Is Organic Almondmilk Original Refrigerated Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look for specific red flags when evaluating products for gluten sensitivity. For Organic Almondmilk Original Refrigerated, the ingredient list is reassuringly simple and avoids the most common culprits. The primary ingredients are filtered water and organic almonds. These are naturally gluten-free and form the base of the liquid without any grain interference.

The sweetener used is organic cane sugar. Unlike barley malt syrup or certain modified food starches derived from wheat, pure cane sugar is naturally free of gluten. The product also utilizes organic locust bean gum and gellan gum as thickeners. These are plant-derived stabilizers commonly used in dairy-free milks to prevent separation and improve texture; they are safe alternatives to wheat-based thickeners.

Finally, the fortification blend includes calcium carbonate and vitamin d2. These are standard synthetic (or mineral-derived) vitamins used to mimic the nutrient profile of dairy milk. There is no risk of gluten hiding in these additives. The only allergen warning present is for almonds, meaning the manufacturing facility likely handles tree nuts but not necessarily wheat.

Nutritional Value

When evaluating the health profile of Organic Almondmilk Original Refrigerated, the main consideration is the added sugar. The 'Original' variety typically contains added sweeteners to mimic the mouthfeel and taste of dairy milk. While this makes it palatable, it adds empty calories. If you are strictly monitoring your sugar intake, this might not be the best option compared to an 'Unsweetened' variety.

On the positive side, this product is fortified. The addition of calcium carbonate and vitamin d2 makes it a viable option for bone health, which is often a concern when switching away from dairy. It is also naturally low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol. For those on a gluten-free diet who also need to avoid lactose, this serves as a nutrient-fortified, heart-healthy alternative.