Does almond milk have dairy?
In the following text we will be answering the question, “does almond milk have dairy?” We will also discuss the difference between dairy milk and almond milk. We will also be discussing the health benefits of almond milk.
Does almond milk have dairy?
No, almond milk is not considered dairy nor does it have any dairy components in it. Almond milk is purely obtained from the almond. These products do not contain lactose and are cholesterol free since these components are only present in animal products. (1)
How is almond milk made?
Almond milk is typically prepared by soaking and grinding almonds with a generous amount of water. This process yields a milky white liquid, with the level of solids varying depending on the ratio of nuts to water.
In commercial production, this liquid is commonly subjected to homogenization under high pressure and pasteurization to enhance stability and prolong shelf life.
The homogenization and heat treatment of almond milk can lead to changes in its physical properties, such as particle size and viscosity. These alterations are a result of the processing methods employed during commercial production. (2)
What is the nutritional profile of almond milk?
Almonds consist of several essential components, encompassing proteins, lipids (fats), soluble sugars, minerals, and fibers.
The primary constituent of almonds is lipids, constituting approximately 35 to 52% of their composition, while proteins account for around 22 to 25%. The lipids found in almonds primarily consist of unsaturated fatty acids, which are considered healthier fats.
The proteins in almonds are predominantly composed of essential amino acids that play crucial roles in various bodily functions. Beyond proteins and lipids, almonds are a rich source of diverse nutrients.
They are abundant in calcium, magnesium, selenium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, and copper, all of which play vital roles in maintaining overall health.(1)
What is the nutritional profile of dairy (cow) milk?
A single cup of whole milk (3.25 percent milkfat) provides 149 calories. A 250mL cup supplies 300mg of calcium, which accounts for 25% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.
Additionally, whole milk serves as a significant source of riboflavin, phosphorus, vitamins A and B12, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
Whole milk retains essential vitamins such as A, E, K, and D, which are present in the milk fat. Conversely, skim milk, lacking in fat content, loses some of these vital nutrients. (3, 4)
What is the difference between dairy (cow) milk and almond milk?
Compared to proteins derived from animal sources, plant proteins including almond protein generally exhibit lower nutritional quality due to certain essential amino acid limitations. Moreover, their digestibility typically falls short compared to milk proteins.
Proteins derived from legumes, such as almonds, often contain lower levels of cysteine and methionine, while proteins from cereals tend to have lower levels of lysine. This imbalance in amino acid composition impacts the overall quality of these plant proteins.
Among various plant-based milk alternatives, soy milk beverage stands out as it provides a protein content comparable to that of cow’s milk. It is generally regarded as a complete protein. (1)
What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a condition that impacts the mucosa of the small intestine, leading to difficulties in digesting and absorbing lactose from the diet.
This condition arises when the body either has insufficient levels of the lactase enzyme, β-D-Galactosidase, or lacks its activity.
People with lactose intolerance may encounter a range of symptoms, including flatulence, abdominal discomfort, bloating, swelling, nausea, stomach rumbling, vomiting, constipation, watery diarrhea with acidic stools, perianal discomfort, dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and, in severe cases, malnutrition. (1)
What is Cow’s milk protein allergy?
Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is an atypical immune response to the proteins found in cow’s milk, potentially triggered by the interaction between one or more milk proteins and specific immune mechanisms.
This immune reaction can lead to immediate allergic responses. Symptoms of CMPA can manifest immediately or emerge several hours or days after consuming cow’s milk or infant formula.
Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most commonly reported, occurring in 50 to 75% of cases, and often involve abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. (1)
What are the health benefits of drinking almond milk?
Almond milk provides a multitude of health benefits, particularly in terms of improving blood lipid profiles and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Consuming almonds is also associated with promoting healthy digestion, preventing anemia, reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, and offering protection against free radicals.
Almonds are widely recognized for their richness in vitamin E and other antioxidants, which play a vital role in maintaining good health. However, it’s important to note that almond milk, primarily composed of water, has lower concentrations of these beneficial nutrients compared to whole almonds.
Nevertheless, almond milk contains valuable bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, vitamin E, and polyamines, which possess antioxidant properties. Additionally, almond milk provides dietary fibers and phytosterols, both of which contribute to its overall health-promoting properties.(1, 2)
Conclusion
In the above text we answered the question, “does almond milk have dairy?” We also discussed the difference between dairy milk and almond milk. We will also be discussing the health benefits of almond milk.
References
- Silva, A. R. A., Silva, M. M. N., & Ribeiro, B. D. Health Issues and Technological Aspects of Plant-based Alternative Milk. Food Research International, 108972. 2020.
- Vanga SK, Raghavan V. How well do plant based alternatives fare nutritionally compared to cow’s milk? J Food Sci Technol. 55(1): 10-20. 2018.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html. Washington, DC.Milk, whole, 3.25% milkfat, with added vitamin D
- Pereira, P. C., & Vicente, F. Milk Nutritive Role and Potential Benefits in Human Health. Nutrients in Dairy and Their Implications on Health and Disease, 161–176. 2017.