, natural sugar from the almonds is always an option, but why add something when you can avoid it?
Pacific Foods sweetens its almond milk using sugar-free vanilla and sugar. The result is a drink that’s not a sugar bomb, but just sweet enough from the vanilla to taste like dessert. The result is almost reminiscent of the almond milk from Starbucks.
3. Silk Shelf-Stable Almondmilk Singles
Pros:
- Has a mild almond flavor with a hint of sweetness
- Easy to use
- All ingredients are plant-based
- No added sugar
- Comes in 8oz packs
- Each pack is only 1g of fat
- Wildly popular
- Suitable for vegans and dairy free
- They’re shelf stable
- Nutrient-rich snack
Cons:
- They’re made in a facility that also processes nuts
- Pricey
- Not as creamy as other brands
Are you looking for an excellent alternative to dairy? Silk Shelf-Stable Almondmilk Singles from the same company that gave us Silk Soy Milk. These individually packaged and ready-to-drink 8 ounces of almond mik are a great item to have in the fridge.
The only flavor that comes in a 6 pack is the original unsweetened, but it’s one of the most popular choices that people make. It has a mild and slightly nutty flavor with just a hint of sweetness.
Because of the natural sweetness of the almond plant, you can enjoy the product without worrying about added sugar.
4. Califia Farms
Pros:
- Variety of flavors
- Dairy-free and non-GMO
- Rich and creamy texture
- Organic
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some flavors are too sweet for some users
- Contains carrageenan
California Farms is one of the top brands of almond milk since its launch in 2012. With its creamy taste and variety of flavors, Califia Farms offers a great alternative to dairy milks.
Organic almond milk is more nutritious than non-organic products as the organic raw almonds used in their production are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or any other harmful chemical compounds.
Made without sugar and sweeteners. The flavor that you get is just the right balance of natural sweetness without any added sugar in each bottle.
5. Elmhurst 1925 Unsweetened Almond Milk
Pros:
- Widely available
- Readily available in 32 ounce packs (two pounds)
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Thick texture
- Contains additives such as xanthan gum, locust bean gum and gellan gum
Unsweetened almond milk is a better choice if you want a creamy, non-dairy milk that is high in calcium and protein. Compared to many other non-dairy milks, it’s also relatively low in sugar.
Elmhurst 1925 are one of the few brands that offer a 32 ounce pack of unsweetened almond milk. This is a good option if you have a lot of plant-based milk recipes in the works. They also offer cartons of sweetened almond milk that you can use in addition to unsweetened varieties if you’re don’t mind sweetened milk.
The texture of this milk is thick, because it contains gums and thickeners for consistency. The specific additives are guar gum, locust bean gum, and gellan gum. These give the milk a thick texture and also help with creaminess and digestion. Elmhurst 1925 has added stevia in this milk, but it’s minimal enough that it doesn’t significantly change the taste.
6. Califia Farms
Pros:
- Vegan, non-dairy product
- Contains extra virgin cold-pressed
- Has a decent shelf life
- Organic and Non-GMO
- All ingredients are clearly marked
- No refrigeration is required
- Contains no aspartame, corn syrup, or hydrogenated oil
- Gluten free
- GMO free
Cons:
- Does not mix well
- Does not mix well Do not purchase if you are a fan of the taste of hazelnut in your coffee.
Almond milk is a great alternative to dairy. However, it can be difficult to find one that perfectly reflects the taste and texture of regular milk. Califia Farms have perfected the almond milk recipe, and the vanilla milk and nutmilk is rich, creamy, and decadent.
The only downside to this product is the sugar content. If you prefer unsweetened almond milk, you will probably be disappointed by this product. However, this is one of the most versatile and tasty nut milks that you can consume, and is definitely one that you should consider adding to your collection.
7. Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Almond Milk
Pros:
- Non-GMO
- Dairy free
- Soy free
- Gluten Free
- Kosher
- Vegan
Cons:
- Expensive in comparison to other almond milk brands
- Contains less protein
- Some customers complained that it contains artificial sweeteners and smells like paint
Plant based protein combined with low sugar, this is a nutrient dense beverage that contains 15 grams of almond protein per 32 fluid ounce.
This product is also convenient according to most customers, in fact, many said that you don't need to use a blender to get smooth consistency. It is, however, pricier than other products, but some customers said that it is worth it because it is easier to prepare.
This product also earned positive feedback from customers because of its quality and versatility. It is versatile enough to be used in various recipes, and a simple shake or stir will make it smooth.
8. So Delicious Dairy Free Almondmilk Beverage
Pros:
- Non-dairy, nondairy and unsweetened
- Contains no artificial flavors or added sugar
- Plant-based calcium and vitamin D
Cons:
- Some people find the almond taste too overpowering for their liking
- Can be too sweet for some people
If you're looking for an almond milk option with a great non-dairy taste, then these So Delicious Dairy Free Almondmilk Beverage is great for you. It is sweetened with real cane sugar, which is healthier than artificial sweeteners. Each carton contains 32 ounces of unsweetened almond milk, making it perfect for everyday use.
What's more, this product is also fortified with calcium and vitamin D. If you want more nutrients, you can opt for the simple, lightly sweetened version of this product.
In addition, this product is made by a company that you can trust – So Delicious has been in the business for over 20 years, making it a trustworthy company that has been doing businesses the right way.
9. Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk Concentrate
Pros:
- Super easy to use
- Not overly sweet
- Great almond taste
- So many uses and applications
- Excellent quality and price
- Tones down the taste of coffee or tea
- Better for the environment as you can reuse the bottles
Cons:
- Packs sometimes have a weird smell
- Bottle openings tend to be a little small and get clogged at times
Pure spring water, a pinch of sea salt, an assortment of organic cinnamon, vanilla, and almond extracts. These are the ingredients of the best tasting almond milk available on the market, which is organic, preservative and additive free.
If you use this almond milk to make your favorite dishes, you can expect to see them come out with an amplified taste of almonds. If you put it into the coffee or tea, you can rest assured that neither of the two will dominate over the other.
This almond milk is created with a system that heats and blends all of the ingredients, ensuring that the taste and healthful characteristics of the milk remain in tact.
10. Pacific Barista Series Original Almond Beverage 32 Oz
Pros:
- USDA Certified 100% Organic
- Artisanal Non-GMO Project Verified
- Gluten-Free
- Soy-Free
- Dairy-Free
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Only available in 3 packs
Almond milk is one of the most versatile and popular milk substitutes nowadays. Light, creamy, and nutritious, this non-dairy drink easily accommodates your post workout smoothie, your daily latte, and the occasional bowl of cereal.
If you’re looking for the highest quality almond milk in town, you can’t go wrong with the Barista Series from Pacific. This product is USDA Certified, Non-GMO, gluten-free, and 100% dairy-free, so it can be enjoyed by people with a lot of dietary restrictions.
Unlike many other almond milks, Pacific Barista Series is made without stabilizers like carageenan or gellan gum, and it’s fortified with vitamins B3 and B12. It’s also devoid of sugar or artificial flavors. What’s most surprising about this almond beverage is the surprisingly low cost for buying the pack of 3 cartons. It’s also a GMO- and preservative-free food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best brand for almond milk?
For the most part, when you buy a single carton, this brand is not labeled. Instead, it is marked as: “Organic.” The reason is because brands cannot legally claim that their product is “milk.” The FDA prohibits this. To avoid this confusion, organic is used as a label for all almond milks.
In some areas of the country, it might be easy enough to find the almond milk that is not made by Silk. However, some brands are regional and are not available in all the nation.
Because of this, the best milk substitute for your application may be difficult to figure out because you might not be able to find the exact brand you are seeking. However, you should not use this as your only reason for choosing a different brand.
Which almond milk is the healthiest?
The healthiest almond milk is the one you like. It’s really that simple.
If you have a food allergy or taste preference, then by all means, select an almond milk alternative that will make you feel better. But, in terms of nutritional value, most almond milks are almost identical in terms of calories, vitamins, minerals, protein, etc.
Almond milk is relatively low in calories. Some almonds contain as many as 400 calories per cup, but the average almond milk only has about 10 to 15 calories. Honestly, 10 calories in one glass of milk is not going to make any difference in the grand scheme of your diet.
Which almond milk is best with cereal?
Some people like to use unsweetened almond milk as their breakfast choice. Almond milk is a popular choice because it's available in a variety of flavors, is lactose-free, and is healthier than dairy milk.
What is the best almond milk in Australia?
There are some differences from one brand to another, such as the flavor you choose, the amount of additives that are included, and the way the product is packaged for sale. The most important statistic is the nutritional information, such as calorie count, proteins, and vitamins.
In order to determine the best almond milk on the market, we looked at the nutritional information, additives, rating from customers, and overall appeal when being sold in the marketplace.
If you are looking for an easy to drink, dairy free choice, then we suggest the following: "The Good Stuff", "Califia Farms", and "Pacific". However, the rest of the brands are also worth trying out.
Be sure to closely examine the nutritional information for the full story on the health benefits of these choices. You can also play with different flavors to see which combination is your favorite.
Conclusion
We’ve done all the research and checked out thousands of reviews, and have found that Califia Farms Almond Milk is the best almond milk in 2022. It offers a rich taste, an abundance of health benefits, and a sustainable source. This brand of almond milk is made using almonds from California, and the water used is sourced from sustainable aquifers.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Silk Shelf-Stable Almondmilk Singles | Best Overall | |
| So Delicious Dairy Free Almondmilk Beverage | Budget Pick | |
| Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk Concentrate | Upgrade Pick | |