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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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)
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.Â
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.
Almond milk original Califia
I had terrible experience with this original almond milk, in spite of the expiration two months away, they go bad . Once had to return it to the store, this was not happening before. I am not going to buy this product again.
56 Comments
I`ve been purchasing both the original and coconut almondmilk over a year now,…..Love them both…..Works well with my IBS syndrome……
This is the best almond milk ever! What I really like about this product there is no soy, it’s gluten free, there’s no oils no GMO in it! Thank you for caring and taking pride in your product!
I was really angered to find that my “pure almond milk” contains dairy! Of course I didn’t see the fine print until I opened it the day after purchase. I will never again purchase any Califia product. And it doesn’t even taste very good – as if it has too much fake “almond flavoring” in it. I will continue making my own.
I don’t blame you Sue! I just talked to them, and they are taking everything dairy-free – so at least that part is good!
I purchase the coconut flavor, and I really like it. I’m going to use it instead of creamer, I did paid 5.99 at Krogers.
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I actually have to disagree with the yummyness of the Vanilla Almond Milk. I thought it was one of the worst tastes from an almond milk. To me it tasted like play-do. I was super disapointed because I am always looking for a new Almond milk. =(
Thanks for your honest thoughts on this product Brie!
This sounds like the beginnings of a marketing nightmare. It’s a shame because on the surface they seem like a great company. I wonder why they would create a protein milk called Pure almond milk yet put dairy in it? They sound like confused teenagers to me 🙂
I tried the “original”! OMG, it’s delectable! I usually don’t drink milk… I have drank two containers already!!! It’s a MUST try!
The pure chocolate almond milk is not dairy free!!!! I had an allergic reaction. The bottle says 50% more calcium than dairy, yet there is dairy in it. The ingredient list says whey which I did not see before purchasing. Pure almond milk should be pure almond milk! This was so dangerous for me to consume.
Hi Madison, it sounds like you purchased Califia Farms new “Protein” Almond Milks (which do contain dairy milk). These are a different class of milk alternatives from their regular almond milk line (which don’t contain dairy milk), but I agree in looking at the packaging on their website and the name “Pure Almondmilk” makes it very confusing! Have you reported your frustration to the company? I would contact them directly. I’m going to put a warning on my review here and share it with the Go Dairy Free audience today on Facebook to hopefully spread the word.
I’m upset with Califia but have myself to blame for missing the 2% of “other” ingredients listed in fine print. A ingredient/s from it caused me GI distress whereas homemade and Trader Joe’s almond milk (refrigerated) did not.
What a bummer! I have to admit, their ingredient label is definitely confusing.
Really bummed that they use carageenan. Nice to see they are working on a replacement, but it will likely be replaced with more gum/yucky thickener. Make your own at home!
I have to confess, it was the beautiful dairy bottle that attracted me. So yes, I paid more cuz I liked the bottle. I just had a bowl of Cereal with the “Vanilla” almond. Then I had another bowl. OMG, this is the BEST Almond Milk I have EVER had and I will forever buy this wonderful “guilty pleasure”. It’s Creamy, delightful and simply wonderful. Nothing compares to this.
I know, those bottles are attractive aren’t they!
Bought this today and I must say that I really like it! I got mine at Target for $3.99, worth the price.
Is there a suggestion for an organic almond milk?
Most brands of almond milk aren’t organic. Two that you might trial are Pacific Foods brand (aseptic / shelf-stable packaging only) and 365 organic (from Whole Foods, but may be sold elsewhere, too).
I kind of tripped over this at Whole Foods. I’m somewhat new to Almond Milk, and I liked the look of the bottle so took a chance. I purchased the “Original”. THE BEST – and the only Almond Milk that I will ever purchase.
The bottle does draw you in doesn’t it? They did a genius job with the packaging AND the product.
So glad to hear they are working on a carrageenan replacement. Woohoo!
Thanks for sharing. I will have to look for it! 🙂
Thanks for the great product review. I have some almond milk that I rely heavily on, but am always looking for new choices. Thanks for sharing another one.
I saw this at my local Byerly’s Grocery store two days ago, and it was priced at $5.99. I decided to forego it at that price.
Wow, yes, that is really pricey! It’s about $3.99 (not on sale) at the Whole Foods in my area.
I need it now! where to buy in Glendale AZ
CAN THIS BE PURCHASED IN LAKE CITY FL?
I usually use silk milk in my protien shakes but I saw this at the store and thought I would give it a try…….I love it……I’m sure I will be using it more often now. I recomend this over any of the silk milks.
Silk is Monsanto. Don’t buy anything from Monsanto, they’re socially irresponsible & that’s putting it mildly.
This is incorrect Terrence – Silk is the opposite of Monsanto, they are a Non-GMO Project Verified company and do not use or support GE ingredients. Please read the facts before slandering companies! Here are the facts: https://silk.com/our-story/non-gmo
See their website for a store locator Sheila – http://www.califiafarms.com/