Is Almond Milk Paleo?
This may surprise you, but almond milk has actually been around since medieval times.
As an alternative to cow’s milk, almond milk has been used for cooking, baking and straight up as a drink. Unlike animal milk, this milk-like drink made from ground almonds contains no lactose and is helpful for those with allergies to gluten or casein.
Nutritionally, almond milk offers many of the same benefits that almonds do, including magnesium, vitamin E, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, iron, fiber, zinc, calcium and several phytochemicals. Unsweetened versions are also low in calories, containing about 40 calories per 8-oz. serving.
Compared to cow’s milk, almond milk certainly offers less protein, with only a gram per serving, compared to the 8 grams that cow’s milk offers. In addition, almond milk won’t have the nearly the same levels of Vitamins A, D, or K as good grass-fed cow milk.
What Do Other Paleo Experts Say?
Diane Sanfilippo says: “Personally, I vote for homemade (almond milk) or none at all. You have NO way of knowing what “other natural flavors” (on a label) means. As Robb Wolf says… ‘plutonium is natural, that doesn’t make it okay to eat’…”
Mark Sisson says: “Is almond milk Primal? Sure, in theory. Grind up some almonds, mix with water, and strain them to produce a “milk” uses nothing but Primal ingredients and practices. There’s nothing overtly “wrong” with that. But there’s also nothing very exciting…Personally, I’d just eat the almonds.”
Loren Cordain says: “Yes, almond milk is a Paleo-friendly food. You can also use hazelnut and coconut milk.”
Is Almond Milk Paleo?
Yes.
Almonds are Paleo, so it should follow that their milky output might be too. If almonds are ground, mixed with water and strained to produce a “milk”, it’s generally harmless and fairly tasty.
But be careful buying store versions of almond milk, which usually have added sugar. In addition, almost all almond milks sold in stores contain guar gum, which anecdotally causes digestive issues for many people.
You can make your own almond milk by using well-soaked almonds, which helps remove the anti-nutrients inherent in the nuts. This is the healthier and preferred alternative if you’re trying to avoid the processed, chemically-laden store-brought brands. Their labels sport a host of not-so-good-for-you ingredients like preservatives, sweeteners, and carrageenan.
Here Are Some Almond Milk Recipes:
1. Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins
2. Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
3. Glazed Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake Donuts
5. Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chocolate Milk
7. Almond Milk Leftovers Granola
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