Coffee, Tea or Almond Milk?

Okay, I have to admit it, I am still working on drinking more water on a regular basis. Even though I’ve added lemon rings, slices of cucumbers and soon sprigs of mint fresh from the garden, it is still BORING and it makes me have to pee all day!

Now when I am out and about grocery shopping, I find myself lingering longer in the dairy aisle. I have been checking out the many varieties of Almond Milk and have tried a few brands.

Almond Milk & Diabetes

As an adult I never drank a lot of Vitamin D Whole Milk because it really isn’t good for you and before my diabetes diagnosis I only drank coffee, beer and wine.

​​​​​​​However, now I am trying to find a replacement drink to have with my meals so will it be Coffee, Tea or Almond Milk instead of Michalob Ultra and Liberty Creek Wines?

Sugar-free almond milk, is a low-carb beverage, containing only 0.6% carbs (1.5 grams) per cup.  In comparison, low-fat cow’s milk contains 5% carbs, totaling 12 grams in one cup.

Almond milk is also high in fat and protein relative to its carb content. For this reason, it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics, as well as those who are on a low-carb diet.

However, make sure to read the ingredient lists and select products that are as pure as possible.

Keeping blood glucose — or blood sugar — levels in check means leading a healthy lifestyle, controlling your carb intake and taking medications if your doctor recommends them. Though your body does require carbs daily to function properly, excess carbohydrate consumption can cause spikes in blood sugar.

Drinking unsweetened almond milk instead of higher-carb beverages won’t increase your blood sugar as much.

This information is readily available on the internet but always check with your doctor for dietary restrictions and recommendations.

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So far, I have found 3 brands that I really like; Califia Farms Almond Milk, which also comes in a coffee creamer. These non-dairy milks are crafted from almonds, cashews, coconut and oats for ultra-creamy goodness in a wide variety of unsweetened and flavored options.

The Califia Farms creamers are also made with no hydrogenated oils, artificial colors and is only 10 calories and 0g of sugar. It tasted great in my morning coffee.

Unsweetened almond milk is a low-calorie beverage rich in heart-healthy fats. A cup contains just 30 calories, making it beneficial when you’re trying to shed pounds. In comparison, 1 cup of skim milk contains about 85 calories and 12 grams of carbs, and a cup of unsweetened soy milk provides about 80 calories and 3 grams of carbohydrates. Many types of unsweetened almond milk are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, zinc, riboflavin and vitamins A, D, B-12 and E.

Potential Drawbacks

The unsweetened version of almond milk lacks the protein found in cow’s and soy milks. While skim and soy milks often contain 7 to 8 grams of dietary protein, unsweetened almond milk provides just 1 gram. Furthermore, since carbohydrates are your body’s preferred source of energy and protein helps boost satiety, drinking unsweetened almond milk may not curb your hunger, unless paired with foods containing carbs and protein.

Almond Breeze Unsweetend Vanilla

Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla is a lactose free and soy free milk substitute that contains just 30 calories per cup. It’s also low on the glycemic index, making it an ideal choice for people who want to avoid sugar. Unsweetened Vanilla is a lactose free and soy free milk substitute that contains just 30 calories per cup. It’s also low on the glycemic index, making it an ideal choice for people who want to avoid sugar.

Great Value Unsweetened Almond Milk

I love drinking a cold glass of Great Value Unsweeteded Almond Milk with dinner as well as in a bowl of whole grain cereal. According to the website, Great Value Unsweetened Almond Milk is made from premium quality ingredients and comes with a mixture of healthy vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamins A, D, and E.

I know there are many other brands out there and I have received comments about them including Silk, Friendly Farms from Aldi and a natural brand from Whole Foods, so I will be checking them out in the future.

Let’s Chat > Do you have a favorite brand of Almond Milk?