There’s no question about it – milk has evolved, and it’s not just about plain old milk anymore. What if I told you there’s an entire universe of flavored milk out there? These flavored milks aren’t just limited to classic chocolate or strawberry milk anymore; it has expanded to embrace a variety of flavors in the dairy and non-dairy realms. Think papaya, banana, and melon! And you can even make your own!
Whether it’s cow milk or a dairy-free counterpart, “flavored milk” is an umbrella term for milk with added flavors. One of the more popular non-dairy milk that comes in flavored varieties is almond milk. So, what’s the difference between drinking and baking/cooking with flavored milk vs. almond milk? Let’s take a look.
Comparing flavored milk vs almond milk
| Flavored milk | Almond milk | |
| Type | Animal or plant based | Plant-based (nuts) |
| Allergens | Depends on the type of milk used | Tree nuts |
| Vegan? | If plant-based | Yes |
| Paleo? | If it contains paleo-approved ingredients | Yes |
| Keto? | If it’s low in carbs (<2 g) | Yes |
When it comes to dietary preferences and restrictions, flavored milk can be pretty versatile. Its suitability depends on the type of milk used as a base. If it’s made from plant-based sources like soy, almond, or coconut, it will fit any vegan diet. For those who are paleo, flavored milk will work if it contains paleo-approved ingredients, and when it comes to keto, the milk has to be low in carbs, typically less than 2 grams per serving.
Almond milk, specifically, checks all the boxes, making it suitable for paleo, vegan, and keto diets. However, almond milk won’t work for you if you have tree nut allergies.
Differences between flavored milk and almond milk
The differences between flavored milk and almond milk really depend on what type of flavored milk we’re talking about here. Whether dairy-based or plant-based, flavored milk is just regular milk with additional flavors. These milks often contain added sugar, whether regular sugar, corn syrup, or something else altogether.
Almond milk is made from soaked almonds, ground and strained from the almond meal. It’s a popular plant-based milk found in many coffee shops and grocery stores and is versatile, coming in unsweetened and flavored options to cater to various preferences. Almond milk also typically has added thickeners since it’s naturally quite thin. Some flavors you’ll find almond milk in include chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon. Trader Joe’s even has a blueberry-lavender flavor!
How to use flavored milk vs almond milk
Flavored milk:
- Drink as a standalone beverage.
- Use as a base for creating delicious drinks like chocolate milkshakes, strawberry lattes, or vanilla coffee creamers.
- Use in baking recipes like chocolate muffins or strawberry cakes.
- Combine with yogurt or cream cheese for a fruit dip.
- Incorporate into dessert recipes like ice cream.
- Pour over cereal or oatmeal for a flavorful twist.
Almond milk:
- Use as a dairy-free creamer.
- Create light desserts like chia pudding or panna cotta.
- Use as a base for green smoothies.
- Use for mashed potatoes or cauliflower, or other savory dishes.
- Make non-dairy buttermilk.
- Whip up gentle marinades.
Can you substitute flavored milk for almond milk?
There are two things to consider when substituting flavored milk for almond milk and vice versa: the type of milk the flavored milk has as a base and the type of flavor you’re using. While it might work wonders to enhance desserts and sweet beverages, it likely won’t do well in savory dishes like mashed potatoes because of its added sugars and flavors.
Nutrition: Flavored milk vs almond milk
Since there’s a rainbow of flavored milk options on the market, its nutrition will vary depending on the base milk used. So, if you’re interested in buying flavored milk, check out the selection at your store and review the labels!
Plain almond milk is popular for its low calorie content, low fat content, low carb content, and high calcium content. It’s a fantastic, mellow milk option that can also satisfy some of your nutritional needs. Loaded with vitamin E with its antioxidant effect, it can even sometimes be fortified with other healthy micronutrients, including iron, copper, vitamin B12, and potassium.
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Calories | Total fat (sat. fat) | Total carbs | Total sugars (incl. added) | Protein | Calcium | Vit D |
| Flavored milk | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Almond milk | 30 | 2.5 g (0 g) | 1 g | 0 g | 1 g | 45% DV | 25% DV |
How to store flavored milk and almond milk
If your flavored milk is a type of dairy milk, it’ll need to be stored in the fridge right away, just like regular cow’s milk. For plant-based varieties, they can generally be stored in your pantry until they’re opened. Each type of milk will have a different shelf life, opened and unopened, so it’s best to follow the best-before date and do a quick search on how long that specific milk tends to last. Note that flavoring can have an effect on shelf life, depending on the ingredients and how they interact with the milk.
Almond milk will last around 1 – 2 months unopened in your pantry and opened in the fridge for about 7 – 10 days, sometimes longer, sometimes shorter, especially if you’re making your own almond milk.
Flavored milk vs almond milk: Which is better?
Between flavored milk and plain almond milk, it’s all about the occasion. When I’m in the mood for a sweet, indulgent treat to enjoy on its own or to use as an addition to my favorite drinks and desserts, flavored milk is my go-to. Its diverse range of flavors can instantly turn things into a dessert-like experience or provide a kick of sweetness. But almond milk, with its nutty and neutral taste, is more of a versatile staple in the kitchen. It’s fantastic for everyday use, from adding a splash to my tea to using it as a dairy-free alternative in cooking and baking.
FAQs
There are many dairy-free alternatives that mimic the taste of milk. For example, soy milk has a creamier texture and more neutral flavor that matches cow milk’s versatility, while oat milk has a subtle oatiness and creaminess that can be reminiscent of traditional milk. While you won’t get that dairy cow flavor we’ve come to know, oat and soy’s flavor and texture can both be a good fit.
Yes! Almond milk comes in various flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and even some more unique ones. They’re great for adding a dash of excitement without the need for any extra syrups or sweeteners and can be a fun and healthier alternative to traditional dairy milkshakes or dessert toppings.
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