Is Almond Milk Alkaline or Acidic?

August 29, 2023 4 min read

Is Almond Milk Alkaline or Acidic?

Almond milk continues growing in popularity as more people search for plant-based milk alternatives. While most regular cow milk does not vary in pH much from milk to milk, almond milk has more room for variation from brand to brand. While naturally alkaline, almond milk has many factors, such as brand and additives, that will affect its pH level. 

Understanding pH and Acidity

pH is a scale used to measure different liquids to test its alkalinity or acidity. The scale runs from 0 to 14, with lower numbers (closer to 0) being more acidic, and higher numbers (closer to 14) being more alkaline. The number 7 on the pH scale represents a neutral pH, which we typically associate with water. Water has a neutral pH, unless minerals or other additives are added to affect the pH. For example, lemon juice has a highly acidic pH of 2, coffee typically has a pH of 5, and bleach has an extremely alkaline pH of 13. 

Almond Milk’s Natural pH 

Almond milk naturally has a neutral pH ranging from 6.9 to 7.6 (1). It is known to be “alkaline forming,” however, which means it can raise the pH of your bodily functions (2). Other alkaline forming milks include coconut milk and soy milk. Other types of milk have a similar pH to almond milk, but they are acid forming. Normal cow milk has a pH of 6.7 to 6.9, so it is slightly lower than neutral. It is acid forming, along with goat milk, oat milk, and cashew milk.

There are health benefits that almond milk has that other milks do not possess. For example, many people choose almond milk because it has naturally fewer calories and is low in carbohydrates (3). It is also lactose-free, which is perfect for anyone struggling with lactose-related digestive issues. 

However, there are downsides to choosing almond milk over the alternatives. People note that almond milk lacks flavor since it is only about 2% milk and mostly water. Additionally, the production of almond milk is not environmentally sustainable, as it “require[s] more water than any other dairy alternative, consuming 130 pints of water to produce a single glass of almond milk” (4). Almond milk is also known to put the bee population in danger, as one-third of commercial bees sent out to pollinate almond fields die during the season. These environmental threats also need to be considered when deciding to consume almond milk. 

Impact of Brand on pH 

Unlike regular milk, almond milk is highly variable from brand to brand. Different brands use different almond milk formulas, each with its own additives, gums, flavorings, and pH regulators. These will also have an impact on the pH of almond milk. For example, Carrageenan, a type of gum added to almond milk, is used to thicken almond milk (5). Flavorings, too, can be added to almond milk to make it more desirable to drink, but these flavorings are not always good for you. All of these additives result in the variability of almond milk and its pH levels.

Some people choose to make their own almond milk to ensure they are in control of the ingredients they add to the milk. Almond milk can be made at home simply with just water, almonds, and a nut milk bag to strain (6). To brew higher pH almond milk, you can use alkaline water to enhance the milk’s alkalinity. 

Health Implications of Your Beverages’ pH

Like any healthy diet, it is essential to know the implications of the beverages you put in your body. In the case of almond milk, its pH is just around neutral, from a 6.9 to 7.1. This allows you to avoid many of the concerns there are about low pH drinks and their adverse health effects. However, there is still one notable health effect. While many people do not have issues with milk and heartburn, many people complain that milk “may cause more heartburn symptoms” (2).

To offset these symptoms, try adding alkaline water to your diet. Alkaline water has a slew of health benefits, including battling heartburn and improving athletic performance. Drinking more alkaline water can help balance the body’s pH levels, returning it to equilibrium. 

Balancing Almond Milk into Your Diet

Like most things you consume, moderation is key. It is not harmful to eat highly acidic or highly alkaline foods and beverages, but it is important not to overeat any one thing. Utilizing proper eating and drinking habits will help minimize the potential of acidity-related issues. One simple way to mitigate these issues is to drink more alkaline water. This will raise your body’s equilibrium and offset any health implications of acidic food or beverages. 

While almond milk has a neutral pH, it can still cause heartburn, so drinking alkaline water can help minimize these symptoms. For easy access to alkaline water at home, try a Seychelle alkaline water filter

The Wrap-Up

Almond milk is an alkaline forming beverage, with a neutral pH ranging from 6.9 to 7.6. Many people choose it as a milk substitute because it is lower in carbs and calories, and it does not contain lactose. However, producing almond milk is not environmentally sustainable, and some people report symptoms of heartburn due to its consumption. Like any beverage, it should be consumed in moderation. Almond milk can be part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle, but introducing a Seychelle Alkaline filter will help bring their daily comprehensive intake of food and beverages to a more alkaline pH.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is almond milk good for alkaline?

Almond milk is an alkaline forming drink, meaning it does help raise the body’s pH levels. 

Does almond milk neutralize acid?

Yes. Almond milk can help to neutralize acid in the body. 

Which milk is most alkaline?

Almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk are all alkaline forming. 

References

  1. Jeana Maria,Milk Pick,https://milkpick.com/is-almond-milk-acidic-or-alkaline/
  2. Natalie Olsen,Healthline,https://www.healthline.com/health/ph-of-milk#the-ph-of-milk 
  3. Kim Chin,Healthline,https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/almond-milk-health-benefits 
  4. Annette McGivney,The Guardian,https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/28/what-plant-milk-should-i-drink-almond-killing-bees-aoe#:~:text=consuming%20130%20pints%20of%20water%20to%20produce%20a%20single%20glass%20of%20almond%20milk%2C%20according%20to%20the%20Oxford%20study 
  5. Additive Free Kids,https://www.additivefreekids.com.au/almond-milk/ 
Ted Kallmyer,Healthy Eater, https://healthyeater.com/almond-milk