Raw Cow Milk vs Almond Milk: Which is Better?

These two types of milk have made headlines many times in the last few years as alternatives to something like regular milk.

Now, raw cow milk is basically regular milk but straight from the source – there are no pasteurization processes, added ingredients, or changes made after the cow is milked, you get exactly what you see. There are pros and cons to this, like some potential health risks, but many people have been flocking to farm-sourced foods especially since raw cow milk is said to be healthier…

We also have almond milk, which is a plant-based nut milk that’s become a massively popular dairy-alternative. This, like raw cow milk, has its own unique pros and cons, and has a couple of things that you may also consider when making a choice between these two milks.

We’re going to compare these two and talk about everything you need to know with raw cow milk and almond milk – then, you’ll know exactly which one is better!

Let’s jump in!

Comparing raw cow milk vs almond milk

These two are exactly opposite of one another when it comes to where they’re from! It’s essentially animal milk versus plant milk, with the two categories bringing out some heavy hitters here.

However, looking at it in terms of dietary compatibility, almond milk has a ton of versatility when compared to raw cow milk, being suitable for vegan, paleo, and keto diets! That’s a solid point in almond milk’s favor, but it does boast tree nuts as an allergen, while raw cow milk has milk as an allergen. That could make the decision really easy for you if you have one of those allergies!

	Raw cow milk (whole)	Almond milk
Type	Animal-based	Plant-based (nut milk)
Allergens	Milk	Tree nuts
Vegan?	No	Yes
Paleo?	No	Yes
Keto?	No	Yes

Differences between raw cow milk and almond milk

The main difference between raw cow milk and almond milk is that raw cow milk comes from animals and almond milk comes from nuts!

This creates some big differences in how they taste, mainly, as well as how they feel.

Raw cow milk has a rich and creamy texture to it, and feels velvety. It also has a very distinct flavor profile, and doesn’t usually taste like regular milk – it doesn’t have a standardized taste, and what the cows are fed can influence the taste as well…it definitely has a more “natural” taste to it.

Almond milk tastes nuttier, and is slightly sweet. It’s also lighter with a thinner consistency than raw cow milk, but it includes things like vegetable oils, gellan gum, guar gum, etc. to make it a bit thicker and more stable. 

How to use raw cow milk vs almond milk

When using these two, remember that they have big differences in taste and texture that will definitely impact whatever you pair it with – raw cow milk has a richer taste with a creamier texture, while almond milk has nutty flavor profile and thinner consistency. 

Raw cow milk:

• Use for smoothies and cereal.
• Refresh yourself with it as a stand-alone drink.
• Create your own cheeses – try mozzarella or ricotta.
• Infuse it into homemade ice cream for extra creaminess.
• Make rich custards and puddings.

Almond milk:

• Use it as a dairy alternative.
• Make smoothies with it.
• Cover your cereal.
• Bake recipes.
• Create dairy-free ice cream.
• Mix into your coffee.
• Create vegan desserts.
• Add a nutty twist to curries and stews.

Can you substitute raw cow milk for almond milk?

Generally you can use raw cow milk and almond milk interchangeably! Now, you will find some differences between these, as raw cow milk will make things richer and creamier, and it likely won’t react as consistently in recipes that require high-heat due to the natural enzymes in it – so keep it to almond milk if you’re planning on baking with these!

Otherwise, let yourself get creative with these, choosing between a rich and velvety milk or a nutty and thin milk!

Nutrition: Raw cow milk vs almond milk

Raw cow milk and almond milk are quite different when it comes to nutritional profiles!

You’ll find 150 calories per cup in raw cow milk, while almond milk just has 30. Raw cow milk is also high in fat, with 8 grams of unsaturated fats and 5 grams of saturated fats. Almond milk just has 2.5 grams of unsaturated fats per serving. 

Raw cow milk is also much higher in carbs, with 12 grams per serving and another 12 grams of sugar. It boasts 8 grams of protein per serving, and 30% of your daily calcium value.

Almond milk has just 1 gram of carbs per serving, with no sugar and 1 gram of protein per serving. Plus, it boasts 45% of your daily value for calcium and 25% of your daily value for vitamin D. 

Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.)	Raw cow milk (whole)	Almond milk
Calories	150	30
Total fat (saturated)	8 g (5 g)	2.5 g (0 g)
Total carbs	12 g	1 g
Total sugars (incl. added)	12 g (0 g)	0 g
Protein	8 g	1 g
Calcium	30% DV	45% DV
Vit D	0% DV	25% DV

How to store raw cow milk and almond milk

Raw cow milk should be stored in the fridge. It’s not pasteurized, so it’s more sensitive to bacterial growth – try storing it in the coldest part of your fridge to lengthen its shelf-life. Raw cow milk should last you around 5 to 7 days.

Almond milk should also be stored in the fridge, and it will last you slightly longer than raw cow milk at 7-10 days after opening. Shake it before you use it, and check the best-before dates!

Raw cow milk vs almond milk: Which is better?

Well, which milk should you choose?

Raw cow milk shows some unique health benefits like more nutrients and enzymes as compared to regular milk, but it tends to have more potential pathogens than something like almond milk.

Almond milk is the perfect milk if you want a nutty flavor, but it’s less creamy and rich than raw cow milk. 

Both milks have some awesome benefits, with raw cow milk having an amazing protein content, but I recommend almond milk as the safer option for being easier to find in stores, having a lighter taste and texture that more people will enjoy, and a much greater dietary versatility!

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