Silk Pure Almond Milk

Why it delights me:  I have a distant childhood memory of my mom bringing home some almond milk that she discovered during one of her routine grocery outings. I had never heard of almond milk before, but the sheer novelty of it was enough to arouse my childhood curiosity. So I tore at its cap, grabbed a glass, poured it in, took my first sip...and.got.hooked...
I downed the entire carton after a few sittings. Like an addict looking for another quick fix, I went to my source to beg for more. My mother, with indifferent tolerance to the fits and pleas of her child, patiently said she would see what she could do. Time passed and when she eventually went back to the supermarket...she discovered that they had taken it off the shelves. Since then, we have never found that same brand of almond milk that comprised a perfect blend of milkiness and nuttiness. I went through several years of hard withdrawal.  There is no point or particular happy ending to this story. Just my personal introduction to almond milk in general and a few minutes of wasting your time. However, if I had to pick an acceptable substitute, it would have to be this US-made liquid delight. Just for the sheer nostalgia of it. I know, it's not much of a product endorsement, but it can't compare to the joys of childhood memories... 

The evil genius of Silk marketing lies in its ability to make me believe that I will be happy once I buy their product. Their vanilla-flavored almond milk has "90 calories of pure almond happiness" ...and just like that, it makes me want to gain that extra 90 calories just to have that pure almond happiness. What a way to lure me back to past addictions. My weak will has, again, succumbed to the suggestive wiles of marketing. Despite that, it definitely serves well as a milk substitute. Between the original and the vanilla flavor, I personally prefer the original because you can definitely taste the "rich taste of almonds" it claims to have.  If anyone likes almonds as much as I do or if you're just looking for a milk substitute, this would definitely be something worth trying.  While it doesn't compare to my childhood expectations and standards...it will do, pig. 

I shall take the 60 calorie serving with the rich taste of almonds! 

The label on the left is for vanilla,  the label on the right is for the original. See what I mean? 90 or 60 calories of pure almond happiness...tut tut...

How I use it: By itself, in my coffee, fruit shakes, and with my cereal. I'm not feeling particularly creative at the moment. Check their website for recipe suggestions. 

Health claims:   This product makes no particular health claims other than claiming to have 50% more calcium than milk and 50% more antioxidant vitamin E than milk. It also claims to have "absolutely no saturated fat, cholesterol or lactose." Feel free to read its nutrition facts below:

Sorry, I don't know if this is a readable enough size for some people...if not, go get a magnifying glass...label on the left is Vanilla, label on the right is Original.

Allergen statement: They say it "contains almond and may contain coconut." I don't know why it "may" contain coconut...either it does or it doesn't...be straight with us, Silk! Coconuts deserve acknowledgement too...  

source
Sad coconut wants acknowledgement.

Price in Php: (as of 2012) Php 151

                                           USD 3.54

Where I have so far found it: Unimart, Greenhills; Shopwise, Libis; SM Hypermarket

Shelf-life: The carton mentions that it will stay fresh 7-10 days in the refrigerator after opening.

Product Website: http://www.silkpurealmond.com/

Other product notes/usages:  It  is lactose free and dairy-free. The label mentions that it is not to be used as infant formula. 

Where else can you find it? For anyone who knows, feel free to comment or give recommendations to other people who may be looking for it in your area or country. 

source
Chipmunk bravely guards his almondsss