Ultra-filtered milk and almond milk are both big buzzwords in the world of milk, with each one boasting unique and wonderful characteristics!
Ultra-filtered milk, for example, is like regular milk but with a better shelf-life, more protein, less sugar, and more! Almond milk, on the other hand, is a popular plant-based milk that’s been a dairy-alternative for a long time!
But which one is better?
We’ll explore everything about these two, diving in on what makes them great and what makes them not-so-great, ultimately uncovering which one is the better choice for you!
Let’s jump in!
Comparing ultra-filtered milk vs almond milk
Ultra-filtered milk is animal-based, and has milk as an allergen. However, it has the enzyme lactase added in it, making it lactose-free. It’s not suitable for vegan diets, but can work for keto and paleo diets in some cases.
Almond milk is plant-based, and has tree nuts as an allergen. It has an amazing dietary versatility, working for vegan, paleo, and keto diets!
| Ultra-filtered milk | Almond milk | |
| Type | Animal-based | Plant-based (nut milk) |
| Allergens | Milk | Tree nuts |
| Vegan? | No | Yes |
| Paleo? | Varies | Yes |
| Keto? | Varies | Yes |
Differences between ultra-filtered milk and almond milk
The main difference between ultra-filtered milk and almond milk is what they come from, with further differences in their flavors and textures.
Ultra-filtered milk is regular milk that goes through a filtering process. This process takes out some of its lactose, extra water, and natural sugar, which in turn concentrates the milk’s solids. This increases the protein content, but it still tastes and feels very similar to regular milk (although it’ll be a touch thicker and slightly less sweet).
Almond milk is made by blending almonds and water together. It’s one of (if not the most) popular dairy-alternatives out there, and boasts a delicious nutty flavor. You can make almond milk at home, and it’s quite a bit thinner than the creamy ultra-filtered milk.
How to use ultra-filtered milk vs almond milk
Here are some of the best ways to use ultra-filtered milk and almond milk:
Ultra-filtered milk:
- Use as a lactose-free alternative to regular milk.
- Make protein shakes and smoothies with its higher protein content.
- Add it to your coffee or tea.
- Splash over your cereal.
- Mix it into your oatmeal.
- Make yogurt, creamy soups, and sauces!
Almond milk:
- Use it as a dairy alternative.
- Make smoothies with it.
- Cover your cereal and granola.
- 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 ultra-filtered milk for almond milk?
You can definitely switch these out for one another! They’re great for many things, and their different flavors and textures will create some fun new twists – for example, switch out your ultra-filtered milk with almond milk for your coffee to add a nuttier flavor!
Their differences might also be why you wouldn’t want to change them out, however, so flavors and textures are something to consider when you’re using these interchangeably. Also, keep their different allergens in mind!
Nutrition: Ultra-filtered milk vs almond milk
Almond milk is much lower in calories than ultra-filtered milk, and it’s slightly lower in total fat as well. Ultra-filtered milk is also higher in carbs when compared to almond milk’s low carb content, and ultra-filtered milk also has 6 grams of sugar versus almond milk’s 0 grams.
The protein in ultra-filtered milk is great, with 13 grams per serving. Almond milk is on the opposite end of the spectrum, with a low protein content of just 1 gram per serving. Both milks are great choices for their calcium and vitamin D contents!
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Ultra-filtered milk (Fairlife) – 2% | Almond milk |
| Calories | 120 | 30 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 4.5 g (3 g) | 2.5 g (0 g) |
| Total carbs | 6 g | 1 g |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 6 g (0 g) | 0 g |
| Protein | 13 g | 1 g |
| Calcium | 30% DV | 45% DV |
| Vit D | 25% DV | 25% DV |
How to store ultra-filtered milk and almond milk
Ultra-filtered milk has a great shelf-life of 45 days when unopened! And, you can keep it for up to 14 days once you open it, thanks to the higher temperatures it goes through during pasteurization (although the temperature is lower than in UHT milk).
Almond milk is best stored in the fridge, and will last you around 7-10 days.
Ultra-filtered milk vs almond milk: Which is better?
Ultra-filtered milk can act as a super-powered regular milk, offering great protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, almond milk is a wonderful dairy-free option that’s very low in calories and carbs!
It’s hard to pick a clear winner because one is an animal-based milk and the other is a plant-based milk, but the overall winner is ultra-filtered milk for having an awesome protein content, an amazing shelf-life, and a classic flavor like regular milk.
FAQs
Ultra-filtered milk is the better choice if you want something thicker and creamier, or prefer the taste of regular milk more.
It is! Ultra-filtered milk is just regular cow’s milk that goes through a filtering process.
That depends on what you call “healthy.” Raw cow milk, almond milk, cashew milk, and many more types of milk have pros and cons that are different from one another, so I recommend doing a deep dive on them or talking to a health professional to find one that fits your needs!
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