Is zero sugar almond milk really the better choice?
When a product says “zero sugar” on the front, it’s easy to assume it’s the healthier option. But if you're aiming for a more balanced, informed approach to food — especially if you're trying to lose fat, improve your energy, or feel more in control around food — it's worth taking a closer look at what’s actually inside.
Recently, I compared two popular almond milks you’ll find in most Canadian supermarkets:
👉 Silk Original Almond Milk
👉 Silk Zero Sugar Almond Milk
Both are plant-based, fortified, and marketed as healthy. But when you flip the cartons over and look at the ingredients and nutrition labels, some key differences show up — and they might surprise you.
What I found when I compared them
Silk Original Almond Milk:
Almond base (filtered water, almonds)
Cane sugar
Fortified with calcium, zinc, vitamins A, D2, B2, and B12
Sea salt, gellan gum, ascorbic acid, natural flavour
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 1g
Silk Zero Sugar Almond Milk:
Almond base (filtered water, almonds)
Vegetable oil (high oleic sunflower oil)
Fortified similarly
Includes extra thickeners: locust bean gum and gellan gum
Sea salt, natural flavour, ascorbic acid
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 1g
So Is the zero sugar one better?
It depends on what you’re prioritising.
The Zero Sugar version removes added cane sugar — but replaces it with ingredients like vegetable oil and more gums to make up for the taste and mouthfeel. And although it’s lower in sugar, it’s not significantly lower in calories or any higher in protein or nutrients.
In other words:
You're not just removing sugar, you're adding something else. And it might not always align with your goals.
Why this matters
So many of us are used to grabbing the “healthier-looking” option based on marketing buzzwords: zero sugar, low carb, high protein, fat free...
But true food literacy means knowing how to turn over the label and see the whole picture.
It’s not about fearing ingredients.
It’s about choosing what works for your body and goals, not just what a label promises.
Whether you're focused on reducing processed additives, cutting cravings, improving digestion, or fuelling your day with real food, knowing what’s inside is always the better move.
My Tip: don’t just look at the front. Flip it over.
Reading the back of a carton isn’t about perfection, it’s about awareness. If you're putting time and effort into eating better, moving more, and fuelling yourself well, little decisions like this one can add up.
Want more simple breakdowns like this? Or support making grocery choices that actually support your fat loss goals without giving up the foods you love?
My 8-week macro-balanced meal plans were built to do just that — with real, satisfying meals, label-friendly swaps, and clear guidance.
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