In the past few decades, almond milk has become a popular substitute for dairy milk due to the growing interest in plant-based diets and veganism, as well as concerns over the environmental and ethical impacts of dairy farming. According to a report by Research and Markets, the global almond milk market was valued at approximately $8.1 billion in 2020, and it is expected to reach US$11.8 billion by 2027.
Almond milk is preferred by many for being lactose-free, low in calories and saturated fats, and rich in vitamin E. It is a plant-based milk that is good for health; however, there are some concerns about the environmental impact of its production, specifically regarding water use, pesticide use, and the overall sustainability of almond farming. Questions are being asked: Is almond milk truly a better environmental choice than other plant-based options?
In this article, we will examine the environmental implications of almond farming, supported by studies, expert insights, and a comparison of almond milk with other alternatives. We will also explore the ecological footprint of almond farming in terms of pesticide application, water use, carbon emissions, and ethical labour.
What Is Almond Milk?
Almond milk is a plant-based milk made from almonds. It’s a dairy-free, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free beverage with a mild, nutty flavour. According to the Almond Board of California, almond milk accounts for about 60% of the total plant-based milk market in the United States.
Almond milk is a popular choice for vegans and a suitable option for individuals who are lactose intolerant or those seeking a lower-calorie alternative to dairy milk.
Water Usage in Almond Farming: A Major Environmental Concern
Almonds and Water Intensity
Almond farming consumes a large amount of water, which remains one of the primary environmental concerns surrounding its production process. Almond trees are water-intensive crops. According to studies, including a report by Bastyr University, growing a single almond requires about 1.1 gallons (4.2 litres) of water. When scaled up to almond milk production, this indicates an equivalent of about 98 gallons (371 litres) of water to produce one litre of almond milk.
Expert Insight on Water Consumption
According to Dr Juliet Christian-Smith, a senior climate scientist with the Union of Concerned Scientists, “The volume of water needed to grow almonds is significantly higher than that required for other crops used for plant-based milk alternatives. While almond milk is less harmful than dairy milk in terms of emissions, its water footprint remains a pressing issue in water-scarce regions.”
Learn More: What Is Food Sustainability and Why Is It Important?
California’s Drought and Almond Farming
About 80% of the world’s almonds are grown in California, a state that experiences recurring severe droughts. Almond orchards require constant irrigation, which further depletes water sources in a region prone to drought.
A report from the California Water Science Center shows that almond farming in the state consumes up to 10% of the total agricultural water supply. During the 2012-2016 drought, almond farming was heavily criticized for its water usage when it was scarce.
Table 1: Environmental Impacts of Different Milk Types
| Milk Type | Greenhouse Gas Emissions (kg CO₂e per litre) | 120 litres |
| Almond Milk | 371 litres | 0.7 kg CO₂e |
| Oat Milk | 48 litres | 0.2 kg CO₂e |
| Soy Milk | 28 litres | 0.3 kg CO₂e |
| Rice Milk | 270 litres | 1.2 kg CO₂e |
| Dairy Milk | 120 liters | 3.2 kg CO₂e |
Sustainable Water Management Practices
Despite the criticism regarding its water usage, there are promising signs of efficient water use in almond farming. In the last two decades, almond growers have adopted new technologies to reduce their water consumption. According to the Almond Board of California, approximately 70% of almond farmers now use micro-irrigation systems and demand-based irrigation.
In a 2023 study, researchers discovered that farms using micro-irrigation reduced water consumption by up to 30% to 50% compared to traditional flood irrigation. This indicates that almond farming, although still water-intensive, can be improved with new techniques aimed at reducing the environmental impact of almond production.
Further Considerations
While sustainable practices have been incorporated into almond farming, water consumption remains high, especially in drought-prone regions like California. Advocates for sustainability urge consumers to explore other non-dairy alternatives, such as oat and soy milk.
The Use of Pesticides and Its Environmental Impact
Pesticides in Almond Orchard
The almond industry relies on the application of pesticides to boost crop yield and prevent pest infestations and diseases. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation reported that almond orchards accounted for more pesticide use than any other local crop in 2017. Almond farmers regularly apply abamectin, bifenthrin, and methoxyfenozide, all of which are toxic chemicals known to harm pollinators like bees.
Bees at Risk: Pollinator populations are declining in urban environments, and one of the reasons for this is pesticide use. Almond orchards rely on honeybees for pollination, but the frequent use of pesticides has been linked to colony collapse disorder (CCD). Bees are beneficial insects that are important not just to almond farming but to global food security.
Expert Insight on Pesticides Impact
Dr Maria Spivak, an entomologist and professor at the University of Minnesota, explains that ‘The pesticide load in almond orchards poses significant risks to pollinators, particularly honeybees. While almond farmers are dependent on bees for pollination, the very pesticides they use are contributing to declining bee populations.
Steps towards More Sustainable Pesticide Use
To prevent further damage to the environment, many almond growers have adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Integrated Pest Management focuses on using natural predators like ladybugs to control pest populations without the use of synthetic pesticides.
Additionally, organic almond farms avoid the use of synthetic chemicals, opting for natural pest control methods. However, organic almonds are generally more expensive due to the increased labour and land costs.
Fertilizer Use and Nitrogen Pollution
Nitrogen Fertilizer and Water Contamination
Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are often used by almond growers to boost yields. The application of these fertilizers in almond orchards can lead to nitrogen runoff, which can contaminate water supplies. Excess nitrogen can leach into groundwater, creating harmful levels of nitrate pollution. According to a 2023 study published in Nature, high nitrate levels in drinking water can be detrimental to human health, particularly for pregnant women and infants. Contamination can lead to health conditions such as methemoglobinemia (commonly known as “blue baby syndrome”).
A documented report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that groundwater in California’s Central Valley, a major almond-growing region, is among the most polluted in the United States due to agricultural runoff.
Solutions for Reducing Fertilizer Impact
Farmers have started adopting precision agriculture techniques to apply fertilizers more efficiently. With GPS-guided tractors and soil moisture sensors, farmers can now apply fertilizers where they are needed, minimizing runoff and reducing waste. Some farmers are growing almonds organically using compost and manure.
Learn More: Which Is a Sustainable Practice? Operating Wind Farms, Clear-Cutting, Flood Irrigation or Over Fishing
Almond Milk and Carbon Emissions: A Comparative Analysis
Almond Trees as Carbon Sinks
Almond orchards play an important role in reducing carbon emissions. Almond trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps offset some of the emissions produced by almond farming and production.
Transportation and Emissions
With approximately 80% of the world’s almonds produced in California, they need to be transported across the United States and to other parts of the world. This long-distance transportation of almonds contributes significantly to global carbon emissions.
According to a study by the Carbon Trust, almond milk has a carbon footprint of approximately 0.7 kg of CO₂e per litre, which is lower than that of dairy milk (3.2 kg CO₂e per litre). Other plant-based options, such as soy milk and oat milk, have an even lower carbon footprint compared to almond milk.
Expert Opinion on Almond Carbon Footprint
According to Dr. Richard Waite, a senior researcher at the World Resources Institute, “Almond milk has a lower carbon footprint than dairy milk, but its environmental impact should not be viewed in isolation. When compared to other plant-based milks, almond milk’s high water use and pesticide reliance make it a less sustainable option.”
Health Considerations: Is Almond Milk a Nutritious Choice?
Nutritious Profile of Almond Milk
Almond milk is sold as a healthy alternative to dairy milk; however, it’s important to consider its nutritional profile. Unsweetened almond milk is cholesterol-free, contains no saturated fats, and is low in calories, which makes it a heart-healthy choice. However, it is also low in calcium, protein, and vitamin D.
To address this, most commercial almond milk brands fortify their products with vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, and B12. These are essential nutrients for stronger bones.
Table 2: Nutritional Comparison of Milk Alternatives
| Nutrient | Unsweetened Almond Milk (1 cup) | Cow’s Milk (1 cup) | Soy Milk (1 cup) | Oat Milk (1 cup) |
| Calories | 30-60 | 150 | 80 | 120 |
| Protein | 1 g | 8 g | 7 g | 3 g |
| Calcium | 20-45% DV (fortified) | 30% DV | 30% DV | 25% DV |
| Vitamin D | 25% DV (fortified) | 20% DV | 30% DV | 20% DV |
Health Concerns with Sweetened Almond Milk
Sweetened varieties of almond milk can contain added sugar, and it’s important for consumers to be aware of this. If you are on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, always choose unsweetened almond milk because it has fewer carbohydrates and calories.
Learn More: 10 Sustainable Food Practices Examples: A Comprehensive Guide to Green Living
Ethical Considerations in Almond Farming
Labour and Fair Trade Issues
The main environmental concerns about almond farming have always focused on water use and pesticide application. However, the social implications of almond farming cannot be ignored. In California, many almond growers take advantage of migrant labour to boost crop production, raising concerns about workers’ rights, working conditions, and fair wages.
Fair Trade is one of the organizations advocating for the fair treatment of workers. They aim for workers to receive fair wages for their labour, work in safe conditions, and have access to healthcare. As a consumer, you can support ethical almond farming by purchasing Fair Trade Certified almond products.
Supporting Sustainable and Ethical Almond Farming
By purchasing organic, bee-friendly or Fair Trade almonds, consumers can support a more ethical and environmentally friendly almond industry. Additionally, purchasing locally grown almonds or almond products reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Conclusion: Is Almond Milk Sustainable?
Almond milk is a popular alternative to dairy milk; it’s lactose-free, low in calories and saturated fats, and rich in vitamin E. However, it is not without environmental challenges. Excessive water use, pesticide reliance, and nitrogen pollution in almond farming raise concerns about its sustainability.
When compared to dairy milk, almond milk has a lower carbon footprint and contributes less to greenhouse gas emissions, but it is more water-intensive than other plant-based alternatives, such as oat milk and soy milk. For environmentally conscious consumers, diversifying milk consumption by choosing alternatives with lower environmental impacts—such as oat or soy milk—may be a more sustainable option.
How to Make More Sustainable Choices:
- Support organic or bee-friendly almond farms.
- Choose Fair Trade Certified almond products.
- Make almond milk at home to reduce packaging waste.
- Diversify your milk alternatives by exploring options like oat and soy milk, which have a lower environmental footprint.
By making informed decisions, consumers can enjoy almond milk while minimizing their environmental impact.