When you are pregnant, nutrition is of ultimate importance. Cow’s milk is a source of multiple nutrients you need to support your growing baby, but it is not the only option. If you choose not to drink cow’s milk, you might opt for Almond Breeze, a brand of almond milk made by Blue Diamond. Almond milk is a nondairy alternative to cow’s milk that is made by crushing and straining almonds. For most women, drinking Almond Breeze while pregnant is a safe, nutritious option.
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About Almond Breeze
You might choose a nondairy milk if you are lactose intolerant, allergic to milk proteins, vegan or dislike the taste of cow’s milk. The product comes in refrigerated cartons or shelf-stable containers and can be used for drinking, to top cereal and in recipes. Almond Breeze comes unsweetened or original, which contains some added sugar. You can also find unsweetened and sweetened chocolate and vanilla Almond Breeze.
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Nutrition
During pregnancy, you should consume adequate amounts of all vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, vitamin D and potassium. Cow’s milk is often recommended as a good source of these nutrients. One cup of 2 percent milk provides 293 milligrams of calcium, about 29 percent of the 1,000 milligrams the National Institutes of Health recommends you consume daily during pregnancy. One cup of Almond Breeze actually provides more calcium, about 450 milligrams, per cup. Almond Breeze and milk provide almost equal amounts of vitamin D -- 25 percent of the daily value, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Milk is a better source of potassium, with 366 milligrams per cup versus the 180 milligrams in a cup of Almond Breeze. Potassium is readily available in a variety of foods, however, so you could consume more leafy greens, citrus and dried beans to get your daily allotment and support your growing baby. Cow's milk contains more protein than Almond Breeze -- 8 grams per cup versus 1 gram -- but you can readily find other sources of protein, such as meats, fish, chicken and dried beans, to supplement your diet.
Lactose Considerations
If you are lactose intolerant, you may actually regain the ability to digest lactose during your pregnancy, notes Dr. Praveen K. Roy on the Medscape website. Food transits more slowly through your intestine during pregnancy and the changes in your body may encourage bacterial adaptations that help you digest milk better. If you choose Almond Breeze because you are lactose intolerant, but would prefer to drink cow’s milk, check with your physician to see if you could experiment with switching back to cow’s milk during pregnancy.
Sugar and Fats
Some types of Almond Breeze contain added sugar in the form of evaporated cane juice. While milk also contains sugar, it is in the naturally occurring form of lactose. If you are trying to avoid added sugar while pregnant, opt for unsweetened versions of Almond Breeze. Unlike full-fat or reduced-fat cow's milk, Almond Breeze is free of saturated fat and cholesterol.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES Almond Breeze: The Amazing Almond Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium Almond Breeze: Products USDA: Nutrient Data Laboratory: Milk, Reduced Fat, Fluid, 2% Milkfat, With Added Vitamin A and Vitamin D Medscape: Lactose Intolerance Drugs.com: Potassium Content of Food