Food Fight: Almond Milk vs. Cashew Milk

The varieties of dairy-free milk alternatives continue to expand, and the newest kid on the shelf is cashew milk. Find out how this nutty beverage stacks up against its almond-containing counterpart.

Almond Milk

Almond milk is made from a blend of almonds and water. Solid pulp is removed, and ingredients, including locust bean gum and salt, are added to thicken, enhance flavor and maintain freshness. It has a creamy texture and distinct nutty essence.

One cup of unsweetened almond milk contains 30 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, and 1 gram each of protein, carbohydrate and fiber. Each cup contains 160 milligrams of sodium, whereas a glass of cow’s milk has 125 milligrams. Some brands are fortified with additional nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D, but it’s worth checking labels, since some have significantly less than others. There are also numerous flavors of sweetened almond milk, but the calories can jump to 90 for the same 1 cup, thanks to the added sugar.

Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is made in same fashion as almond milk, with similar flavor and thickening agents; we came across one brand that contained some almond butter! Cashew milk also has a thick and creamy texture but an earthier flavor than almond milk.

One cup of unsweetened cashew milk contains 25 calories, 2 grams of fat, 0 grams of fiber, and 1 gram each of protein and carbohydrate. Many brands are also fortified with calcium and vitamin D, and are available in higher-calorie sweetened flavors.

Winner: Draw! It comes down to a flavor preference in this case. Choose unsweetened nut milk and you can’t go wrong.

Related Links:

How to Make the Creamiest Nut Milk

Cooked vs. Raw: Some Veggies Like it Hot

Kosher Salt vs. Table Salt: What’s the Difference?

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.

Next Up

Star in Training

The Next Food Network Star winner Aarti Sequeira takes us through the making of her new show, Aarti Party.

Does Almond Milk Go Bad?

Everything you need to know to keep opened and unopened containers perfectly fresh.

Is Oat Milk Healthy?

The popular non-dairy milk is now found in coffee creamer, ice cream, yogurt and more.

The Best Milk Substitutes

Read on to learn the pros and cons of each, plus which are best for coffee and baking.

Can You Freeze Milk?

Is freezing dairy liquids like milk and heavy cream a do or a don't? Here are our thoughts.

What Is Evaporated Milk?

Evaporated milk keeps for more than a year on the shelf and can stand in for milk or half-and-half in sweet and savory recipes. What more can you ask of a can?

Is Skim Milk Healthy?

Skim milk is lower in fat and calories than other milk varieties, but does that make it better for you? A dietitian weighs in.

Our Honest Review of Almond Cow's Nut Milk Maker

It promises homemade, plant-based milk in just 60 seconds!

How to Make Oat Milk

Plus, how to use it in place of dairy milk.