Starbucks 2% milk vs. almond milk: Which One tastes better?

Starbucks has low-fat milk, usually 2%, and almond milk. The 2% milk is dairy, while the almond milk is plant-based. I can drink dairy and non-dairy milk but do not like to choose blindly. So, I decided to research the best milk between the two. I listed the important features such as ingredients, taste, and nutritional content and analyzed the similarities and differences. Based on my research, I was able to make an informed decision. I am writing this post to help you understand both types of milk and ultimately know the best.

What are the differences between Starbucks 2% milk Vs. Almond milk?

Features	2% milk	almond milk
Ingredients	Cows milk	Almond milk (filtered water, almonds), xanthan gum, sunflower lecithin, sugar, tricalcium phosphate, vitamin D2 sea salt, guar gum, and vitamin palmitate.
Taste profile	The milk is slightly sweet with a creamy texture.	It is delicious, sweet, and has a slightly creamy texture
Caffeine content/ Nutritional value	A 240 ml cup has 0mg caffeine, 140 calories, 5g of fat, 25mg of cholesterol, 150mg of sodium, 15g of carbs, 14g of sugars, and 10g of protein. It contains minerals such as calcium-350mg, iron, 0mg, potassium-350mg, vitamin A-16mcg, Riboflavin 0mg, vitamin B12-0mcg, phosphorus-210mg.	A 240ml cup has 0mg caffeine, 60 calories, 4g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 5g carbs, and 2g proteins. It also contains vitamin A 6% of the DV, Vitamin E: 22% of the DV, Vitamin D: 9% of the DV, Potassium: 1% of the DV, Calcium: 17% of the DV and Phosphorus: 4% of the DV
Availability/ Accessibility	It is readily available in all Starbucks stores	It is readily available in Starbucks stores
Roast level/ processing	It involves pasteurizing cow’s milk and skimming to remove fat, which is added to ensure that it is 2%.	It is manufactured through an aseptic process that involves pasteurization and sterilization.

Starbucks 2% milk Vs. Almond milk – How They Compare

Ingredients

The 2% milk that Starbucks use is made from cow’s milk. Dairy milk is the sole determinant of the milk’s nutritional value and taste. Preservatives may be added but do not contribute to the milk’s taste or nutritional value.

On the other hand, almond milk is made by mixing almonds with water and grinding to achieve a solution. Almonds are the main ingredients but are not the only ingredients responsible for their taste and nutritional content. Synthetic vitamins and minerals are added to improve nutrition composition.

Almond milk wins in this category because it has several ingredients contributing to taste and nutritional value.

Taste profile

The 2% milk at Starbucks is sweet and creamy. You will enjoy the creaminess, especially when the milk is frothed. It has a delicious flavor and does not have any form of aftertaste. It produces a good taste in tea, chocolate, or coffee drinks. When added to strong coffee, the 2% milk makes an excellent coffee because it cancels out the bitter taste, leaving the delicious coffee flavor.

On the other hand, almond milk is delicious with a sweet taste. It is not as creamy as a cow’s milk but tastes good when frothed. It produces an excellent taste when added to coffee drinks. It plays a significant role in balancing out the bitter taste of coffee.

The 2% milk wins in this category because it is creamier than almond milk, which enhances the smoothness and the taste. It produces a more balanced flavor in strong drinks compared to almond milk.

Caffeine content/ Nutritional value

The 2% milk has 140 calories in a 240 ml cup. The calorie count is relatively low and has no major health impact. That is only if you consume only a single cup of milk daily. If you drink more than one cup, the calorie count may increase and become unhealthy, especially for individuals with a sedentary lifestyle. The milk has 25mg of cholesterol, which is harmful, especially for people who have exceeded their BMI. The cholesterol may contribute to increased heart-related health challenges.

On the other hand, almond milk has 60 calories which are significantly low. You can consume several cups of milk without the risk of exceeding your daily calorie limit. The milk has zero cholesterol, which is a big advantage because it cannot cause heart-related challenges. Moreover, the milk has more vitamins and minerals than the 2% milk.

Almond milk wins in this category because it has low calories and is therefore perfect for individuals losing weight. Additionally, it has zero cholesterol and therefore cannot cause heart-related challenges. Finally, it is richer in vitamins and minerals. Considering such factors, it is true that Starbucks almond milk is healthier than the 2% milk.

Availability/ Accessibility

The 2% milk is readily available and easily accessible in all Starbucks stores. You can also find the various brands of milk used by Starbucks at stores and in groceries that sell milk.

Similarly, Starbucks almond milk is available in all Starbucks stores. You can always order a drink and request almond milk at any Starbucks store.

This category has no winner because the two types of milk are readily available and easily accessible.

Roast level/processing

Starbucks 2% milk has a shorter processing cycle. It involves pasteurization, skimming, and re-addition of fat to a 2% level. Preservatives may be added. Starbucks does not process its milk but receives processed milk from various suppliers.

Almond milk has a more complicated processing cycle. It involves grinding almonds mixed with filtered water to form an even solution. Synthetic minerals, vitamins, and preservatives are added in a complex process.

The 2% Starbucks milk wins in this category because it has a straightforward processing cycle.

Starbucks 2% milk Vs. almond milk: A comparison review

Starbucks 2% milk – Overview

The Starbucks, 2% milk, is delicious and sweet. It has a smooth texture and foams perfectly for Starbucks drinks with frothy topping. It combines well with coffee, chocolate, and tea drinks to form an excellently well-balanced taste. It is rich in proteins, providing about 20% of an adult’s daily protein requirement. Its major undoing is the presence of cholesterol, which has negative health impacts especially related to heart problems.

What I liked;

• I liked its high protein content

What I didn’t like;

• The cholesterol

Who it’s best suited for.

It is best suited for everyone who likes their beverage creamy

Starbucks almond milk – Overview

The Starbucks almond milk is delicious and sweet. It is creamy and mixes well with coffee, chocolate, and tea to make tasty beverages. It is one of the most nutritious milk because it is rich in vitamins and contains multiple minerals in high quantities. It has no cholesterol making it a perfect beverage for those who have heart-related challenges and those who want to avoid such challenges. It is also excellent for individuals with weight loss goals because it has low calories. Therefore, if you are looking for delicious milk rich in nutrients and low calories, then you need to consider almond milk.

What I liked;

I liked the fact that it has zero cholesterol

It has multiple nutrients and minerals

Its delicious taste

What I didn’t like;

I did not like its price since it is higher than the 2% milk

Who it’s best suited for.

It is best suited for people who are losing weight and those who have heart-related issues

Final Verdict: So, which is Better? – Starbucks 2% milk or almond milk

The almond milk is better than the 2% Starbucks milk because it has more vitamins. You do not have to worry about vitamin supplements using almond milk because some of your daily vitamin requirements are covered. Additionally, milk is rich in minerals, especially calcium, which is crucial in bone and teeth development. The milk is also healthier because it contains zero cholesterol. The 2% milk has cholesterol which increases heart-related diseases due to blockage of blood vessels. It is also healthier because it contains fewer calories than the 2% milk. Calories contribute to increased weight, which also contributes to heart-related challenges. Finally, almond milk does not contain animal products making it an excellent beverage for vegetarians.

FAQ

Which is best for losing weight between almond and 2% milk?

Almond milk is the best for losing weight because it has lower calorie counts.

Which is better for you, 2% milk or almond milk?

Almond milk is better for you because it is good tasting, has no cholesterol, has multiple vitamins and minerals, and has a lower calorie count.

Is Starbucks almond milk sweeter than 2% milk?

No, the two types of milk taste relatively the same, and only a keen person will notice the slight difference in sweetness and a hint of nuttiness in almond milk.

Between almond milk and 2% milk which one goes well with iced drinks?

The 2% milk and almond milk go well with hot and iced drinks