RD Choice: Simply® Almond

*written by Andrew Akhaphong, Mackenthun’s Registered & Licensed Dietitian

Lactose intolerant? Do not fret – Simply® Almond gives you an option to enjoy your “dairy” without the side effects from lactose. This is the Dietitian’s Choice on 2 for $6.00 – 46 oz containers from July 1st thru July 7th. 

According to the FDA Code of Federal Regulations 21, Section 133.3 states

• Milk means the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows, which may be clarified and may be adjusted by separating part of the fat therefrom; concentrated milk, reconstituted milk, and dry whole milk. Water, in a sufficient quantity to reconstitute concentrated and dry forms, may be added.
• Nonfat milk means skim milk, concentrated skim milk, reconstituted skim milk, and nonfat dry milk. Water, in a sufficient quantity to reconstitute concentrated and dry forms, may be added.

There is a lot of debate weather to call non-dairy alternatives milk or milk products given the definition of milk by the FDA. Thus, many producers of non-dairy alternatives may refer to their products as simply plant-based alternative beverage, or, combine the word milk with the ingredient of what it is.

• example) almondmilk, soymilk, cashewmilk versus almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk

Unlike dairy milk beverages, almondmilk, along with other plant-based alternatives made from nuts, are made quite differently.

The process of almondmilk as shown above involves…

1. Soaking almonds in water to soften up its tissue
2. Rinsing almonds clean after soaking
3. Blending the almonds in clean water
4. Straining the almond pulp from the water
5. Almondmilk ready-to-serve ​

Though one may find many recipes for homemade almondmilk, it is still important to know homemade almondmilk is not as nutrient-dense as store-bought almondmilk or dairy milk itself.

The reason being is store-bought almondmilk and dairy milk is always fortified with nutrients like Vitamin D (and calcium for almondmilk) to ensure young children are getting what they need to develop and grow. In addition to, they often contain more calories from added sugars (in almondmilk) or fat (in dairy milk) to prevent risk for unplanned weight loss.

According to a study in 2018 published in Nutrients by Kim, Keogh, and Clifton, drinking 1 cup of almondmilk daily contains a rich source of oleic acid. It may help reduce cholesterol by 6% and triglycerides by 14%, improving heart health. 

Store-bought almondmilk is lower in calories, especially if you purchase unsweetened. Although almonds are high in fat, it is important to remember most of those fats are healthy fats to reduce cholesterol levels. Store-bought almondmilk is also diluted with more water to make it equivalent to a a dairy milk beverage at skim or 1% fat category. 

Unlike dairy milk, almond milk is a naturally high source of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is important healthy skin, eyes, and red blood cells. 

References:
​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316378/