(Food-Beverage-News.Com, October 15, 2014 ) Wellington, Wellington -- Since the release of the article entitled "is Almond Milk the New Milk Of Choice? Why Homemade Almond Milk Makes Financial Sense"- consumers have raised more questions on plant based milks as dairy alternatives and allergies.
Almond milk is a beverage made from ground almonds used as a substitute for dairy milk. However, unlike animal milk, almond milk contains neither cholesterol nor lactose. Almond milk has been known to mankind since the middle ages. Almond milk gained recognition in the late 2000s, when its popularity began to increase. In 2011 alone, almond milk sales increased by 79%. In 2013, it surpassed soy milk as the most popular plant-based milk in the U.S. (BusinessWeek, August 21, 2013).
Today it is estimated that 2-5% of children have a milk allergy. A milk allergy is a food allergy, an adverse immune reaction to one or more of the constituents of milk from any animal (most commonly alpha S1-casein, a protein in cow's milk). An allergy to cow's milk isn't the same as lactose intolerance. Those who are lactose intolerant have a deficiency in the lactase enzyme, which breaks down lactose into sugar; these individuals can typically tolerate some lactose in their diet, but they can't digest it fully, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Those with a milk allergy, on the other hand, can experience severe, even life-threatening reactions after consuming just a sip or two of milk.
As an alternative to cow's milk, almond milk is one of the most popular and nutritionally valuable milk substitutes available today. It is high in a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, iron, fiber, zinc and calcium. Almond milk is low in calories, at only 40 calories per eight ounce serving, and low in fat. It contains only three grams of fat per eight ounce serving. Almond milk is lactose, gluten, casein and cholesterol free; it's also free of saturated fats.
Store bought almond milk is not a good choice though as it is very low in protein and fat, high in sugar and is not made from almonds that have been properly soaked first to eliminate anti-nutrients such as phytic acid which block mineral absorption and cause digestive distress. Furthermore, the list of ingredients includes numerous preservatives and additives as well as artificial vitamins and carrageenan.
Making Almond Milk at home is easy, delicious and healthier offering complete control over the desired flavor and level of sweetness. Compared to store bought almond milk the cost of homemade is much lower with the additional bonus of nutritious almond meal that can be used when baking muffins or cookies.
In support of a healthy dairy free lifestyle Kits4Kitchens are offering their Professional Quality Nut Milk Bag at a deeply discounted price. The nut milk bag is used in the making of Almond milk to strain/filter the soaked and blended almond mix. It is made of ultra fine 200 microns food grade nylon mesh with reinforced stitching and wider than most products on the market see customer reviews. Food conscious consumers can now claim a 50% off the list price on amazon.com. By entering the promotion code PR4OCT14 when ordering online.
About Kits4Kitchens.com
Kits for Kitchens is a company dedicated to bringing the fun and ease back into wholesome and delicious food preparation. Kits4Kitchens can be found at Amazon.com.
