Taste Test of Silk's PureAlmond

Silk, the noted maker of soy milks, introduced its PureAlmond nut-based milk alternative just a few months ago.

The Florida Times-Union assigned Ann J. Kelley to conduct a taste test.

Both lactose- and soy-free, Silk Pure Almond Almondmilk can be purchased in Original or Vanilla, and while it's lower in calories than regular milk, it still provides the same amount of calcium and vitamin D.

We wondered if the average milk drinker, with no lactose problems, would find the almondmilk appealing, so we had members of the Times-Union Consumer Panel put it to the test. All of them gave it high marks.

Comments included:

"If you don't like it, you're nuts! It's really good and has more fiber and fewer calories, sugar and carbs."

"It's not at all sweet like I expected and has a nice rich taste without the fat."

"My husband thought it was OK, but it's a little too rich and sweet for me."

"It isn't quite as cold or refreshing as 2 percent milk."

The panel's biggest problem other than the sweetness was the price. At $3.00 for a half-gallon, the taste wasn't near good enough to overcome the cost. Remember, though, these are milk drinkers who have the option to buy cow's milk. Those of us who don't have lots more incentive.