I still remember stumbling upon Califia Farms for the first time at a trade show many years ago. Back then, they were still struggling an identity crisis. They were an almond milk maker, but some of their almond milks contained dairy. They eventually dropped the dairy from their formulas and joined the vegan ranks with a full line of dairy-free milk beverages and creamers.
But what sets them apart from the pack is their dedication to mainstream products with rich flavor and low or no added sugars. Califia Farms Almondmilk has a notable almond taste, but it comes in three sugar-free varieties and the others are much lower in sugar than competitive brands. Even their Chocolate milk beverage and Nog contain just 10 grams and 8 grams of sugar respectively, which is about half the norm.
Califia Farms Almondmilk is Flavor-Forward but Quite Low in Sugar
Over the years, we have sampled several Califia Farms Almondmilk varieties, so I’ve included some notes below. But let us know what you think of them – you can leave your own rating and review below!
Unsweetened
Pure, no sugar added, almondy goodness. I love having a good almond milk on hand without any sugar, to compliment when something is already a bit sweet, or to help out in savory dishes. The true almond flavor doesn’t work with all savories, but is great for heartier or earthy recipes.
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almonds), calcium carbonate, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, potassium citrate, natural flavors, locust bean gum, gellan gum.
Nutrition (per 1 cup): 35 calories, 3g fat, 1g carbs, 1g fiber, 0g sugars, 1g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 45% calcium.*
Unsweetened Vanilla
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almonds), sunflower lecithin, sea salt, potassium citrate, natural flavors, locust bean gum, gellan gum.
Nutrition (per 1 cup): 35 calories, 3g fat, 1g carbs, 1g fiber, 0g sugars, 1g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 45% calcium.*
Original
For true almond milk lovers only, this variety has just a hint of sweetness, but is rich with almond flavor. Tony loved it in his coffee. I found it a little rich for me for general sipping as did my niece. Although, it was very good in smoothies, hot chocolate, and when coupled with hearty granola.
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almonds), pure cane sugar, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, potassium citrate, natural flavors, locust bean gum, gellan gum.
Nutrition (per 1 cup): 60 calories, 4g fat, 6g carbs, 1g fiber, 5g sugars, 1g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 45% calcium.*
Vanilla
Considering Califia’s penchant for richness, we were expecting some in-you-face vanilla with this flavor, but it was surprisingly mild. Just an essence of vanilla, and actually a little less sweet than the Original variety. It had the same full-bodied consistency though.
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almonds), pure cane sugar, natural flavors, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, potassium citrate, locust bean gum, gellan gum.
Nutrition (per 1 cup): 50 calories, 3g fat, 4g carbs, 1g fiber, 3g sugars, 1g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 45% calcium.*
Toasted Oats ‘n Almond
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almonds), oat bran, calcium carbonate, sea salt, sunflower lecithin, natural flavors, gellan gum.
Nutrition (per 1 cup): 30 calories, 1.5g fat, 2g carbs, 1g fiber, 0g sugars, 1g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 35% calcium.*
Toasted Coconut
I didn’t think coconut would be able to compete much with the almond milk base, but it actually overpowers it! Even richer than the others, and quite coconutty, this could work as a great stand-in for half and half in recipes, as long as the coconut profile suits the dish. I’m thinking it would make a marvelous light pina colada, too! Tony liked it in his coffee, but preferred the Original Almond Milk.
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almonds), coconut cream, calcium carbonate, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, natural flavors, potassium citrate, locust bean gum, gellan gum, monk fruit extract.
Nutrition (per 1 cup): 45 calories, 4g fat, 1g carbs, 1g fiber, 0g sugars, 1g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 45% calcium.*
Chocolate Coconut
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almonds), cane sugar, coconut cream, cocoa powder (processed with alkali), calcium carbonate, natural flavors, sea salt, sunflower lecithin, potassium citrate, locust bean gum, gellan gum.
Nutrition (per 1 cup): 90 calories, 4.5g fat, 11g carbs, 0g fiber, 10g sugars, 2g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 35% calcium.*
Nog (seasonal)
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almonds), pure cane sugar, natural flavors, calcium carbonate, fruit and vegetable juice for color, ginger, sea salt, sunflower lecithin, potassium citrate, locust bean gum, gellan gum, nutmeg.
Nutrition (per 1 cup): 50 calories, 1.5g fat, 9g carbs, 0g fiber, 8g sugars, 1g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 25% calcium.*
More Allergen Notes
Calfia Farms made our Dedicated Dairy-Free Facility List for select products, including their bottles (not the cartons) of Califia Farms Almondmilk.
More Facts on Califia Farms Almondmilk
Price: $3.99 per 48-ounce bottle
Availability: Califia Farms Almondmilk is sold at Target, Walmart, and other grocers in the U.S. You can also order their products online from Amazon.
Certifications: Califia Farms Almondmilk is Non-GMO Verified and Certified Kosher Pareve.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Califia Farms Almondmilk is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, peanut-free, soy-free, oil-free, vegan, and vegetarian. Select varieties are sugar-free and keto.*
For More Product Information: Visit the Califia Farms website at www.califiafarms.com.
*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy.
Nasty, Nasty
I have used almond milk for YEARS… Wife got this since the other was not available. It was the Most Nasty stuff ever… Drank 1/4 glass … Was SO nasty… could not dring any more
Disappointed
I’ve been buying this by the case for years. The new packaging is a pull tap which never works. It splits the top and you have to now squeeze the milk out instead of pour. It gets all over. I’m done with it
Best Morning drink for my breakfast
Tried different similar beverages. Califia Cold Brew Coffee with Almond Espresso and Mocha are the best Morning drink for me. Not too sweet, perfect flavor
Playdough
I find their milk taste like playdough and smells like playdough. I can’t drink it
The Califia milks I have tried so far, keep me coming back for more!
I have not yet tried all the varieties of Califia milks, but the three or four I have tried, I absolutely love the flavors, and the nutrition in all. The eggnog is especially wonderful.
Sad to see that the prices are rising on this great brand of my favorite milks, but expect everything will continue to rise in the next year or more.
Is there anyway to safely freeze Califia Farms milks?
Response from Go Dairy Free
I don’t find that store-bought milk beverages freeze and defrost that well due to the additives. But if you are going to use cubes in smoothies, freeze away!
Toasted Coconut Almondmilk is Amazing!
I have purchased many brands of almond milk and coconut milk. My husband bought this brand because they were out of my usual coconut. I couldn’t believe that the Toasted Coconut Almondmilk had no sugar added. It had a smoothness and richness you would expect with double the 45 calories per cup. I haven’t tried the other flavors, but this one was a wonderful surprise.
Tried 2 different containers.
I have just purchased my second container of Califia Farms Vanilla. I assumed the first one was just a fluke, but no. The second bottle tastes the same. Actually I should say the second bottle is just as tasteless as the first. Label says Gluten free, Soy free, Dairy Free, Carrageenan free. Sadly, also free from any taste. I agree it smells similar to playdough. Meh. The search continues for a cow-milk alternative.
Terrible!!!
This almond milk tastes how playdough smells. It’s terrible. Worst thing I’ve ever drank!
Ok, I like it.
I have been buying and tossing out milk alternatives for years. I wanted milk to put on cereal that was low calorie. I like a LOT of milk on my cereal. One issue I have had is that lots of milk alternatives are tan colored. Califa is not. It is close to the white color of milk. I weaned myself off milk slowly and am delighted that I found a product that is low calorie, tasty and healthier. The shelf like is long!
Horrible
The Vanilla and Hazlenut are HORRIBLE. Tastes terrible . Due to Covid, stores won’t let you return and customer service did nothing to help and will not give me a refund. Not a good way to do business. Will never buy from here again ever ever ever never.
56 Comments
Is this also gluten free?
Please see the dietary notes above – they are included in every product review we currently do.
Hi Alisa
Is carrageenan really harmful?
The unsweetened flavour mentions Vit B12 as one of the ingredients. What might be the source ?
Thanks
I couldn’t tell you Gopal, I don’t have a strong position on carrageenan, but many consumers are demanding products without it. As for the B12, I would contact them directly to inquire – http://www.califiafarms.com/ – I am sure it is a vegan source, but wouldn’t know beyond this.
OMG what a great products and taste
I love, love your products. I just tried your Cold Brew Coffee with Almond Milk. For someone like myself who cannot have dairy products, this is the best product I have found in a long time. I look forward to seeing this in many varieties other than the Salted Caramel (which is outstanding). Please continue to make more creamers in different flavors for coffee.
I have read there is only 2% almonds in a half gallon of commercial almond milk. What is the percentage of almonds in Califa Almond Milk?
Based on the amount of fat per serving, I calculated that each 48 ounce package of Califia Original Almond Milk has about 1/2 cup of almonds – so this would be more like 8% by volume for this brand. It really depends on the brand. I’ve seen some with 1 cup of almonds in each package.
Which brand has I full cup of almonds in each package? This is not a duplicate question.
This one does – http://www.godairyfree.org/product-reviews/malk-pure-nut-milks. Might I suggest you make your own? Very easy – 1 cup almonds to 4 to 5 cups water – packed with nuts then!
My husband has been trying to go dairy free. He always loved a nice glass of cows milk. What brand/ variety would you say mimics cows milk best? Thank you!
Hi Tracey, honestly, none of them! I would say flaxmilk is maybe the closest, but it’s hard to find. They all have their own flavor influences, but most find one that they like well. Rice milk is sweeter, almond and cashew milks have nutty vibes and coconut milk beverage is best for those who like hints of coconut (it’s hard to miss!).
Ok, thank you for the reply! 🙂
I have been enjoying your almond milk products (mostly the “unsweetened” product) for a few years now. Good stuff! Encouraged to hear that a healthier replacement for carrageenan is in the works. Any ideas about ETA? Also have been reading some damning evidence about calcium carbonate – can you provide any insight into whether or not Califia is addressing this? Thanks in advance – clearly you are working towards a pristine
nutritional product.
Hi Doug, I’m not sure about ETA, that’s a new one to me. Calcium carbonate is not well tolerated by all as a straight supplement, but I’m assuming you are discussing another angle. Of course, homemade almond milk – though not quite as convenient – is super easy, too, and the ingredients are up to you.
Alisa, Thanks for the review. I switched from regular milk to almond milk in the last 6 months. Califia farms Almond milk is the best in the market. However I do have concern on the ingredients, even though it is sugar-free, I’m not sure how it tastes so good. As i have tried other almond milks this being far best.
Please let me know where I can buy your almondmilk creamer. I live in Plainview NY 11803
Hi Martin, you will need to check their store locator or contact Califia directly – I’m not affiliated with them, this is a third party review!
Actually I loved the cap and I loved the whole packaging which is what drew me to buy it in first place . I’m glad I did . I like it better than other competors
Hi Alisa,
I really love the Califia Farms original almond milk: I find it to be a versatile and very tasty alternative to cow’s milk; however, I really have a problem, from an environmental standpoint, with the bottle cap. It is a complete waste of plastic. I wrote the company about it over a year ago, and received a canned response back. I wish they would make a cap with less plastic…
Lisa Martin
Yes, they unfortunately are pretty poor with customer service.
Please please don’t change a thing! Hate the other brands as for they are cartons and love the cap and I hope they continue with the whole package and I think I will write them and let them know to keep the cap. The taste is smooth , the other brands are thick and I went back to cows milk last week because I couldn’t stand the thickness in my cereal from the other almond milks. Now I’m glad I found this brand and it’s a great taste and perfect packaging