Choosing between the almond milk vs soy milk taste can be surprisingly important for supporting your plant-based diet. After all, you need to enjoy yourself!
The last thing you want is to switch milks and then throw of the flavour of your fave smoothie or coffee. So today we’ll dive into why almond milk might be a good choice for you, or when soy milk could be better.
Hi, I’m Hazel
I gave up on skincare after years of issues with acne and sensitive skin.
But after going plant-based, my skin cleared up and even started to glow. Now I help women reveal their natural beauty with simple, delicious plant-based food.
I also used to be a nurse, and love nerding out on nutritional science (high-quality science, that is).
As usual, this post is based on the strongest nutritional evidence I could find with a focus on the simplest, most delicious foods
…because who has time to waste on actions that don’t work?
The quick version:
Almond milk offers a slightly sweet and nutty flavour, making it ideal for cereals and smoothies. Soy milk, on the other hand, has a richer, creamier texture with a subtle bean-like taste, which works well in coffee and savoury dishes.
Taste Test: Almond vs. Soy Milk
Let’s start with the basics.
What does almond milk taste like?
When it comes to the taste of almond milk, you can trust for a slightly sweet flavour with a distinct nutty flavour that comes from raw almonds.
It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy a lighter, subtly sweet addition to their morning cereal or smoothie.
What does soy milk taste like?
On the other hand, unsweetened soy milk offers a creamy flavour and a richer texture, thanks to the soy protein derived from soy beans.
This makes it a better option for anyone looking for a milk that stands up well in heartier dishes or when you crave a richer, more robust coffee experience.
Each milk brings its unique profile to the table, influencing not just the taste but how you enjoy your favourite dishes.
How They Stack Up Against Dairy
Let’s delve into the unique flavours of almond and soy milk to determine which might suit your palate and how they compare as plant-based milk substitutes to traditional cow’s milk.
Almond milk
Almond milk is a great alternative for those avoiding dairy but still looking for a hint of sweetness naturally absent in cow’s milk.
However, its distinct taste might not appeal to everyone, especially those used to the blandness of skim milk or the richness of whole milk.
It’s also a great option if you’re conscious of acne.
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Breakout or Breakthrough? Is Almond Milk Good for Acne?
Soy milk
Features a creamy flavour with a fuller body, closer to cow’s milk than other plant-based options.
It’s a better option for those needing a milk substitute that can handle the robust flavours of savoury dishes and coffee without curdling.
Its bean-like taste, however, may be off-putting to some compared to the more neutral flavour of rice milk or oat milk.
How They Compare to Plant-Based Milks
Compared to other plant-based milk options, both almond and soy have more distinctive tastes, especially next to the very mild rice milk.
Yet, neither is as overpowering as coconut milk, whose flavour can dominate a dish unless carefully balanced.
The advantage of almond and soy milk’s distinctive tastes is their ability to enhance certain flavours in recipes—almond milk in sweet dishes and soy milk in savoury.
However, this can also be a downside if you prefer a more neutral background flavour, then oat milk might be the best choice.
Nutritional Benefits
While we’re here, let’s briefly compare the health perks of almond and soy milk to see which aligns with your wellness goals.
- Unsweetened soy milk: High in soy protein, vitamins, and minerals—ideal for meeting protein needs.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Lower in calories, perfect for those managing calorie intake.
You’ll also love:
Slimming Down: Is Soy Or Almond Milk Better?
Which Milk Wins?
Choose the right milk for the right dish to enhance your culinary experience.
- Sweet dishes: Almond milk excels, adding a sweet and nutty flavour.
- Savoury dishes: Unsweetened soy milk is the top pick, providing a creamy flavour that melds seamlessly with robust recipes.
You may also like:
Which is Better? Macadamia vs Almond Milk
Almond milk vs Soy milk taste
Now that you’ve got the scoop on almond milk vs soy milk taste, why not give both a try in your next kitchen adventure? Each has its unique charm, whether you’re whipping up a quick smoothie or crafting a hearty soup. Remember, the right choice isn’t just about taste—it’s about making your meals align with your lifestyle and health goals. Experiment with both and discover which milk truly suits your palate and enhances your plant-based journey.
References
Most references below will link to the original peer-reviewed study itself. However, sometimes I will link to a video over at NutritionFacts.org instead, which is by far the single best resource of brutally transparent nutritional evidence you will ever see. Dr Greger tells a great story about the realities of the science and if I think you will benefit more from one of his videos, the link will take you there instead.
Happy nerding!