Acidophilus milk might sound complicated, but it’s essentially cow’s milk that’s been enriched with a probiotic. Is it better than drinking almond milk, which is considered one of the best plant-based alternatives? Let’s find out!
Comparing acidophilus milk vs almond milk
Acidophilus milk (sweet, 1%) | Almond milk | |
Type | Animal-based | Plant-based (nut milk) |
Common allergens | Milk | Tree nuts |
Vegan? | No | Yes |
Paleo? | No | Yes |
Keto? | No | Yes |
While acidophilus milk contains probiotics and dairy, almond milk is plant-based and contains nuts. Almond milk is a popular option because it’s vegan, paleo, and keto-friendly (low-carb), whereas cow milk, including acidophils milk, isn’t suitable for any of these special diets.
Differences between acidophilus milk and almond milk
As I mentioned, the biggest difference between them is that acidophilus milk is cow milk, and almond milk is plant-based.
Acidophilus milk takes regular milk and adds Lactobacillus acidophilus, a beneficial type of bacteria that promotes a healthy gut. On the other hand, almond milk is made by blending soaked almonds with water and then straining out the liquid.
Acidophilus milk can come in two variations: sweet and fermented. The sweet version is close to regular cow’s milk in terms of taste and texture. It’s a great choice for those who want the goodness of dairy without any major shifts in their milk-drinking experience. The fermented version, on the other hand, has a tanginess reminiscent of yogurt or kefir.
One big advantage of acidophilus milk is its potential to be more digestive-friendly, especially if you’re sensitive to lactose. The live bacteria in acidophilus milk can help break down lactose, the natural sugar found in cow’s milk. So, if your tummy tends to get a bit grumbly after consuming traditional milk, this could be a gentler option.
As for almond milk, it’s completely dairy free (safe for milk allergies) and doesn’t normally contain probiotics. You can get it unsweetened, sweetened, or even flavored (like vanilla).
How to use acidophilus milk vs almond milk
Here’s a quick rundown of how you can incorporate each of these milks into your daily life:
Acidophilus milk:
- Cereal (with a probiotic boost)
- Smoothies
- Coffee and tea
- Creamy soup base
- Baking moist cakes and muffins
- Pancake and waffles
- Mashed potatoes
Almond milk:
- Cereal
- Frothy latte
- Oatmeal
- Protein shake
- Vegan mac and cheese
- Dipping for cookies
- Creamy pasta sauce
Can you substitute acidophilus milk for almond milk?
Acidophilus milk tastes a bit tangy because of probiotics, which almond milk doesn’t have. Also, almond milk is thinner and nuttier compared to the creamy acidophilus milk. So, if you’re thinking of switching them in a recipe, remember that the taste and texture might be different. It could be okay in things like smoothies or baking, but be ready for a possible difference in how things turn out.
Using sweet acidophilus milk, which tastes more like regular milk, is a better choice than tangy fermented acidophilus milk when you want to replace almond milk. Just remember that there might still be some differences in how your food turns out, like how it tastes and feels. Make sure to change the amounts you use in your recipe and be careful about any allergies when you make this switch.
Nutrition: Acidophilus milk vs almond milk
When it comes to nutrition, both options bring unique benefits to the table.
Acidophilus milk delivers the goodness of dairy (high in protein and calcium), with added probiotics for gut health. Just keep in mind sweet acidophilus milk contains quite a bit of carbs and sugar.
Almond milk, on the other hand, is lower in calories and fat, making it a lighter choice for those aiming to cut back on those areas. Plus, almond milk is a great source of vitamin E and can be a solid option for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
Per cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Calories | Total fat (sat. fat) | Total carbs | Total sugars (incl. added) | Protein | Calcium | Vit D |
Acidophilus milk (sweet, 1%) | 100 | 2.5 g (1.5 g) | 12 g | 12 g (0 g) | 8 g | 25% DV | 10% DV |
Almond milk | 30 | 2.5 g (0 g) | 1 g | 0 g | 1 g | 45% DV | 25% DV |
How to store acidophilus milk and almond milk
Acidophilus milk, like its regular cow’s milk counterpart, needs to be refrigerated at all times. Typically, it can last up to a week past its printed sell-by date. Just give it a good sniff and look for any signs of spoilage before using.
Almond milk also likes it cool. Store it in the fridge and it should stay in tip-top shape for about a week after opening. Pro tip: Give the carton a shake before pouring to make sure everything’s well mixed.
Acidophilus milk vs almond milk: Which is better
Acidophilus milk is a great alternative to regular milk because of its probiotics and potential lactose-friendly benefits. However, in the end, I still prefer almond milk because it’s completely dairy/lactose-free, lower in carbs and sugar than acidophilus milk, and has a pleasantly mild, nutty taste.
FAQs:
Absolutely! Acidophilus milk is not only tasty but also potentially beneficial for your gut health, thanks to the probiotics it contains.
It’s not about being “healthier,” but rather about finding the milk that suits your needs. If you’re looking for fewer calories and fat, almond milk might be the way to go. If you’re after dairy and probiotics, acidophilus milk could be your match.
Acidophilus milk is essentially cow’s milk that has been enriched with Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic bacteria.
Sweet acidophilus milk is quite similar in taste and texture to regular cow’s milk. However, fermented acidophilus milk has a tangy kick, resembling the flavors of yogurt or kefir.
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