Written by: Linda Gayle Parker
Pacific Natural Foods All Natural Hazelnut Non-Dairy Beverage is an excellent and delicious source of Vitamin D, Calcium, Riboflavin and other nutrients. It is Gluten Free, Kosher Parve, Wheat Free, Dairy Free, Low Sodium, Soy Free and Vegan. It is a great choice if you like hazelnuts, are lactose intolerant, or avoiding dairy or soy, for any reason.
This hazelnut non-dairy drink is made from Oregon-grown and harvested hazelnuts. The manufacturer says that roasting brings out the robust flavor and richness of the hazelnuts in this drink. It is rich, smooth and creamy. I prefer it to soy, rice, or almond milk, and if you like the taste of hazelnuts you will probably enjoy it too. It is available in 8-ounce or 32-ounce cartons, or in packs of 12, and comes in regular or chocolate flavors. I have not tried the chocolate version, but it certainly sounds good, and is a popular choice, especially with children. Each carton comes with a peel off tab and screw on lid to retain freshness. It should be refrigerated after opening.
This product is higher in protein (2 grams per 8 ounce serving) than soy, rice, or almond milk, (avg 1 gram each) but is lower than hemp milk (3 grams protein). Higher protein-content drinks could be a drawback for those on low protein diet restrictions. Check with your doctor if you have kidney issues or other protein-related concerns. In case there is any confusion, although some milk-alternative beverages call themselves “milk,” such as “soy milk” or “almond milk” they do not contain any dairy whatsoever, they are simply called “milk” to enhance their comparison to the texture, consistency, and comfort associated with drinking a glass of milk.
Ingredients List for this product:
- Roasted hazelnut base (filtered water, ground roasted hazelnuts)
- Brown rice sweetener (filtered water, brown rice)
- Tricalcium phosphate
- Sea salt
- Guar gum
- Xanthan gum
- Carrageenan
- Carob bean gum
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Vitamin A palmitate
- Vitamin D2
Pacific Natural Foods’ website has a great Where to Buy Our Foods section with U.S. map and zip code store locator. I have found Pacific Natural Foods’ Hazelnut milk substitute locally at Fred Meyer, Safeway, Whole Foods, and PCC Natural Markets. Amazon offers it in 12 packs of 32 oz. cartons for $34.53 to $52.50, but it is readily available in single cartons in stores for much less.