Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
While strolling down the dairy aisle of your local market, you'll notice some new products in the milk section. One of the most popular of these new "milk substitutes", as they're called, is almond milk (others include rice, coconut and soy). Around since the late '90s, almond milk is not a milk product at all - hence the name "substitute". Almond milk is made from crushed roasted almonds mixed with water, vitamins, stabilizers, and sometimes sweeteners. When it comes to calories, almond milk is a bargain with 60 calories per 8 ounce cup, with a delightful nutty, sweet taste that can be used any time you'd use regular cow's milk.
Almond milk is fortified with calcium and vitamin D, so you'll get the vitamin/mineral benefits of cow's milk whenever you use it. One big difference: almond milk is very low in protein (just 1 gram per cup), compared to the sizeable protein content in cow's milk (about 8 grams per cup).
Almond milk can be a big plus if you're lactose intolerant; or if you simply want to try something new and different to give your taste buds a treat. Two of the most popular refrigerated brands are Blue Diamond "Almond Breeze" and Silk Pure Almond. You'll find other boxed varieties, specially packaged for stability at room temperature, on store shelves everywhere.
So, if you'd like to introduce a different kind of "milk" into your eating plan, give almond milk a try!
Are there other almonds milk lovers out there? Let me know!
I love almond milk on oatmeal with a banana. I also use the unsweetened vanilla almond milk to make smoothies. It's good stuff!
ReplyDeleteI've read about "negative" opinions about milk and soy and decided to try almond milk. I buy the one that is just 35 calories (unsweetened). I drink it plain, and I use it in cereal and hot tea too. But at the superbowl party my grandma drank it and gasped with disgust. So I guess it's not for everybody!
ReplyDeleteYou are SO right! While some people love almond milk - like you - others think it tastes "weird." At least your Grandma was an adventurous eater, and gave it a try! Glad you're enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteI love almond milk, especially chocolate. In addition I also buy raw almonds and munch on them from time to time. I like soy milk and cow's milk too. There aren't too many foods I don't like.
ReplyDeleteI love the Dark Chocolate Silk Pure Almond. I have a cup every morning form breakfast. It's like a treat! It has one of the better flavor's and consistancy.
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