You’ve probably heard of almond milk by now, seeing that it’s such a popular non-dairy alternative in coffee shops around the world. But have you ever ventured into other dairy milks, such as sheep milk? This hidden culinary gem boasts the highest fat content and has a reputation for crafting delicious cheeses.
While sheep milk has been a staple in diets across the world for centuries, almond milk has found its place in modern dietary trends as a dairy-free option. In this article, we’ll go over how they compare in flavor, texture, nutrition, and more!
Comparing sheep milk vs almond milk
| Sheep milk | Almond milk | |
| Type | Animal-based | Plant-based (nuts) |
| Allergens | Milk* | Tree nuts |
| Vegan? | No | Yes |
| Paleo? | No | Yes |
| Keto? | No | Yes |
* Contains milk protein which may or may not be tolerated by people with a cow’s milk allergy (the most common milk allergy)
Almond milk is the chameleon of the milk world, fitting perfectly into paleo, vegan, and keto diets. In contrast, sheep milk won’t fit into any of these categories and is also unsuitable for those with milk allergies because of its milk protein content. And while almond milk is versatile, it won’t be suitable if you have tree nut allergies.
Differences between sheep milk and almond milk
The difference is obvious – almonds vs sheep! Their sources make their profiles entirely different. Almond milk is made from soaked almonds, which are ground up. The liquid is then strained from the almond meal. It comes in a variety of flavors on the market, from unsweetened to chocolate and vanilla, often enriched with thickeners, as almond milk is naturally very thin.
Meanwhile, sheep milk stands out with its luxurious fat content, which makes it a top choice for crafting yogurt and cheese and not so much for drinking as is. Sheep milk has even more fat and protein compared to cow milk and goat milk. It has a very subtle and almost sweet flavor with a silky texture and a less dense yet creamier texture than cow’s milk.
How to use sheep milk vs almond milk
Sheep milk:
- Use sheep milk’s high fat content and creamy texture to make rich and flavorful cheeses like Roquefort, feta, and pecorino.
- Craft velvety yogurt.
- Add to creamy sauces for an even richer feel.
- Drizzle over desserts like warm apple pie.
- Pour into iced coffee for a decadent coffee.
Almond milk:
- Pour over cereal or use to cook oatmeal.
- Use as a dairy-free choice in smoothies and shakes.
- Add as a non-dairy creamer.
- Replace cow’s milk with almond milk in baked goods for a nutty twist.
- Make savory dishes like creamy soups and pasta sauces for a light and nutty undertone.
Can you substitute sheep milk for almond milk?
Substituting sheep milk for almond milk isn’t a straightforward swap, as they’re on opposite ends of the milk spectrum. Sheep milk is rich, creamy, and high in fat, while almond milk is light, thin, and slightly nutty. If you’re looking for subs for either milk, it’s best to look for other options.
For sheep milk, it’ll be difficult to find a good plant-based substitute, as they don’t often come with the thickness and richness required. For almond milk, there are plenty of options to choose from, such as rice milk.
Nutrition: Sheep milk vs almond milk
Sheep milk packs a powerful punch when it comes to nutrition, although things are unclear when it comes to certain values. It has a remarkable 15g of protein per cup, which is higher than cow milk (15g vs 8g) and much higher than almond milk (15g vs 1g), which has one of the lowest protein contents of all milk. It also takes the crown for being the fattiest milk, with 17g per cup, and is very high in calcium, giving you 47% of your DV. However, you’ll have to watch its calorie content, as it comes with a whopping 264 calories per cup!
Almond milk is quite subdued in comparison, with only 30 calories per cup and with low carb and low fat amounts. At the same time, it provides 45% of your calcium DV and 25% of your vitamin D DV. It’s also high in vitamin E, which is said to help combat inflammation and maintain blood, brain, and skin health.
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Calories | Total fat (sat. fat) | Total carbs | Total sugars (incl. added) | Protein | Calcium | Vit D |
| Sheep milk (per USDA) | 264 | 17 g (11 g) | 13 g | ? | 15 g | 47% DV | ? |
| Almond milk | 30 | 2.5 g (0 g) | 1 g | 0 g | 1 g | 45% DV | 25% DV |
? = reliable information not available (e.g. commercial versions not available, incomplete information, etc.)
How to store sheep milk and almond milk
Sheep milk should be stored in the fridge and consumed within a week or two to maintain its quality. Always check the labels and follow any specific storage instructions to ensure freshness and safety. On the other hand, 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.
Sheep milk vs almond milk: Which is better?
Let me tell you – I’ve got a soft spot for sheep milk when I’m feeling a little fancy and want to make my own artisanal cheese board from scratch or whip up a velvety iced latte. But for everyday use, almond milk is certainly a clear winner. It has that light, refreshing taste that will go with absolutely anything and won’t overpower a drink or dish!
FAQs
We’re in a bit of a gray zone when it comes to sheep milk and dairy allergies. While it’s not from a cow, it still contains milk protein, which can trigger allergic reactions in some people. So, if you have a dairy allergy, it’s best to consult with an allergist and then, if you get the go-ahead, to be extra careful when consuming sheep milk.
Sheep milk is milk that comes from sheep! It’s known for being richer and creamier, with higher levels of fat and protein compared to cow’s milk. It’s most commonly used to make ice cream, cheese, and yogurt.
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