If you’re milk alternative of choice is almond milk, it can be frustrating trying to find almond milk without carrageenan and other gut-irritating gums. Luckily, there are a few store-bought options to consider before you get a nut-milk bag and make it yourself.
Ingredients I Avoid
Almond milk is a staple in many homes so it’s important to opt for a brand with only quality, real ingredients. Here are some common additives in almond milk that I recommend avoiding:
Carrageenan: emulsifier; Gut irritant that has been linked to cancer, GI distress, and general inflammation [1]
Gums (Acacia, Gellan, Xanthan, Locust Bean, Carob Bean, Guar, Tara): emulsifiers; Gut irritants causing gas, bloating, inflammation [2]
These are not essential ingredients of almond milk and are only added as cheap fillers. The brands listed below do not contain any of them.
Elmhurst
Ingredients: Filtered Water, Almonds
Elmhurst Almond Milk only has two ingredients: almonds and water. Even better, this is one of the best tasting almond milks I’ve tried. Also available at Thrive Market.
Three Trees
Ingredients: Filtered Water, Organic Almonds
This is another almond milk with just two simple ingredients: almonds and water. Since it has no stabilizers, cream comes to the top so it must be shaken. This brand also boasts that it has 4x nuts and proteins, and no added salt. Also comes in Vanilla Bean flavor.
Thrive Market Organic Almond Beverage
This a great and affordable choice without any gums. This one from Thrive Market has low salt, no added sugars and a great taste.
Ingredients: Water, Organic Sweet Almonds, Sunflower Lecithin, Sea Salt
Good Mylk
Good Mylk is a little different than the other products on this list because it only sells almond milk concentrate– which if you are purchasing online, ships smaller and is probably just more convenient anyway. They claim this concentrate has 6x as many almonds as bottled brands.
Ingredients: Sprouted Almonds, Filtered Water, Dates, Ancient Mineral Salt
JOI
JOI doesn’t sell almond milk ready to drank but instead sells what they call a “base.” The almond milk base has a thick consistency similar to almond butter and makes almond milk when mixed with water. Also available on Thrive Market.
Ingredients: Blanched California Almonds
Malk Organics
Ingredients: Filtered Water, Organic Almonds, Himalayan Pink Salt
Malk is cold-pressed, high-quality almond milk with nothing artificial and three simple ingredients. Malk is also glyphosate-free and comes in Vanilla.
Simply Beverages
Coke’s Simply Almond Milk has an impressively clean ingredient list for such a big brand. It does however contain added (cane) sugar if that’s an issue for you.
Ingredients: Almond Milk (Filtered water, Almonds), Cane sugar, Natural Flavors, Sea salt
Coffee with Additive-Free Almond Milk
Pop and Bottle
Ingredients: Filtered Water, Almonds
If you like coffee and almond milk in pre-portioned bottles, this is the only option I could find that has clean almond milk. There are interesting flavors such as turmeric, matcha and cacao.
