What are almond milk benefits? Side effects? Is almond milk vegan? Gluten free? Acidic or alkaline? Low fodmap? Good for you? Healthy? Sustainable? Here is all the info on almond milk that every ethical consumer wants to know…
Food is something we consume every day and if you’re like me, you do all the research you can to make sure you don’t hurt yourself, the planet, animals or others when shopping. As an ethical consumer myself, I am giving you all the info I’ve found on almond milk benefits and side effects.
You are going to learn all about almond milk benefits and side effects. This will include almond milk benefits for your health and potential risks, almond milk water footprint and almond milk carbon footprint, almond milk sustainability, if almond milk are vegan or impact animals in other ways, and much more.
After learning if almond milk are good or bad for you, the environment, animals and human rights, you will be able to make the best choices you can the next time you buy food.
This post is all about almond milk benefits and side effects that every ethical consumer should know.
Top Almond Milk Benefits And Side Effects
Health
Almond milk health benefits may include:
- eye health
- bone health
- detoxification
- prevent heart disease
- skin health
Almond milk side effects:
- There are no major or notable almond side effects. Beware of almond milk with too much added sugar. Drink in moderation as with any beverage. Do not over-consume.
Additionally, almond milk is…
- Acidic 6.0 pH level once digested
- Low Fodmap
- Gluten Free
- Common Food Allergen: TREE NUTS
Environment
Water footprint: likely high, it takes 16,095 liters of water to produce 1 kilogram of shelled or peeled almonds / 1,929 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of shelled or peeled almonds, high, (with shell), 8,040 liters of water to produce one kilogram of almonds with shell / 963 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of almonds with shell
Carbon footprint: likely high, 3.56 kg CO2e to produce 1 kilogram or 2.2 pounds of organic, dry almonds, a car driving equivalent of 8.25 miles or 13.25 kilometers
Destruction: high, almond production is relatively destructive, almonds are disruptive in ecosystems involving severe strain on bee populations
Almond milk is…
Animals
Kills: none, no animals are required to be killed for almond milk production
Harms: bees are required for commercial almond milk production, many bees are harmed during USA cross-country transportation for intense pollination practices in the name of almond production, which can also lead to spreading diseases and illnesses to other colonies
Indirectly kills or harms: ecosystems and wildlife, potentially bees, may be killed during cross-country transportation for intense pollination practices in the name of almond production, which can also lead to spreading diseases and illnesses to other colonies and ultimately effecting ecosystems and wildlife
Almonds milk is…
- Vegan
- Pollinator intensive
Laborers
Health and safety: varies, overall, agriculture continues to be one of the most dangerous industries, farmworkers may be subject to dehydration, heat stroke, unprotected exposure to harmful, toxic chemicals and pesticides, unsafe machinery and clean drinking water may not always accessible
Living conditions: varies, laborers are often exploited, they may face tough working conditions including long hours in the sun and heat performing physically exhausting tasks, labor laws and rights may or may not be in place, even if worker protection exists, employer violations may go unreported, refugees and migrant workers are especially vulnerable to abuse and mistreatment, fearing consequences of job loss or deportation
Wages: varies, generally farmworkers earn meager wages, there are many cases of underpaid agricultural workers, wage theft and no overtime payment or benefits
Almond milk…
- May have labor issues
More about almond milk:
California is the largest almond producer in the United States and is the world’s largest grower of almonds, producing 80% of the global almond supply.
The world’s top almond milk exporting country is Switzerland, followed by Germany, USA, Denmark, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, China and Thailand.
Almond milk is used to drink directly, in cereals, drinks, smoothies, as a cow’s milk substitute, and more.
In California, almonds are harvested from mid-August through October.
Yes and no. Almond milk is surprisingly low in protein and sweetened almond milk is high in sugar.
However, it’s common for commercial almond milk producers to fortify products with calcium and vitamins A, E, and D for better nutrition.
40 calories per cup of almond milk. Calories in almond milk will vary depending on brand and how much sugar is added. 40 calories per cup of almond milk is a typical average.
Soy milk is the winner! It’s much healthier than almond milk. Soy milk contains more protein and nutrition than almond milk, is more sustainable, has a lower water footprint and doesn’t require intense pollination like almond milk does -which hurts our bees! Always buy organic.
Almond milk is made by soaking almonds overnight and blend with water. Next strain with vegan cheesecloth to remove solids. Quick tip: Add water to almond butter and blend for fast and easy almond milk at home!
Is almond milk alkaline or acidic?
Almond milk is acidic.
What is the pH level of almond milk?
Almond milk has a 6.0 pH level, once digested.
When you eat food, it breaks down to an ash residue that can be neutral, acidic or alkaline. Minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, silver, copper and iron produce an alkaline ash; whereas sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine and iodine, which are in meat, coffee, dairy and alcohol, leave an acid ash.
Going alkaline easier than ever with this: Acidic and Alkaline Foods List
Is almond milk low fodmap?
Yes, almond milk is low fodmap. You can drink this beverage if on a low fodmap diet.
A low FODMAP diet may help those with bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
It’s all about knowing your body. Observe what works and what doesn’t. You body might even react negatively to a low-FODMAP food simply due to intolerance. Everyone is different! Be mindful and patient. Take time to get to know what’s best for your physical health and overall wellbeing.
Is almond milk gluten free?
Yes, almond milk is typically gluten free. Almonds do not contain gluten.
While celiac disease may not be as rampant as many marketing trends lead us to believe, you may have a gluten sensitivity…
Celiac and gluten sensitivity symptoms are similar and may include:
- recurring abdominal pain
- chronic diarrhea
- constipation
- tingling
- numbness in hands and feet
- chronic fatigue
- joint pain
- unexplained infertility
- low bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis)
There are hundreds of potential symptoms, many of which are also symptoms of other conditions.
Going gluten-free easier than ever with this: Gluten and Gluten Free Foods List
Is almond milk a common food allergen?
Yes, almond milk contains a common food allergen: tree nuts. Many people experience allergic reactions to almond milk.
A group of the eight major allergenic foods, AKA the Big-8, include:
- milk
- eggs
- fish
- crustacean shellfish
- tree nuts
- peanuts
- wheat
- soybeans
Severe food allergies can be life threatening. Following ingestion of a food allergen, a person with food allergies can experience a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Persons may still be allergic to and have serious reactions to foods other than the eight foods identified by the law.
Be aware of common dietary restrictions and food allergens with this: The Big 8 Most Common Food Allergens List
Water footprint of almond milk?
Almond milk likely has a relatively high water footprint compared to other foods and beverages.
What is the water footprint of almond milk?
It takes 16,095 liters of water to produce 1 kilogram of shelled or peeled almonds / 1,929 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of shelled or peeled almonds.
Did you know that water is a finite, non-renewable resource?
How much water does it take to produce an apple? A serving of rice? A steak dinner?
We need to be aware of something referred to as a “water footprint”. That is, the amount of fresh water utilized in the production or supply of goods we consume. As it turns out it takes significantly more water to yield foods that come from animals than foods that come from plants. Imagine how much water a cow needs to consume to generate a piece of beef. Not only how much water a single cow drinks, rather all the water that went into producing the crops that the cow ate.
Find out how much water your food consumes with this: Water Footprints of Foods and Ingredients List
Carbon footprint of almond milk?
Almond milk likely has a relatively high carbon footprint compared to other foods and beverages.
What is the carbon footprint of almond milk?
It takes around 3.56 kg CO2e to produce 1 kilogram or 2.2 pounds of organic, dry almonds, a car driving equivalent of 8.25 miles or 13.25 kilometers.
When calculating carbon emissions, some factors that may be included are…
- farm equipment
- animal feed production
- hothouses (greenhouses)
- food processing
- packaging
- transport
- refrigeration
- freezing
- package waste and more
But that’s not all!
It’s best to keep the following in mind when grocery shopping:
- shopping locally reduces transportation emissions
- food without packaging reduces waste as well as the carbon footprint
- refrigerated and frozen foods increase carbon emissions
- seasonal foods reduce carbon emissions from hothouses (greenhouses)
- growing plant-based foods at home is the most environmentally sustainable method with zero carbon footprint
Find out how much carbon your food emits with this: Carbon Footprints of Foods and Ingredients List
Is almond milk sustainable?
Almond milk production is relatively unsustainable as it is disruptive for ecosystems and involves a severe strain on bee populations.
Consuming animal products and byproducts is not environmentally friendly and is one of the worst things for the Earth. Not only is meat production wasteful, it causes enormous amounts of pollution. The industry is one of the biggest causes of climate change.
Read more about ‘What Makes Food Sustainable Or Unsustainable?’
Is almond milk vegan?
Yes, almond milk is vegan. Almond milk comes from tree nuts and not an animal product or byproduct, therefore making it a vegan food. However, it should be noted almond production is pollinator intensive and therefore problematic for bees, butterflies and other pollinator populations.
More on pollinator intensiveness…
Almonds can be controversial since commercial almond production is pollinator intensive. While almond production doesn’t necessarily require an animal to be killed or exploited (that would be a “red” indication) it is a possibility that animals are sometimes used, in this case bees (hence the “yellow” warning for shoppers to investigate brands further or consume in moderation).
In the US, bees must be transported cross-country to pollinate almond trees in California (where nearly all US commercial almond production occurs). The process often kills many bees either due to the long transit itself or while pollinating the trees diseases spread, which are then brought back to the hive and fatal for the entire colony. Many know that pollinators, including bees, are critical to the ecosystem so if you don’t necessarily care or consider bees to be an animal of concern, please know that issues like this can be indirectly damaging to more forms of life than you realize.
Going vegan is easier than ever, at a glance with this: Vegan and Non-Vegan Foods List
- Vegan Dairy: Make Milk, Butter & Cheese from Nuts & Seeds!
- The New Milks: 100-Plus Dairy-Free Recipes for Making and Cooking with Soy, Nut, Seed, Grain, and Coconut Milks
- 33 Plant-Based Milk Recipes
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Does almond milk have human rights issues?
Is almond milk a product with labor concerns?
At this time there are no major concerns with almond production but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening! It’s important to stay aware of human rights concerns and worker exploitation that may be associated with specific brands.
Did you know the single largest employer in the world is agriculture? The labor involved behind each and every product cannot go unrecognized.
Such mistreatment is like modern day slavery. Workers are often afraid to report issues because they fear it will result in losing their jobs or deportation.
Fair trade organizations fight to ensure better social, environmental and economic standards.
We can improve people’s lives with foods we eat every day simply by buying products that are certified fair trade.
Be sure to read up on this list of ‘Foods You Should Always Buy Fair Trade‘
This post was all about almond milk benefits and side effects.
Sources:
Harvard, The Nutrition Source, Almonds
How well do plant based alternatives fare nutritionally compared to cow’s milk?
USDA FoodData Central, Almond Milk
Food Standards Australia & New Zealand: Plant-based milk alternatives
USDA Bees, Pollination and Almonds Protecting a Crop and Protecting the Pollinators
