Are almond drinks good for you?

Almond drinks have been growing in popularity for a while now, as more and more people make changes to their diets and lifestyles.

If you’re considering a switch, you might have some questions, including whether almond drinks are good for you. Well, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know. And as it turns out, there’s a lot more to almond drinks than meets the eye.

Tasty and endlessly versatile, almond drinks are the perfect addition to pretty much everything - from coffee, tea and hot chocolate, to creamy breakfast oatmeal and baking recipes.

If you’re still on the fence about giving them a whirl, keep reading to take a look at what almond drinks are, what they taste like, and the benefits they offer.

What are almond drinks and how are they made?

Almond drinks are a plant-based alternative to milk made by blending almonds with water. There are lots of different almond drinks available, and you can even make your own at home.

Here at Alpro, we harvest our almonds from the sunny Mediterranean, lightly toasting them to bring out their subtle nutty flavour. We also fortify them with added vitamins and minerals to help support a balanced diet, which is one of the main differences between our almond drinks and homemade ones.

Read more about how almond drinks are made.

You may hear almond drinks referred to as almond milk. Here at Alpro, however, we’re really clear that our plant-based products are just that - plant-based, and suitable for vegans. Since the term ‘milk’ usually refers to a product from animals, we’re sticking with ‘drink’ to avoid any confusion. 

What do almond drinks taste like?

Light and subtle, almond drinks are a real treat for the taste buds, with a delicate nutty flavour thanks to those ever-so-gently roasted almonds. So, if you’re asking, what do almond drinks taste like? The answer is simply irresistible.

Why not try Alpro Almond in our almond, banana, and espresso breakfast smoothie or a nutty matcha? The perfect early morning pick-me-up or break for elevenses.

Health benefits of almond drinks

Where do we even start?

Compared with cow’s milk, almond drinks typically contain less protein. However, almond drinks contain other key nutrients and can be consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Fewer calories and low saturated fat

Almond drinks are available unsweetened or sweetened (with added sugars or sweeteners like stevia).

When it comes to almond drinks vs cow’s, almond drinks tend to be lower in calories and saturated fat¹. Reducing saturated fat can help lower cholesterol levels and healthy blood pressure and healthy heart function².

Naturally dairy‑free, gluten-free and lactose‑free

Almond drinks are naturally dairy and lactose-free, making them suitable if you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or if you have a cow’s milk protein allergy or an intolerance to lactose. They’re also gluten-free, too - bonus!

If you think you might have an allergy or intolerance to dairy, lactose or gluten, always consult a healthcare professional for advice before making any changes to your diet.

Fortified with calcium and vitamins

To support a healthy and balanced diet, almond drinks can be fortified with other key vitamins and minerals. Look for almond drinks that say ‘fortified’ or ‘with essential nutrients’ on the pack, and always check the ingredients label if you’re unsure.

Alpro Almond drinks are fortified with iodine, vitamin D2, B2 and vitamin B12 (that’s the one that contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue). Oh, and it’s a source of calcium, too, which helps support healthy teeth and bones.

Nutrition per 100 ml of Alpro Almond Original

As well as being an utterly scrumptious delight, Alpro Almond drinks are also fortified with nutrients. Want to see for yourself? This is taken straight from our Alpro Almond Original label:

*Reference intake of an average adult- 8400 kJ / 2000 kcal

Are almond drinks the right choice for me?

Wondering if almond drinks are right for you and your family as an alternative to cow’s milk? Let’s take a look at some reasons why you should - and when you shouldn’t - make the switch.

Adults choosing plant‑based or lactose‑free options

For adults, almond drinks are ideal as a lower‑calorie, lactose‑free plant-based alternative to dairy.

They can easily be introduced into your everyday diet, and aren’t just for drinking in your tea and coffee - they’re delicious for cooking, baking, and splashing over your cereal, too.

Children and NHS advice on plant drinks

Children can enjoy unsweetened, fortified almond drinks as part of a balanced diet, as long as they’re over 1 year³. Almond drinks aren’t suitable as the main drink for babies under 12 months, and must not be given in place of breast milk or formula milk before then.

If you’re not sure about including almond drinks in your child’s diet, you can find further guidance on the NHS website and speak to your healthcare professional for advice.

Nut allergies and other considerations

If you’ve got a tree-nut allergy (an allergy to almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia, pecan, pistachio, walnuts and shea nuts⁴), you won’t be able to consume almond milk.

If you have a peanut allergy, you should always speak to your healthcare professional before drinking almond milk, as 1 in 3 people with a peanut allergy are also allergic to some or all tree nuts⁵.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that when it comes to almond drinks vs cow’s milk or soya drinks, almond drinks have a lower protein content. As such, they may not be right for you if cow’s milk is your main source of protein⁶.

Always check the label on products if you have an allergy or intolerance, and if you believe you’re experiencing signs or symptoms of an allergy or intolerance, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Are almond drinks sustainable?

Almonds need plenty of water to grow, yet 80% of the world’s almond farming happens in California, where there isn’t much rainfall, and droughts are common. This can result in a relatively high water use.

Here at Alpro, our almonds are instead sourced from Mediterranean orchards, where they can be mainly rain‑fed. When extra water is needed, our almond farmers use drip irrigation to increase efficiency and minimise water waste.

Bees, biodiversity and Alpro’s sourcing choices

When making our almond drinks, we’ve been thinking about the birds, the bees, and everything else on our planet, for that matter.

From pollinator-friendly farming practices to initiatives focused on biodiversity and improving how much water we use in our almond orchards, learn more about the actions we are taking across our supply chain and how our plant-based products are made.

Enjoying Alpro Almond drinks every day

Alpro Almond drinks have a light, nutty taste that’s perfect for your coffee. If you like your coffee with froth, try Alpro’s Barista Almond drink - it’s ideal for making like a true barista, and creating coffee art without leaving your kitchen.

If you’ve noticed your almond drink splits or separates in your coffee, here are some tips to help you get the perfect brew, every time:

• Add your almond drink to your cup or mug first, before you pour in your coffee.
• Heat your almond drink gently to avoid a very quick change in temperature.
• Let your coffee cool slightly before adding in your almond drink, and pour slowly.

And of course, our versatile almond drinks aren’t just for coffee.

At breakfast

Try almond drinks in a warming bowl of yummy porridge, or serve chilled, generously poured over your favourite cereal.

Why not try Alpro Almond in our almond, banana, and espresso breakfast smoothie or a nutty matcha? The perfect early morning pick-me-up or break for elevenses.

In cooking and baking

You can use Alpro Almond drinks in most of your favourite cooking and baking recipes as a substitute for cow’s milk.

For savoury meals like sauces, soups and curries, try our Alpro Almond Roasted No Sugars.

Where you’re looking for a little sweetness in recipes like cakes, pancakes, and oh-so-delicious puddings, our Almond Original is the ideal choice.

Looking for some inspiration for how to cook and bake with Alpro Almond drinks? We’ve got you covered. Treat your tastebuds our pancakes with caramelised banana, carrot and raisin porridge, spinach, squash and lentil dahl.

Frequently asked questions about almond drinks

Are almond drinks good for you?

Almond drinks are naturally low in sugar and saturated fat, so can be part of healthy, balanced diet.

Is almond drink healthier than dairy milk?

Almond drinks are lower in protein than dairy milk, but they’re also naturally lower in calories, sugar and saturated fat. Almond drinks are also often fortified with other nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium.

Can children drink almond drinks?

Children over 1 year old can have almond drinks as part of a balanced diet. Almond drinks should not replace breast milk or formula milk, and should not be the main drink for babies and toddlers under 12 months old.

Are almond drinks gluten‑free and lactose‑free?

Yes! Alpro Almond drinks are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, dairy free and lactose-free.

Remember, if you’re following a gluten-free, dairy-free or lactose-free diet, make sure you’re checking all food labels carefully to ensure they’re safe for you to eat. Always consult a health care professional for advice if needed.

How does almond drink compare to other milks?

Almond drinks contain less protein, but are also lower in calories, sugar and saturated fat.

Oat drinks tend to be creamier than almond drinks, but the lightness of almond drinks also means they’re generally lower in calories.

Soya drinks are nutritionally more similar to cow’s milk, and are naturally higher in protein than almond drinks. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option with a taste that’s proving widely popular, then almond drinks will fit the bill.

Almond drinks can be fortified with vitamins and minerals and enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet as an alternative to dairy.

References:

1. British Heart Foundation (2021). Milk alternatives: are plant-based milks better than dairy? [online]. Available at https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/ask-the-expert/plant-based-milk-alternatives. [Accessed February 2026]
2. Singar S, Kadyan S, Patoine C, Park G, Arjmandi B, Nagpal R. The Effects of Almond Consumption on Cardiovascular Health and Gut Microbiome: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2024 Jun 20;16(12):1964. doi: 10.3390/nu16121964. PMID: 38931317; PMCID: PMC11207051.
3. BSACI. Recommendations on plant-based drinks for children aged 1 year and over [online] Available at https://www.bsaci.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Plant-Based-Drink-Statement-FINAL.pdf [Accessed July 2026]
4. Allergy UK (2022). Your quick to: Tree Nut Allergy [online]. Available at https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/uploads/services/docs/children/tree-nut-allergy.pdf. [Accessed February 2026]
5. NHS University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. GP Information [online]. Available at https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/eden-gp-information/#OtherNutsAvoid. [Accessed February 2026]
6. British Heart Foundation (2016). What you really need to know about milk [online]. Available at https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/milk. [Accessed February 2026]

Last reviewed: October 2026