Despite all of the beverage's health benefits, though, it had a few drawbacks. Experts say that one of the most common side effects of drinking almond milk is stomach troubles—and an additive called carrageenan is likely to blame.
Stomach troubles
Excessive almonds can cause digestive issues such as nausea, stomach discomfort, dysentery, and bowel problems if you consume an excessive amount of essential nutrients and minerals. In fact, it can interfere with your medications and can result in severe gastrointestinal reactions in some people.
It Doesn't Cause Inflammation
Assuming you don't have an issue with nuts, almond milk does not cause this same inflammation. It is fairly soothing to the intestines, and in most cases, does not cause the consumer any negative digestive side effects.
Many almond milk brands these days use carrageenan, a thickening agent that has been found to cause all sorts of gastrointestinal issues (as serious as stomach ulcers) and can cause bloating for many people.
"Coconut milk is a great option for those with digestive issues as it is easy to digest and is rich in lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can help support a healthy gut microbiome," Parsad tells us. Sabat suggests going one step further and trying coconut kefir.
Oat Milk: Nutrition. Overall, the main differences between almond and oat milk are energy (calories) and carbohydrates, with almond milk offering less of each. Oat milk also contains slightly higher amounts of fiber, protein, and fat than almond milk.
However, most scientists agree that the type and amount of carrageenan used in food products are safe (15). Bottom line: Almond milk is a great replacement for regular milk. However, people prone to kidney stones should avoid drinking it in high amounts.
Move over almond milk. Flax milk is a great nondairy option if you're looking for an anti-inflammatory boost, says Staci Small, a registered dietitian based in Indiana. The milk is made with flax oil, which is rich in an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
A handful of small studies have suggested that people who drink A2-only milk may be less likely to experience digestive upset and might have lower levels of systemic inflammation.
Almond milk can be a good choice for those suffering from acid reflux, due to its alkaline pH and lower fat content. It also offers various nutritional benefits, including being a good source of vitamin E, calcium, and vitamin D, as well as being low in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
Almond milk
Almond milk has anti-inflammatory properties and may be easier to digest than dairy milk. The downsides of almond milk are that it is often sweetened with added sugar and fortified with many additional nutrients. Your best bet is to buy plain, organic almond milk, or even better, make your own.
Both are relatively healthy options for any plant-based or omnivorous diet. Soy milk is a little higher in calories, but it's also much, much higher in protein and antioxidants. Some find almond milk's taste a little more agreeable, but soy's texture is much more creamy and rich.
If you're seeking plant-based milk because of lactose intolerance, a milk allergy, or concerns for animal welfare, both coconut and almond milk are suitable options. But if you're looking for the lowest-calorie option with the healthiest fat profile, almond milk is the winner.
“Oat milk is higher in calories and carbohydrates, but it in turn has more fiber and protein than almond milk. It's a great choice for those with nut allergies. I like to use it for coffee and baking.” Indeed, oat milk is the most popular plant-based milk for coffee drinks like lattes and macchiatos.
“If you're trying to lean out and [are] watching your calories and carbs, then almond milk is the better choice because it's much lower in calories and carbs and won't impact your blood sugar.” And again, if your top criteria for deciding between oat milk vs almond milk is sustainability, oat milk is the better pick.
According to this guide, almond, hemp, and coconut milks may work for people with IBS. Just pay attention to your serving size. You may also want to try kefir. The fermentation process lowers lactose to a better level for those with IBS and lactose intolerance.
Commercial almond milk contains carrageenan as a stabilizer and thickening agent that can cause stomach cramps and other issues.
People who are facing gut issues can swap from regular cow's milk to a dairy-free alternative, almond milk. An expert tells why almond milk is better than cow milk for people with sensitive guts. Many people have started suffering from gut issues these days.
LACTAID® Milk
Having lactase added to the milk allows those who are lactose-intolerant to enjoy cow's milk without the digestive side effects of abdominal cramps, bloating, and flatulence. This milk is available in many formats, including flavoured varieties.