Why Does Almond Milk Lack Protein?

If you’re like me and drinking almond milk because you think you’re getting all the nutrition benefits of cow’s milk without the carbohydrates, think again!

Thanks to Tetiana Bykovets for sharing their work on Unsplash.

While almonds are high in protein, a serving of almond milk contains only 1 gram of protein compared with dairy milk’s 8 grams — because it’s mostly water. Almond milk doesn’t contain calcium either.

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Hint Of Honey Vanilla Flavor

I learned this surprising nutrition nugget at Divabetic’s Virtual Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party this past week when our special guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, asked me to look at the nutritional label on my carton of almond milk.

The good news is that unsweetened almond milk is typically lower in calories than other milks, and free of saturated fat and is naturally lactose-free.

But Almond milk isn’t the only alternative milk that contains little to no protein either.

Coconut milk also contains very little protein and no calcium (unless it’s been fortified) but the same amount of saturated fat as whole milk.

Cow’s milk sold in the United States is usually fortified with vitamins A and D too. And a 8-ounce (oz) serving of milk contains 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Soy milk is the only plant-based milk that contains complete protein and has the most protein of all the plant-based milks,” says Jennifer McDaniel, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on the AARP website. Because it comes from plants, soy milk is naturally free of cholesterol and low in saturated fat. It also contains no lactose.

Regardless of your milk choice, moderation and blood sugar monitoring are essential for happier diabetes self-care outcomes. It is a good idea to check food labels for information about serving sizes and the number of carbohydrates since it is easy to forget to include the carbohydrates from milk and/or other drinks in your daily carbohydrate count.

Can Cow’s Milk Help You Manage High Blood Pressure?

A large international study of data from almost 150,000 people has concluded that a higher intake of dairy, especially whole fat varieties, is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

We are having a ball at our free virtual events. Stay safe, stay in and join us for some good times connecting with other people living with diabetes.

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Indoor Scavenger Hunt on Zoom with best-selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND.

Relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even our casual relationships. Janis will answer your questions about how diabetes affects the 8 types of Intimacy: Aesthetic, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social, Emotional, Affection, Physical, and Sexual.

Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDCES, FAND shares her amazing Almond, Wild Blueberry and Flax Smoothie recipe from her best-selling book, Intimacy & Diabetes during this outreach event.

Janis Roszler is the 2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE). She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board certified sex therapist, registered dietitian, and award-winning medical media producer. Her books include Intimacy & Diabetes (ADA, 2020); Approaches to Behavior (ADA,2015); Diabetes On Your OWN Terms (Marlowe & Company, 2007); Sex and Diabetes (ADA, 2007); The Secrets Of Living And Loving WITH Diabetes (Surrey Books, 2004).