Today we are so lucky to have so many milk alternatives (mylk). Non-dairy mylks are becoming all the rage alongside many other health trends ––organic, dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, grass fed, antibiotic free, cage free, sugar-free, local, etc–– ones we are happy to be a participant in while they hit a mainstream audience. Making meals at home and growing organic produce isn't viewed as "hippy" anymore. Rather, the perception has shifted to healthy and conscious in the majority of minds.
Beyond the lactose-intolerant stomachs, many people are now reading the list of milk ingredients and moving on to other, simpler options when the list runs on too long. We are in full agreement, which is just one reason our organic nut butters have six or fewer ingredients in each of them, including spices!
Several dairy companies have even joined a more public conversation about mylk in their lengthy ingredient lists which are unpronounceable. Have you seen the spelling bee TV ad spot where a young girl was asked to spell "lecithin" ––an ingredient in milk alternatives, which she spelled wrong–– whereas the young boy was simply asked to spell "milk" and he did with ease (obliging the dairy standpoint)? (This commercial's ironic to us for a number of reasons, ones we'll silently leave for you to consider. Side note: we make vegan nut butter.)
Many products on our grocery store shelves are disguised as small companies in their branding and packaging, and are covered with "natural" claims but have no certifications to seals of organic approval (Certified Organic, OTCO –– Oregon Tilth Certified Organic). Also, the FDA has its own limitations and doesn't require all ingredients to be listed on all products –– somewhat of a loophole that's coming to the forefront more and more as we learn about the big business of the food industry.
We know this post is possibly an incomplete mouthful. But ––in a nutshell–– carefully choose what you're putting on your families table and in our bodies, because from our experience, a lot of small choices can add up to one really harmful long-term health challenge.
We are here to encourage you to read ingredient lists, consider if companies are in alignment with your own personal and family values, but also to encourage you to make as much of your food at home as possible.
Today we are here to not put down big dairy or individual milk alternative companies. We are here to encourage you to read ingredient lists, consider if companies are in alignment with your own personal and family values, but also to encourage you to make as much of your food at home as possible. Not just meals but the individual ingredients that make said meals. This choice and time will cut down on crazy amounts of unconscious sugar intake, wasteful packaging, and ultimately create more experiences with loved ones.
Shop our sprouted, stone ground, organic, vegan, gluten-free Jem Butters online now! Use them to make instant almond butter at home!
All You Need to Make Homemade Almond Mylk
- filtered water
- raw washed organic almonds
- sweetener of your choice: maple syrup, honey, vanilla, agave
- sea salt
Here is a really in-depth blog about making MYLK at home with many types of nuts. Remember when you're sprouted or soaking your nuts, you are sorting and cleaning them before eating. Something we should do with all foods before we consume them. Flavor profiles are enhanced by finding potentially funky nuts before we eat, grind, or blend them.