Is Almond Milk Gluten Free?

• Since almond milk is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, it is suitable for vegans and people suffering from celiac disease, dairy allergy or gluten and/or lactose intolerance.

• Sweetened and flavored almond milks are usually high in sugar, thus increasing the risk of dental cavities, weight gain, and other chronic conditions such as diabetes.

• A rich source of magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium, almond milk will help you maintain your bones and teeth healthy. 

• To reap all its benefits, it is advisable to opt for unsweetened and unflavored almond milk varieties.  

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Is almond milk gluten free? Not a lot of people know or tried this type of milk. It is known for its health benefits and also its unique taste. If you are trying to find a new favorite drink, or you can’t drink cow milk or soy milk, this is for you.

If you are sensitive to gluten or suffer from celiac disease, having dairy milk or soy milk with your coffee or gluten-free cereals is not an option. Fortunately, there are other delicious alternatives you can still enjoy with your favorite foods: almond milk and other nut milks.

Is almond milk gluten free – What is almond milk

Almond milk is one of the most popular gluten-free milk alternatives out there, praised for its numerous health benefits and its distinctive taste.

Almond milk is obtained from almonds and boasts a pleasant nutty flavor and a smooth consistency.

Since it is free from gluten, soy, lactose, and dairy, it is easy to digest and full of nutrients: vitamin E (which has beneficial effects on your skin and eyes) and vitamin D (which helps your body control phosphorus levels).

Since almond milk is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, it is suitable for vegans and people suffering from celiac disease, dairy allergy or gluten and/or lactose intolerance.

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Further reading:

• Chick fil a Gluten Free Menu and Options
• Does Fish Sauce have Gluten? Info and Gluten Free Brands

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Nutritional values

Since almond milk is low on saturated fats and contains natural Omega 3 fatty acids, it helps reduce high blood pressure and lower ‘bad cholesterol’, thus reducing the risk of heart diseases. 

Almond milk is a rich source of vitamin E, which is responsible for protecting collagen fibers and the connective elastin in your skin cells. Put simply, almond milk will help you maintain your skin’s firmness. 

A rich source of magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium, almond milk will help you maintain your bones and teeth healthy.  

Almond milk makes an awesome weight loss supplement. Since it is rich in monounsaturated fats (healthy fats), it will have a beneficial effect on your basal metabolism helping your body burn fat quicker. 

Ingredients of almond milk

Processed almond milk may contain additives such as sugar, flavors, salt, gums, and various types of emulsifiers which are added to improve texture, flavor, and shelf-life.

Gums and emulsifiers are used for added texture and consistency. However, if consumed in reasonable quantities, they are safe.  

Sweetened and flavored almond milks are usually high in sugar, thus increasing the risk of dental cavities, weight gain, and other chronic conditions such as diabetes. This can be avoided by moderating the almond milk intake or opting for unflavored and unsweetened almond milks. 

Almond milk nutritional values

One cup (243 ml) of commercial unsweetened almond milk provides:

Known gluten-free brands for almond milk

Silk

According to Silk, all their products are gluten-free way below 20ppm (GF-20) levels. What’s more, this manufacturer does not produce gluten-containing products nor has a shared facility, thus eliminating the risk of cross-contamination.

Their product range includes: Unsweetened, Unsweetened Vanilla, Original (7g sugar per cup), Light (5g sugar), Vanilla (16g sugar), and Light Vanilla (11g sugar).

Ingredients of Original:

Almond Breeze

According to its manufacturer, Blue Diamond, the Almond Breeze products range is gluten-free. However, the products are not certified to meet the GF-20 standard.

Though the milk contains maltodextrin, Blue Diamond assures consumers that it is derived from corn, and thus gluten-free.

The products range includes: Unsweetened, Original (7g sugar per cup), Chocolate (20g sugar) Vanilla (13g sugar), Unsweetened Vanilla, and various chocolate flavors.

Ingredients of Original: 

Almond Dream

Manufactured by Hain Celestial, Almond Dream is considered gluten-free as it meets the GF-20 levels standard. 

The range includes: Original, Unsweetened Original, Unsweetened Vanilla, Vanilla, and a series of Dream Blends (Coconut, Almond, and Chia Unsweetened; Coconut, Almond, and Chia; and Rice and Quinoa). All the varieties are listed as gluten-free (GF-20).

Ingredients of Unsweetened Original:

Califia Farms

Califia Farms takes pride in providing a wide variety of plant-based milks sustainably sourced and 100% natural. Their range of products is dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, carrageenan-free, non-GMO, and BPA-free.

Their range of almond milks includes: Original (5g sugar per cup), Coconut, Vanilla, Unsweetened, and a Barista Blend.

Ingredients of the Original:

Things to look out for

While almond milk provides a series of amazing benefits, there are several aspects you should keep in mind.

Low on protein

A cup of almond milk provides only 1 gram of protein. Since proteins play a crucial role in muscle growth, enzyme and hormone production, and skin and bone structure, you must make sure to complement your diet with protein-rich foods such as beans, lentils, beef, chicken, eggs, nuts, seeds, tofu, or chicken. 

Unsuitable for children under 1

Plant-based milks – including almond milk – are not suitable for infants as they may block iron absorption. Plant-based beverages are naturally low in fat, calories, protein, and many mineral and vitamins that are essential for growth and development.

Flavored almond milks may contain gluten

If you are interested in purchasing flavored almond milks, carefully check the labels to make sure there are no gluten-containing additives.

Cross-contamination may occur

Some almond milk manufacturers offer a wide range of products, including gluten-containing milks such as grain milks. When these products come from shared facilities and equipment, cross-contamination may occur. 

To sum up…

Almond milk is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and lactose-free, making it a tasty and healthy alternative to people suffering from gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. To reap all its benefits, it is advisable to opt for unsweetened and unflavored almond milk varieties.