Which milk is good for pregnancy? All kinds of milk can be beneficial as they contain protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for both baby and mama. Today, we’re going to look at the benefits of almond milk during pregnancy.

Is almond milk good for you while pregnant?

Almonds are healthy snacks. They are low-fat and low-calorie and can be enjoyed in many different ways For example, they can be eaten raw or roasted, turned into nut butter, sprinkled on salads, and baked into cookies. It’s also straightforward to make almond milk with only almonds and water.

Almond milk has a nutty, sweet flavor without added sugar. It’s a tasty alternative for cereal and coffee if you can’t tolerate the lactose in cow milk or you don’t want the extra fat and sugar.

As a plant-based beverage, almond milk is packed with antioxidants like Vitamin E, minerals, and fiber, but it’s still low in calories, especially if it’s unsweetened. So yes, it’s a smart choice to drink almond milk while pregnant (1).

Almond milk vs. cow milk in pregnancy

Although a glass of unfortified almond milk has a lot less calcium than a glass of cow’s milk, it’s naturally cholesterol-free. Although it doesn’t have as much protein either, it doesn’t contain saturated fat.

Moreover, most commercial plant-based milk alternatives are fortified with calcium and vitamin D. (If you make your own almond milk at home, you won’t have those benefits.)

A single class of almond milk may provide as much as 22 % of the daily value of vitamin E. This potent antioxidant reduces inflammation, lowers the risk of cancer, and strengthens the heart. It also helps the body regulate fat. It’s not just healthy for mama, but also helps the baby develop in the womb.

Side effects of almonds during pregnancy

Are there side effects to drinking almond milk during pregnancy? Unless you’re allergic to almonds, there shouldn’t be any problem drinking almond milk in moderation. However, if you consume a lot of almonds, you may find yourself bloated and constipated. And if you drink extreme amounts of almond milk and eat almonds and take vitamin E (like in a multivitamin), your body may react badly to excess vitamin E. Symptoms include diarrhea and blurred vision.

Is almond milk safe during pregnancy?

Putting almond milk on your cereal or drinking a glass or two per day should be perfectly safe during pregnancy. However, it’s a good idea to check with your OB/GYN, nutritionist, or doctor if you’re on a restricted diet or have concerns.

Does almond milk induce labor?

No, neither almonds nor almond milk induce labor (2).

How to make almond milk at home

All you need to make almond milk is water and almonds. It helps to have a blender and a way to strain the nuts, too.

For example, to make 2 cups of almond milk, soak half a cup of raw almonds in an equal amount of water overnight. The next morning, put the mixture in the blender with 2 cups of water and blend until everything is creamy and resembles milk.

If you have a nut milk bag or clean cheesecloth, use that to strain out the pulp. Now, the milk is ready to drink. (Pro tip: use the pulp in muffins, cookies, or cereal.)

It might be tastier if you let it chill in the refrigerator or if you add a drop of vanilla or honey or a pinch of salt. You can also make it thicker by using less water.

Your freshly-made almond milk will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Or else you can let someone else do the hard work. We reviewed the best almond milk for pregnancy below:

Best Almond Milk for Pregnancy in 2024

Pacific Foods Organic Almond Non-Dairy Beverage

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Shelf-stable almond milk comes in rectangular cartons like this. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated until it’s open. It saves space in the fridge to buy it like this and ensures that you have plenty on hand in the pantry. Furthermore, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week to 10 days.

But does it taste fresh? Is it full of preservatives? Not to worry, this almond milk is made with lightly roasted organic almonds. The additional ingredients include 1% or less of sea salt, vanilla extract, vitamin D2, xanthan gum, gellan gum, and rice starch to give it body. It only has 40 calories per 8-ounce glass, 2 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of fat.

Nevertheless, it has a bit of sodium, which homemade almond milk would not naturally have. But it’s still vegan, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, and keto-friendly.

Reviewers say it’s convenient and flavorful. Another bonus is that it’s packed in a BPA-free carton that’s easy to open.

Califia Farms – Almond Milk, Unsweetened Barista Blend

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FYI: this almond milk is SNAP/EBT-eligible. It also happens to be one of the creamiest we tried and it easily makes foam for lattes. That’s not surprising as it was formulated for baristas with a hint of sunflower lecithin and locust bean gum to give it the right amount of body. Even so, it has only 40 calories per serving, 3 grams of fat, and less than a gram of carbohydrates. It’s fortified with extra calcium so that a single glass can give you 30% of the daily value.

The smooth, creamy texture will make cappuccinos turn out perfect. More importantly, this almond milk is non-GMO, Kosher, soy-free, gluten-free, and carrageenan-free. It comes in shelf-stable cartons that only need refrigeration after opening.

Silk Shelf-Stable Almond Milk, Unsweetened Vanilla

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Vanilla makes almond milk even tastier. It makes it sweeter without the need for sugar. Silk is one of the premier manufacturers of plant-based milks. Its dairy-alternative beverages like almond milk are enjoyed around the world.

Reviewers say this milk makes the best hot chocolate but it’s also delicious cold. It can take the place of creamer for coffee, too.

One cup is only 30 calories, with no cholesterol only 1 gram of carbs. It’s enriched with vitamin D2 and calcium and has 25% of the daily value of vitamin E.

The only downside is that it’s low in protein compared to cow milk with only 1 gram per serving.

Almond Breeze, Almond Milk Chocolate Unsweetened

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Do you know why so many brands of almond milk sell shelf-stable cartons? This type of packaging started out popular throughout Asia and Europe because most people have small refrigerators. It’s convenient to stock up on almond milk but not have to worry about spoiling. Moreover, the pasteurization process doesn’t harm the flavor or texture. If you don’t believe us, try making your own almond milk and compare it to one of the commercial versions we reviewed.

Take this one, for example. It has added cocoa for a lip-smacking experience. It’s also enhanced with calcium and vitamin D but contains no added sugar. If you’re trying to give up sugary drinks and miss chocolate milk, it’s a good alternative.

But let’s be honest, it’s not as sweet as chocolate cow milk. In fact, some of the reviewers added a little stevia or monk fruit. Still, it tastes good on cereal, in coffee, and smoothies or milkshakes.

Each serving has 40 calories, 2 grams of carbs, and no cholesterol. It also has a significant percentage of vitamins A and E, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc.

Fresh Brand – Original Unsweetened Almondmilk

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If you want the freshest almond milk (besides homemade) check out this product delivered by Amazon straight to your home. It comes refrigerated and ready to enjoy.

The half-gallon carton contains flavorful and creamy almond milk with only 30 calories per glass. It’s made from non-GMO almonds with no added sugar. It’s enriched with calcium – it contains 50% more calcium than dairy milk. It’s also an excellent natural source of vitamin E, D, and A.

But what makes this almond milk so creamy? It contains gellan gum, a vegan thickening agent that’s often in non-dairy ice cream and yogurt. It also has sunflower lecithin, an emulsifier that helps the almond milk retain its texture without the ingredients settling. (Of course, you’ll still want to shake it for best results).

NOW Foods, Almonds, Raw and Unsalted

With a one-pound bag of almonds like this, it’s easy to make your own almond milk. The almonds are steam-pasteurized for safety. This chemical-free process removes microbes like fungi and bacteria so that the almonds are safe to eat raw.

The almonds are grown in the USA. They are also packaged in the USA by a brand that’s family-owned and operated. They use a GMP-certified facility where they do multiple rounds of testing to ensure the quality of their products.

How many almonds are in a 16-ounce bag? The label says there are about 12 servings of 3 tablespoons each.

Justin’s Classic Almond Butter

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If you wish that almond milk had more protein, maybe you need almond butter instead. This one has 6 grams of protein per serving while most types of almond milk have only 1 gram per serving.

It’s made with dry roasted almonds and sustainably sourced palm fruit oil. Happily, it’s produced in a peanut-free facility. Reviewers say pretty smooth with just a little texture from the ground-up almonds.

The classic version has 3 grams of fiber and 4 grams of sugar because it’s sweetened with organic honey. But you can also get it in other flavors like Vanilla Almond, Chocolate Hazelnut, Cinnamon, Coconut, and Maple. They are all Non-GMO Project Verified and Kosher. Furthermore, they are naturally gluten-free and contain no trans fats.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to almond milk during pregnancy. Not only is it a tasty beverage but it’s also great on cereal, in coffee, and can be used in baking in the place of dairy milk. It’s vegan, low-calorie, low-fat, and low sugar, but naturally rich in vitamin E and other essential nutrients. Plus, it can help satisfy a sweet tooth and keep you hydrated when water just doesn’t cut it.

We hope our reviews of the best almond milk and related almond products help to find your new favorite treat today. We’d love to hear from you about your experience with almond milk while you’re pregnant. Feel free to leave us a comment below.

Sources:

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/almond-milk-health-benefits 11 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Almond Milk — and How to Make Your Own

2. https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/eating-well/week-39/bring-it-on.aspx Can Certain Foods Induce Labor? by Colleen de Bellefonds, Medically Reviewed by Aaron Styer, M.D. on April 26, 2022