Almond vs Macadamia Milk for Weight Loss: What's Better?

Plant-based milk’s popularity is undeniable today, with the US market growing by 6 percent from 2020 to 2021, and by 11 percent from 2021 to 2022 [1]. In the wide variety of vegan options available, almond milk and macadamia milk are surely some of the favorites, each having its own unique flavors and nutritional profiles. But when it comes to weight loss, which one stands out?

In this article, we’ll compare almond milk and macadamia milk, exploring their calorie content, health benefits, and how they can fit into your weight loss journey.

Who Generally Chooses Plant-Based Milk?

• Individuals with lactose-intolerance
• Personal preference or health reasons
• Vegans
• Nutritional benefits

What is Almond Milk?

Almond milk is a plant-based milk alternative, and almond milk production is the process of blending the nuts with water and straining away the solid parts.

Almond Milk: Taste and Texture

Almond milk has a watery, smooth texture and a distinct nutty flavor. Its taste can range from subtly sweet to slightly bitter, depending on whether it’s sweetened. Some brands even produce varieties that closely mimic the taste of cow’s milk.

While the unmodified version tastes quite different from dairy milk, almond milk remains a popular choice in various recipes, thanks to the unique nuttiness it adds compared to cow’s milk.

What is Macadamia Milk?

Similar to almond milk, macadamia milk is also the product of blending and straining. Raw macadamia nuts are soaked in water, blended, and then filtered to produce plant-based milk.

Macadamia Milk: Taste and Texture

Macadamia milk has a slightly sweet flavor and a thick, creamy texture, making it a popular substitute for cow’s milk. The taste can vary between brands, sometimes even featuring a hint of vanilla. However, this milk alternative tends to be a bit more expensive than options like cashew, almond, coconut, or oat milk, primarily due to the rarity of macadamia nuts. Now let’s get into almond vs macadamia milk for weight loss.

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What is Better For Weight Loss: Almond Milk or Macadamia Milk?

To judge almond vs macadamia milk for weight loss, we must first look at the fat content related to the beverages. While almonds have a higher fat content than macadamia nuts, almond milk has lower fat content than macadamia milk. Almond milk has lesser calories and fat, while macadamia milk has a greater content of healthy fats and calories in comparison. But it’s always important to check the labels for nutritional value as the content can differ from brand to brand, and some of them have added sugars.

Both these milk alternatives can be a great addition to diets. A clinical trial on obese women proved how the protein and fiber in almonds make them ideal for weight loss diets, and a research study on macadamia oil showed how monosaturated fats in macadamia nuts can also help protect against weight gain. However, overall judgment still points towards almond milk being better for weight loss mainly due to its calorie and fat content.

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Almond Milk vs Macadamia Milk: Nutritional Profiles

For those switching to plant-based alternatives for embarking on a healthier lifestyle, this information is important to take note of:

Almond Milk: Rich in Vitamins and Low in Calories

• Almond milk contains more fibre than macademia milk, which is great for digestive health.
• Almond milk also has more fiber compared to cow’s milk, making it a better option for those looking to increase their fiber intake.
• It is lower in fats and therefore recommended for weight loss diets.
• Higher protein content.
• It’s a significant source of vitamin E, known for its skin health benefits.
• Almonds also boasts a higher calcium content, that is almost three times that of macadamia nuts.
• Other important nutrients include vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

Different brands may have different fortification levels, and so it is important to check them for your needs and preferences.

Macadamia Milk: Healthy Fats and Less Carbs

• Macadamia milk has a higher fat content than almond milk, but less carbs. Compared to cow’s milk, macadamia milk has a higher content of monounsaturated fats, which are considered good fats.
• Contains minerals like manganese.
• Contains essential nutrients like vitamin B.

Both these plant-based alternatives have varying nutritional profiles to them, so you can choose wisely based on what your body needs the most.

Other Health Benefits of Almond and Macadamia Milk

So, what benefits do almond and macadamia milk provide based on their nutrient profiles?

Almond milk, with its higher protein content [2], is a great option for those looking to build muscle without resorting to whole milk. Additionally, its high calcium content supports bone health [3], making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a lactose-free alternative. On the other hand, macadamia milk is ideal for those aiming to follow a low-cholesterol diet, as it is rich in healthy fats [4].

Almond milk also boasts antioxidant properties thanks to its vitamin E content, which promotes healthy skin and supports the immune system [5]. Meanwhile, macadamia milk shines with its vitamin B content, which is vital for cell metabolism and energy production [6].

Furthermore, the powerful antioxidant tocotrienols found in macadamia nuts may help prevent diseases such as cancer by inhibiting cell multiplication, and by protecting brain cells, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s [7]. Almonds, conversely, are linked to improved blood pressure and enhanced cognitive performance [8].

Which Type of Milk Is Healthier?

Choosing the healthier option between almond milk and macadamia milk ultimately depends on your personal needs and preferences for a dairy-free milk alternative. However, when examining the nutritional benefits of both, fortified almond milk appears to offer more vitamins and minerals compared to macadamia milk, as well as a lower fat content for weight loss. This makes almond milk a slightly more nutrient-dense choice overall.

Conclusion

We hope this article gives you the insight you needed to decide on what is more suitable to your diet needs, almond vs macadamia milk for weight loss, or any other nutritional reasons. Both almond milk and macadamia milk are great milk alternatives under plant-based milks, and there are also various other options to explore in the market like hemp milk, rice milk, oat milk, soy milk, etc. To learn more about how you can lead a better and fitter quality of life, check out the JustFit!