Good And Gather Almond Milk

Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

As someone who loves almond milk, I was excited to try the new Good & Gather Almond Milk at my local Target store. Almond milk has become my go-to dairy milk alternative – I love the nutty flavor and creamy texture. But not all almond milks are created equal, so I wanted to do my research before buying Good & Gather’s store brand.

In this detailed buying guide, I’ll walk you through everything I learned about Good & Gather Almond Milk, including the ingredients, nutrition facts, taste, price, and how it compares to other popular almond milk brands. Whether you’re an almond milk aficionado like me or buying it for the first time, read on for the ultimate guide to purchasing Good & Gather Almond Milk!

Ingredients in Good & Gather Almond Milk

The first thing I always check on any food product is the ingredients list. This gives you an idea of how processed the item is and whether anything concerning is lurking inside.

Here are the main ingredients found in Good & Gather Almond Milk:

• Filtered Water – This is the base liquid used to make the almond milk. Filtered water removes impurities while retaining minerals that enrich the milk’s flavor.
• Almonds – This is where that creamy almond taste and texture comes from. The almonds are first roasted then blended with water to extract the nut milk.
• Calcium Carbonate – This mineral is added to fortify the milk with calcium, an important nutrient. Calcium carbonate is commonly found in dairy milk as well.
• Sea Salt – A touch of sea salt enhances the flavor.
• Gellan Gum – This emulsifier gives the almond milk its thick, creamy consistency. It’s a vegetarian and vegan friendly ingredient.
• Sunflower Lecithin – Another emulsifier that helps evenly distribute the almond fat molecules so the milk doesn’t separate. It’s derived from sunflowers and non-GMO.
• Natural Flavors – These flavors boost the almond milk’s taste but the exact source isn’t specified. I wish companies would be more transparent about their “natural flavors!”
• Vitamin A Palmitate – This fat-soluble vitamin is added to increase the nutritional value.
• Vitamin D2 – The vegan form of vitamin D is added as another nutrient booster.

Overall, the ingredients look pretty clean to me – no extra preservatives or additives that raise red flags. It mostly contains whole food ingredients like almonds, along with some common emulsifiers and vitamins.

Is Good & Gather Almond Milk Organic?

One of the first questions I had was whether Good & Gather Almond Milk is organic or not. Organic foods are grown without pesticides or other synthetic chemicals, which is better for our health and the environment.

Unfortunately, Good & Gather Almond Milk is not organic. The almonds and other ingredients are produced conventionally.

I was a little disappointed to see it’s not organic, but Target does offer another almond milk under its Simply Balanced brand that contains organic ingredients. But that costs more, so Good & Gather is a more budget-friendly non-organic option.

For the affordable price, I can accept that the almonds aren’t organic. But I do wish Target would come out with an all-organic Good & Gather line in the future. Hint hint Target!

Where to Buy Good & Gather Almond Milk

Good & Gather Almond Milk is sold exclusively at Target stores. It’s their new flagship brand that’s replacing Archer Farms as Target’s in-house food label.

Good & Gather launched in 2019 and now has over 2000 affordable, quality products spanning grocery, dairy, frozen foods, household essentials, baby care and more.

So if you want to buy Good & Gather Almond Milk, head to your local Target store or order it online through Target’s website or delivery apps.

I really appreciate that Target is elevating its private label brand with simpler ingredients and transparent labeling. It makes the shopping experience better when you can easily find good quality, affordable products.

Pro Tip: Download the Target app to check if Good & Gather Almond Milk is in stock at your store and see if there are any mobile coupons available too!

Does Good & Gather Almond Milk Contain Gluten?

Going through the ingredients list, I was pleased to see there are no direct sources of gluten like wheat, barley or rye.

According to the Good & Gather Almond Milk packaging, it is “manufactured in a facility that produces food containing wheat.” However, facilities follow strict protocols to avoid cross-contamination.

The label also states it’s suitable for a gluten-free diet. So while not certified gluten-free, Good & Gather Almond Milk should be safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Of course, check with your doctor if you have celiac or an allergy. But overall it seems to be a good gluten-free milk choice!

How Does Good & Gather Almond Milk Taste?

Now for the most important factor – how does Good & Gather’s Almond Milk actually taste?

I tried the Original version first. Here’s my review of the flavor:

• It has a pleasant, mild almond aroma. You get a whiff of that nutty scent when you open the carton.
• The initial taste is quite milky for an almond milk, with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
• The almond flavor starts subtle then builds. It’s nicely roasted and nutty without being overpowering.
• The texture is rich and silky, almost like 2% dairy milk. Not watery at all.
• The sweetness level is just right. Not overly sweet but it has a touch more sweetness than plain unsweetened almond milk.
• It has a clean, refreshing finish. No lingering aftertaste.

Overall, I’m impressed with the flavor of Good & Gather’s original almond milk. It tastes fresh and natural, not artificially flavored. The balance of creamy, mild almond taste with a touch of sweetness makes it very drinkable.

I’d happily enjoy a chilled glass of this with cookies, use it to make smoothies, or pour it over cereal. So delicious!

Potential Allergens in Good & Gather Almond Milk

Since food allergies are fairly common, I wanted to see if this product contains any major allergens.

Here are the potential allergen warnings for Good & Gather Almond Milk:

• Contains Almonds – This milk is made from almonds so it’s not safe for people with tree nut allergies.
• May contain traces of Milk – The almonds are processed on equipment shared with dairy, so trace amounts of milk may be present. Not good if you have a milk allergy.
• No soy, egg, wheat, shellfish or other common allergens.

So people with tree nut or milk allergies will need to avoid this product. For everyone else though, it should be allergen-friendly! Just note the facility processes milk products in case of super high sensitivity.

Nutrition Facts for Good & Gather Almond Milk

Now let’s dive into the nitty gritty nutrition facts. Here are the key vitamins, minerals and nutritional highlights based on 1 cup of Good & Gather Original Almond Milk:

• Calories: 60 calories
• Fat: 2.5g total fat
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Sugars: 7g
  • Added Sugars: 0g
• Calcium: 451mg or 45% Daily Value
• Vitamin A: 10% DV
• Vitamin D: 25% DV
• Potassium: 150mg or 3% DV
• Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, fiber, vitamin C, iron, or other vitamins and minerals.

Some key things that stand out:

• Low calorie – 60 calories per cup is considered a low calorie beverage. Great if you’re watching your weight.
• Most of the fats are the heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the almonds. Very little saturated fat.
• It has 0g added sugars, but 7g total sugars that likely come from the almonds naturally.
• Excellent source of bone-building calcium and vitamin D. Half your daily calcium in just 1 cup!
• Vitamins A & D added for extra nutrition, but not excessive.
• Low protein & low fiber like most alternative milks. Enrich it with toppings if you want more protein or fiber.

Overall, I’m delighted by the nutrition profile here. This almond milk seems like a nutritious choice!

Does Good & Gather Almond Milk Contain Added Sugars?

One of my pet peeves with store bought almond milk is all the added sugar lurking in many brands. I always check the label for sneaky added sugars.

Thankfully, Good & Gather Almond Milk contains NO added sugars. The 7g total sugars on the label are naturally occurring, likely from the almond extract.

Many other leading brands add cane sugar, brown rice syrup, or other sweeteners that boost the carb and calorie count for no nutritional benefit. So I’m thrilled Good & Gather opted not to add unnecessary sugars. Two thumbs up!

How Much Does Good & Gather Almond Milk Cost?

The great thing about buying grocery items at Target is you can get quality for less. Good & Gather products are very affordable compared to premium name brands.

A quart (32 oz) carton of Good & Gather Almond Milk costs:

• $2.99 for the original
• $3.19 for vanilla
• $3.19 for unsweetened

This is for the refrigerated milk in the dairy case, not shelf-stable boxes.

Comparing to other brands’ prices at Target:

• Silk Almond Milk 32oz = $3.49
• Califia Farms Almond Milk 32oz = $3.99

So Good & Gather Almond Milk is around 50 cents cheaper than the name brands! That adds up over time.

The price may vary a bit by location but hovers around $3.00 per quart. Very budget-friendly in my opinion!

Flavor Options for Good & Gather Almond Milk

Good & Gather Almond Milk initially launched in 2019 with just the Original flavor. But Target has expanded the line to include more varieties:

• Original – This is the standard, lightly sweetened almond milk with a creamy texture. Great for drinking, pouring over cereal, and more everyday uses.
• Unsweetened – As the name suggests, no sugar added. If you want to avoid sweeteners or add your own, this is the choice. Has the same almond taste.
• Vanilla – For those who like a classic vanilla flavor, this almond milk is lightly sweetened with vanilla. Delicious in coffee drinks or smoothies.
• Chocolate – Made by adding cocoa powder for a creamy, chocolatey flavor. Perfect for chocolate smoothies and shakes.

So if you don’t care for the original, you have unsweetened, vanilla and chocolate options. I’m hoping they eventually add more like strawberry, caramel, or holiday eggnog!

How Long Does Opened Good & Gather Almond Milk Last?

Once you open that quart carton of almond milk, how long does it stay fresh in the fridge before expiring?

The package states that opened Good & Gather Almond Milk lasts 7-10 days in the refrigerator.

As long as you keep it chilled below 40°F and don’t contaminate it, it should stay safe and retain good quality for a week or more.

Some signs your opened almond milk is expired:

• Sour smell or taste – Fresh almond milk smells mildly nutty and tastes slightly sweet. If it smells or tastes sour or funky, toss it.
• Mold – Any fuzzy spots or film means it’s spoiled. Never consume moldy milk!
• Separation – Separation of the liquid and solids indicates the milk is older. Shake well before drinking if just starting to separate.
• Changes in consistency – Thick texture, clumps, or watery liquid are red flags.

So use your opened Good & Gather Almond Milk within 7-10 days and it should stay fresh. Just give it a sniff and visual check before drinking.

Can You Cook and Bake with Good & Gather Almond Milk?

Some almond milks work well for drinking but fall apart when you try to cook or bake with them. The heat can make them split or curdle.

Happily, I found that Good & Gather Almond Milk performs nicely in cooking and baking. The almond flavor comes through beautifully without overpowering.

Here are some ideas for using it in recipes:

• Add a splash to oatmeal or grits while cooking for extra creaminess.
• Substitute 1:1 for cow’s milk in macaroni and cheese. Adds rich, nutty notes.
• Use in cream sauces, soups, puddings, custards.
• Pour into your coffee, tea, hot chocolate for a dairy-free lift.
• Mix into smoothies for protein and texture.
• Replace cow’s milk in quick breads, muffins, cakes.
• Whip into dairy-free whipped topping.

So feel free to experiment with Good & Gather Almond Milk in all sorts of cooking and baking. With a little recipe tweaking, you can make delicious dairy-free dishes!

Reviews of Good & Gather Almond Milk

Curious what other real customers had to say, I turned to reviews of Good & Gather Almond Milk online. Here’s my analysis:

The majority of reviews on Target’s website are very positive, with most people giving it 4 or 5 stars. Fans say:

• “Tastes like real milk, not watery like some almond milks.”
• “The hint of sweetness makes it extra tasty.”
• “Great consistency for cereal and coffee.”
• “Kids couldn’t even tell it wasn’t regular milk!”

Critical reviews mention:

• “Very thin, almost watery texture.”
• “Added sugar for no reason.”
• “Doesn’t work well for frothing milk.”
• “Not as creamy as expected.”

Based on most reviews, it seems like people generally enjoy Good & Gather Almond Milk and find it a good value purchase. As with any product, personal taste preferences will vary. But I’d say it’s worth a try if you like almond milk!

Where to Buy Good & Gather Almond Milk Online

If you don’t live near a Target store or just prefer online shopping, you’re in luck. Good & Gather Almond Milk can be purchased on Target’s website or through grocery delivery apps.

Here are some ways to get it delivered:

• Order on Target.com and select delivery or in-store pickup. You can get a whole case of 12 quarts delivered!
• Add it to your Target Drive Up order and they’ll bring it out to your car. Super convenient.
• Place an order on the Shipt app and they’ll deliver Target groceries straight to your door.
• Add it to your Instacart or DoorDash cart next time you’re getting a delivery.
• Select Good & Gather Almond Milk for Amazon Fresh delivery if it’s available in your area.

So even if you can’t shop in-person, it’s easy to get Good & Gather Almond Milk through Target’s online ordering and delivery options. Never run out again!

How Good & Gather Compares to Other Almond Milk Brands

Wondering how Good & Gather stacks up against popular almond milk competitors? Here’s a detailed brand comparison:

Silk – Industry leader Silk makes a mid-range almond milk. Similar nutrition to Good & Gather but higher in calories at 80 per cup. Contains cane sugar. More expensive at $3.49 per quart. Comes in more flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and unsweetened.

Califia Farms – Califia offers very creamy, rich almond milk but higher in calories, fat and sugar. Organic options available. Considered a premium brand priced at $3.99 per quart. Offers unique flavors like toasted coconut.

Elmhurst – Elmhurst is a high-end brand made with just almonds and water. Very low in calories but also low in nutrients like calcium. No added gums. Organic, non-GMO at $4.49 per quart. Great if you want an all-natural clean ingredient milk.

Trader Joe’s – Affordable like Good & Gather but not available everywhere. Also non-organic, around $2.99 per quart. Smaller selection of flavors. Nutrition varies by version. Fans love the value price.

Good Karma – Known for flax-based milks but also makes almond milk. Tends to be higher in sugar at 9g per cup. Most versions are vegan and flax-enhanced for omega-3s. Around $4 per quart.

Compared to the competition, Good & Gather strikes a nice balance of affordable price, simple ingredients, and nutritious nutrition stats. It nails that sweet spot between low quality and overpriced premium almond milks, in my opinion!

What is the Shelf Life of Good & Gather Almond Milk?

Shelf life is always top of mind when buying perishable dairy alternatives like almond milk.

According to the packaging, unopened Good & Gather Almond Milk expires around 2 months from the production date.

The date will vary but typically gives you a few weeks in the fridge once purchased before it’s set to expire.

Of course, almond milk lasts longer if unopened and stored properly in the refrigerator below 40°F. It should maintain quality for the entire printed “use by” or “best by” date.

Once opened, it’s got that 7-10 day window as discussed earlier.

So check the expiration date when buying your Good & Gather Almond Milk and plan to finish it within about 2 months for optimal freshness!

Pro Tip: Store unopened almond milk cartons towards the back of the refrigerator, not the door where it’s warmer. Keeping it extra cold preserves shelf life.

Does Good & Gather Make Unsweetened Almond Milk?

As I mentioned earlier, Good & Gather does offer an Unsweetened Almond Milk variety for people who want to avoid added sugars.

The unsweetened has:

• 0g total sugars
• 35 calories per cup
• Same amount of nutrients like calcium and vitamin D
• Clean, short ingredients list
• Subtle almond flavor without sweetness

This is great if you:

• Follow a keto, paleo, or low sugar diet
• Don’t like added sweeteners in drinks
• Prefer to control the amount of sugar and add your own
• Are watching your calorie intake

For just 20 cents more, I like having the unsweetened option instead of only Original. Sometimes I crave an unsweetened drink or need it for cooking/baking. Awesome that Good & Gather offers both sweetened and unsweetened almond milk at an affordable price point.

Is Good & Gather Almond Milk Fortified with Vitamins?

In scanning the nutrition label earlier, you may have noticed Good & Gather Almond Milk has extra vitamins added.

Specifically, it’s fortified with Vitamin A Palmitate and Vitamin D2 to increase the nutritional value.

Many almond and plant-based milks add vitamins to more closely mimic cow’s milk, which is a natural source of Vitamin A & D.

Fortifying with vitamins benefits Good & Gather Almond Milk by:

• Making it higher in much-needed bone-building vitamin D
• Providing extra immune-boosting vitamin A
• Creating a good source of these vitamins for people who don’t drink regular milk
• Adding nutritional value for the low calorie/carb count

The amounts – 10% DV of Vitamin A and 25% DV of Vitamin D – seem reasonable to me. Not excessive.

So the vitamin fortification is a pro in my book! It’s an easy way to get more nutrition from your milk.

Is Good & Gather Almond Milk Non-GMO?

When a product doesn’t explicitly say Non-GMO or USDA Organic on the label, it makes me wonder if genetically modified ingredients were used.

Unfortunately, Good & Gather does not claim to be non-GMO anywhere on the packaging.

The almonds and other ingredients are likely produced from conventional, potentially GMO crops based on no certifications. This isn’t surprising given the low price point.

While I wish the almonds were non-GMO, the lack of a Non-GMO label is not a deal breaker for me. For an affordable everyday almond milk, I can accept conventional ingredients.

But I do hope Target eventually makes a certified organic, verified Non-GMO Good & Gather line as a higher tier option for concerned consumers. That would be amazing!

Where Can I Find Good & Gather Almond Milk in Stores?

Is Good & Gather Almond Milk stocked at every Target location? Or only select stores?

From what I can tell, it should be available in the refrigerated dairy section at most Target stores nationwide.

As a major brand for Target, they aim to keep Good & Gather products in stock across all locations. Availability likely depends on demand at each individual store.

Your best bet is to:

• Check Target’s website to see if your local store carries Good & Gather Almond Milk
• Call ahead to ask if they currently have any in stock before you shop
• Keep checking back if it’s out of stock, as shipments arrive frequently
• Check the back of the dairy case for overflow items
• Ask a store employee if they can check for more in the back

With Good & Gather being such an important flagship brand for Target, I’m optimistic you can eventually find it at your neighborhood store or else via online ordering.

It’s worth the hunt to get your hands on this affordable, quality almond milk!

The Bottom Line

After reviewing every aspect of this product – ingredients, nutrition, taste, price and more – here’s my final verdict on Good & Gather Almond Milk:

It’s a fantastic option if you want great tasting almond milk on a budget. For just $2.99 a quart, you get simple ingredients, important vitamins like calcium and D added, and a mild, creamy taste.

While not organic, non-GMO, or extra fancy, it’s perfectly satisfying for everyday uses from cereal to coffee to recipes. I’d buy it over pricier name brands hands down!

So if you like almond milk and shop at Target, put Good & Gather Almond Milk in your cart without hesitation. In my experience, it lives up to the quality and value the Good & Gather brand promises. Let me know what you think after you try it!