Keep These OUT of Your Shopping Cart!
Organic coconut milk and almond milk are common purchases at the health food store by those with dairy allergies. Usually, these people are savvy consumers who know enough nutritionally to avoid soy milk with its endocrine disrupting isoflavones and gastric inflaming phytates. Rice milk is also steadily declining in popularity as it is really not much more than a glass of sugar water nutritionally speaking.
Organic, unsweetened coconut milk and almond milk in cartons seem like great alternatives at first blush, but are they really as “healthy” as people believe?
Let’s take a look at the labels. I was shocked at what I found.
Check out the labels of the three brands I photographed. I checked all the brands, by the way, and they all contained the same dangerous additives I’m about to describe.
Almond Breeze Unsweetened Coconut Milk
First, Vitamin A Palmitate is added, the synthetic version of Vitamin A. I personally avoid synthetic versions of Vitamin A like the plague. Every single multi-vitamin I’ve ever examined contains some form of synthetic A, including the so called “whole foods” multis.
Synthetic vitamins are the chemical mirror images of the real, natural versions. They can cause imbalances over time Even small amounts of the synthetic fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A can prove toxic and should be strictly avoided!
The Organic Consumers Association warns that isolated vitamins such as those produced synthetically cannot be recognized or metabolized by the body in the same way as the natural version.
Tree of Life Unsweetened Almond Milk
Large doses of natural vitamin A are well tolerated by the body as established by researchers decades ago, however. Traditional diets contain 10 times or more of the RDA of this nutrient with no ill effect. However, synthetic vitamin A is associated with birth defects and bone fractures. It has no benefit in the diet whatsoever.
So Delicious Coconut Milk
The second really bad additive in these organic cartons of coconut milk and almond milk is Vitamin D2. Vitamin D2 is a form of the wonder vitamin that you should take great pains to avoid.
In all known cases of Vitamin D toxicity where the dose was intentional, Vitamin D2 was the culprit. By comparison, Vitamin D3 is much less toxic and requires an enormous or even an accidental dose to produce any toxic effect.
Vitamin D2 is manufactured industrially by irradiating yeast. It is dangerous for D2 to be added to any food product particularly if this product would be given to children, where toxicity symptoms would appear at much lower dosages.
None of the store brands of cartoned coconut milk or almond milk were free of these dangerous and synthetic versions of the fat soluble vitamins!
In my view, it would be a mistake to purchase and consume these items. They are in no way health promoting or beneficial, particularly for growing children!
Healthy Alternatives to Coconut Milk and Almond Milk in Cartons
Coconut milk and almond milk should be healthy and they can be if they are produced at home without these dangerous additives. I wrote an in depth post on how to easily make these healthful beverages yourself in a post called The Three Best Alternatives to Milk.
Believe it or not, even organic coconut milk in BPA free cans would be a better alternative to cartons of coconut milk based on my label inspection!
* You can also check my Resources page as my sponsors carry a mail order line of cartoned coconut milk free of dangerous and synthetic additives.
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
Source: From Seafood to Sunshine: A New Understanding of Vitamin D Safety
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{ 218 comments… read them below or add one }
Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy: Organic coconut milk and almond milk are common purchases … http://t.co/Lw7tnByu
I live in Australia & I buy Australia’s Own Organic
Almond milk which is free from Lactose, Soy, Gluten,
Cholesterol, Preservatives, Artificial Colours & Flavours,
GM Ingredients.
Ingredients: Filtered water, Australian Organic Almonds (3%)
Organic Agave Syrup, Organic Sunflower Oil, salt.
The only thing I am bit concerned about is the container it
comes in (cardboard lined with what looks like aluminium foil)
excellent! I to am from oz n love almond milk… i find from all the range in australia Blue dimond unsweeterend has least added ingredient compared to the threee above
ive put alot of my own research in and wont just buy any almond milk! just like most products there will always be variety! with major differences in nutritioal values ! hope this helps.
ingredients: filtered water, whole almonds,calcium,tapioca,sea salt, carrageenan(seaweed extract),sunflower oil
I too drink and love almond milk. However whilst the Australian brands contain organic ingredients I am worried about the sunflower oil in it and I know sunflower oil, as a vegetable oil, is very bad for you. Is there an almond milk made without it in Aus? I have a feeling I am going to have to make it myself!
Hi Sarah,
Is Coconut Cream from Wilderness would be ok to use?
Thanks, JP
Yes, that brand is additive free from what I’ve seen.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
Can you share your sources on the vitamin information? Thanks!
Meagan\’s last post: Grain-free Lemon Biscuit Cookies
Sourced at the bottom of the post.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
thank you! “@realfoodmedia: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy http://t.co/6aoDHDQm”
Wow, pretty scary. Its amazing how little people bother to look at labels before putting something in their cart and into their body.
Kelli\’s last post: Why Not Avoid Processed Cereal Altogether If You Have Peanut Butter Allergies?
I started sending the coconut milk in a carton to daycare for my 3yo son after having recurrent ear infections/tubes. I switched to raw milk at home (and stopped vax) and we haven’t had an ear infection since. What are my options for replacing the milk he gets at daycare? I wish I could send raw, but I don’t think they would give it to him. And I’d be afraid they would call DCF if I tried!
Send the raw milk in a thermos. How would they ever know? They will think it’s regular milk.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
I have done this before for my older son when he was in daycare. I simply said it was ‘special’ milk for Alex and that was that. If they asked, I would have said it’s unhomogenized (which explained the layer of cream on top) and he can’t get regular homogenized milk from the store. The issue never came up.
Magda\’s last post: So very sorry…
Awesome idea…don’t know why I didn’t think of it!
I have a homedaycare, and serve my own child raw milk but all of the other children 2%. There is a form you can fill out to reject ANY milk given to your child. Just ask your provider.
coconut milk in can is the healthier way! “@realfoodmedia: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy http://t.co/xUkyX4W6”
I passed on the stuff in cartons the other day for *exactly* these reasons! All those ingredients? Synthetics? Why? http://t.co/dHZrOdTW
They add them to appeal to vegans. Coconuts and almonds have no vitamin A or D in their natural state as no plant foods contain natural vitamin A or D (beta carotene is not true vitamin A). But these synthetic additives are added to the processed versions to appeal to those who foolishly eschew all animal foods.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
so you’re saying Vit A as beta carotene is synthetic too, or just not true Vit A?
Beta carotene is a real precursor of Vitamin A but many people can’t convert it to Vitamin A in their bodies, so it’s not the ideal way to take Vitamin A.
how dare you talk about a person’s choice to avoid animal products like there something wrong with it. I’m deleting your website from my bookmarks. Though some of what you say is true, If you are foolish enough to think that way, I certainly can not trust your obviously biased research.
Dani, I agree with you. This lady would rather have someone kill an animal for her, so she can buy it, cook it and eat it, but is upset that someone put Vit D2 into almond milk!.
Yup, No way I’m ever looking at this website again. She only provides one ‘source’ that doesn’t even seem to be peer-reviewed. Seems like a lot of fear-mongering to me, not to mention how rude and self-righteous it is to call vegans ‘foolish’ while partaking in one of the most unnecessary and environmentally degrading practices on the planet (consumption of animal products). I pity this woman.
They ARE foolish. Just look at all the research for yourself. Of course, you probably avoid ANY website with facts proving what a poor choice you’ve made as “rude” or “fearmongering”. So you will forever stay ignorant (and unhealthy!)
People, you have to remember. This is just a housewife with a blog. She is very opinionated and it’s her way or the highway. It’s bad enough that she is so aggressive about her meat and dairy choices but she literally attacks vegans/vegetarians with her smart-aleck and sarcastic comments. It’s truly is a turn-off and makes you feel like you are reading a blog from a junior high student with the immaturity level of her comments. She cannot handle criticism or that everyone doesn’t follow her dogma. And you are correct, she hardly backs up any of her many erroneous and biased statements and if she does, they are from her DENTIST mentor from the early 1900′s. Seriously?
And the saddest part is all the innocent people following her advice like sheeple without checking any other sources and just doing whatever she says to do. SHE IS A HOUSEWIFE, with no medical or nutritional degree.
I can’t believe what i am reading from this “healthy” home economist!!!
“foolishly eschew all animal foods”?
This is dangerous advice and very very very irresponsible.
Not all alternatives are healthy, but animal products have been proven to cause cancers, heart disease, bone disease, etc. Nevermind the cruelty involved.
Look in the mirror and help your(herbivore)self, so you can help others.
Wrong! It’s animal foods (and non-animal foods) in America, thanks to all the CRAP they put in our foods for the sake of saving a few bucks. Hormones, shots, poor quality feed, etc. If you look to other places that consume animals regularly, such as Argentina, South Korea, or Germany, you won’t see all the nasty side-effects we have here, becuase they have standards.
Or, just look to the past, for over a million years, humans have been consuming animals without getting all those cancers and diseases associated with modern bought-out gov’t and penny-grubbing companies. It’s sites like this one (which inform you what to consume or avoid) which are going to educate the public to stop supporting companies that care more about their bottom-line than the country’s health.
I thought this would be a great site to get some info, but I can’t sit by and condone your bashing of someone’s life choices, whether you agree or not it’s not your place to criticize them. You should be ashamed, to me you are nothing more than a bully.
Sarah, you are a wealth of knowledge! We are doing GAPS and the second I picked up the commercially produced cartons of milk (coconut and almond), I put them right back down. I was astonished at the additives. I made homemade almond milk last week and was pleasantly suprised at the ease (plus as an added bonus, I got almond flour out of the pulp- I love when I get two products in one).
Thanks for sharing this article!
Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy http://t.co/1q387ful
Check out the ingredients in some of the organic almond milk and coconut milk sold in cartons: http://t.co/NQaR6fhc
This drives me crazy every time I walk past the shelf and am tempted by a good sale to buy some. Honestly I just can’t replicate the coconut milk in a carton at home. My homemade coconut milk from dried coconut separates when it sits out for fermenting or is refrigerated. I’ve even used an empty carton and added a can of coconut milk and some water. It’s acceptable but even then I have problems with chunks of coconut oil. If you have any tips to make homemade a little more like the carton milk I’d love to hear them. For the time being I buy it only very occasionally and frequently complain to So Delicious about the addition of yucky synthetic vitamins
I use Arroy-D brand in 1L BPA-free TetraPak. I think it’s a Cambodian product. Ingredients: Coconut. Water.
Lauren\’s last post: Secular Graces
I just found this brand at my local Asian market. $1.25 a can. Yippie!! This is the only brand that I have found to date that has ONLY these ingredients: coconut extract, 60% water. So excited since all the other brands that I have found have so many more ingredients! Time to stock up I would say
Check out Shaklee’s multi’s – no synthetics -
All multis have synthetics in them, even Standard Process. The FDA requires it if the company has a claim for vitamin A or D on the label.
Sarah, how about the Innate Response brand? From what I understand all of the theirs is food grown nutrients. innateresponse.com
not that I take multis, I was just curious.
That’s disturbing to hear about Standard Process…. why don’t they just take off the claim of A or D listed on the label and allow it to be in the product through the ingredients without disclosing it? Obviously if you saw liver on the ingredient list you would know that it contained A and D.
Yes, why not? I was pushed to take the Standard Process multi (Catalyn or something like that was the name) when I was pregnant,. Excellent ingredients except for that nasty synthetic A. I refused to take it.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
What about Nutriway, that are produced on a certified organic farm?
Nope. Synthetic A. They are ALL like this. I’ve never seen a single exception IF the product claims to be a multi vitamin.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
So, I am just confused following the comment stream. If a whole foods multi lists vitamin a (as beta carotene) it isn’t synthetic, but isn’t vitamin a either?
that really stinks I always buy almond milk
You can make your own almond milk at home with out the “nasty” synthetic vitamins. The ingredient list: almonds. Period.
Standard Process doesn’t want to put the vitamin A palmitate in there but it has to as required by the FDA. Just one more reason never to take multi’s or even prenatals.
I have been making my own fresh almond milk for almost 4 years, the kids love it and we don’t have to worry about any of those yucky additives.
I have just started making it in the last month. But, I have noticed it going bad quickly. Any suggestions for lengthening the shelf life?
Most people who cannot tolerate dairy have a problem with the A1 casein. I know many people who consume dairy from cows with the A2 casein and are fine. Many are so happy to be able to consume dairy again. You can get raw cheese and cultured dairy beverages at http://www.RealMeatandDairy.com. This is the new food company opened by Jordan Rubin.
carrageenan is also bad news.
@ Chet yes the other additives are no good either!
Chet Kan, thanks for posting this. You beat me to the punch. Sarah’s link to MSG had this ingredient on the list as well. Sadly, it is in almond yogurt too.
Sarah, some of the brands are in Tetra Paks. They are lined with plastic. Who knows if the plastic is leaching into your milk?
almond milk in 3 easy steps: 1. soak 1 cup of raw almond over night.
2. rinse the almond, combine with 3 cups of water in blender.
3. strain with cheese cloth and add sweetener if u wish.
@Judy just checked shaklee’s multi for women and it contains vitamin A acetate which is synthetic.
It’s so frustrating when you think you are buying a healthier option for your family, and find out it really isn’t. It’s just wrong that they put so much crap into so many of the foods we eat.
My vitamins are a FAIL! No wonder… ugh.
So, what would be the NONsynthetic form of vitamin A? I just went to Pacific’s website and wrote to them (not easy, they give you one little short line) asking them to remove these things from their oat, almond, etc., products (the “natural flavors,” vitamin D2, and vit A). I encourage everyone else to contact them also. It didn’t take but a minute. They need to know what some of their customers think and that we will no longer purchase the item? Been drinking this brand for years. Sigh.
This is GREAT information for a real food regular. On the other hand, someone out there making a switch from regular milk to almond or coconut milk is still on a better road than drinking the regular old store brand milk. We see people in the office who are just starting and learning what real food is, so getting them to take baby steps is important! (They are happy to tell they are making a switch) Then eventually make the steps to pure almond & coconut milk and raw milk.
Rachel @ day2day joys\’s last post: 5 Benefits of Eating with the Seasons
I don’t agree with that. I also don’t agree with baby steps approach. If you want to reclaim your health, you must dive off the cliff and make SIGNIFICANT changes. Baby stepping leads to frustration and lack of progress in my experience.
Also, I don’t agree that that cartoned coconut milk and almond milk is better than store milk. All three are terrible. The better transition would be low temp pasteurized, non homegenized milk if one is stepping up to raw milk from a local farm.
Sarah, I have to respectfully disagree! When people DIVE in to anything, the excitement fizzles…relationships, diets, poor financial decisions! For food, I believe very strongly in a gentle, baby step approach. You know a lot about food so it is easy for you to point out all of the things that need to change in a person’s diet. A person new to real food won’t know all of these things and will feel overwhelmed! Baby steps is key to allowing them to learn, research and make educated decisions without getting overwhelmed. Any baby step they make gets them one step healthier and one step further from the SAD diet. I actually have heard you say before what changes should be made first – which means you don’t expect someone to make them all at once!
Rachel I think a baby step approach is a great way to help educate people on what changes need to be made -understanding that the end goal is ALL the changes will be made
Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger\’s last post: Comment on Breastfeeding As A New Mom: What You Need To Know by Nicola
Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy — The Healthy Home Economist http://t.co/5n0JnBAU
This is so sad! I’m 31 weeks pregnant & have a sensitivity to cow’s milk so have been drinking coconut & rice milk during my pregnancy.
I had no idea!
How long does the homemade almond milk last in the fridge? Do u just make it in small batches?
thehealthyhomeeconomist If you don’t take prenatals, then do you just rely on your food for nutrition? I know that’s ideal, and I eat very healthy, but didn’t think it was enough. I take standard process supplements and a prenatal from my alternative dr.
thehealthyhomeeconomist If you don’t take prenatals, then do you just rely on your food for nutrition? I know that’s ideal, and I eat very healthy, but didn’t think it was enough. I take standard process supplements and a prenatal from my alternative dr.
Kristen, I think the goal is always whole food. But sometimes it is hard to get everything from your diet, so adding a whole food supplement bridges the gap. Make sure you use one that has peer reviewed published research on the product itself. I found a great one at http://www.thankfulforjuiceplus.com
Bummer, hubby can’t have dairy and we’ve been drinking this stuff like crazy lately. I’ve given it to my kids too.
Funny, we just bought some almond milk yesterday. We’ve stopped drinking cow’s milk, and DH wanted a substitute. I tried a sip of it, and the first thing I noticed was how sweet it was. Sure enough- sugar was the second ingredient- and that was in the “original” flavor. :/
No!! Just when I thought I found something that works.. *sigh* And the list of things you can buy at the grocery store gets smaller. I live in a terrible area for fresh, local, organic. Not to mention, its not legal to sell raw milk.
Wow! This is eye opening. I have a little one that is allergic to dairy and have been givin her almond milk. Thank you to all that gave recipes on how to make your own.
I just called So Delicious (Turtle Mountain, LLC) and their office is not open yet, but I am going to continue to call until I can speak with someone. There is no good reason that they should put synthetics in their products to appease just one group of their consumers.
I have also contacted So Delicious, but only by e-mail. I have told them I will not allow my family and friends to consume their coconut beverage until these synthetics are removed. I highly encourage anyone to call or e-mail them about removing these items from their products.
We are allegrgic toc conut
So We should make our own almond milk???? My daughter is sensitive to almonds too and allergic to cashews. any other suggestions???
hemp milk maybe?
Milk isn’t really necessary beyond breast milk for babies. You can sub water or juice for baking if you can’t find an acceptable alternate. Hemp or oat might work if you need something for your coffee or when you want something like milk to drink (though check those labels if you aren’t making your own).
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I am nursing my 4 month old, and I just started taking New Chapter Organics perfect prenatal to replace my cheap Target brand ones, and I have been really happy with these so far. Even though we are a Real/Whole Food household with raw milk, traditional fats, very limited processed food etc, I have read the dietary guidelines (I think from Nourishing our Children?) for the amount of food I would need to eat each day to get all my vitamins and minerals, and it is just not realistic for me. Too much food!
I do take 1/2 tsp fermented cod liver oil/butter oil each day, I try to take frozen liver pills regularly, and I drink Kombucha, but I just want to make sure that I am getting all the nutrition my body needs to make nutritionally sound breastmilk for my son.
Despite the fact that the Vitamin A is 100% beta carotene is really better for me not to take the prenatal at all?
Okay, here is the link I was reading: http://www.holistickid.com/the-outlandish-alternative-to-prenatal-vitamins/
The issues I have are seafood 2-4 times a week… This is difficult from a budget standpoint, but maybe if I counted canned tuna, it would work?
And the quart of raw milk seems like a lot to me. We already blow through 2 gallons a week without me drinking even half that much.
Although maybe if I put the $15 a month I am putting toward the vitamin toward the seafood or the extra milk, it could work….
Anyway, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, Sarah. Thanks!
Hi Megan, we all have to make our own choices, but for the record, I myself never took a prenatal vitamin EVER with any of my 3 pregnancies. I just ate whole foods and for the second and third pregnancies, took cod liver oil and butter oil plus dessicated liver. I also consumed copious amounts of grassfed raw dairy in the form of milk, cheese, cream, and butter. All 3 children are healthy with no allergy or auto-immune issues.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
Hi Megan,
I did take prenatal vitamins with all three of my pregnancies. In fact, the same New Chapter Organic whole food prenatal vitamins you are taking.
However, I never ate any animal products (animal flesh, animal organs, animal fats or oils), no cow milk, cow cheese, cow butter, eggs, etc and all three of my children are exceptionally healthy and have never been to the doctor for anything – ever. They have no allergies or auto-immune issues either. In addition, they are also extremely intelligent and a grade above their peers in school. I myself am also in excellent health and had my last two pregnancies while in my 40′s. I recently had blood work done and all of my test results were well within the normal range including calcium, protein, iron, cholesterol, etc.
This alone proves it is a fact that you can be healthy an thrive on both an animal-based diet as well as a plant-based diet – as long as you make sure you are getting all the essential nutrients your body needs, which is the key.
And yes, I agree that we all have to make our own choices regarding the diets we choose for ourselves and our families, but we should also not judge others who have differing opinions or different diets than we have chosen to make.
@twila it lasts about 4-5 days. It might be good for longer.
Thanks for this article. I was tempted to buy some a little while back, but stopped when I saw a long list of ingredients. I wasn’t even sure why, but I decided to skip it. I guess intuition stepped in. Now I know why.
The additives are why I decided to stop buying these and give raw milk a shot (with my “dairy allergic” kids who no longer have problems) about two years ago. Carrageenan? All that other junk? How is that real food?
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama\’s last post: 5 Real Food Shortcuts and “Cheats”
HI Sarah
I buy coconut milk in cartoons instead of cans. My kids don’t like it but I love it in smoothies with frozen blueberries and raw egg yolks, and to make crepes.
The only ingredients are coconut and water. Do you think the cartons have a BPA lining? Thank you!
marina\’s last post: Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Giveaway, value of $29.95 (Canadian Residents only)
Hi Marina, I would call the manufacturer and ask some pointed questions about the packaging.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
what brand did yyou find that only has those ingrediants?
http://t.co/xMuMrxqB
I just ck’d the label on a carton of 2% milk from the grocery store and it contains Vit A Palmitate as well.
Sheesh. I had actually made the same observations, trying to find alternatives to milk for my 20 month old. She was throwing up milk, even raw milk. She seems to do ok on rice milk and some of the lactose free milk but I’m not comfortable with either. And the D2 is a big red flag for me. I struggle with trying to figure out what to give her. Maybe…we could try raw milk again… Hm. I really think it’s the lactose she is having issues with. We tried kefir but she won’t drink it. She LOVES coconut milk but it’s way too expensive. Grumble. Sometimes it feels like the world is working against me.
You can easily make coconut milk from dried/fresh coconut and water. If you search Sarah’s site, you’ll find the post and video. Same with almond milk – very easy to make.
I make a coconut milk tonic for my 2.5 year old and have since she was weaned. I actually got the recipe from Sarah. You can buy “Native Forest Organic Coconut Milk” on Amazon.com and do the subscribe & save option where you save 15% I believe and get free shipping. We have it shipped 1x/month and it’s 12 cans for roughly $22. Not too bad if you compare it to the cost of buying raw milk in our area especially considering how much my little one drinks. It’s 1 can of coconut milk + 1 quart H2O, 2-3 TBSP Grade B Maple Syrup or Honey, and 1 tsp Vanilla. Mix/shake well and store in fridge, will keep up to 4 days (ours usually doesn’t last that long!)
Megan\’s last post: sigh
Does anyone have any thoughts to Hemp milk in the carton? That is what I use for everything. I know it has vitamins and minerals but are they the bad ones?
We’ve made almond milk at home, but it wasn’t much cheaper so we just buy it. Now, we’re going to make it for sure. I’m so bummed about this. Thankfully it’s simple to make.
Does this apply to the refrigerated cartons?
No kidding!
Im so pissed about this! HOW are they allowed to put ‘All Natural’ on the front of the carton of Blue Diamond Almond milk and in the ingredients are Vitamin A Palmitate AND Vitamin D2 etc…??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
http://www.edwardandsons.com/popinfo.php?id=181
Just coconut!
Check it out.
Shady Lady\’s last post: Bowling Firsts
I just asked on their FB page, we’ll see if I get a response.
Will someone please explain the deal with carageenan? I’ve heard it’s bad so many times, but I’ve also heard it’s good. What’s the deal?
My dd, 13, and I recently had a check up and blood work with our doctor. Both of us were quite low in Vit D (23 and 28, respectively) which was surprising as we take FCLO, ghee daily and she drinks raw milk and has full cream ice cream daily. Doctor recommended sublingual D3. Wondered what you think about the label info: Bluebonnet D3 drops provide natural D3 (cholecalciferol) from lanolin, medium chain triglycerides, orange and lemon essential oils for flavor.
We were both low, but not nearly as bad, in B12 at 512 and 571. Doctor also recommended we take B12 drops. Subligual B Total includes B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folic acid in a base of distilled water, vegetable glycerine, sorbitol, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, fruit flavors, and sodium benzoate.
She also put me on niacin for liver function. Metagenics Niatain. Niacin as nicotinic acid. Other ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, stearic acid, silica, and coating (water, hypromellose, medium chain triglycerides, and hydroxypropylcellulose.
Wow, that was hard to type
Normally we take no vitamins or rx drugs. I chose to add the above to get our levels up but not to take them permanently. After reading your blog today, I took a look at the ingredients. If this is terrible for us to take (please comment your thoughts), what else are we to do to up our vitamins? We eat a good diet of grassfed beef, pastured chicken and eggs, milk, etc.
Thank you!
I don’t recommend taking vitamin D even D3 in isolation and will be blogging more about this in the near future.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
Glad I don’t have to rely on those products for milk! Figures they would screw these up as well and the unsweetened versions were becoming less and less available anyway as Americans love their sugar!
and I just bought some to try…..yuck
@Twila, I make 2-3 quarts at a time and it stays fresh for 4-5 days I would guess, maybe longer. It’s usually gone before that long though
.
thehealthyhomeeconomist I also wonder what you would take instead of prenatals and vitamins. I have a women’s rainbow multi.??
thanks for this- i have friends that will really benefit from reading this!
You can make your own ‘milk’ with any nut, seed, or coconut. We do our own coconut milk and love it, almonds, sunflower seeds, cashews are all great too.
Oh thank you so much Sarah! I also had some trepidation when purchasing these, but I mistakenly thought that it might be a better choice that regular milk when I can’t get raw. I do so appreciate that you STAY up with what we are all facing in just trying to feed our families REAL FOOD! Also, just in case I missed it? The SOPA/PIPA debate is getting bad concerning internet freedom of speech. Have you already alerted your readers? We will pray that we remain unhindered in our search for the TRUTH! God bless!
Yes, I see what’s going on with SOPA and I am still trying to wade my way through this issue and think about it (still examining both sides). I’m not yet completely sure if we should be concerned or not, but given the government’s track record, it most likely is a threat to our freedom of speech.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
Be careful what you call ‘truth’, and do your own research before blindly believing everything you read.. She is neither a scientist nor a god, so really think twice before worshipping her opinions!
Very interesting. I’m pregnant and have been taking this prenatal: Garden of Life Vitamin Code® RAW Prenatal™
New Chapter Organic Perfect Prenatal–Vit A is in the form of Beta Carotene. Not sure if the “other” ingredients are okay, but I like this brand’s formula with whole foods and herbs. Maybe someone can verify?
i would like to know also
What great information (as usual). I can’t wait to start making my own coconut and almond milk, then I won’t have to worry about those pesky labels
I just took my crispy almonds out of the oven this morning, with plans to whip up a batch of a-milk and you’ve provided just the right of motivation I needed to make sure it gets done!
Jennifer @ How to Peel an Onion\’s last post: Homemade: Creamy Herb Salad Dressing
Wow! Probably best to make your own!
So what brands of cartoned coconut milk are the ones that we can drink?
and what brands of coconut milk in a can are bpa?
Click the links I provided at the end of the post to see the (very few) decent brands plus a picture of what they look like.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
the only one i can find in your links is lait de noix de coco coconut milk and its not organic:( if im missing something can you post themaes of the good brand more clearly for people not many of us have time to go over link to link to link and search it down no offence thank you
bpa free
I have plain coconut milk (same brand as you depict) and it does not have VitA palminate. Whew.
The label of the brand above that I show a picture of does have vitamin A palmitate in it (see ingredients label that I took a photograph of just below it). ALso, check for D2.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
what is the brand?
Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy — The Healthy Home Economist http://t.co/POzuGKtR
Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy http://t.co/VcQ9rdUY
Wow, crazy!!
Just wondering if my raw milk isn’t the best ultimately. Unless of course you are totally allergic to milk.
http://www.westonaprice.org/childrens-health/diet-for-pregnant-and-nursing-mothers. Homemade coconut milk is the only dairy free milk I drink. Almond milk is sooo high in PUFA’s. I don’t consider it a healthy option. I’m 8 1/2 months pregnant and have been following the guidelines for pregnant and nursing mothers by Weston A. Price Foundation. I was unable to receive raw milk for a two week period. I contacted the Weston A. Price Foundation and asked if Coconut Milk Tonic (BPA free canned coconut milk mixed with dolomite powder) would be a suitable substitute until I was able to find a new source of raw milk. They approved and said it was the best option.
Thank you for this information. I buy this exact almond milk once or twice a year to use when we go out of town. I have always cringed when I read the ingredients but have turned a blind eye for the 1 or 2 cupfuls my kids consume. Hard to do that now with this information. I need to just make my own. It’s so easy, but I get lazy when I make everything else from scratch and need a break sometime.
I totally understand the “need a break” thing. You wonder why they add that stuff to begin with. It would be just fine without it. But, then you realize that they add it to market to the vegan community and then the whole reasons for maximizing profits and appealing to the widest variety of consumer becomes apparent.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
Sarah, they do not add it to appeal to the vegan market. Where did you get that idea? If certain vitamins that have an established RDA are present in your food product, including A and I believe D, then you are require to “claim” it in the nutrition facts box. As you can imagine, the vitamin and mineral amounts of completely unprocessed food varies, however you must meet the label claim everytime. This is why vitamins are added. Because its required to be listed if t’s present in a greater than zero amount, and it’s required to be accurate. Companies can’t pay to test each box of milk separately to ensure the nutrition facts are accurate, so the ensure that the vitamins are present in even amounts by adding them in specific amounts.
Garden of Life multi is Whole food, no synthetics. the Vit A is Not palmitate.
We need to insist on food not being fortified and make your on when possible. Also consume less and don’t get addicted to one type, switch around
Sarah, regarding your disdain for multi’s, there are a few good ones out there. Not everyone is as fortunate as you to afford access to whole foods and nutrients while pregnant or at any time. I use a brand for my clients from Synergy company. They have very few products but are dedicated to whole organic nutrition. I have also observed dramatic positive changes in my clients who take multi’s along with other lifestyle changes. We do not live in a perfect world and to suggest otherwise is delusional. I counsel clients to do the best they can with reliable resources, whole foods, exercise, sunshine, a good night’s sleep and encourage them to surround themselves with good people who strive after higher standards of ethical conduct in their work and daily living. Life is a summation of “whole” simple living. Making it too complicated invites mediocrity.
No doubt the definition of “good” varies person to person, but on this blog, a supplement is definitely identified as no good period if it contains synthetics as all multi’s do to be labeled as such by the FDA.
I would never take a supplement with a synthetic in there no matter how pristine and wonderful the remaining ingredients are and I would never advocate someone else take such a supplement either.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy
well said
Once I started GAPS I couldn’t buy any more canned coconut milk because they all have guar gum as an additive (illegal on GAPS). The only can that doesn’t is Natural Value (available on Amazon) but the cans probably have BPA. I eventually ordered the Aroy-d brand online (cartons with only coconut as ingredients, from Thailand) but they were expensive. Turns out my local international market carries this brand (both milk and cream) at a fraction of the price. I know they’re not the best (the carton worries me) but I use it sparingly. It’s my compromise at this time.
I don’t do almond milk much anymore but I always made my own (almonds, milk and Blendtec/Vitamix is all you need!).
Magda\’s last post: So very sorry…
Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy http://t.co/vgqa1txQ
I was deeply disappointed and wrote to Pacific Foods to tell them so, with regards to their individual chocolate almond milks. I had chosen them as a sweet treat for my kids and was really bummed when I saw they contained so little protein. Their answer was, oh well, pick another nut milk. I did. The organic refrigerated Trader Joe version, in vanilla.
what’s about oat milk?
#coconut & #almond #milk not #healthy http://t.co/tttSkm0D
My grandson’s Garden of Life Vitamin Code Kids has vitamin A (as beta-carotene) listed. Dr John Cannell at the Vitamin D Council warns we need to keep our kids away from vitamin A palmitate. I looked through a lot of brands to find this one.
I do not know about synthetic vitamins however my feeling would be that synthetic vitamin A is not the exact chemical opposite (known to chemists as an enatiomer), but rather its both the exact chemical opposite or the mirror image and the correct natural state vitamin. The reason being in a lab its very hard to separate a natural product and its opposite. The only physical lab difference it has is the way it rotates polarized light. It is not impossible but a lot more difficult. Many years ago there was a drug called thalidomide that caused birth defects it turned out that it was a mixture of the 2 chemicals that were mirror images. Only one of the chemicals caused the birth defects the other was a benefit.
@GFreeDietitian the additives in these bevs amaze me, when I have time I make my own…but as a busy girl it’s tough! http://t.co/isF8JIQT
Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy — The Healthy Home Economist
http://t.co/0LDtMIzA
As always you do a great job of uncovering what most of us overlook! It is like all foods – you just have to really watch not only the ingredients but the quality of those ingredients!! As always, best to just make your own. I am a big proponent of coconut products, coconut milk included! I will certainly share the information you presented to family, friends and people following my blog as this is very useful information.
I believe that Garden of Life vitamins are 100% from real food with no additives. That’s what I’m going to take when my current brand is all gone.
Absolutely right, Sarah!
Just as a side note, we have had canned organic coconut milk tested, and it still contains small amounts of aluminum from the cans they are packaged in. So, getting the milk in an aluminum can is probably not a healthy alternative. Also, there is a company called “Wilderness Family Naturals” that sells a good healthy coconut milk and cream that does not contain anything other than xanthum gum and coconut milk. Here’s a link: http://www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com/product/coconut-products-coconut-milk/CC250.php
Thanks for the great informative articles and for being brave enough to get the truth out to people, regardless of the controversy and negativity some people bring to the table.
I buy Ayam coconut milk in cans, and according to the ingredients it’s only coconut milk with some water (82% coconut I believe). It’s not as good as fresh coconut milk, I guess, but doesn’t seem to have added nasties.
I have a question. I’m in Australia, so these brands are not familiar to me, but over here we have almond, rice, soy in tetra-pak cartoons that are on the self, and ones that are in milk carton styles that are in the fridge. It’s my understanding that those found on the shelf are ultra-heat treated and therefore have no nutrients in them, so really not that good for you. Am I right in assuming this? And out of curiosity are the ones in the photo on the shelf or in the fridge? Thanx Evie.
good question!
oh wow – we’ve been drinking the store bought almond and occasionally coconut milk for a year or so – giving it to my toddler and drank it through pregnancy
well better to learn about it late than never! I just signed up for a herd share to get raw cow’s milk now!!
Great post from thehealthyhomeeconomist about why you want to avoid almond milk and coconut milk from the carton. ~A http://t.co/4ILRb7nL
Does anyone know where can I get RAW almonds? That are truly RAW?
So, is just better to drink whole organic cow milk then?
Boxed coconut and almond milk isn’t such a good choice http://t.co/iUylVAut
Think almond milk or carton coconut milk is a good choice? Think again: http://t.co/HoIxM4v8
Aw, man. New goal: homemade coconut milk. RT @melissamcewen Boxed coconut and almond milk isn’t such a good choice http://t.co/NZqha5xe
You should read this if you buy either products. http://t.co/7Diz1P4q
We use the Wilderness Family Naturals coconut milk. I think the only addition is xanthan gum and it is sold in tetra packs. It’s the best I’ve found and I have no time to make it at home yet. However, we’ve finally been able to re-introduce dairy after being strictly no-dairy for about 3yrs. Mostly raw cheese and raw butter. yum!
Your sources do not support your claims that synthetic vitamin A, or synthetic vitamins in general, are harmful. In fact, the second link (written by Chris Masterjohn, an excellent and thorough scientist) states, “The research clearly suggests that the *amount* of vitamin A is the operative factor rather than the *form* of vitamin A.”
Vitamin D2 should be avoided for many reasons, but I don’t think synthetic D3 is a problem. The amounts, especially relative to other vitamins, are what matter.
I’m sorry to say this, but your statement that ALL of the milk alternatives contain those harmful additives…is FALSE.
I am sitting here, with my SO delicious coconut milk beverage, organic and unsweetened. The ingredients are: organic coconut milk (water, organic coconut cream) carrageenan, guar gum.
NO vitamin A NO vitamin D. They are in fact listed as 0% in the nutritional table.
I am Canadian, so maybe that is the difference? But you should make it clear in your posts where you have looked/live (america, canada, etc) so your readers both new and old ones are reminded that this information is relative to YOUR area. Rather than initially scarring the poop out of them ha!
What about a healthier option for almond milk? My husband does not like coconut milk @ all.
Do you have a good source for nuts in bulk? We eat so many soaked and dried nuts and we drink canned coconut milk (the carton stuff is watered down anyway…) and I HAVE been buying unsweetened almond milk. For those who make their own, is it really cheaper?
Nickole
Nickole@savvyteasandherbs.com\’s last post: Muscle Mend Oil Herbal Blend
can you emaill mail, princeappleton@yahoo.com
What about the cartons themselves? Do you know what they are lined with? I’ve always been curious about that.
After reading this article and then hearing from more than one that all multi vitamins had the synthetic A in it, I pulled my Multi Vitamin out of the cabinet to see if it had Vit A Palmitate in it, it did not. It has only Vit A. from Natural Beta Carotene. I take the NOW brand EcoGreen Multi.
Also, though I haven’t checked it out yet, I would be willing to bet that the Life Extensions bands of Multi Vit does not include synthetic anything! This is another good brand that our family buys.
Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy http://t.co/AhNBg2bu , another winner from the Healthy Home Economist.
Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy http://t.co/4HCIsc9X
Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy http://t.co/mHG0PQoF RT @billnigh rut-roh… RT @BernArmiento RT @realfoodmedia
I will have to do some investigation on the subject of vitamins and synthetic A being in all brands even brands that are labeled to contain just carotene as a natural A.
Are you saying that the FDA does not allow the muti vitamins to NOT have a synthetic A?
If so why is that?
And are some brands of multi vitamins which are labeled with carotene as the vitamin A source mislabeling?
Please be clear on this as I think it has stirred up a huge confusion for the readers. Especially mothers taking prenatal vitamins.
Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons Not a Healthy Buy http://t.co/lLyRoom8 via The Healthy Home Economist
Coconut and Almond Milk in Cartons :Not as Healthy as You Think! http://t.co/lLyRoom8 via The Healthy Home Economist
For the sake of your health read labels. Just because something is sold in a health food store does not mean it is… http://t.co/YHe4pWkD
Thank you for the info.I did not like your comment about those who are foolish to eschew animal products though! Since I quit eating animal products 11 months ago, I have lost 55lbs, got off my BP med and feel 100% better! Dairy is the worst for asthma too! I no longer have to use my nebulizer! I feel like a plant based diet has saved my parents life also. They have lost over a 100lbs together and have cut their diabetes meds in half and their blood work is amazing, the Dr can’t believe it! Maybe you should read the China Study, How to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease and Eat to Live! It’s one thing to give info, but another to call others fools!
i really didn’t like that ”fools” comment either. it was very bitchy and unnecessary. if you don’t believe veganisem is healthy, then fine, but you certainly don’t have to attack others just because they chose to keep animal products out of their diet. that’s all i have to say to you.
Vitamin D2 is a good vegan alternative to D3. D3 tends to be derived from lanolin in sheeps wool.
I’m looking at my SO Delicious COconut Milk Beverage and it does NOT contain any synthetic vitamins. Ingredient list says: Organic Coconut mIlk (water, organic coconut cream), carrageenan and guar gum.
We make that at Wayne Dairy in Richmond, Indiana.
Carageenan is essentially MSG and is not good for you at all (carageenan can cause colon cancer…and it’s in everything, so imagine how much we consume on a regular basis). I have always read them on a lot of ingredients lists and never balked upon seeing them, but now I know better. Please check out http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html and http://truththeory.com/2012/08/09/seven-toxic-foods-drinks-and-additives-to-cut-out-of-your-diet-for-good/ if you’re interested. Also, guar gum and locust bean gum are also very bad for you…I’ve seen this on labels and it’s listed as “organic,” but not sure if that’s credible or if it makes a difference.
Depending on where you are, it may not have the extra ingredients. So Delicious bought in Canada doesn’t have any vitamin and mineral supplementation to keep in accordance to our laws. I have purchased cartons in the US and imported them, and they do have all those ingredients.
Thank you, Sarah – I’m curious of your opinion of this multi which I’ve heard a lot of good things about:
http://www.irwinnaturals.com/products/mens-formulas/mens-living-green-liquid-gel-multi/
Thanks!
You know what I’m tempted to call claims about vitamins that are nowhere near conclusively substantiated by medical science? Lies. Ya know – the kind that get ratings/readers. I suppose if you’re just too stupid to know better, though, we would just call it confusion.
Get a life.
I just came across your article and upon doing a little research found a coconut water/milk/cream distributor that seems to not have any of the bad things you mentioned. They seem reasonable and I an happy to support their business.
http://www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com
PS I’m in no way affiliated with them, just found them when searching for high quality coconut products.
Thank you for the info!
I just came across this post and find it very interesting. For a time, when he was around 14 months old, I gave my son Almond milk from the carton as we were weaning him off formula. Shortly after he began developing dry skin/dermatitis that I was sure was linked to the Almond milk (we have hereditary skin issues and sensitivities to dairy). It immediately cleared up when we stopped with the Almond milk and returned to formula. He did better on formula to be honest. I’m not a fan of formula, but I couldn’t breastfeed past 8 months and we didn’t have access to raw milk. I am sure it had to do with the denatured product as well as the additives. This post has been very eye opening and I will be doing additional personal research on vitamins and additives in all products we eat.
I don’t know this site and I am going to look at it more when I have the time. I am concerned about some of the opinions of intolerance as well as “advice” being dispensed. Every person is different, and while certain things are clearly less advisable and unhealthy, it is a dangerous policy to make a blanket statement of advice regarding something like vitamins, etc. Different medical situations, genetics, nutritional profile through childhood and beyond, and economic circumstances all determine whether someone may need supplementation. The same goes with being well-suited to a vegetarian/vegan diet (or it to them). I would hope that the intent of this site is to raise awareness and discussion rather than alienate. There are good brands of products out there which the author and respondents have done a great job of identifying (thank you!). And hopefully every person listens to their bodies and instincts to determine what is best for them and their families.
Final note…Tremendous contributions have been made by the vegetarian and vegan communities in regard to nutritional information, cookbooks & recipes, etc. Although I am neither, I own a number of books written from that perspective. I find the raw food emphasis particularly useful for reminding myself to have a green smoothie or a bowl of fruit instead of a piece of buttered toast and a cheese stick just because it’s easy (I have dairy intolerance), and where I heard about almond milk in the first place. The well-known vegan, raw food advocate and author, Shazzie, spent a number of years researching children’s nutrition after her daughter was born. The result is one of the best nutrition books, especially for children, I have ever read (Evie’s Kitchen)–also chock-full of recipes that are highly nutritious and will appeal to children. The publication of her book created tremendous controversy within that community by stating she had never seen a truly healthy, unsupplemented raw vegan child. She takes great care as a vegan to make sure she gets all the nutrition she needs and knows where to go for the sources, but was willing to question her beliefs rather than impose them, for the sake of her child’s health and well-being. There are so many nutritional lifestyles, and we all have things we can learn from one another–I hate to see a group denigrated and reader’s alienated when they could benefit from the comments here, and reader’s could also benefit from what they bring to the table. Undoubtedly, we all have more in common than not in our desire to feed ourselves and our families more whole and nutritious foods and live harmoniously on the planet.
An excellent post. It’s unfortunate that a product that markets itself as being a healthy alternative contains so many unnecessary synthetic components. I’ll definitely look in to finding ways to consume coconut milk without the additives, because I do find it to be an excellent tasting beverage and great substitute for milk taste-wise.
The only carton of any type of organic milk here, is the one that sais organic on the label of ingredients shown. This is way misleading. She is referring to “organic” almond milk, while showing almond breeze, non-organic. From this report we have no idea what is in organic almond milk; as Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almond milk is not organic at all.
Lauren,
You are absolutely right about this lady’s intentions. She sounds knowledgeable, but may have issues with self worth. Did you check her statement about BPA cans? Lol! She said she’d rather people drink out of BPA FREE cans than drink products that are obviously taking advantage of the whole foods process. Her suggestions are ludicrous and remind me of someone with munchausen by proxy syndrome, only on a grander scale. In her case, making the world sick so she can feel ‘gratified’ she healed them. So for those of you who do not know there are actual whole food products you can purchase that are truly organic. Check your local Asian, African or Middle Eastern store aisle for ‘true’ products which you don’t have to make yourself! Do be careful as even a few of these have guar gum/xantham gum as an additive. Get the product that has one ingredient: Coconut Milk! So you see unfortunately this overindulged Internet hog, doesn’t know everything. That’s why a community of information sharing will always be better than one person who wants alllllllll the glory….tsk, tsk (shaking my head)! My son has some severe issues, one being asthma of an incredible oxygen robbing manifestation. After learning bout coconut water and other pure, non-refined coconut products such as coconut milk, cream (just add water to make it milk), vinegar, sugar, etc. we’ve seen a steady improvement in his health and social skills (when one is oxygen deprived your communication skills go down the drain as who can learn to talk when you can’t breath so you use your hands wildly and this learned behavior doesn’t leave once the gift of air is given. So imagine what it must be like for him at school)! This lady has a lot to learn about ethics and research. She is truly just taking advantage of weakened minds and desperate attitudes. If one truly cares about one’s health, do whatever research necessary to validate her claims! There is too much information on the Internet of RELIABLE source to counteract her unjustified, confused and poorly written diatribe! Please do your research and yes, READ THE LABELS COMPLETELY!
H. Nicole Lea Mon
Naturopathic Therapist
I been drinking it anyway.I’m not a vegetarian.I just never liked milk that much.I got silk brand for awhile.Got a couple “organic” so delicious brands yesterday.Synthetics in USDA organic,doesn’t surprise me really.I went to all local stores & couldn’t find anything better.None carry organic coconuts or any type of organic nuts.I bet they are dipped in fluoride anyway.
Thanks so much for this information. I am a bit dubious that the cans of coconut milk sold on amazon.com are truly BPA free…but I may try those out and just dilute that milk in water. I just found out the other day that carageenan and guar gum are, essentially, MSG, and I am really upset about it…not that I drink a lot of almond milk, but it is my go-to drink, particularly when I make hemp protein shakes. Thanks for the Vitamin D2 info as well. You’ve upset the vegans on here…I’m vegetarian who is trying to convert to veganism, and I was unaware that there was no viable plant-based Vitamin A source…but i will search for a supplement, because I just can’t do something that is cruel and bad for the environment, even if i tried. There must be another way, I’m sure. Thanks again.
Try roasted seaweed(sushi sheets).You get 20%DV of vitamin A per sheet.
thanks for that info! i love seaweed.
What a Bummer. Thought I was doing ok. I like the taste of almond milk. Will have to make my own I guess. Doesn’t it tear up your blender?
so… i read everyone’s commnet…can come to a conculsions that under any circumstances DO NOT give milk to ur kids…..But then what to do…..i work and teach and tutor….and have NO time to make my.own…BUT still think my kids should drink some sort of milk to get their Vitamins and Calicum….
Pls. help what do i do? what can i give them……
i just started buying almond milk heard it was suppose to be good for..u…BUT now i am confused and dont know what to do…
PLS HELP!!!
Your first picture is somewhat misleading as Pacific Natural Foods Almond Milk doesn’t contain the ingredients you warn about.
Ewen, I just checked the Pacific Natural Foods site…and all of the milks contain carageenan or some sort of “gum,” Vitamin A Palmitate, “natural flavorings” (which should raise a red flag…), and Vitamin D2. *sigh*
Another reason the article is misleading is Mrs. Sarah should have also taken a photo of a carton of cow’s milk from the grocery store shelf to be fair.
I’m looking at a photo of a gallon of Great Value Brand Fat-Free Milk and this is the ingredient list:
Ingredients: Fat-free milk, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3
The fact that synthetic Vitamin A Palmitate is a harmful ingredient is not incorrect or misleading, but that she chose to single out ONLY the non-dairy products (that mostly appeal to vegans) to bring attention to this dangerous additive.
If she truly wanted to make this post an educational experience for her readers (dairy consumers and non-dairy consumers alike), she should have also mentioned that commercialized cow milk also contains the harmful Vitamin A Palmitate ingredient as well.
Not good for dairy consumers who are unable to purchase raw cow’s milk as she suggests.
This article was overwhelming to say the least.
Are you saying that findings show something about the cartons themselves is leeching into these milk alternatives?
Or, is it what is added to them? They can add stuff to cans, and let me know where BPA-free cans are, because I’ve never seen them. Even if BPA-free, cans just don’t seem like the best choice for any ingestable item.
I’ve been trying to find somewhere else on the web that describes what you’re saying about Vitamin A palmitate and I just can’t find anything so negative.. I’ve been trying alternatives for milk and I found this page on a curiosity search to see if I could find downsides to it.. And from what I’ve researched past this post, based on what you’re saying, the vitamin a palmitate in these kinds of drinks are synthetic so as to appeal to vegans, because it’s usually animal derived, and vegans don’t like that… And overdoing it on any vitamin or food, or anything ever in general can harm your body, so yes, it can eventually cause an ‘imbalance’ if only in that you overdose on it. I am still not convinced that this can possibly be something that causes me not to drink the stuff, considering that I drank milk for 21 years only to find out recently that milk is horrible for you.. This seems to be a pretty decent alternative
I have been using SO Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk for a few months now. I usually pour it in my oatmeal and a couple of cups of coffee daily, about 1 – 2 cups daily use. I started using this product because of an episode I saw on the Dr. Oz show. I, like Liz above, found this page on a curiosity search and am a little concern about the Vitamin A palmitate and Vitamin D2. If the alternative to cow’s milk coconut is healthy, how can we avoid the additives? Are there other products in the market you can recommend?
It seem like everything we try to consume that should be healthy turns out not so.
If someone said, “I drink almond milk instead of raw milk – is that good?” What would your reply be?
Ellen, what is “raw milk”? Cow’s milk or milk that comes from another animal’s udder? I just try to differentiate when I use the word “milk.” I am an animal rescuer, and I encounter a lot of people who will rescue little kittens and give them what they call, “milk” and I say, “cow’s milk? that’s for baby cows, not baby cats…they could develop diarrhea and die from that, so please don’t use cow’s milk for a different species.” And then that makes them think. We are the only species that drinks “milk” from another species. Is raw milk unpasteurized, unprocessed cow’s milk?
Thanks.
Vitamin A Palmitate – This is a synthetic version of vitamin A that is associated with birth defects and bone fractures while providing zero health benefits. Other side effects of this isolated chemical form of vitamin A include tumor enhancement, joint disorders, osteoporosis, extreme dryness of eyes, mouth and skin, enlargement of liver and spleen, and immune suppression. As an added note, vitamin A toxicity, known as hyper-vitaminosis, always results from consuming too much synthetic “purified” vitamin A and never from naturally occurring vitamin A found from natural food sources. Still haven’t thrown out your store-bought “almond milk?”
Vitamin D2 – This synthetic chemical needs to be avoided at all costs as toxicity occurs easily with ingested synthetic D2. This occurs especially in children. In fact, a single dose of synthetic vitamin D of 50mg or greater is toxic for adults. The immediate effect of toxicity is abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. In time, as toxicity builds, the result is a buildup of irreversible deposits of calcium crystals in the soft tissues of the body that damage the heart, lung and kidneys.*
Hey Sarah,
I’m not quit sure if you took those pictures or there stock photo’s but we buy both of those products you have in the picture and the nutrition and ingredients labels on our containers look nothing like yours.
Pacific Foods organic Almond Milk ( unsweetened Original: water, organic almonds, organic rice starch, organic vanilla, sea salt, natural flavors, carrageenan)
So Delicious Coconut Milk Organic ( unsweetened: organic coconut milk, water, organic coconut cream, carrageenan, guar gum).
So like i said not sure if those labels belong to those products. Can you send me info on your qualifications on giving health and nutrition advise.
I can forward you actual real photo’s of these products and labels if you like.
Thanks
If you bought them in Canada, they will not have the same ingredients. The US versions of So Delicious at least does have all those ingredients as I have bought it there and imported it. The Canadian version does not because of our food additive laws.
Can you send me info on your qualifications on giving health and nutrition advise.
I can forward you actual real photo’s of these products and labels if you like.
Thanks
THE LABELS ON THE FIRST PHOTOS – DO NOT MATCH THE NUTRITIONAL FACTS PHOTOS….. COME ON PEOPLE…. JUST BECAUSE SHE IS POSTING A BLOG….DOES NOT MEAN ITS TRUE!!!
QUALIFICATIONS? ANY PROOF OTHER THAN HER ONE SOURCE????
I CAN PROVIDE ONE SOURCE TO COUNTER HER ONE SOURCE TOO! ANYONE COULD USING THE INTERNET!!!
BY THE WAY… CARRAGEENAN…. THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF CARRAGEENAN!!!! ONE IS UNGRADED AND ANOTHER IS GRADED. DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE SAYING ITS BAD IN GENERAL!!!! SO FRUSTRATING!!
I really hope you are really researching this before causing such a scare. What makes me wonder is your comment about synthetic vitamin A, specifically, causing birth defects. That statement is both true and extremely misleading. Too much of ANY vitamin A causes birth defects. This was what was taught in my advanced biology nutrition class when I was in college, as well as what my OB said when I was pregnant.
Hi Sarah…I am Canadian too and was looking at the label of my almond milk that I give to my daughter who is just over one year old. Ingredients are: filtered water, almonds, tapioca starch, natural vanilla flavour, calcium carbonate, sea salt, potassium citrate, carrageenan and sunflower lecithin.
Vitamin A, D and C are listed as 0%, Calcium is 30%, Iron 4%, Vitamin E 15%, Phosphorous 2% and Magnesium 8%.
Let me know what you think, or anyone else for that matter!
Thanks!!!
We cannot trust what this woman has to say. I checked the cartons as well and the label are NOTHING LIKE IT SHOWS IN THE PICTURE! So Delicious is one of the best products out there. I have spoken to not only the customer service representative, but also the quality control department. Do you know, that the coconut milk products are certified Vegan, Kosher, Gluten Free, Organic, BPA Free, Non-GMO? They test ALL the product and ingredients before, during, and after the finished product? They are approved by FAAN, and the Organic Network.
Before believing this person blogging and posting misinformed information, speak to the actual company! So Delicious is the only one that is very open and provided me with any answers to any questions I have ever asked. That company actually cares.
I broke down how much it costs to make my own almond milk with 5 lbs of store bought bulk Raw Organic Whole Shelled Almond (ROWSA) and here’s what I got:
- 1 lbs = 3 cups. (That’s a conservative figure); 5 lbs = 15 cups
- I make a single batch with 1 cup of ROWSA at the time and get 6 cups of almond milk using this recipe:
1 cup almonds, soaked and rinsed (Overnight in Fridge – Follow Janet’s advice)
2.5 Tsp Maple syrup
6 cups water (you may use only 5 for thicker milk)
Pinch sea salt
1 tbs vanilla extract (optional)
Blend almond with only 2 cups of water to produce fine almond meal. Then filter with Cheesecloth or create your own filter bag made of fine fabric.
- This makes 90 cups of almond milk;
- There’s 45 pints in 90 cups;
- Each store bought almond milk cartons is 2 pints; 45 pints/2 = 22.5 cartons
- So you’ll need to buy 22.5 cartons at $3.00 (Also a conservative figure) to get the same quantity of homemade almond milk; 22.5 cartons @ $3.00 = $67.50
- The cost of 5 lbs of ROWSA is $37.50 (I get mine online at Azurestandard.com)
- Even at $10.00/lbs ($50) it’s still a good and clean deal! No Carrageenan, additive of all sort and waste…speaking of which HERE’S ONE DELICIOUS WAY TO USE YOUR ALMOND MEAL (I dry mine in a toaster oven @ 175 F for 25 minutes moving the meal around every 10 min.):
DRY INGREDIENTS:
-3 cups (450g) of almond meal
-2 tsps baking soda
-1/2 tsp salt
WET INGREDIENTS:
-1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil melted
-4 large eggs
-2 very ripe bananas, mashed
-3 tsps vanilla
-3 tsps cinnamon
-1/2 cup (50g) of walnut, chopped
-1/2 cup of carob chips (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 350C(175F)
2. Combine DRY INGREDIENTS in a small bowl
3. In separate bowl mix together coconut oil and eggs
4. Mix the flour combination into oil and eggs, stir until well blended.
5. Add mashed bananas, vanilla and cinnamon. Fold in walnuts and carob chips.
6. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 25-30 min. or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Enjoy!
What you’re describing is not the case in every country. For example, in Canada, the brand of coconut milk you’re showing in the photo has no vitamin supplementation whatsoever. Many “Canadian” version of US products do not because we have stricter food additive laws when it comes to vitamins and minerals (for example, manufacturers are not allowed to fortify ANYTHING with vitamin K!). It doesn’t stop the carrageenan, however, but I thought you’d be interested to know that.
So if I’ve understood correctly, almond milk itself is good but when commercially packaged check the other ingredients which may not be.
I just like the helpful information you supply to your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and test again here frequently. I’m somewhat certain I will be told plenty of new stuff right here! Good luck for the following!
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I just called So Delicious. Their coconut milk is organic and contains NO SYNTHETIC VITAMINS and the Vitamin D is not D2 I believe….it just says Vitamin D. The consumer relations gal is checking with their scientist to confirm on the Vitamin D and will let me know. I feel bad for all those who read this article who thought they could no longer have their cartoned coconut milk. So Delicious IS O.K.
I did find out many good things from reading both the article and ALL the comments. Thank you! As a 4 decades plus vegetarian in excellent health who looks quite a bit younger than my birth-age, I do wish you would just “agree to disagree” with us veggies and hold back on the sniping. Appreciatively, kanta
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Good Post Since I’m a Personal Trainer I Started Telling My Clients About It. They Love Me even more now. BUT IM A RAW MILK ADVOCATE NOTHING BUT RAW MILK IN MY HOUSE RIGHT DOWN TO THE BABY. GOOD INFO
I’ve been giving my 14 month old daughter silk almond milk for two months now and just purchased so delicious coconut milk last night to mix with her almond milk. She can’t have lactose and besides that I am trying to avoid cows milk due to all of the growth hormones and antibiotics used on cows. I thought I had found a healthy option with the almond milk but apparently not.. is there a healthy option to purchase??
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