Is Almond Milk Good for Protein Shakes? Yes. This blend of ingredients is a great option for adding nutritional value and flavor to your shakes. Almond milk is packed with all the healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, plus it’s low in calories — this makes it an ideal base for protein shakes.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of using almond milk for protein shakes. We have also listed some easy almond milk and protein shake recipes to help you get started.
Protein shakes are a convenient way to increase your daily protein intake, whether you’re looking to build muscle, recover from a workout, or just boost your overall nutrition. Traditionally, protein shakes are made with cow’s milk.
However, almond milk has become an increasingly popular plant-based alternative to dairy milk for protein shakes for those who are looking for alternatives.
Almond milk for protein shake provides a creamy, nutty flavor and has many health advantages over regular milk. Plus, it is naturally low in calories and carbs, an ideal choice for those watching their weight.
Almond milk is also lactose-free, so it’s easy to digest and won’t cause gastrointestinal issues like regular milk might in some people. Additionally, this plant-based milk is packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, calcium, iron and potassium.
With these benefits listed down, it’s no wonder that almond milk is increasingly becoming a favorite choice of many fitness enthusiasts.
The Seven Benefits of Using Almond Milk in Protein Shakes
Choosing the right base for your protein shakes is essential, and almond milk stands out as one of the best options. Recognized for its unique benefits, almond milk can easily be considered the best milk for protein shakes. From fewer calories to essential vitamins, its properties make it not just a healthy choice but also a flavorful and enjoyable one.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top benefits of using almond milk for protein shakes:
1. Fewer Calories than Cow’s Milk
One of the best things about almond milk is its low-calorie count. An 8-ounce glass of almond milk contains just 39 calories, whereas the same amount of 2% cow’s milk has 122 calories. This makes almond milk a smart choice if you’re watching your calorie intake. Using almond milk as the base of your protein shake allows you to pack in extra protein while keeping the calorie count low. In fact, incorporating almond milk into your diet can be a great way to enjoy low calorie protein shakes, satisfying your hunger without the extra calories.
2. Contains Healthy Fats
Although lower in fat than cow’s milk, almond milk still provides healthy fats that your body needs. A serving of almond milk contains 2.5g of monounsaturated fats. The healthy fats in almond milk help you feel satiated and provide sustained energy. They also support heart health, brain function, and vitamin absorption.
3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Almond milk is a natural source of important vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from damage. Calcium and phosphorus help strengthen bones and teeth. Potassium supports heart health and muscle function. These vitamins and minerals offer nutritional benefits that you just don’t get from plain cow’s milk.
4. Low Carb
Almond milk is naturally low in carbohydrates, containing just 1g net carbs per serving. This makes it perfect for low-carb diets. Whey protein powder also contains minimal carbs, so combining the two keeps your shake’s carb count down. Limiting carbs can help with fat loss, regulating blood sugar, and providing steady energy levels.
5. Lactose-Free
One of the major reasons people switch to almond milk is because it’s lactose-free. Lactose intolerance is very common, affecting 30-50 million Americans. Consuming dairy can lead to gas, bloating, cramping, and other unpleasant GI symptoms in lactose-intolerant individuals. With almond milk, you avoid these issues. Most people who are sensitive to dairy find that almond milk is easy to digest and doesn’t cause any GI discomfort.
6. No Artificial Hormones
Commercial cow’s milk often contains traces of artificial growth hormones and steroids used within the dairy industry. Almond milk offers a natural alternative without any added hormones or steroids. For those concerned about ingesting these compounds, almond milk provides peace of mind. Furthermore, for those who want to explore protein shakes without milk, almond milk offers a delicious and healthful option that’s free from lactose and artificial additives.
7. Environmentally Friendly
The dairy industry places a heavy burden on the environment, using vast amounts of water, land, and fossil fuels. Almond milk has a much smaller eco-footprint. Almonds are grown in areas that don’t require irrigation, and their production emits less greenhouse gases. So by choosing almond milk over cow’s milk, you’re making the more environmentally responsible choice.
Easy Almond Milk Protein Shake Recipes
Now that you know all the benefits of protein shakes with almond milk, let’s look at some simple recipes you can try:
Chocolate Almond Protein Shake
This decadent shake tastes like a chocolate milkshake but contains 39g of protein and only 367 calories.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 ice cubes
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Vanilla Almond Protein Shake
A classic flavor combo that’s creamy and satisfying. This shake provides 26g of protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1⁄2 banana
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 3 ice cubes
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
Strawberry Banana Protein Shake
Bursting with fresh fruit flavor, this shake contains 31g of protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1⁄2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1⁄2 banana
- 5 ice cubes
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Top with sliced strawberries if desired.
Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake
Get a nutritious dose of protein and potassium from this tasty combo. It provides 36g of protein per serving.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 banana
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 4 ice cubes
Blend all ingredients together until creamy and frosty.
Blueberry Almond Protein Shake
Bursting with antioxidant-rich blueberries, this shake contains 30g of protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 5 ice cubes
Blend until smooth and pour into a glass to enjoy!
FAQs
Is Almond Milk High in Protein?
No, almond milk is not a significant source of protein. An 8-ounce glass contains only 1 gram of protein. This is why it’s important to use a protein powder when making an almond milk protein shake. Protein powder with almond milk creates a nutrient-rich blend that can serve as a great post-workout recovery drink or a satisfying snack. Whey and plant-based protein powders contain 15-25 grams of protein per serving to boost the protein content of your shake, and when mixed with almond milk, the result is a delicious and nutritious beverage.
How Long Does Almond Milk Last?
Unopened, almond milk will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 10 days past the printed expiration date. Once opened, it will last 4-7 days in the fridge before spoiling. For optimal freshness and flavor, use almond milk within a week of opening.
Is Almond Milk Good for Building Muscle?
Almond milk can be an effective part of a muscle-building diet when paired with sufficient protein intake. While almond milk itself doesn’t contain much protein, adding a scoop of protein powder provides the protein you need to promote muscle growth after workouts.
A blend of almond milk and protein powder enhances the flavor and ensures you’re getting all the essential nutrients. The healthy fats in almond milk also help sustain energy for your workouts, making almond milk and protein powder a powerful duo for fitness enthusiasts.
Can I Make My Own Almond Milk?
Yes, it’s easy to make your own homemade almond milk! The only ingredients required are raw almonds and water. Soak the almonds overnight, then blend them with water and strain out the pulp. Homemade almond milk lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. You can customize it by adding vanilla, cocoa powder, cinnamon, or other flavors.
Is Almond Milk Keto-friendly?
Definitely! Unsweetened almond milk contains only 2-3 net grams of carbs per cup, making it a keto-approved choice. When using almond milk as the base for keto protein shakes, be sure to also use a low-carb protein powder. This keeps the carb count low and allows the shake to fit into a ketogenic diet.
The Takeaway
Using almond milk in your protein shakes provides a long list of benefits. It’s low in calories and carbs, packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, and is easy to digest. Almond milk protein shakes support your health and fitness goals. If you are someone who is looking for protein shakes without milk, almond milk is a suitable and nutritious alternative that still allows for a tasty and satisfying shake.
With so many advantages, almond milk is hands-down a better option than regular dairy milk for making protein shakes. The recipes we’ve included give you a headstart on incorporating almond milk into your daily shakes. Give them a try and see for yourself how much better your shakes can be!
