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Almond milk has become a very popular plant-based milk alternative to dairy milk. Like soy milk and coconut milk, it is vegan friendly, lactose-free, and lower in calories than dairy milk.
Whether you are lactose intolerant or just looking for a healthier option, almond milk is a great non-dairy milk! Today we’ll be discussing what type of almond milk Starbucks uses and provide some facts about the product.
Since 2001, most Starbucks locations use Califia Farms Barista Blend Almond Milk.
This is an almond milk blend containing Almond milk (Filtered Water, Almonds), Cane Sugar, Calcium Carbonate, Sunflower Lecithin, Sea Salt, Guar Gum, Natural Flavor, Gellan Gum, and Potassium Citrate.
Unlike other almond milk brands, they designed this blend for espresso-based drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos (even iced drinks). It steams well and foams up nicely, making it perfect for hot or cold beverages.
It also has a creamy taste that complements the bold flavors of coffee and adds a satisfying creamy texture that is comparable to full-fat dairy milk.
The Califia Farms Barista Blend is shelf-stable (stored at room temp), dairy-free, plant-based, non-GMO, gluten-free, BPA-free, and vegan.
Although it costs more than Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, the Barista Blend's creamy texture and lack of aftertaste provides a much better coffee experience.
How is Starbucks Almond Milk Different?
Unlike many store bought unsweetened almond milks, this one is also carrageenan-free, which means it won’t cause any digestive issues in lactose intolerant consumers.
As mentioned, it’s also better at frothing and steaming than most other brands. Baristas are able to make more convincing versions of dairy-based coffee drinks by using this almond milk.
Benefits of Starbucks Unsweetened Almond Milk
Starbucks has become synonymous with quality and convenience, and their use of Califia Farms Almond Milk fits the bill.
Is Starbucks Almond Milk Healthy?
Besides its delicious taste, almond milk is also a significant source of vitamins and minerals. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, protein, dietary fiber, essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, and vitamin E. These nutrients offer many health benefits.
Almond milk drinkers will appreciate the fact that Starbucks almond milk is free of carrageenan, a natural ingredient derived from red seaweed and often used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve foods.
Although a "naturally" derived additive, carrageenan has been linked to potentially harmful side effects such as bloating, inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, glucose intolerance, and even colon cancer in some cases. ¹
Ethically Sourced
Another great thing about Starbucks almond milk is that Califia Farms takes sustainability seriously. Because of that, they source their almonds from sustainable and bee-friendly farms in California.
Customers can enjoy Starbucks' almond milk knowing that their beverage is not only delicious, but comes from an ethical source as well.
Gluten Free
If you’re looking to enjoy a coffee treat and you are gluten intolerant or have Celiac Disease, Starbucks almond milk is a good option for you.
Unlike other items on their menu which may contain gluten, you can confidently order the almond milk at Starbucks, knowing that it won't cause any disruptions or allergies.
The regular cow’s milk and other dairy alternatives, like soy milk and coconut milk found at Starbucks stores, are also gluten-free.
And this almond milk produces an amazingly creamy taste and texture when used in popular espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos—coffee drinkers won't even have to sacrifice their experience when drinking their cup of joe safely!
Soy Free, Dairy Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, and Vegan
It's also a great option if you're looking for an all-natural and wholesome alternative to regular milk.
It contains no soy or dairy, is non-GMO, and certified kosher and vegan.
There are no artificial flavors or colors. You're drinking a product that's crafted with only the highest quality ingredients.
Plus, almond milk is an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium and potassium—so you know you're getting an excellent plant based milk option without sacrificing nutritional value.
Drawbacks of Starbucks Almond Milk
Low Protein
Keep in mind that almond milk contains only about 1 gram of protein per 240 ml (1 cup). So if you're pumping iron, this might not be your best option. Soy milk, or even oat milk, might be a better choice if you're looking for a milk with a higher protein content.
Sugar
While the natural sugar content in Starbucks almond milk is relatively low, it may be high by some standards. If you’re looking for a truly sugar-free option, you'll have to look elsewhere.
It's worth noting that the sugar content in most unsweetened almond milk comes from natural sugars and not added sweeteners or syrups. However, this Starbucks almond milk blend contains added cane sugar.
An 8 fl oz serving (1 cup) of the original almond barista blend from Starbucks contains:
70 calories
140 milligrams sodium
4.5 grams fat
6 carbohydrates (5g from added sugar)
2 grams of protein
Almond milk. Unlike any udder milk.
We hope you found this post helpful when determining what kind of almond milk Starbucks uses.
When you're looking for an alternative to cow's milk, Califia Farms Barista Blend Almond Milk has been a welcome choice for Starbucks enthusiasts.
The plant-based milk options offered are creamy and delicious, free from carrageenan and sourced from sustainable farms. Although not the best choice for everyone, almond milk is certainly a healthier and ethical way to enjoy your favorite Starbucks latte or cappuccino!
From a very young "growth-stunting" age, Clint Doerfler has had a deep-rooted love for coffee. As a result, he founded Coffee Gear Gurus® to share his passion for incredible home brewed coffee with others. When he's not watching true crime shows with family or playing music, he's devoted to helping fellow coffee feins make amazing coffee at home - regardless of their experience.
1. Wilson, Debra. “Should You Remove Carrageenan from Your Diet?” Healthline, 12 October 2017, https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/carrageenan.
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