Almond-based drinks
Friendly Farms Almond Milk, Original
1.89 L
Score
- Ultra-processed
Why it scores 68
Friendly Farms Almond Milk, Original scores 68 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 3 points 3 kinds of ultra-processing markers: Industrial additive classes found: emulsifier, flavoring and thickener, stabilizer or gelling agent. Emerging
- minus 2.5 points Natural flavors: "Natural flavor" is a legal category (21 CFR 101.22(a)(3)): flavor substances from spices, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy or fermentation. Info
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better plant milks
-
Organic Almondmilk - Unsweetened Vanilla Three Trees · 28 fl oz Not ultra-processed · No gellan gum Score 100 out of 100 , 32 points higher -
Organic Almondmilk Vanilla Califia Farms · 48 fl oz Not ultra-processed · No gellan gum Score 98 out of 100 , 30 points higher -
Simple almond milk Mooala Organic · 32 fl oz Not ultra-processed · No gellan gum Score 98 out of 100 , 30 points higher -
Organic Almondmilk Unsweetened Califia Farms · 48 fl oz/1.5 Quart/1.4 L Not ultra-processed · No gellan gum Score 98 out of 100 , 30 points higher -
Unsweetened Almond Almondmilk New Barn Organics Not ultra-processed · No gellan gum Score 97 out of 100 , 29 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Almond Milk, Original
Ingredients
- Natural flavors minus 2.5 points
- Gellan gum minus 2.5 points
- Potassium phosphate minus 2.5 points
- Sunflower lecithin minus 1.5 points
- Xanthan gum minus 1.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
- 3 kinds of ultra-processing markers minus 3 points
Nutrition per 100 ml
- Energy 13 kcal / 100 ml minus 1 points
100 − 32.5 = 67.5 → 68
Nutrition per 100 ml
| Energy | 13 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 1 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.4 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 0.4 g |
| Salt | 0.2 g |
Serving: 1 portion (240 ml)
Ingredients
- almondmilk (filtered water, almonds)
- calcium carbonate
- natural flavors
- sea salt
- gellan gum
- dipotassium phosphate
- sunflower lecithin
- xanthan gum
- vitamin a palmitate
- vitamin d2
- d-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin e)
Label text, as published
almondmilk (filtered water, almonds), calcium carbonate, natural flavors, sea salt, gellan gum, dipotassium phosphate, sunflower lecithin, xanthan gum, vitamin a palmitate, vitamin d2, d-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin e)
Allergens and diets
Contains: Tree nuts
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
Sources
-
21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov
-
EFSA issues new advice on phosphates
“We estimated that dietary exposure to phosphates may exceed the new ADI for infants, toddlers and children with average consumption of phosphates in their diet.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
-
“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org