Chocolate almond milk: a sweet drink with almost no trials of its own

The best evidence on plant drinks and heart health, a 2026 network meta-analysis of 14 randomized trials with 543 participants, holds no almond drink at all, only soy, rice and oat. So we cannot tell you what this drink does to cholesterol, and we found no study of chocolate almond milk itself. What it contains is clearer. A cup (244 g) in the USDA survey database carries about 105 calories and 17 g of total sugars, recalculated from per 3.5 oz (100 g) values, and brands vary, some with no sugar. The trials that exist used plain almond drinks. In 26 healthy young adults, 8.5 fl oz (250 mL) of plain almond beverage with a high glycemic cereal kept blood glucose 27 percent lower than water over the first hour, the same as milk and soy drink. A chocolate version with added sugar was never tested.

The numbers, per 3.5 oz (100 g)

How much is actually in it

• Almond drinks vary more in protein than any other plant drink type, from none to 3.5 g per 3.5 oz (100 g), and are the lowest in energy. — retail plant-based beverages on the New Zealand market analyzed against milk Evidence D source
  Almond protein 0-3.5 g per 3.5 oz (100 g); almond energy about 80 kJ per 3.5 oz (100 g) vs about 280 kJ for milk
• In UK supermarkets almond milk had less calcium, iodine and potassium than dairy milk, and less protein. — 57 own-label non-dairy milks and 7 dairy milks in 6 leading UK grocers and Alpro (n = 99 products) Evidence C source
  Almond milk lower in carbohydrates (p = 0.01), sugars, calcium, iodine and potassium (p < 0.01) vs dairy

What a real portion looks like

• A standard cup of chocolate almond milk (244 g) in the USDA survey database carries about 105 calories and 17 g of total sugars. — USDA FNDDS food code 11350010, Almond milk, chocolate Evidence E source
  Per 100 g: 43 calories, 6.97 g total sugars, 161 mg calcium; per 1 cup 244 g: 104.9 calories, 17.0 g sugars, 392.8 mg calcium
• Added calcium in almond drinks settles: an unshaken almond sample held 14% less calcium than the same drink well mixed. — one representative almond plant-based beverage from the New Zealand market, shaken vs unshaken (n = 1 product) Evidence D source
  Calcium 14% lower in unshaken almond sample; protein of non-soy plant drinks 24-66% lower unshaken

What cooking and storage change

• Pilot-plant pasteurization of a fortified almond beverage at up to 116 C cut vitamin D2 by only 5.2% and left the added calcium and zinc unchanged. — fortified almond-based beverage produced in a pilot plant, three HTST temperatures (about 93, 104 and 116 C) (n = 3 trials) Evidence D source
  Vitamin D2 5.2% lower at 116 C (not significant); vitamin A palmitate 20.3% lower (not significant); calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium no significant change
• Thiamin was the one nutrient that heat processing clearly reduced in the almond beverage, falling 17.9% at the highest pasteurization temperature. — fortified almond-based beverage, pilot plant HTST processing (n = 3 trials) Evidence D source
  Thiamin 17.9% lower at 116 C vs unprocessed (p < 0.05); riboflavin and vitamin B6 not significantly affected

What it does to your health

• In a randomized crossover trial in 26 young adults, 8.5 fl oz (250 mL) of almond beverage with a high glycemic cereal lowered blood glucose over the first hour by 27% compared with water, like milk and soy drink. — 26 healthy young adults (13 men, 13 women), single breakfast test (n = 26) Evidence B source
  Postprandial glycemia 27% lower than water over the first hour for all beverages (p < 0.0001)
• A 2026 network meta-analysis of 14 RCTs with 543 participants on plant drinks and heart health found no trial of almond drink, only soy, rice and oat. — 14 RCTs, at least 3 weeks, 543 participants (n = 543) Evidence A source
  No almond drink data; soy drink vs cow milk LDL -18 mg/dL (-33 to -3.9; metric: -0.47 mmol/L, -0.85 to -0.10), low certainty

Safety, limits and interactions

• Three children who drank large amounts of almond milk developed high urinary oxalate with blood in the urine or kidney stones, which cleared after they stopped. — 3 children (n = 3) Evidence D source
  Hyperoxaluria, hematuria, dysuria or kidney stones; resolved after stopping almond milk
• A 4-month-old fed almond milk instead of formula developed hypercalcemia with serum calcium of 14.1 mg/dL. — one previously healthy 4-month-old girl (n = 1) Evidence D source
  Serum calcium 14.1 mg/dL, phosphate 1.6 mg/dL, PTH < 4 pg/mL
• A 14-month-old liver transplant recipient who drank only almond milk for two months was admitted with severe hypercalcemia of 14.6 mg/dL. — one 14-month-old girl after liver transplant (n = 1) Evidence D source
  Serum calcium 14.6 mg/dL, phosphorus 1.6 mg/dL; normalized after switch to formula

What people believe that the data does not support

• A scoping review of 247 studies found that plant milks other than fortified soy are nutritionally inferior to cow's milk, with low bioavailable protein, vitamin B12, zinc and iron. — 247 studies comparing alternative animal source foods with conventional ones (n = 247 studies) Evidence C source
  Plant-based milks except fortified soy inferior in protein and key micronutrients

Who this works differently for

• In a small randomized trial in 52 infants with cow's milk allergy, an almond-based food supported growth like soy or hydrolysate formula and caused no secondary sensitization. — 52 infants aged 5 to 9 months with cow's milk allergy or intolerance, 6 months (n = 52) Evidence B source
  No difference in growth; secondary sensitization 23% with soy formula and 15% with hydrolysate formula vs none with almond food
• In a 21-day pilot RCT in 18 adults with advanced kidney disease, almond milk carrying 4000 IU vitamin D3 raised serum 25(OH)D3 from 33.0 to 36.4 nmol/L while the plain almond milk group fell. — 18 adults with advanced chronic kidney disease, 4 fl oz (118 mL) almond milk daily for 21 days (n = 18) Evidence B source
  25(OH)D3 33.0 to 36.4 nmol/L with fortified almond milk vs 49.2 to 44.5 nmol/L in control (interaction p < 0.01); no change in calcium or PTH
• Observational data link each daily cup of plant-based milk in five-year-olds with slightly lower height and BMI, about 0.08 in (0.2 cm) and 0.22 lb (0.1 kg). — children aged five in cross-sectional and cohort studies, structured review Evidence C source
  Height-for-age z -0.04 (-0.07 to -0.01), BMI-for-age z -0.06 (-0.09 to -0.03) per cup

What is still unknown

• The only USDA SR Legacy record for chocolate almond milk is an unsweetened shelf-stable drink fortified with vitamins D2 and E, with 188 mg calcium and 4.19 mg vitamin E per 3.5 oz (100 g). — one USDA SR Legacy record, FDC 173187 Evidence E source
  Calcium 188 mg, vitamin E 4.19 mg, vitamin A 62 ug per 3.5 oz (100 g); no sample spread (not a Foundation Foods record)

The bottom line

On the New Zealand market almond drinks varied more in protein than any other plant drink, from none to 3.5 g per 3.5 oz (100 g), and were the lowest in energy at about 80 kJ per 3.5 oz (100 g) against about 280 kJ for milk, with chocolate versions not measured separately. In UK supermarkets, going by labels, almond milk had less protein, calcium, iodine and potassium than dairy milk. A scoping review of 247 studies judged plant milks other than fortified soy nutritionally inferior to cow's milk, with low bioavailable protein, vitamin B12, zinc and iron. It did not report almond drinks on their own. The only USDA SR Legacy record named chocolate almond milk is an unsweetened, shelf-stable drink fortified with vitamins D2 and E, with 188 mg calcium and 4.19 mg vitamin E per 3.5 oz (100 g). It is one record with no sample spread, and its name says unsweetened while the survey entry above is sweet. Shake the carton. In one almond drink from the New Zealand market, the unshaken sample held 14 percent less calcium than the well mixed one. That measures what reaches the glass, and absorption was not tested. Heat treatment matters less. In a pilot plant, pasteurizing one fortified almond beverage without cocoa or sugar at 116 C cut vitamin D2 by 5.2 percent, a change that was not significant, and left added calcium and zinc unchanged. Thiamin fell 17.9 percent at that temperature. The cautions concern children and heavy intake, and they come from case reports. Three children who drank excessive amounts of almond milk products developed high urinary oxalate with blood in the urine, painful urination or kidney stones, and all of it cleared once they stopped. The report gives no amounts. A 4-month-old fed almond milk in place of formula developed hypercalcemia with serum calcium of 14.1 mg/dL. A 14-month-old liver transplant recipient who drank only almond milk for two months was admitted with 14.6 mg/dL. The authors of the first infant report say almond milk is too low in calories, fat and protein and too high in free water and calcium to be an infant's main food. Observational data link each daily cup of any plant-based milk at age five with slightly lower height and weight, about 0.08 in (0.2 cm) and 0.22 lb (0.1 kg), and residual confounding may account for part of it. We have no card on almond drinks and medicines. Two trials used special products. In a small trial in 52 infants aged 5 to 9 months with cow's milk allergy, a purpose-made almond food supported growth like soy or hydrolysate formula over six months. None of those infants became sensitized to it, against 23 percent on soy formula and 15 percent on hydrolysate. That product was not a supermarket drink. In a 21-day pilot in 18 adults with advanced kidney disease, almond milk carrying 4000 IU vitamin D3 in soy protein nanoparticles raised blood 25(OH)D3 from 33.0 to 36.4 nmol/L, while it fell in the group on plain almond milk.

Sources

1. cam-r1-06 · laboratory analysis
   The almond PBB showed the widest variation in protein content (0–3.5 g per 100 g). ... The milk products had the highest energy content at around 280 kJ per 100 g, while the almond products had the lowest at around 80 kJ per 100 g.
   Smith NW et al. Front Nutr, 2022 · checked 2026-09-30
2. cam-r1-16 · cross-sectional
   Almond milk had lower values of carbohydrates (p = 0.01), sugars, calcium, iodine, and potassium (p < 0.01) compared to dairy milk. Protein was significantly (p < 0.01) lower for all ND except soya.
   Nutr Health, 2024 · checked 2026-09-30
3. cam-r1-02 · dataset
   Almond milk, chocolate, FNDDS code 11350010, fdc_id 2705408: Energy 43 KCAL, Total Sugars 6.97 G, Calcium 161 MG per 100 g; 1 cup 244 g
   USDA FNDDS, food code 11350010, fdc_id 2705408 · checked 2026-09-30
4. cam-r1-05 · laboratory analysis
   The unshaken almond and soy samples had 14 and 18% lower calcium contents than their well-mixed samples, whereas the unshaken rice and oat samples had 96 and 97% lower calcium contents than the well-mixed samples, respectively.
   Smith NW et al. Front Nutr, 2022 · checked 2026-09-30
5. cam-r1-03 · laboratory processing study
   The almond-based beverage processed at the highest temperature treatment (116°C) was 5.2% lower in vitamin D2 compared to the unprocessed control. ... Processing did not have a significant effect (p > 0.05) on either the amounts of the fortified minerals (calcium and zinc) or the naturally occurring minerals (magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium) (see Figure 4).
   Redan BW et al. Front Nutr, 2024 · checked 2026-09-30
6. cam-r1-04 · laboratory processing study
   Processing of the almond-based beverage at the highest temperature (116°C) resulted in 17.9% less thiamin (p < 0.05) compared to the unprocessed almond-based beverage. In contrast, both riboflavin (Figure 3B) and total vitamin B6 (Figure 3D) were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the processing temperature.
   Redan BW et al. Front Nutr, 2024 · checked 2026-09-30
7. cam-r1-07 · RCT (crossover)
   They consumed nonisocaloric amounts (250 mL) of almond beverage, soy beverage, 1% fat milk, yogurt beverage, and water (control) with cereal and 120 min later, an ad libitum meal. ... However, over the first hour, PPG for all treatments was 27% lower compared with water (p < 0.0001).
   Appl Physiol Nutr Metab, 2017 · checked 2026-09-30
8. cam-r1-13 · network meta-analysis
   Fourteen RCTs involving 543 participants were included, comparing soy-, rice-, oat drinks, and cow milk.
   Adv Nutr, 2026 · checked 2026-09-30
9. cam-r1-10 · case series
   We describe 3 children presenting with hematuria, dysuria or kidney stones, and hyperoxaluria believed to be related to ingestion of excessive amounts of almond milk products. ... All genitourinary and urinary metabolic disturbances resolved after discontinuation of almond milk ingestion.
   J Pediatr, 2015 · checked 2026-09-30
10. cam-r1-11 · case report
    Serum levels of calcium were increased at 14.1 mg/dL, serum phosphate decreased at 1.6 mg/dL, and serum parathyroid hormone decreased at <4 pg/mL. ... Milk alternatives including almond milk are calorie-poor, low fat, low protein, and too high in free water and calcium to safely be the primary nutrition source for infants.
    JPGN Rep, 2024 · checked 2026-09-30
11. cam-r1-12 · case report
    She was exclusively consuming almond milk for two months prior to presentation. She was admitted to the hospital for severe hypercalcemia (14.6 mg/dL) and hypophosphatemia (1.6 mg/dL).
    J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab, 2024 · checked 2026-09-30
12. cam-r1-14 · scoping review
    However, plant-based and fungi-based alternatives typically contained low bioavailable protein (except soy milk), vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. Plant-based milks, except fortified soy, were nutritionally inferior to cow's milk, particularly in terms of protein and key micronutrients.
    Lancet Planet Health, 2026 · checked 2026-09-30
13. cam-r1-08 · RCT
    A group of 52 infants aged 5 to 9 months and with documented CMI/CMA was enrolled and randomized to: almond milk (Group A, n=26); soy-based formula (Group B, n=13); protein hydrolysate-based formula (n=13). ... Supplementation with the soy-based and protein hydrolysate-based formulas caused the development, in some subjects, of a secondary sensitization (23% to soy-based and 15% protein hydrolysate-based formula), whereas supplementation with the almond milk did not.
    Minerva Pediatr, 2005 · checked 2026-09-30
14. cam-r1-09 · RCT (pilot)
    Participants (n = 18) were randomly assigned to consume 4 oz (118 ml) of almond milk daily with 4000 IU of vitamin D3 dispersed in soy protein nanoparticles (intervention group), or almond milk without vitamin D (control group). ... In the intervention group, there was a significant increase in 25(OH)D3 (33.0 ± 15.8 nmol/L to 36.4 ± 15.8 nmol/L; p < 0.05).
    J Nephrol, 2025 · checked 2026-09-30
15. cam-r1-15 · review
    The height-for-age z-score was -0.04 [-0.07; -0.01] and the BMI-for-age z-score was -0.06 [-0.09; -0.03] for each cup of PBMA in five-year-olds, corresponding to reductions of 0.2 cm in height and 0.1 kg in weight.
    Dtsch Arztebl Int, 2026 · checked 2026-09-30
16. cam-r1-01 · dataset
    Beverages, chocolate almond milk, unsweetened, shelf-stable, fortified with vitamin D2 and E, FDC 173187: Calcium 188 mg, Vitamin E 4.19 mg, Vitamin A 62 ug per 100 g
    USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy 2018, FDC 173187 · checked 2026-09-30