Tag: unsweetened almond milk

Yummy Flavours of Almond Milk You Can Easily Make at Home

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Almond milk is the perfect choice for alternatives to dairy products. While you can have almond milk purely without adding any flavours, many people tend to like adding different flavours to make it tastier. There are many manufacturers that sell different flavours of almond milk to attract customers. Though there are many retailed flavours available, here we are going to see the top 5 picks for flavours people opt which can be easily made at home.

  1. Chocolate flavor: This flavor is popularly liked by many for the taste it gives. The chocolate almond milk gives the thick texture of nut milk with added sweetened syrups. It adds about 15gms of extra calories which is not advisable for people who are on diet and as well as for people who are lactose intolerant.

A simple way to make chocolate flavoured almond milk is with three ingredients, i.e., almonds, filtered water, and dark chocolate.

  • Kesar almond milk This Indian-style almond milk is a treat for all your almond milk cravings. It can be easily made at home with almonds and saffron. There are many manufacturers who sell Kesar badam milk powder, which makes the whole process easy for us to make at home quickly.

Mixing the powder with milk of your choice will give you a tasty treat and also has several nutritional benefits. You can also make Kesar badam milk powder at home if you don’t prefer buying it from retail shops.

  • Unsweetened – The unsweetened flavour is nothing but organic almond milk which is 100% pure in nature. People who prefer to have almond milk without any added flavour can go with this at your home. It is made by thoroughly grinding ground almonds and mixing them with filtered water. Filtering the mixture gives milk which is as close as cow milk but purely natural. The unsweetened almond milk is for people who are lactose intolerant and diet conscious.
  • Strawberry almond milk – Strawberry almond milk is preferred by many children and it is also healthy for our body. Almond milk with strawberry tastes like heaven on earth for many people. The pink color gives a more appetizing feel to almond milk. While grinding almond to make almond milk, grind it with pieces of strawberry depending on your preference and grind well. While extracting the almond milk, the strawberry flavour comes out well and also pure without adding any artificial flavours.
  • Dates almond milk – One of the best addons you could do for almond milk is adding dates in it. It does not only give the perfect taste but also highly nutritious. From children to elders, anyone can have dates almond milk for its health benefits. And it is also easy and quick to prepare and serve. Dry dates with almond give thick dense milk with high protein and vitamin.

These are some of the flavoured almond milks you can easily make at home and serve quickly. It does not only add taste but also satisfies your cravings, satisfies your hunger, and also makes your body healthy. There are many flavours you can try at the home of your choice, make sure to prepare everything rather than getting ready-made powders. If you try these at your home, don’t forget to give us cheers!

Four Best Types of Almond Milk and Their Benefits

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Since almond milk is vegan and lactose-free, many people use it as an alternative to milk. There are also some exciting flavors you can add to it of your choice. Popularly used and liked flavors are listed below with their benefits.

Classic – It is the combination of filtered water, raw sugar, almonds, calcium, salt, and stabilizer. It’s a creamy delicious substitute for milk. It contains total fat of only 2.8grams per glass, 263 KJ of energy, total carbohydrates 8 grams, sugar 7 grams, zero lactose, zero cholesterol, 200mg of calcium, and 1gram of protein.

Unsweetened almond milk – This unsweetened almond milk contains filtered water, almonds, tapioca starch, calcium, salt, stabilizer, and natural flavor. This gives the real taste of almonds with reduced sugar. This will blend perfectly with smoothies. This contains total fat of 3 gram only, zero cholesterol, zero lactose, 168 KJ of energy, 1.8 grams of carbohydrates, 0.3gram sugar, 0.8grams dietary fibers, 129 mg of sodium, 200 mg of calcium, and 1.3 grams of protein

Unsweetened vanilla – This unsweetened vanilla contains filtered water, almonds, tapioca starch, calcium, salt, natural vanilla flair, stabilizer. It slightly gives the original taste of almond but without added sugars. The combination of unsweetened almond milk with vanilla flavor gives wonderful tastes. It contains a total fat of 3grams, zero cholesterol, zero lactose, 168 KJ of energy, 1.8 grams of carbs, 129 mg of sodium, 200 mg of calcium, and 1.3 grams of protein.

Chocolate almond milk – unThis chocolate-rich almond milk tastes delicious and satisfies all your chocolate cravings. This is a combination of filtered water, raw sugar, almonds, 0.6% of cocoa powder, calcium, salt, and natural flavor. It contains 3gram of total fat, zero cholesterol, zero lactose, 418 KJ of energy, 16.2 grams of carbs, 14.9 grams of sugar, 1.2 grams of dietary fiber,127mg of sodium, 200mg of calcium, and 1.5grams of protein.

Almond milk is rich in calcium, protein, and minerals. Especially almond milk protein plays a vital role in the activities of your body and calcium helps the bones of your body. Try out this variety of almond milk and also customize it with your favourites.

Does Almond Milk Help in Weight Loss?

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Lately, people have started keeping a watch on their weight, for which they have started taking modifying their diets in order to make sure they don’t miss out on eating healthy food. Milk has always been a very important part of everyone’s diet. However, regular dairy milk is not as healthy as people claim for it to be. Thus, in order to make sure you don’t miss out on the goodness of milk, almond milk makes for the perfect alternative. You could either choose organic almond milk or regular almond milk or unsweetened almond milk, you’re undoubtedly making the right decision.

Almond milk comes with multiple health benefits, one of which is that it is ideal for helping you lose weight. Did you know? Almond milk nutrition has a significant role to play when it comes to boosting your metabolism, keeping your sugar levels under control and keeping you feeling fuller for longer hours. Everyone needs a daily drink to rely on. A drink that not only treats your taste buds but also has a number of health benefits to offer. Thus, replacing dairy milk almond milk is a smarter choice.

Low in calories, almond milk doesn’t make you worry about gaining weight. This nut milk works as a natural metabolism booster, which means no matter how much you drink it, it is easily digestible. It also comes in an unsweetened version, which means it also succeeds in keeping your sugar levels under control. While this dairy free drink helps you lose weight, it also makes sure you don’t miss out on the other important health benefits. The calcium content in almond milk keeps your bones and teeth strong and healthy, while its vitamin E content keeps your skin beautiful and heart healthy. Plus, almond milk is a rich source of antioxidants, which makes it ideal for slowing down the ageing process.

So, in short, yes, almond milk does play a significant role in ensuring effective weight loss.

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Healthy Almond Milk Recipes

We often wonder why people with diabetes choose unsweetened almond milk over regular dairy milk. It is because of the simple reason being that almond milk contains less carbs compared to any other milk. It is the best alternative for diabetics or any person who is on a sugar free/ low carb/ low calorie diet. Even fitness freaks who go to the gym daily in order to build their body consume almond milk protein shakes post their workouts. Almond milk has so many benefits that everyone can and must make it a part of their diet: from 1 year old kids to old, aged people. Following are a few and most important ones:

  • ●      Low in calories
  • ●      Low in sugar
  • ●      High in Vitamin E
  • ●      Good source of calcium
  • ●      Lactose free

While consuming almond milk in its unsweetened form is the most effective and healthy way, some people prefer flavoured almond milk too. You can have almond milk by itself or use it to prepare other healthy dishes. Given below are some interesting ways in which you can use unsweetened almond milk:

  • ●      Peanut Butter Protein Pancakes

What you need:

  1. 1.     40 grams rolled oats
  2. 2.     100 ml unsweetened almond milk
  3. 3.     30 gms peanut butter
  4. 4.     15 grams baking powder
  5. 5.     2 eggs

How to prepare:

Mix all the dry ingredients separately followed by the wet ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk thoroughly. Fry the mixture on a pan and top it with your favourite fresh fruits like strawberries, blackberries or blueberries.

  • ●      Masala Haldi Badam Milk

Haldi Milk (Turmeric Milk) has various benefits and it is often consumed at night in order to get a peaceful sleep.

What you need:

  1. 1.     1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
  2. 2.     1 stick of cinnamon
  3. 3.     1 tsp of grated fresh ginger
  4. 4.     A pinch of black pepper
  5. 5.     ½ tsp of turmeric
  6. 6.     A pinch of cardamom
  7. 7.     1 tbsp of honey

How to prepare:

Add all the ingredients into a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Mix it well. Strain it if required and enjoy!

  • ●      Green Smoothie Bowl

What you need:

  1. 1.     Unsweetened almond milk
  2. 2.     Spinach
  3. 3.     Celery
  4. 4.     Frozen mango
  5. 5.     Frozen pineapple
  6. 6.     Greek yogurt
  7. 7.     Honey
  8. 8.     Chia seeds
  9. 9.     Flax seeds

How to prepare:

Blend all the above ingredients in a blender and your base is ready. Top it with some coconut shavings, granola and dark chocolate of your choice.

  • ●      Chia Pudding

If you are looking for some breakfast inspiration, then you can’t go wrong with a simple and healthy chia pudding. Chia is a superfood that is high in protein and loaded with health benefits. The following recipe is a chia base to which you can add any favourite toppings of your choice.

What you need:

  1. 1.     1.5 cups of unsweetened almond milk
  2. 2.     ½ cup chia seeds
  3. 3.     1 tsp of maple syrup
  4. 4.     1 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare:

In a bowl, mix chia seeds, almond milk and vanilla extract. Cover and leave it overnight in the fridge. Give it a good stir in the morning and it is ready to go. Add maple syrup to sweeten the mixture.

Topping Suggestions: (Optional) – Mint leaves, fresh fruits like banana or strawberries, chopped nuts, greek yogurt, coconut shavings, peanut butter

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How Does Almond Milk Keep your Weight in Control?

Lately, almost everyone has been in a race of losing weight and maintaining their shape, regardless of whether it is an important thing to do or not. While drinking milk is a very important thing to do, there is one fact about it that cannot be ignored. Regular dairy milk has a major contribution to make when it comes to losing control over your body weight. Thus, if you want to keep a check on your weight and are on a weight loss diet, you must definitely consider adding unsweetened almond milk to your daily diet.

Did you know? One glass of unsweetened almond milk contains about 30–50 calories, while the same amount of whole dairy milk contains 146 calories. This means almond milk contains 65–80% fewer calories than the regular milk, which makes it 100% perfect to be a part of your routine diet. If you want to take effective measures towards losing weight, restricting your calorie intake is something you must start with. If you succeed in achieving a moderate weight loss of 5–10% of your body weight, you are on the right path towards preventing conditions such as diabetes.

Your plans to lose weight needs a moderate weight loss strategy, which includes eating approximately 500 fewer calories per day. Thus, drinking almond milk on daily basis would be a simple way to lose weight, of course with a considerate amount of workout. Remember – almond milk is an ideal alternative to cow’s milk, thanks to its fewer calories content. Moreover, it is not only healthy but also delicious. Its nutty flavour is sure to make you want to have it every day.

Other than this, almond milk comes with many other benefits, which makes it simply the best choice. However, since there are a number of brands selling almond milk, each claiming to be better than the other, it is important to look at the packaging before you buy almond milk. Prevention is always a better way to go about with something than to deal with the cure.

Almond Milk – Things to look for while buying, health benefits, & how to use it.

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Almond milk has gained immense popularity in recent times with people moving away from dairy products and trying to lead a healthier and sustainable lifestyle. So, is almond milk a good alternative to cow’s milk? Or is it just a fad with no real benefits? Read on to find out for yourself.

Things to look for while buying Almond milk.

While buying almond milk or any other milk for that matter always read the label, as they say, the devil is in the details. Many packaged milks companies’ water down their almond milk as almond is the costliest ingredient.

It is also likely that your almond milk is packed with preservatives, sugars, and other artificial ingredients for longer shelf life, texture among others.

So, if you want sweetened almond milk, it is better if you get unsweetened almond milk and add sugar or sweetener of your choice rather than buying processed and sweetened almond milk.

Always go for a real brand with real reviews rather than getting whatever you see online or at the store. Choosing the right milk will decide if you really gain any benefits or worst-case scenario, it could even do terrible things for you and your body.

Health Benefits

  • Good source of Magnesium:

Almond milk is a rich source of magnesium and it is one of the most commonly found minerals in our body. It is really essential in many enzyme functions.

  • Low in calorie and carbs:

Almond milk is extremely low in calories and carbs compared to other milk sources. This makes it an ideal source for people who are looking to reduce their weight.

  • High in antioxidants

Antioxidants help in managing free radicals that damage cell functions. Antioxidants fight against these free radicals and keep your body healthy. Almond milk is filled with antioxidants that can fight free radicals.

  • Rich in calcium

Almond milk is often fortified with calcium which is one of the most important components in your bone. They help in keeping your bones strong and intact. It also fights against osteoporosis, a condition that will result in thinning bones and painful fractures.

  • Effective for lactose intolerance

As almond milk is made from nuts and is dairy free, it is a great option for people with lactose intolerance. Almond milk can also be used as a replacement for cow’s milk in almost all recipes.

  • Slowing down cognitive diseases.

Almond milk is packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps your brain. Studies have found that higher levels of vitamin E in your body can reduce the risk of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

These are some of the benefits of almond milk.

How to use it

Almond milk can be used in a variety of ways some of them include breakfast cereals, milkshakes, juices, desserts, sweets and you can also drink it right out of the carton.

It is always better to buy almond milk that is unsweetened and add the sweetener of your choice later as regular almond milk is added with lots of artificial sugars, sweeteners, and gums for longer shelf life and a thick texture.

What to Look for When Buying Almond Milk?

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Almond milk has taken the world by storm and is hitting headlines across the country. You can see it being mentioned on twitter feeds and celebrity Instagram posts, on television ads and billboards on your way to work. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely! Coming on as a challenger to dairy milk, almond milk has become quite a favourite of many households in a short time. The vegans love it, the lactose intolerant take delight in it and fitness conscious people swear by it. And top it off with the rich crispy flavour of almonds, it’s no wonder why people are flocking to this plant based milk instead of dairy milk.

We all know the benefits of milk and why from children to adults, love it. Almond milk has all those benefits and none of the harmful stuff. That means, cholesterol count is low and it doesn’t contain any saturated fats. This in turn ensures a healthy heart for healthy living.

When you plan to buy almond milk, look for two things.

  1. The unsweetened version- Most packaged almond milk comes added with sugar. Sugar free or unsweetened almond milk is a low carb drink and doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This makes it ideal for people following a low carb diet and for the ones suffering from diabetes.
  2. Fortified with calcium/protein. In general, almond milk is rich in micronutrients but has a low concentration of proteins and calcium. Make sure to check the label of the brand and ensure it mentions “fortified with calcium or proteins” so that you meet your required daily quota.

Another thing worth noting is that almond milk is also available in different flavours. Chocolate almond milk is one of the most popular flavours available as it is popular with all age groups. Try using flavoured almond milk in your recipes and shakes for a tasty surprise.

Why Choose Almond Milk Over Cow Milk

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We all know that milk is full of proteins and nutrients. It is the first food that a baby takes, and it helps in their growth and development. The calcium present in milk promotes bone growth and milk is considered important for health sustainability. However, milk also contains unsaturated fats which are detrimental for health. Regular intake of milk allows accumulation of fats in your body. If you are planning on weight loss, replacing cow milk with other varieties of milk is recommended.

Benefits of almond milk nutrition are as follows:

  1. Less sugar and calories. Compared to cow milk, almond milk has comparatively less sugar and calories making it healthier for your body and growth.
  2. The presence of Vitamin E in almond milk helps in rejuvenating the skin. A daily intake not only keeps the skin supple but also enriches skin growth. A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E fights inflammation in the body and helps protect against cancer and other heart diseases.
  3. With a steady intake of potassium present in the milk, you can keep your blood pressure at a normal rate.

Keep in mind though that many processed almond milks contain additives such as gums, sugar, and other emulsifiers. The emulsifiers are added to maintain texture and consistency and considered safe; however, it should not be consumed in high amounts. Please go through the packaging label if you are buying processed milk. To completely avoid these additives, go for the unflavoured version. If you are following a specific or restricted diet, choose the one which is fortified with Vitamin D and high in calcium.

For people suffering from lactose intolerance, it is the best alternative. Lactose intolerance can cause different painful symptoms and hence dairy products are a complete no-no. When choosing a dairy milk alternative for a child, choose almond milk that is fortified with calcium. This helps in bone growth and healthy development of a growing child.

All these and more. The nutty, crispy flavour of the milk is a welcome alternative for various food recipes. It can also replace traditional milk in your cup of coffee or milk for that extra delight. If you’re on a health-conscious plan and plan to reduce your sugar intake, unsweetened almond milk is your best friend.

For an adult, if you are wondering whether it is a viable alternative for milk in your diet, fear not. You can use almond milk for almost anything. Some of these include:

  • Cereals
  • Coffee/Tea
  • Baking & Cooking
  • Soups and sauces
  • Yogurts & Ice creams

If you are not bothered about calcium intake and take calcium through other sources, you can make your own almond milk. Just soak almond overnight and drain the water before use. Add the almonds to a blender along with fresh water and any additives such as vanilla or cocoa powder. Pulse for 2-3 minutes until the almonds are finely ground. Transfer the contents into a nut milk bag and squeeze out all the liquid into a bowl. Voila, your homemade almond milk is ready.

Chocolate Banana Ice cream made in Unsweetened Almond Milk

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Unsweetened Almond milk is low in calories and fat, making it a great base for a number of dishes. Its neutral flavour with a hint of nuttiness and creamy mouthfeel lends itself well to soups, sauces, dressings, baked goods, and smoothies.

It’s blazing hot outside and we all need something to cool down. A healthy ice cream is the perfect option to beat the heat without adding those pounds. Make a healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream with frozen bananas, cacao powder, almond milk and almond butter. It’s mouth-watering, healthy, dairy-free and is quick and easy!

Healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 frozen bananas, chopped into big pieces
  • 1/4 cup almond milk (unsweetened chocolate or vanilla)
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • 1/2 – 1 tablespoon cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
  • 1/2 tablespoons cacao nibs or chocolate chips (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Place bananas, almond milk, almond butter and cocoa powder into a food processor or a blender.

Pulse/process until smooth and creamy. You may need to turn off the motor and stir the mixture a couple times while processing.

Add in cacao nibs or chocolate chips (if using) and mix once more. Spoon ice cream into a bowl and enjoy! If you want to be able to scoop the ice-cream you can place it in the freezer for 2 hours so it’s solid enough to scoop.

Almond milk or badam milk benefits people who are lactose intolerant, vegan or are finding ways to shed weight. There is no cholesterol or saturated fat in almond milk. It is low in sodium and high in healthy fats (such as omega fatty acids, typically found in fish), which helps to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease. Almond milk offers 30 percent of the recommended daily amount of Calcium and 25 percent of the needed amount of vitamin D, reducing your risk for arthritis and osteoporosis and improving your immune system leading to work together to provide healthy bones and teeth formation.

Healthy Smoothie for Breakfast On The Go 

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Living the fast life comes with a price to pay – we never end up consuming the meals we hope for, especially not with the nutrition we hope for. We have often heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – so why not make it the one that counts? For those individuals who are always on the go and seek superfoods to keep them up and about, smoothies are a great way to consume fruits, veggies and nuts at once. The key to blending up a spectacular smoothie is hitting the right balance of flavour and health. Lately, individuals have started blending up their favourite fruits and veggies with unsweetened almond milk to keep it low on calories and keep it light as well. Not to mention it works best for vegans and those who are lactose sensitive. Wondering what to blend up for breakfast tomorrow that checks all the boxes on the healthy list? Here’s a list of delicious and easy to whip up smoothies that you must try.

Oat, Coffee and Maple Smoothie –Don’t we all want a jolt of coffee first thing in the morning? But, sometimes, cannot bear the thought of sipping on a hot beverage on a hot day. For those days, here’s a quick coffee-infused fix. Blend up oats, maple and coffee and maybe add one banana to add a rich and luscious texture to your smoothie. This fiber-packed smoothie will keep you full for longer and is out of the ordinary!

 Coconut Milk Smoothie –There’s no arguing about the fact that coconut milk is super delicious, rich, and healthy! To whip up a delicious smoothie using that, you can add blueberries, strawberries, raspberries or any fruit of your choice to the mix!

Kale, Ginger & Mint Smoothie – We know what you’re thinking – how can you consume greens early in the morning? Well, overlook the color and think about it – this delicious, satisfying and ultra-healthy smoothie can keep you on your best game all day! Whip up fresh kale, mint, ginger and a burst of citrus with a fresh lime with some organic almond milk or coconut water for an easy and fast breakfast smoothie that is the epitome of healthy!

Orange & Cranberry Smoothie – Perfectly tangy, packed with the goodness of Vitamin C and of course, fresh! Blend up some almond milk with oranges and cranberries and you will create a smoothie that won’t just wake you right up but energize you to power through the day!

Creamy Date Smoothie – Dates may make for a sticky, difficult to eat snack but don’t forget it is packed with healthy goodness. So, how can you consume dates in an easy way? The solution to this dilemma is simple – drink it! Blend up a few dates with milk or chocolate almond milk for extra flavour to whip up a smoothie that is naturally sweet without added sugars and makes for a filling breakfast on the go!