Almond Milk: All You Need To Know
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Almond Milk: All You Need To Know

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What Is Almond Milk?

Almond milk is a dairy alternative made by soaking, blending and squeezing almonds in order to create a drink similar in texture to dairy milk. 

 

Rude Health Almond Drink is our own spin on this tasty, nutty milk. It can be used as an alternative to cow’s milk in almost everything, from splashing over your favourite cereal, to experimenting with indulgent smoothies. It also is delicious with coffee and in baking. 

 

The widespread popularity of the nut milk might seem like a recent phenomenon, but, in reality, the ingredient has been used for centuries. Historians believe the milk was first produced in the Middle East and was then exported to Europe, and later the world, around the 8th Century. Food movements, such as Veganism, have resurrected this dairy alternative in all its delicious, nutty, glory, and we at Rude Health celebrate this by having not one but three Almond Drinks to choose from. 

 

What Does Almond Milk Taste Like?

Whether you like things nutty or sweeter, there is an almond milk for you. Our Almond Drink is silky and subtly sweet; perfect for adding taste and texture to your smoothie, breakfast and many other dishes. This recipe has been tested and tweaked until there is just the right percentage of almonds for it to be deliciously nutty, but not too marzipan-y. The rice is added for texture, making it smoother and fuller, and it also rounds out the flavour, bringing a natural sweetness.

 

Pure almond milk, like our Ultimate Almond, – made with just water and 6% almonds – is a refreshing drink, with an intense nutty taste and creamy texture. Because we add absolutely no gums or thickeners to this drink, it has a lighter mouthfeel than a glass of milk. We think it is delicious in granola or whizzed up in a smoothie, and adds a nutty edge to baking.

  

Almond milk pour

Is Almond Milk Healthy?

At Rude Health, we prefer not to label food and drinks as “healthy” or “unhealthy”, “good” or “bad”. Almond milk is delicious and a great alternative to milk, for anyone who can’t drink milk for allergy or lifestyle reasons, simply doesn’t enjoy dairy, or would like more variety in their life.

 

Nutrition varies from almond milk to almond milk, so please always check the packaging. Our Almond Drink has 56 kcal per 100ml, and our Ultimate Almond has 38 kcal per 100ml.

 

You will find full nutritional information for our Almond Drink, and all our other alternative milks on the relevant product page on the website. We always recommend consulting with your doctor for any diet specific advice.

 

Can I Cook with Almond Milk?

Yes, you can cook with almond milk. It’s versatile and delicious, and can be adapted or subbed into your favourite recipes easily. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it.

 

If you are easing into the world of plant-based drinks, we suggest trying a delicious smoothie, or combo up with our porridge range to create silky porridges. Why not sub it in for milk the next time you make pancakes?

 

Feeling more experimental? It’s great in savoury dishes and puddings too; how about a ramen? Or for something sweeter, try our ultimate Almond panna cotta recipe.

 

Almond milk is also great in hot drinks giving an extra nutty flavour. For hot drinks like coffee, opt for a barista almond milk to ensure it blends together in perfect harmony. Our Barista Almond Drink has been designed specifically with this in mind; we’ve added oats for a creamy texture and a drop of Sunflower Lecithin for the ultimate marriage. If choosing a barista drink, make sure to look at the ingredients list as some brands include a lot of unnatural ingredients to help create this smooth texture.

 

We love to see our followers get creative with our dairy-free drinks, so make sure you tag us in your recipes on social media – find us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @rudehealth.

 

Is Almond Milk Sustainable?

When it comes to sustainability, not all almonds are equal. Rude Health has committed to sourcing the best tasting and most sustainable almonds there are, from Sicily. Other milks might be more affordable but with a harsher trade off on the environment.

 

The problem is that almonds require a lot of water to be grown. The huge increase in demand for the ingredient over the last few years has also seen huge pressures placed on its bio-systems, particularly the bees that pollinate the crops. In large scale, non-organic almond farms, the picture is not a pretty one. This does not, however, mean that almonds are unsustainable. At Rude Health, we believe in supporting passionate suppliers who, wherever possible, farm organically. This means the farmers do not use chemical pesticides on the trees, and work as much as they can with nature to grow their crops.

 

Our almonds are grown organically in Sicily by farmers who have looked after almond groves for years. Almonds are an extremely important part of the Sicilian culinary culture. To this day Sicilian almonds – and in particular the ‘pizzuta’ variety (‘the pointy one’) – are considered to be amongst the best in the world. We have to agree. We believe that the ample sunshine and plentiful rain in the region, as well as the expertise and care of the farmers, produces a nut with a far superior flavour. It may mean that we pay more for our ingredient of choice, but we think it is well worth it.

 

Can I Make Almond Milk at Home?

You can and please do. It’s a labour of love. The whole process may last for a total of two days whilst you wait for your almonds to soak, but it will be worth the effort. Check out our recipe to make your own at home.

 

Rude Health’s Almond Drink Range

Not in the mood to make your own? No problem. We have already done the pressing and squeezing for you.

 

We’ve made not one but three different types to offer something for everyone. The supermarket shelves are stocked with so many different options that it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

 

That’s where we come in. Our Almond Drink range caters for everyone, because there is always room for more at our table:

 

Almond Drink: Our best seller has a unique blend of 1% almonds for flavour, and rice for sweetness and a silky texture. This almond percentage may sound low but we found that 1% was the perfect amount to get real almond flavour without compromising the consistency of the drink or making it taste too much like marzipan. We then add rice to our drinks to create the perfect creamy, sweet taste and texture, which really allows the almond flavour to sing. Available in 1L or the mini 250ml format.

 

Ultimate Almond: For the pure at heart. It’s got water, 6% almonds and nothing else. We love its rich, nutty intensity and think it is delicious in smoothies.

 

Barista Almond: An almond and oat blend created for coffee, it can take the heat, and the acidity of the beans, without splitting. That’s thanks to the organic sunflower lecithin.

 

Roasted Almond & Oat: Roasty, toasty, creamy. First we roast our organic almonds for depth of flavour. Then we blend them with organic oats for creaminess. Sunday, you've got serious roast competition. 

 

Why do you call it Almond Drink and not Almond Milk?

If it’s from an animal or a coconut it can be called milk. Anything from a grain or nut can’t be called milk. Those are the rules, and that’s fine by us.

 

There is an ongoing debate on the matter as some academics and journalist Anne Mendelson in her book Milk: The Surprising Story of Milk Through the Ages point out that cow’s milk trade has only been around in very recent times, whilst the concept of ‘almond milk’ has been demonstrated on very ancient textbooks since the Middle Ages.

 

Other people call their drinks “mylk” but at Rude Health we are happy with “drink” because that’s exactly what it is. A deliciously tasty, smooth and creamy drink made from organic almonds.

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