Almond milk has become an increasingly popular alternative to dairy milk in recent years. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, almond milk can be a tasty substitute in coffee drinks and more. Many coffee shops now offer almond milk as a non-dairy option, including Starbucks.
The Different Almond Milk Options at Starbucks
Starbucks provides a few different almond milk options for customers looking to avoid dairy. These include:
- Almond Milk: This is Starbucks’ standard almond milk option. It is unsweetened and contains filtered water and almonds.
- Vanilla Almond Milk: This option has a hint of vanilla flavoring added. The vanilla almond milk is sweetened with cane sugar.
- Almond Creamer: Starbucks’ almond creamer is thicker and creamier than the regular almond milk. It is sweetened with cane sugar.
So in short – the basic almond milk from Starbucks is unsweetened, while the vanilla almond milk and almond creamer contain added sugar.
Nutrition Information on Starbucks’ Almond Milk
Here is the nutrition information for Starbucks’ main almond milk offerings:
| Almond Milk Option | Calories | Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| Unsweetened Almond Milk | 60 | 0g |
| Vanilla Almond Milk | 90 | 9g |
| Almond Creamer | 60 | 9g |
As you can see, the plain unsweetened almond milk contains 0g of sugar. Both the vanilla almond milk and almond creamer contain 9g of added sugar per serving.
Benefits of Choosing Unsweetened Almond Milk
Opting for unsweetened almond milk at Starbucks has several health advantages:
- Avoiding added sugars – The unsweetened milk has no added sugars.
- Lower calorie option – With just 60 calories per serving, it fits well into a healthy diet.
- Helps control blood sugar – The lack of added sugar prevents blood sugar spikes.
- May promote weight loss – Skipping sugary drinks can help with weight management.
Overall, the unsweetened almond milk is the healthier choice for those looking to reduce sugar and calories.
Taste and Uses for Unsweetened Almond Milk
Almond milk has a light, nutty flavor from the almonds used to make it. Without any added sweeteners, the unsweetened variety has a more subtle, less pronounced sweet taste.
The mildly nutty flavor can pair well with coffee, tea, oatmeal, and cereal. Here are some of the most popular ways to use unsweetened almond milk at Starbucks:
- In lattes, macchiatos, and other espresso drinks
- To lighten up black coffee or tea
- In chai tea lattes
- As a non-dairy addition to oatmeal or granola bowls
- In smoothies to provide creaminess
Some people do add a bit of sweetener like honey or sugar to unsweetened almond milk to balance the nutty flavor. But many enjoy the more subtle natural taste on its own too.
Tips for Ordering at Starbucks
When ordering at Starbucks, keep the following tips in mind to get unsweetened almond milk:
- Specify that you want the plain, unsweetened almond milk
- Say “with almond milk” rather than “with almond creamer” which is sweetened
- Avoid the vanilla almond milk, as this contains added sugar
- Check the menu, as options vary by location
- Ask the barista if you are unsure about the sweetness of an almond milk drink
Making Your Own Unsweetened Almond Milk
While less convenient, you can also make your own homemade almond milk quite easily. This allows you to better control the ingredients.
To make unsweetened almond milk:
- Soak 1 cup of raw almonds in water overnight
- Rinse and drain the almonds
- Blend the almonds with 4 cups of fresh water
- Strain using a cheesecloth or nut milk bag
- Store in the fridge for up to one week
Avoid adding any sweeteners to keep it unsweetened. You can adjust the consistency by using more or less water. Shake or stir before using to recombine.
Benefits of Homemade
Some benefits of making your own almond milk include:
- Complete control over ingredients
- No added gums or emulsifiers
- More affordable long-term
- Fun DIY project
- Customize for your tastes
Choosing the Best Milk Option for Your Needs
When deciding on milk for coffee, tea, and other uses, consider your specific dietary needs and preferences:
- Watching sugar intake – Unsweetened almond milk is lowest in sugar
- Want thicker, creamier milk – Almond creamer provides more richness
- Prefer a hint of sweetness – Vanilla almond milk adds light sweetness
- Concerned about calories – Regular almond milk is just 60 calories per cup
- Have nut allergies – Opt for a non-dairy milk without nuts as an ingredient
Speak with your barista if you need help choosing an almond milk drink that will suit your nutritional needs and taste preferences.
Conclusion
Starbucks’ standard almond milk option does not contain any added sweeteners. While the vanilla almond milk and almond creamer are sweetened with cane sugar, the original almond milk is unsweetened. Choosing the plain unsweetened variety allows you to avoid extra calories and added sugars. The subtle nutty flavor pairs well with coffee and tea, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce sugar in their drinks.