Have you ever heard of almond milk constipation? Constipation is a common digestive issue that can be uncomfortable and can often interfere with daily life. If you enjoy drinking almond milk, you may be wondering, “Does almond milk cause constipation?” or “Is almond milk good for constipation?” Let’s investigate.
This post was written by Lindsay Delk, RDN. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace medical advice or instructions given by your healthcare provider.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How Is Almond Milk Made?
To make almond milk, manufacturers soak raw almonds in water overnight to soften them. They are then blended with water into a silky liquid. Some manufacturers also add ingredients like sweeteners and flavorings. They then strain the mixture to remove the almond pulp, creating a creamy white liquid with a sweet nutty taste.
Because the almond pulp is removed, almond milk will not have the same fiber and protein you get from eating almonds.
Almond Milk as an Alternative to Cow Milk
Almond milk is a popular dairy alternative if you are looking to avoid lactose, cow milk proteins, or animal products. You can use almond milk as a direct replacement for cow milk in almost any application, but it won’t provide all the same nutrition benefits.
While almond milk provides some health benefits due to its high vitamin E content, it doesn’t contain the same amount of protein as cow milk. Make sure you are eating good sources of protein in other areas of your diet.
Most of the almond milk at the store is fortified with calcium and vitamin D, but read the nutrition label to be sure. It’s important to understand what you’re getting when switching to almond milk and how it might fit into your overall diet.
Does Almond Milk Cause Constipation?
The short answer is no, almond milk does not cause constipation under typical circumstances. Plain unsweetened almond milk consists mostly of water with some fat and small amounts of carbohydrates and protein.
The only part of almond milk that could cause some constipation is the calcium that is added to fortified milk. If you are drinking 1 to 3 cups of almond milk each day, this should not be a problem. But if you are drinking large amounts of fortified almond milk each day, this could potentially cause some constipation.
Is Almond Milk Good for Constipation?
Almond milk is not thought of as a constipation remedy. Since almond milk is low in fiber, it doesn’t function to relieve constipation. A high-fiber diet with plenty of fluids and exercise are the mainstays for relieving constipation naturally. If you want more fiber in your diet, try adding more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to your meals.
Bottom Line
Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative to cow milk and does not typically cause almond milk constipation nor help with constipation.