<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2019/06/health-benefits-of-almond-milk1-c62e586.jpg?quality=90&resize=620,413" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2019/06/health-benefits-of-almond-milk1-c62e586.jpg?quality=90&resize=360,239 360w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2019/06/health-benefits-of-almond-milk1-c62e586.jpg?quality=90&resize=180,119 180w, " sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" width="620" height="413" class="wp-image-676199 alignnone size-landscape_thumbnail" alt="Glass bottle of homemade almond milk, whole and cracked almonds" title="Health benefits of almond milk" /> <h2>What is almond milk?</h2>
<p>Almond milk is a liquid made from blended almonds. The almonds are soaked overnight in water to soften them before being blended and strained to make a ‘milk’ alternative. Salt and/or sweeteners, such as honey, may be added. Commercial almond milks tend to have a lower nut content and more water, additives such as emulsifiers may be used and the product may be fortified with vitamins and minerals.</p>
<p><strong>Discover our full range of <a href="/howto/guide/collection/ingredient-focus">health benefit guides</a> and read our <a href="/glossary/milk-glossary">almond milk</a> glossary page for more information. Also check out our homemade <a href="/recipes/almond-milk">almond milk recipe</a>.</strong></p>
<h2 class="p1">The benefits of almond milk may include:</h2>
<ol>
<li>Dairy-free and vegan</li>
<li>Naturally lactose-free</li>
<li>Low in calories</li>
<li>May be a useful source of calcium</li>
<li>May be a source of several vitamins</li>
</ol>
<h2>Nutritional benefits of almond milk</h2>
<p>A 100ml serving of fortified almond milk typically contains:</p>
<ul>
<li>13kcal/53KJ</li>
<li>4g protein</li>
<li>1g fat</li>
<li>1g carbohydrates</li>
<li>4 fibre</li>
<li>120mg calcium</li>
<li>4mcg vitamin B12</li>
<li>75mcg vitamin D</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>What are the top 5 health benefits of almond milk?</strong></h2>
<h3>1. Dairy-free and vegan</h3>
<p>Almond milk is a plant-based drink and is dairy-free, making it a suitable option for those with a cow’s milk allergy or for those following a <a href="/howto/guide/balanced-diet-vegan">vegan diet</a>.</p>
<h3>2. Naturally lactose-free</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lactose-intolerance/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Lactose intolerance</a> is a condition whereby someone is unable to digest the sugar naturally found in animal milks, called lactose. Almonds are naturally lactose-free making almond milk a suitable alternative for someone with this condition.</p>
<h3>3. Low in calories</h3>
<p>When compared with other ‘milks’, almond milk provides one of the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5756203/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">least amounts of calories</a>, with levels varying from 30 to 55 kcal per 100ml. This makes it a useful option for those counting calories.</p>
<h3>4. May be a useful source of calcium</h3>
<p>For those following a plant-based or <a href="https://www.vegansociety.com/resources/nutrition-and-health/nutrients/calcium" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">vegan diet</a>, fortified almond milk makes a useful contribution towards calcium intake. Commercial products which are fortified, typically provide around 120mg of calcium per 100ml, which is comparable to cow’s milk. The recommended adult daily allowance for this mineral is <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/calcium/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">700mg</a>. Homemade almond milk is not a good source of this mineral.</p>
<h3>5. May be a source of vitamins</h3>
<p>Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant helping to maintain healthy skin and eyes, as well as <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-e/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">supporting the immune system</a>. Some commercial brands are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5756203/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">fortified with additional vitamins</a>, including vitamin D, which is needed to help <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">regulate calcium in the body</a>. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal-derived foods so most fortified plant ‘milks’ have added vitamin B12, which is important for <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">keeping the nervous system healthy</a>.</p>
<h2>Is almond milk suitable for everyone?</h2>
<p>Most people are able to enjoy almond milk, however, there are some considerations:</p>
<ul>
<li>Almond milk is not suitable for those with a tree nut allergy, and should be avoided if you have one.</li>
<li>From the age of one, and as part of a <a href="/health/milk-for-kids-what-parents-need-to-know" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">balanced and varied diet</a>, your child may drink unsweetened, calcium-fortified plant milks, including almond. However, you should be aware that because almond milk is <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29130721/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">low in calories, protein and fat</a> it should be given sparingly and not form a cornerstone of your child’s diet.</li>
<li>Vegans and those following a predominantly plant-based diet should opt for fortified almond ‘milks’ to ensure they are achieving all the vitamins and minerals they need.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="p1">Overall, is almond milk good for you?</h2>
<p class="p1">For anyone with a cow’s milk allergy, lactose intolerance, or following a vegan diet, plant-based milks may form a useful part of the diet. Almonds are a particularly good source of vitamin E, helping to support healthy skin, eyes, and immune system. There is a difference between shop-bought and homemade almond milk: commercial varieties are often fortified with calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12, which may be a useful source of these nutrients if you’re following a dairy-free diet.</p>
<h2>Almond milk recipes</h2>
<p><a class="standard-card-new__article-title" href="/recipes/almond-milk">Almond milk</a><br>
<a class="standard-card-new__article-title" href="/recipes/chia-almond-overnight-oats">Chia & almond overnight oats</a><br>
<a class="standard-card-new__article-title" href="/recipes/vegan-hot-cross-buns">Vegan hot cross buns</a><br>
<a class="standard-card-new__article-title" href="/recipes/cassies-chai-tea">Chai tea</a></p>
<hr>
<p><em>This article was reviewed on 9 February 2021 by Kerry Torrens.</em></p>
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<p><em>Nicola Shubrook is a nutritional therapist and works with both private clients and the corporate sector. She is an accredited member of the <a href="https://bant.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine</a> (BANT) and the <a href="https://www.cnhc.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council</a> (CNHC). Find out more at <a href="https://urbanwellness.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">urbanwellness.co.uk</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website <a href="https://www.immediate.co.uk/terms-and-conditions" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">terms and conditions</a> for more information.</em></p>
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