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Is Almond Milk Paleo? Let’s Find The Answer Here In 2024
The paleo diet centers around foods available to our ancestors during the Paleolithic era. It is sometimes called the Stone Age diet or the caveman diet because it evolved from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. It emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods and excludes foods that contain things like grains or dairy.
Since the rise of plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk, many paleo dieters wonder: Is almond milk paleo? Let’s delve into the details of almond milk and explore the principles of the paleo diet. Then we can shed some light on whether almond milk suits a paleo lifestyle.
Is Almond Milk Paleo Friendly?
Yes, almond milk can be considered paleo-friendly as it is made from almonds, which are allowed on the paleo diet. However, it is important to choose unsweetened and additive-free versions to ensure they align with the paleo diet’s principles. Make sure to check the labels of store-bought almond milk or make your own to maintain a paleo diet.
What Is A Paleo Diet?
The paleo diet centers around the belief that our bodies are genetically adapted to survive and thrive on foods available to our ancient ancestors. The diet allows[1] whole, unprocessed foods like:
- Grass-fed or pasture-raised meats.
- Fish.
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Nuts and seeds.
- Fungi and roots.
It’s also essential to avoid foods that are not paleo-friendly like:
- Grains.
- Legumes.
- Dairy products.
- Refined sugar.
- Processed foods.
- Certain oils like canola oil and corn oil.
Consuming nutrient-dense foods can eliminate potential sources of inflammation.[2] By following the paleo diet, you can enhance your health and speed up weight loss too.
Why Is Almond Milk Paleo?
Almond milk[3] is a plant-based alternative to dairy milk. It is made by soaking almonds in filtered water and heating them. The mixture is then strained to remove the larger particles.
Additives are used in many store-bought almond milks to give it the same texture as cow’s milk.
These additives may include sweeteners, thickeners, or flavors for taste and consistency.
Since almond milk is plant-based and non-dairy, it can fit the requirements of the paleo diet. Just be sure your almond milk uses a natural sweetener and has no added sugar.
Which Almond Milk Is Paleo-Friendly?
When you are following the paleo diet, choosing the right almond milk is important. While many almond milks are considered paleo, some are not. Follow these suggestions when choosing your almond milk to ensure it’s paleo-friendly.
Know The Paleo Guidelines
A good understanding of what ingredients are approved for the paleo diet is imperative when grocery shopping. To save time and prevent confusion, make sure to do your research before you get to the store. Fortunately, the paleo guidelines are somewhat simple for this diet.
Check The Label
While the main ingredients in almond milk are almonds and water, some brands can be tricky. Many store-bought almond milks have non-paleo additives to improve taste, make it creamier, and lengthen the shelf life. So be sure to check the ingredient label thoroughly before you buy almond milk.
Choose Unsweetened Almond Milk
Some natural sweeteners are allowed on the paleo diet. However, the added sweeteners in store-bought almond milk are not usually paleo-friendly. Stick to unsweetened versions, which have a light, naturally sweet flavor.
Make Your Own
Making your own almond milk allows you to choose the ingredients and ensure the quality and freshness of the almonds used. Homemade almond milk also lets you avoid the additives, preservatives, and sweeteners in store-bought almond milk.
The best part about making your own is you’ll know it’s 100% paleo-friendly.
It’s essential to have a great recipe to make your own almond milk. Let’s check out an almond milk recipe and everything you need to make it.
Paleo-Friendly Almond Milk Recipes
Before we dive into this delicious nut milk recipe, let’s take a moment to explore what you need to make this wholesome beverage at home. Here are the essentials for homemade almond milk:
- Powerful blender — to grind the almonds and create a creamy paste. A higher-powered blender works better than a regular power blender.
- Nut milk bag — This is similar to a strainer, but contains the almond pulp for a smooth, creamy consistency. Usually, a nut bag is usually less messy and easier than using a cheesecloth.
- Raw almonds — Choose raw and organic almonds for best results, as roasted almonds may be coated with oil that is not paleo-friendly.
- Filtered or distilled water may help keep milk fresh for longer. Many people claim that filtered or distilled water makes almond milk taste better than tap water.
- A good recipe — this may be the most important part.
Now, grab your organic almonds and make a creamy, fresh batch of homemade almond milk by following these simple steps.
- Soak 1 cup of almonds in a water bowl overnight for 8-12 hours.
- Remove the skin of each almond by gently rubbing them between your fingers.
- Discard the peels.
- Place almonds and 4 cups of water in a blender.
- Blend on high for approximately two minutes or until water begins to froth.
- Pour into nut milk bag and tie bag closed.
- Squeeze the bag over a bowl until all the liquid is removed.
You can also add sweetness by adding a teaspoon of natural flavoring. Simply add one teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, agave, or vanilla bean and blend for one minute. Store nut milk inside the fridge in a covered glass jar for up to five days.
What Nut Milks Are Suitable For A Paleo Diet?
Other nut milks besides almond milk are paleo-friendly, aligning with the principles of consuming whole, unprocessed foods. Here are a few additional nut milk options to try:
- Coconut milk.
- Cashew milk.
- Hazelnut milk.
- Hemp milk.
Just remember to opt for homemade versions or carefully read the labels of store-bought nut milk to ensure they do not contain any additives, sweeteners, or other non-paleo ingredients. It just may be the milk for your weight loss journey you were searching for.
Final Thought
While the paleo diet emphasizes a return to the ancestral eating patterns of whole, unprocessed foods, whether almond milk is paleo is debatable. Almond milk comes from almonds, which are generally accepted as paleo-friendly.
However, commercially available options may contain additives, sweeteners, and other non-paleo ingredients. Ultimately, it is up to each individual following the paleo lifestyle to decide if almond milk or paleo supplements align with their dietary preferences and goals.
+ 3 sources
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- Bożena Frączek, Pięta, A., Burda, A., Mazur-Kurach, P. and Florentyna Tyrała (2021). Paleolithic Diet—Effect on the Health Status and Performance of Athletes? [online] 13(3), pp.1019–1019. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13031019.
- Whalen, K.A., McCullough, M.L., W. Dana Flanders, Hartman, T.J., Judd, S.E. and C. Michael Hall (2016). Paleolithic and Mediterranean Diet Pattern Scores Are Inversely Associated with Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Balance in Adults. [online] 146(6), pp.1217–1226. doi:https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.115.224048.
- Torna, E., Rivero-Mendoza, D. and Dahl, W.J. (2020). Plant-Based Milks: Almond. [online] 2020(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fs410-2020.