Is almond milk bad for the environment?
While almond milk has a lower environmental footprint than dairy milk across most metrics, its significant water requirements, particularly in drought-prone regions, are a concern. It generally performs better than dairy in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and land use.
Updated · August 1, 2026
Quick answer
No, almond milk is generally not considered 'bad' for the environment when compared to dairy milk, as it typically requires less land and emits fewer greenhouse gases. However, its substantial water footprint, especially given where almonds are primarily grown, is a notable environmental concern.
Key takeaways
- Almond milk has a significantly lower carbon footprint and uses less land than dairy milk.
- The primary environmental concern with almond milk is its high water usage, particularly in California where most almonds are grown.
- Almond farming in California can impact local ecosystems and biodiversity, especially through pesticide use and water diversion.
- Compared to other plant-based milks like oat or soy, almond milk's water intensity is higher.
- Choosing organic almond milk may reduce the environmental impact related to pesticide use.
As consumers increasingly turn to plant-based alternatives, almond milk has become a popular choice. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a versatile option for coffee, cereals, and cooking. However, questions frequently arise regarding its environmental sustainability, particularly concerning its water footprint. This page explores the environmental impact of almond milk, comparing it to traditional dairy and other plant-based milks, to provide a comprehensive understanding for environmentally conscious consumers.
The short answer
Almond milk is generally not considered 'bad' for the environment, especially when compared to dairy milk, which has a much larger environmental footprint across most metrics. However, it is crucial to acknowledge almond milk's specific environmental challenges, primarily its significant water requirements. While it uses less land and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than dairy, the intensive water use for almond cultivation, predominantly in drought-susceptible regions, is a key concern.
The evidence
The environmental impact of food products can be assessed across several key indicators: greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water use. Data from comprehensive studies consistently show that plant-based milks, including almond milk, generally have a lower environmental impact than dairy milk.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Regarding greenhouse gas emissions, almond milk fares well. The production of one litre of almond milk typically generates far fewer emissions than dairy milk. This is largely due to the methane emissions associated with cattle farming and the energy required for dairy production and processing.
Land Use
Almond cultivation requires land, but the overall land footprint for almond milk is considerably smaller than that for dairy milk. Dairy farming requires extensive land for grazing and feed production, making it a more land-intensive industry.
Water Use
This is where almond milk faces its most significant environmental scrutiny. Almond trees are water-intensive crops. A substantial amount of water is needed to grow the almonds that go into a single glass of almond milk. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that the vast majority of the world's almonds are grown in California, a region prone to droughts. Diverting water for almond irrigation can strain local water resources and impact aquatic ecosystems.
Here is a comparison of the environmental impact of different milk types:
| Milk Type | Greenhouse Gas Emissions (kg CO2e per litre) | Land Use (m2 per litre) | Water Use (litres per litre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy Milk | 2.4 | 9.0 | 628 |
| Almond Milk | 0.7 | 0.5 | 371 |
| Oat Milk | 0.9 | 0.7 | 48 |
| Soy Milk | 0.8 | 0.3 | 28 |
Source: Poore, J., & Nemecek, T. (2018). Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers. Science, 360(6392), 987-992.
These figures illustrate that while almond milk is generally better than dairy, its water usage is significantly higher than that of oat or soy milk. The environmental cost of water use is not just about the volume but also about the regional context. Growing water-intensive crops in arid regions puts immense pressure on freshwater supplies.
Biodiversity and Pesticides
Beyond water, almond farming can also impact biodiversity. The extensive use of pesticides in some conventional almond orchards can harm pollinators, including honeybees, which are crucial for almond pollination. Monoculture farming, common in large-scale almond production, can also reduce habitat diversity for wildlife.
Common counter-arguments
Some argue that focusing solely on the high water usage of almonds is misleading without considering the broader picture. For instance, the water footprint of other foods, including meat and many fruits and vegetables, can also be substantial. Furthermore, advancements in irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, are being implemented to make almond farming more water-efficient.
Another point often raised is the nutritional value. Almonds are nutrient-dense, and the by-products of almond processing can be used in other food items or as animal feed, reducing waste. The choice of milk is also often a personal health choice, and for many, almond milk offers a beneficial alternative to dairy.
What this means in practice
For consumers, understanding the nuances of almond milk's environmental impact allows for more informed decisions. If water conservation is your primary concern, other plant milks like oat or soy might be preferable due to their lower water footprints. However, if reducing greenhouse gas emissions and land use are priorities, almond milk remains a significantly better choice than dairy.
Consider purchasing almond milk from brands that source almonds from sustainable farms, or those that invest in water-saving technologies and ethical farming practices. Opting for organic almond milk can also help mitigate concerns regarding pesticide use and its impact on biodiversity. Ultimately, reducing overall consumption of resource-intensive products, and choosing a variety of plant-based milks, can contribute to a more sustainable diet.
The common questions