No sugar, no gluten diet has taken a toll on all of us. While many of us follow it for a healthy lifestyle, some people are absolutely intolerant of gluten. Such a disease puts every food item in question, and almond milk is on the list too. What’s the gluten status of almond milk?
Is almond milk gluten free? Almond milk is naturally gluten free, but there can be chances of cross-contamination with packaged almond milk.
Read this article to get full details about almond milk and how it can get contaminated with gluten. Additionally, I will also share the names of a few almond milk brands which are certified gluten free and are safe for celiacs.
Table of Contents
Is Almond Milk Gluten Free? A Factual Answer
Yes, natural almond milk is gluten free as it has only grounded almonds and filtered milk. But that’s not enough to call the product gluten free. Almond milk has to be prepared in a gluten-free facility to be completely safe for celiacs or gluten sensitive people,
Following such precautions eliminates the chances of cross-contamination. Almond milk is available in multiple flavors like chocolate almond milk, vanilla almond milk, and a few others. Added flavorings in such varieties may also add gluten to them.
Therefore, don’t forget to check the product label before buying any almond milk from the grocery store. Celiacs can catch gluten reactions even with the slightest amount, so pick products with the certified gluten free tag.
Also Read:- Is Sweet Baby Ray’s Gluten Free?
What Is Almond Milk Made Of? Nutritional Values Revealed
This plant based milk is made of toasted almonds and filtered water. The toasted almonds are blended with water without adding any artificial colors or flavor. Some prefer to add vanilla extract to enhance the flavor a bit more.
Almond milk is also a healthier alternative to regular milk as it has 50 to 80% fewer calories than normal milk. It’s safe for people with food allergies, including gluten allergies. You should avoid almond milk only if you’re allergic to almonds; rest it’s free from lactose, soy, MSG, whey, etc.
One cup of almond milk contains-
- Calories- 40
- Protein- 1g
- Carbs- 2g
- Fat- 3g
- Fiber- 1g
- Sugar- less than 1g
The nutritional information may vary from brand to brand and for sweetened and flavored alternatives.
Is Almond Milk Dairy-Free?
Yes, almond milk is dairy free and entirely plant based. The sole ingredient in plain almond milk is almonds, so there are no dairy products. But you can use almond milk as a substitute in all dairy products without compromising on taste.
Is Almond Milk Vegan?
Yes, almond milk is vegan and is free from any animal substitute. It’s plant based without any non-vegan ingredients like- egg, yogurt, cow’s milk, etc.
Best Almond Milk Brands You Should Try: Gluten Free Options
There are a lot of gluten free almond milk brands that are certified and safe for celiacs. Here are the top four brands that I personally love for their quality and taste.
Made from only almond and tree nuts, Pacific Food almond milk is moderately processed, gluten free, and keto friendly.
Blue Diamond vanilla almond milk is made from- ground almond, filtered water, natural flavors, calcium carbonate, sea salt, potassium citrate, sunflower lecithin, vitamin d2, vitamin palmitate, gellan gum, d alpha tocopherol.
Moola Organic almond milk is unsweetened, gluten free, has no added sugar, dairy free, so it is safe for celiacs and fits perfectly well in your vegan diet as well.
My last best pick for gluten free almond milk is the Silk Original almond milk. It has high nutritional value, is gluten free, and non-GMO certified.
Try This Gluten Free Almond Milk Recipe At Home
Making almond milk at home is pretty simple and quick. If you run out of your packaged almond milk, you can prepare it at home using my quick and simple recipe instead of running to the grocery store. So without further ado, let’s see this homemade gluten free almond milk recipe.
Ingredients
- Raw almonds
- 2 cups water
- Honey or maple syrup for sweetness (optional)
Method
Step one
Soak the almonds overnight or for two nights covered with a cloth. Keep at room temperature or in the refrigerator. After a day or two, drain the almonds and rinse them with cold water. The almonds should feel a little squishy.
Step two
Add the soaked almonds with 2 cups of water to the blender. If you are using sweeteners (honey or maple syrup), add that too. Blend the almonds for about two to four minutes until the mixture turns white and opaque.
Step three
Take a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl. Pour the almond mixture into the strainer and squeeze the cheesecloth with clean hands and try to get as much milk out as possible. You can store the almond milk for up to two days.
✍️ Note: Don’t throw the almond paste. You can add it to your cakes, smoothies, oatmeal, etc. You can freeze this almond paste for up to several months.
FAQs
Q: Can celiacs have almond milk?
A: Natural almond milk is gluten free, so celiacs can have it without worrying about gluten allergies. But be careful to pick only labeled gluten free ready-made almond milk.
Q: Is almond milk vegan friendly?
A: Yes, almond milk is vegan friendly as well because it has no animal derivatives.
Q: Is almond milk healthier than regular milk?
A: Yes, almond milk is healthier than regular milk. It has fewer calories and is rich in essential nutrients.
Conclusion
Plain almond milk is gluten free and has no wheat substance. But if you pick flavored varieties, don’t forget to check the ingredient label to ensure it’s safe for you.
Make sure to check the gluten free almond milk recipe I shared to make your own fresh almond milk at home!
