Alpro Almond Milk and Hazelnut Milk Review

Since switching from dairy milk to soya milk a few years ago, and after trying out numerous different brands, it's generally Alpro that's found in my fridge. So it was with great interest to notice Alpro recently introduced two new alternatives to dairy milk which aren’t made from soy beans.

These two new ‘milks’ are both made from nuts with the nuts in question being almonds and hazelnuts.

Like soya milk, these ‘nut’ milks are suitable for vegetarians and vegans since they’re 100% plant based. They’re available as chilled and ambient with the chilled varieties packed in a similar style to Alpro's fresh soya milks.

Although I've noticed other brands of nut milks in the supermarkets, I've been put off by the calorie content or the price. Plus, I didn't have any idea what I'd use them for.

Still on this occasion, temptation got the better of me and I bought both flavours. Why? Well, the packaging was enticing and they were on special offer. Clever marketing has a large part to play. But one other big plus point for me was the calories. The Alpro Almond milk has only 24 calories per 100ml and the Alpro Hazelnut has 29 calories.

UPDATE: January 2013 -  NEW Alpro Unsweetened Almond Milk - 13 calories per 100ml. See post.

All Alpro Drinks are:

• 100% plant based 
• Naturally low in saturated fat 
• Source of calcium and vitamins B2, B12, D. 
• Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives 
• Free from animal fats 
• Free from lactose and dairy free

Alpro Almond Milk	Alpro  Hazelnut Milk
Subtle taste of lightly roasted Mediterranean almonds 48 calories per 200ml glass Source of vitamin E Free from saturated fat Contains almonds, no soya	Smooth and creamy with a rich taste of hazelnuts 58 calories per 200ml glass Source of vitamin E Low in saturated fat Contains hazelnuts, no soya

First to try out was the Almond Milk.  
 
Alpro say:

“When asked if we could blend roasted Mediterranean almonds with spring water to create a smooth and silky Alpro® almond milk, we thought, ‘Great Idea – let’s find out’. Then we tasted this little pearl of plant goodness with 48 calories a glass and free from saturated fat, and we haven’t stopped smiling since. Unlock the subtle taste of lightly roasted almonds over cereal or simply on its own for a deliciously healthy way to start your day.”

Almonds, I must admit, are my least favourite nut so my expectations were low. The first test was how it tasted on its own. And what a surprise. It’s delicious with a slightly sweet and faint nutty taste, but not obviously almonds. In fact, it’s so tasty I can easily drink it on its own. Poured into my tea, it seemed to make the tea stronger somehow, while in coffee, I can detect a slight burnt flavour – maybe the roast almonds? Using half my regular soy milk mixed with half Almond milk tasted best. I’ll happily buy this again.

Next to try was the Hazelnut.  

Alpro say:

 “How do you turn hazelnut into a delicious drink? When asked if we could blend a pile of hazelnuts with spring water to create a smooth and creamy Alpro® Hazelnut drink, we thought ‘We've just got to try this’. Then we tasted this nutty little pearl of plant goodness, naturally low in saturated fat with 58 calories a glass and we haven't stopped smiling since. Delicious in a home-made smoothie, mixed into hot porridge, or simply as a relaxing drink during the day.”

On opening Alpro Hazelnut milk, the smell of hazelnuts is unmistakable. I did get a surprise when pouring it out though, as it’s a pale chocolate brown colour rather than a creamy white. And the taste – it’s gorgeous. This nut milk tastes exactly like sweet hazelnuts.

While it’s flavour is too strong for tea, it’s given my home made cappuccinos a new lease of life! Using half Alpro Hazelnut milk and half regular soya milk is just like having a shot of hazelnut syrup in a shop bought coffee. And, although I didn’t fancy it on regular cereal, it goes perfectly with a nutty muesli. Probably more than anything else though, Alpro’s Hazelnut milk is absolutely delicious as a drink on its own. Alpro's suggestions include using Hazelnut milk in a home-made smoothie or mixed into porridge.

Alpro Hazelnut Milk (Left) and Alpro Almond Milk

Overall verdict – a huge success. I’ll definitely keep buying these, as long as the price remains close to Alpro’s plain soya milk. Sometimes it’s worth taking a chance and trying something different as you’ll never really know what’s it’s like until you’ve tried it.

Alpro Almond and Hazelnut milks are available in larger supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Tesco.

Nutrition Information per 100ml Alpro Almond Milk: 24 calories, 0.5g protein 3.0g carbohydrates, 3.0g sugars, 1.1g fat, 0.1g saturates, 1.6g fibre, 0.13g salt, 120mg calcium.

Nutrition Information per 100ml Alpro Hazelnut Milk: 29 calories, 0.3g protein, 3.0g carbohydrate, 3.0g sugars, 1.6g fat, 0.2g saturates, nil cholesterol, nil lactose, 2.3g fibre, 0.13g salt, 120mg calcium.

Ingredients Alpro Almond Milk: Water, Sugar, Almond (2%),Tri-Calcium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Stabilisers (Locust Bean Gum, Gellan Gum), Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin),Vitamins (Riboflavin (B2), B12, E, D2).

Ingredients Alpro Hazelnut Milk: Water, Sugar, Hazelnuts (2.5%),Tri-Calcium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Stabilisers (Locust Bean Gum, Gellan Gum), Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin),Vitamins (Riboflavin (B2), B12, E, D2).

Alpro milk can be introduced as part of a healthy balanced diet from the age of 1 year. Not suitable as a main milk alternative for children under 3.

Related Posts:

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Alpro Almond Milk Unsweetened - Read Post
Alpro Coconut Milk Review - Read Post
Alpro Soya Milk Light Review – Read Review 
Alpro Almond Milk and Hazelnut Milk Review – Read Review 
Alpro Soya Drink Simply Mild Review – Read Review 
Alpro Unsweetened Almond Milk Review – Read Review

See also:

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Tesco Free From Coconut Milk Review – Read Review 
Diamond Breeze Almond Milk Review - Read Post
9 Types of Non Dairy Milk Alternatives - Read Post 

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