Gluten Free Milk: Blue Diamond Unsweetend Original Almond Breeze Milk

PRODUCT NAME:                    Almond Breeze Original

COMPANY NAME:                    Blue Diamond

COST:                                       $1.99

SIZE:                                        32oz

COST PER OZ:                         $0.06

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA

ORGANIC:                                NO

 

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA

VEGAN:                                   YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         UNKNOWN

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         UNKNOWN

SHELF LIFE:                            1 Year +

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.               

REVIEW:

Taste:

Blue Diamond has brought us a milk replacement that is, in my opinion, unparalleled in value for a number of reasons. I am so excited to be reviewing this product, as I use it on a daily basis and find that the results of adding it to my meals to enhance my culinary world exponentially.

Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze has a simple flavor of almond that is just basic enough to add nuance to any dish it is used in. In a sugary bowl of granola, the nutty liquid neutralizes the sweetness and creates a perfect yin-yang of balance for your palate.  In a bitter cup of coffee the natural sweetness of the almonds adds depth to the beverage without detracting from the craft of the brew. In mashed potatoes, homemade vegan ice cream, non-dairy “cream” sauces, and smoothies, the thick and creamy textural quality of the beverage enhances the final product without stealing the show from the main ingredients.

I cannot sing enough praises for Almond Breeze in terms of taste, but texture varies depending on the context in which it is used. This product further silkens already creamy products, but when it is asked to create a silky quality all on its own, it doesn’t exactly always do the trick.  I mentioned that the flavor enhances coffee drinks, and I stand by that claim. Unfortunately, texturally, it is a bit of a different story. Sometimes the Almond Breeze blends seamlessly with the drink and sometimes separation occurs. There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to what the differentiating factor is, and it seems to be totally dependent on the batch. Additionally, it leaves some baked goods a bit flat. For whatever reason, the fluffy quality often enjoyed in muffins, cakes, and cookies is much harder to obtain with this almond milk.

Nutritionally, Unsweetened Almond Breeze is a dream. It packs in about forty calories per cup (as opposed to the 100 calories per cup commonly present in other non-dairy beverages). It contains as much calcium per cup as milk does, and has 50% of your daily vitamin E. There is no sugar whatsoever, and additionally it is vegan, gluten free, and soy free. The only identifiable drawback is that although it is low in calories, it is higher in fat (3.5 grams per cup means that ¾ of the calories present are from fat) and that the protein content is much lower than other milk alternatives. Despite these facts, I think this product is well worth your while, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Labeling: Labeling of this product was clear and concise. I deem it to be very sufficient.

Packaging: Blue Diamond’s Unsweetened Almond Breeze is packaged in the standard milk replacement containers we see in grocery stores. It is recyclable and makes it so that the product may be left unrefrigerated until it is opened.

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:           4

Taste:               5         

Value:              5

OVERALL:        4.75

Reviewed by Lacy D.