Does Almond meal muffin contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy (butter, cream, milk). It does not list wheat ingredients but may contain traces of wheat due to cross-contamination.

Is Almond meal muffin good for weight loss?

At 360 calories and 21g of fat per serving, it is quite high in calories for a muffin and may not fit into a strict weight loss plan.

Where can I buy Almond meal muffin?

Based on the label, this product is distributed and sold exclusively by Trader Joe's.

Is Almond meal muffin safe for kids?

It contains nuts (almonds, walnuts) and dairy, which are common allergens. It also contains 15g of added sugar, so moderation is advised for children.

Is Almond meal muffin Vegan?

No, the Almond meal muffin is not vegan. While the name suggests a plant-based treat, a closer look at the ingredients reveals several animal-derived products. This includes dairy in the form of butter and cream, as well as eggs.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look past the marketing name to the actual formulation. The Almond meal muffin relies heavily on almond meal and vegetables like zucchini and carrots, which gives it a wholesome appearance. However, the structural and flavor components are strictly non-vegan.

The primary red flags are the dairy ingredients. The label lists Unsalted Butter, Pasteurized Cream, and Milk. These are standard in traditional baking to provide moisture and richness, but they disqualify the product from a vegan diet. Additionally, the presence of Eggs acts as a binding agent, which is another animal product.

There is also a minor concern for strict vegans regarding the Sweetened Dried Cranberries. These are processed with cane sugar. While most sugar is vegan, some strict vegans avoid sugar processed with bone char (animal bone). Furthermore, the label warns that the muffin may contain traces of wheat. While oats are listed as an ingredient, they are often cross-contaminated with gluten-containing grains during harvesting or processing unless certified gluten-free.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

milkcreambutteregg

Nutritional Value

Nutritionally, this muffin is quite dense. With 360 calories per serving, it is more of a dessert or a heavy snack than a light breakfast. The fat content is significant at 21g, driven by the butter, cream, almonds, and walnuts. Saturated fat accounts for 6g, which is 30% of the daily value, making it quite rich.

Sugar is another area to watch. There are 17g of total sugars, with 15g being added sugars. This accounts for 8% of the daily value, which is moderate for a sweet baked good but high if you are monitoring sugar intake. On the positive side, it offers 5g of fiber and 9g of protein, likely thanks to the almond meal and eggs, which helps balance the carbohydrate load.