Almond Milk vs. Skim Milk

Skim milk has been a part of the human diet for decades. However, with the rise of vegan and alternative diets, plant-based milk has become a common sight in stores. 

This begs the question - which one is better?

Skim milk is best suited for those hoping to gain weight or muscle mass, but almond milk may be the choice for you if you want a lower calorie option or are trying to stay away from animal-based products.

This, however, only scratches the surface and there's plenty more to this question than that. Let's dive into this topic more to find out which option is best for you. 

What’s The Difference Between Skim Milk and Almond Milk?

Though both options make a great latte, there are several inherent differences between almond milk and skim milk. Let's briefly talk about those differences now before launching into the pros and cons of each. 

The Source 

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless. Skim milk is an animal product whilst almond milk is a plant-based one. 

Storing Requirements 

Unlike skim milk, almond milk can be kept at room temperature without it spoiling. However, almond milk tastes best cold - so for maximum enjoyment, put your carton in the fridge. 

Nutritional Content

Of course, the radical difference in source material means skim and almond milk have huge nutritional differences. Here's a look at the nutritional facts for almond and skim milk.

Data sources: Almond milk, Skim milk, Disclaimer about this information

Now that we've covered the key differences between the two, let's take a look at the pros and cons of each to decide which one is best for you.

Almond Milk: Pros

There are several advantages to drinking almond milk.

Here's a video that breaks down the pros and cons, or read below for even more info. 

It's Low In Calories 

A cup of almond milk has just 30 calories making it ideal for light smoothies and protein shakes. 

It's Lactose-Free 

If you suffer from lactose intolerance or simply don't like the taste of lactose products, then almond milk is a great option for you. 

It's Suitable for Vegans 

Since almond milk is a plant-based product, you don't need to worry about your ethical guidelines being breached by drinking it. 

It Can Be Drunk Cold Or At Room Temperature 

Skim milk needs to be kept refrigerated at all times yet almond milk can be drunk at any temperature. This makes it ideal for on-the-go consumption. However, keep in mind that almond milk is best served cold. 

It's Cholesterol Free

If you're trying to keep your cholesterol consumption down, then making the switch to plant-based milk will be a great idea. 

Almond Milk: Cons

With all this in mind, it seems that almond milk is a fantastic option if you’re hoping to keep your overall caloric intake down. 

However, just like anything else, almond milk is not without its drawbacks.

The downsides of almond milk include:

It's Low In Protein 

Protein is essential for building muscle and maintaining strength. A cup of almond milk contains only 1 gram of protein, compared to 8 grams for skim milk. 

If you're hoping to build muscle mass, almond milk may not be the option for you. 

It Doesn't Actually Contain Much Almond 

This may come as a surprise for most, but almond milk is low on, well, almonds.

In fact, a carton of almond milk may only contain around 5-6% pure almond.

This is due to how the drink is made. Almonds are soaked in water, submerged for a time, and then blitzed up before the additives come in. 

Though almonds themselves are very healthy, they lose a lot of their nutrients when they're turned into milk. 

It's Not Suitable For Infants 

The low-fat, high-fiber content of almond milk means that it's unsuitable for infants as their sensitive digestive systems could react badly to it. 

Next, let's take a look at skim milk and weigh up its pros and cons. 

Skim Milk: Pros

Here are some of these benefits of skim milk. 

It's High in Protein 

As we stated before, skim milk (or any cow's milk) is naturally high in protein and can offer up to 8 grams of protein per cup. 

If you're hoping to gain muscle mass or are recovering from a disease, then drinking skim milk will provide some of the proteins and essential minerals you'll need. 

It's Full of Other Nutrients

One cup of skim milk contains 25% of your daily Vitamin D requirements as well as 11% of your daily potassium needs. 

This makes it more nutritionally dense than almond milk.

It's Cheaper and More Readily Available 

A lot of people scoff at vegan diets due to the increased prices compared to carnivore diets. Skim milk is cheaper than almond milk virtually everywhere in the world. 

If you're on a tight budget, then sticking to skim milk may be the ideal option. 

Skim milk is also way easier to find than plant-based milk. Nearly every store sells skim milk, whereas not every store sells almond milk. 

Skim milk has a lot of benefits, but it also has its fair share of downsides. Let's look at those now. 

Skim Milk: Cons 

As good as skim milk is, it's not without its negatives. From its cholesterol level to its caloric content, there are a few things wrong with consuming it regularly. 

It Contains Lactose 

Skim milk is a dairy product meaning it's unsuitable for people with lactose intolerance. If you suffer from this, avoid skim milk at all costs. 

It's An Animal Product

Though this may not be an issue for some, the fact that skim milk is an animal product may raise ethical issues.

If you're a vegan or just want to consume less animal products, skim milk isn't the option for you.

It Has A High Sugar Content 

If you suffer from diabetes, then it's perhaps best to leave the skim milk behind.

Though the sugars are natural, it could still raise alarm bells if you have the condition or are simply hoping to reduce your sugar content. 

Skim Milk vs Almond Milk: Which One is Better?

This entirely depends on your goals as both options have their respective pros and cons. However, almond milk is better if you wish to:

• Lose fat
• Enjoy a vegan diet 
• Hope to reduce your cholesterol intake 

On the other hand, skim milk is better if you wish to:

• Gain weight or muscle mass
• Increase your vitamin D consumption 
• Save money 
• Feed infants, toddlers, small children, or those recovering from serious injury or illness. 

Is Almond Milk Healthier Than Skim Milk?

With all these things considered, you may be asking yourself which one of the two options is healthier.

The word 'healthier' is relative as both drinks offer different things appealing to different people. There is no undisputed winner when it comes to picking out a healthier choice - it just depends on your goals. 

Almond milk is the healthier option as it's lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol. This means that if you want to lose weight or get a six-pack for summer, then it's the healthier option.

With that in mind, let's take a look at skim milk.

Skim milk is the healthier option as it contains more amino acids, protein, and vitamins. This makes it the healthier choice for those seeking to gain strength, muscle, and overall weight.

There is no stand-out winner between the two as the benefits are entirely subjective. What is a benefit for one person may be considered a drawback for another and vice-versa.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I Drink Both Almond Milk and Skim Milk In My Diet?

Of course. If you're unsure about sticking to just one, following a hybrid diet is a great way to maximize the benefits of both. You can have a protein shake with skim milk before working out and an almond milk smoothie afterwards, for example.

Is Skim Milk Fat-Free?

Skim milk contains less than 0.5% fat, meaning that most of the initial fat content has been skimmed off. Skim milk is low in fat, but not fat-free. 

Is Skim Milk or Almond Milk Better For Weight Loss?

Due to its lower calorie content, almond milk is the better option for weight loss as it contains only 30 calories per cup. If your goal is weight loss, then consider trading in skim milk for almond (or any other plant-based alternative).

Final Thoughts

There are several inherent differences between drinking skim milk and almond milk. However, we recommend almond milk as an every-day choice, because consuming too much dairy can have negative effects.

As always, consult your physician if you have any questions about how either milk will affect your health.