In the Nineties, it was all about soy milk. But the health benefits of soy may have been overstated and now it’s trendy almond milk which cafés charge a premium extra 50 cents for.
But is almond milk in danger of the same over-hype… and is almond milk healthier than regular milk? Here’s what you’re really paying for.
Fact: almonds are pretty amazing.
Just 100g of almonds provides you with more than half your daily requirements for magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and riboflavin, plus 175 per cent of your vitamin E needs. Almonds can effectively help boost your immune system, support heart health and protect your skin.
Plus, almonds a great source of proteins and healthy oils (around half the weight is fat). This keeps us nicely satiated – we often pop a handful of almonds when a sugar craving comes on.
But almond milk can be pretty processed.
In fact, some almond milks contain as a little as 1.3 per cent almonds (the rest is filtered water and often additives like sugar and emulsifiers). When it’s that diluted, any nutrients – including calcium – are next to nothing, unless, of course, the manufacturers enrich the product.
For the price tag, it can’t really match the health benefits of proper milk. Not only is it a natural source of vitamins and calcium, studies have shown that full-fat milk is linked to lower risk of heart problems, abdominal obesity and even asthma.
Dairy-free? Here’s our solution.
There’s never been a better time to be lactose intolerant – coconut, oat and rice milks are really accessible, and other milks like banana and camel are on the rise!
But if you really love almond milk, take a healthier, sustainable route and make your own. That way you can control the quantity of almonds and save the leftover almond milk for delicious cakes, tart bases and cookies.
If you don’t have a food processor, scout out some ethical brands. We recently came across Almo Milk, a brand that’s sugar-free, works with Aussie almond growers and even uses the leftover meal to make almond butter. Looks like the sustainability message is getting around!
What do you think? Are you a fan of regular milk or almond milk?
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