Updated at: 08-08-2023 - By: John Lau

Are you struggling to find almond milk on your grocery store shelves? It’s not just you – the popular dairy-free option is experiencing a significant shortage in 2022. Our article below will explore key reasons behind this scarcity and present alternatives to keep your dairy-free diet undisturbed.

So, let’s dive right into understanding this ‘out of almond milk’ phenomenon together.

Reasons For Almond Milk Shortages

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Increased demand is outweighing supply, straining the U.S. supply chain and leading to a limited production and export of almonds, causing almond milk shortages.

Increased Demand Outweighing Supply

The soaring popularity of almond milk is giving the supply chain a major stress test. As consumers turn to healthier, plant-based substitutes like almond milk, suppliers are struggling to keep pace with the relentless demand.

This non-dairy option has become the go-to choice for many due to its high calcium content and being vegan, keto, and gluten-free.

Suddenly everyone’s shopping cart seems to contain bottles of this nutritious beverage! In fact, global almond milk sales were at $5.8 billion in 2018 but are projected to reach an astounding $13 billion by 2025 – that’s quite a steep climb! With such exponential growth rates, it’s hardly surprising that there isn’t enough stock on grocery store shelves causing “Out of Stock” tags under the Almond Milk sections in retail chains too often than not.

Strained U.S. Supply Chain

The strained U.S. supply chain has played a significant role in the shortage of almond milk. With the increased demand for plant-based and dairy-free alternatives, retailers have struggled to keep up with the growing needs of consumers.

The pandemic also exacerbated the issue, causing disruptions in manufacturing, distribution, and transportation processes. Limited availability of almonds further contributed to the strain on the supply chain.

As a result, grocery stores and retail chains are experiencing difficulty in stocking shelves with almond milk products, leading to frustration among those seeking this popular non-dairy option.

Limited Almond Production And Export

The shortage of almond milk can be attributed to limited almond production and export. Almonds, the primary ingredient used in almond milk, are harvested from specific regions around the world.

Unfortunately, these regions face challenges such as climate change and droughts that directly impact almond production. Additionally, almonds are highly sought after for other purposes, such as baking and snacking, further reducing the available quantity for producing almond milk.

Furthermore, there is a limitation on exporting almonds due to various factors like trade regulations and transportation costs. As a result, the limited supply of almonds affects the overall availability of almond milk in grocery stores and retail chains nationwide.

With limited almond production and export, it’s no wonder that finding almond milk has become increasingly difficult. As consumers embrace plant-based alternatives to cow’s milk due to dietary preferences or health reasons like being dairy-free or vegan-friendly options ¾ they’ve turned to products like almond milk for its numerous benefits.

However, with increasing demand outstripping supply at this time—it has become evident through social media complaints—that shoppers may experience difficulties locating their favorite brands or even see certain options discontinued altogether (such as Simply Almond Milk).

Impact Of Almond Milk Shortages

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Almond milk shortages have caused frustration for consumers who are having difficulty finding it in grocery stores, and some popular brands like Simply Almond Milk have even been discontinued.

Difficulty In Finding Almond Milk In Grocery Stores

Alcoholism has become a prevalent issue in society, and many individuals struggling with this addiction are seeking healthier alternatives to alcohol. One popular choice is almond milk due to its dairy-free and plant-based nature.

However, finding almond milk in grocery stores can be challenging at the moment. This shortage is primarily driven by the increased demand for almond milk, as more people opt for plant-based options.

The strain on the supply chainlimited almond production and export, contribute to this scarcity of almond milk on store shelves. As a result, individuals looking for alternative beverages may need to explore other plant-based milk options like oat milk or soy milk until the availability of almond milk improves.

Discontinuation Of Certain Brands (e.g. Simply Almond Milk)

Certain brands of almond milk, such as Simply Almond Milk, have unfortunately been discontinued due to the ongoing shortage. This is a result of the increased demand for almond milk outweighing the supply available.

The surge in popularity of plant-based and dairy-free alternatives has put strain on the U.S. supply chain, leading to limited availability and even complete discontinuation of certain brands.

It’s important to note that almond milk has a shorter shelf life compared to fresh cow’s milk, so be sure to check for expiration dates before purchasing or consuming any almond milk products.

Alternatives To Almond Milk

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Other plant-based milk options like oat milk and soy milk provide great alternatives to almond milk. Homemade almond milk recipes are also a popular choice for those looking to avoid the shortages of store-bought options.

Other Plant-based Milk Options (e.g. Oat Milk, Soy Milk)

If you’re an alcoholism and facing difficulty finding almond milk due to shortages, don’t worry! There are plenty of other plant-based milk options available that can satisfy your dairy-free cravings. Here are some alternatives to almond milk that you can try:

  • Oat Milk: Made from soaked oats, this creamy and slightly sweet milk is a great option for those who can’t consume almond milk. It’s rich in fiber and provides a smooth texture to your favorite beverages.
  • Soy Milk: One of the most commonly used plant-based milks, soy milk is made from soybeans and has a creamy texture similar to cow’s milk. It’s packed with protein and is often fortified with vitamins and minerals.
  • Cashew Milk: If you’re looking for a nutty flavor similar to almond milk, cashew milk is the perfect choice. It’s made by blending cashews with water and has a smooth consistency that works well in both sweet and savory recipes.
  • Coconut Milk: Another popular plant-based option is coconut milk, which is made by blending the flesh of coconuts with water. It has a rich and creamy texture with a subtle tropical flavor that pairs well with smoothies or curries.
  • Rice Milk: Ideal for those with nut allergies, rice milk is made from milled rice grains blended with water. It has a mild taste and thinner consistency compared to other plant-based milks.

Homemade Almond Milk Recipes

Making your own almond milk is a simple and satisfying process. Here are some easy homemade almond milk recipes you can try:

Classic Homemade Almond Milk:

  • Soak 1 cup of raw almonds in water overnight.
  • Drain and rinse the soaked almonds.
  • Blend the almonds with 4 cups of fresh water until smooth.
  • Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to separate the pulp from the liquid.
  • Squeeze out as much liquid as possible, and discard the pulp.
  • Optionaladd sweeteners like dates, vanilla extract, or a touch of maple syrup for flavor.

Chocolate Almond Milk:

  • Follow the steps above for preparing homemade almond milk.
  • Once strained, add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 – 2 tablespoons of sweetener (such as honey or agave syrup) to the almond milk in a blender.
  • Blend until well combined and desired sweetness is achieved.
  • Pour into a glass bottle and refrigerate before serving.

Matcha Almond Milk:

  • Prepare homemade almond milk according to the instructions mentioned earlier.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with a small amount of hot water to form a smooth paste.
  • Add the matcha paste to the strained almond milk, along with 1 tablespoon of sweetener (optional).
  • Mix well until fully incorporated and refrigerate before enjoying.

Vanilla Cinnamon Almond Milk:

  • Follow the same steps outlined for classic homemade almond milk.
  • After straining, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon to the almond milk in a blender.
  • Blend until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Pour into a container, seal it tightly, and chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Berry Bliss Almond Milk Smoothie:

  • Prepare homemade almond milk using your preferred method from above outlines.
  • In a blender, combine 1 cup of homemade almond milk, 1 frozen banana, and a handful of mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries).
  • Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Optionally add a teaspoon of sweetener or a few drops of liquid stevia for added sweetness.
  • Pour into a glass and enjoy this refreshing berry almond milk smoothie.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the increasing popularity of almond milk has led to a shortage in its availability. The high demand for this dairy-free and plant-based alternative has caused grocery stores to struggle to keep it on their shelves.

However, there are other plant-based milk options and homemade recipes that can be explored while awaiting the restock of almond milk.