Make Your Own Almond Milk—Just Avoid These 6 Common Mistakes (2024)

FAQs

What is one major side effect of drinking almond milk? ›

One of the biggest side effects of almond milk is that it can cause thyroid related problems. Almond milk is considered to be a goitrogenic food. That means it contains chemicals that can harm the thyroid when consumed in large amounts.

Instead of paying for expensive water or low percentage of almonds, when you make your own you know you're drinking quality. By making your own you also avoid all of the additives, preservatives and thickeners and guarantee you are drinking it at its purest state.

Processed almond milk can contain many additives, such as sugar, salt, gums, flavors, and lecithin and carrageenan (types of emulsifiers). Certain ingredients like emulsifiers and gums are used for texture and consistency. They're safe unless consumed in extremely high amounts ( 25 ).

Unlike refrigerated or shelf-stable versions, homemade almond milk doesn't go through the pasteurization process, so any bacteria found in any of your ingredients aren't killed. It also isn't immediately sealed in a sterilized container, so oxygen gets in right away to create the perfect playground for more bacteria.

Almond milk is rich in magnesium, a mineral that many American diets fall short on. Magnesium is important for muscle function, blood sugar control, blood pressure, and making bone, protein, and DNA. It's rich in antioxidant vitamin E.

Low-fat, skim or 1% cow's milk are healthier options compared to 2% or whole milk. They contain less fat. “If you can't have cow's milk, soy milk and rice milk are often the healthiest milk for gut health – especially for people with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation,” Park said.

Another reminder: Nuts are full of oil and can go rancid at room temperature; unsurprisingly, rancid almonds will make sour almond milk. Before you put the effort in, do yourself a favor and taste one to ensure the nuts are fresh, especially if they've been in your pantry for a while.

Soak almonds in water overnight or for up to two days — the longer you soak the almonds, the creamier the milk will be. (This is true of any nut milk recipe you make.) Drain and rinse the beans from their soaking water and grind them with fresh water.

Nutritionists believe that vitamin E, along with bioactive plant compounds including polyphenols, are responsible for many of the health benefits of almonds. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are good for heart health ( 12 ).

Why is almond milk being recalled? ›

Almond Breeze is recalling more than 145,000 half-gallons of almondmilk because they could contain actual milk. So far, there has been one reported allergic reaction after someone with a milk allergy drank the now-recalled Almond Breeze, which is supposed to be dairy-free.

Once opened, store-bought almond milk lasts for up to 10 days when kept in the refrigerator. Homemade almond milk perishes more quickly. “It will separate when it sits for a few hours. Give it shake and it's good as new, but I would use homemade almond milk within 3 days,” White says.

Once you open almond milk—any kind of almond milk, including homemade almond milk—always refrigerate it. If possible, keep almond milk toward the back of the fridge, where the temperature tends to be the coldest and the most stable. Avoid storing it on the door, where the temperature fluctuates.

Almond milk can have some possible side effects. However, these side effects occur only due to overconsumption and nut allergies. Some possible side effects are nut allergies, adverse effects on the thyroid gland, high sugar levels, skin reactions, abdominal issues etc.

The Dangers of Additives in Almond Milk

Lecithin is an emulsifier that can cause gut irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Guar gum is a soluble fiber that can increase stool bulk and viscosity, and may cause gas and bloating in some people.

Dairy alternatives like unenriched rice milk and almond milk are much lower in potassium, phosphorus, and protein than cow's milk, making them a good substitute for milk while on a renal diet. Dairy products contain high amounts of phosphorus, potassium, and protein and should be limited to a renal diet.

Almond milk allergies

Switching from regular milk to almond milk may be trading one allergic reaction for another. Tree nuts such as almonds (along with walnuts, cashews, and pecans) top the list of allergy offenders. In addition, nearly half of people allergic to peanuts are allergic to tree nuts.

Plant-based options, like almond, soy, and oat milk, pose no known risk of UTI development or symptom flare-ups. Still, it's essential to scrutinize labels. Some plant-based products might contain additives or sugars that could affect urinary health.