Buying guide for best golden milk powders
Golden milk powder contains an abundance of antioxidants and is chock-full of anti-inflammatory properties. Just stir it into your favorite regular or dairy-free milk, drink it down, and your body will be fortified with this spicy-sweet superfood elixir.
There are a number of golden milk powders on the market. When shopping for the best powder, you want one that uses high-quality ingredients and that you won’t run through in just a few days.
Our guide has everything you need to know to find the right golden milk powder for your next milky treat.
Key considerations
Golden milk powder can be incredibly rich in beneficial ingredients. However, each brand has a slightly different recipe, making some powders more effective than others. Let’s take a look at some key ingredients you’ll want to look for in a quality golden milk powder.
Turmeric
Turmeric is easy to identify because it is a bright yellow powder. However, for the most health benefits, golden milk powder should be rich in curcumin. Curcumin is the compound found in turmeric that is responsible for the spice’s healthy properties. Unfortunately, curcumin only makes up about 3% or 4% of turmeric, so be wary of golden milk powder labels with no mention of curcumin.
Black pepper
Besides its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, black pepper can be beneficial for digestion and help speed up your metabolism. However, the reason you want it in your golden milk powder is because it aids in the absorption of other nutrients, which increases their effectiveness.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice made from the inner bark of trees. It is one of the tastiest and most beneficial spices. Although it is abundant, it can still be difficult to find “true” cinnamon. You want your golden milk powder to have the best, so make sure the label specifies Ceylon cinnamon.
Ginger
Ginger is another potent spice that has a vast array of beneficial properties. It can help with digestion, nausea, pain, cardiovascular health, blood sugar, cholesterol, and more. It adds a nice zing to golden milk powder.
Features
Besides having the most beneficial ingredients, there are a number of other features you’ll want to consider before purchasing golden milk powder.
Allergens
Golden milk powder may contain ingredients that you’re sensitive to. Whether it is tree nuts in the powder or the product you are adding the powder to, be absolutely certain the golden milk powder that you choose doesn’t include any ingredients that may adversely affect your health.
Vegan-friendly
In general, golden milk powder is a vegan product that is caffeine- and gluten-free with no GMOs, soy, or added sugar. However, this is not always the case, so don’t just assume. Read the label carefully to be sure the golden milk powder is exactly what you want it to be.
Additional herbs and spices
The ingredients in golden milk powder can vary greatly from one brand to another. If you desire a sweeter flavor, additional spices and herbs, or any specific ingredient, make sure the golden milk powder you are considering meets your needs.
Servings per container
Some golden milk powders offer months of servings in a single container, while others offer only a few weeks of servings. Your first concern is to find the golden milk powder that contains the ingredients you want, but also be aware of how long it will last versus its price.
Price
With a few exceptions, most golden milk powders cost between $14 and $20. However, the key to finding a good value comes in reading the label.
Pay attention to the servings as some $15 containers offer up to 120 servings, while some $20 containers might only provide enough powder for 20 servings.
The other important reason to read the label is to determine what else is in the powder. Some products might have minimal supplements, while others contain an abundance.
Be diligent in looking for the best golden milk powder for your needs and budget.
Benefits
Some consider golden milk to be the magic bullet that can cure all ailments. Others simply enjoy it as a trendy beverage that is extremely tasty when made with a modern flair. As with many forms of alternative medicine, there isn’t scientific data to back up most of the claims. However, golden milk has been around for 3,000 years, so there must be a reason why we continue to drink it.
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Golden milk contains a bevy of antioxidants, which may help battle disease and infections and also help protect cells from damage.
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The ingredients in golden milk have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Depending on the milk you use to make it, golden milk may contain calcium and vitamin D, which can reduce your risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
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Some of the ingredients in golden milk may hold the key to preventing a decline in brain functions as we age.
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There are some studies that suggest golden milk may help combat symptoms of depression.
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The ingredients used in golden milk have antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help you fight off infections.
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Some research suggests that the ingredients in golden milk may help lower triglyceride and LDL levels while raising HDL levels, which could give you better cholesterol numbers.
Other products we considered
Golden milk powder comes in a wide variety of options. What may be great for one person, might not be exactly what another individual is looking for. The Garden of Life MyKind Organics Golden Milk Recovery and Nourishment Powder is made with 44 mg of turmeric curcumin, which is comprised of 95% curcuminoids. The Amoda Tea Golden Milk Powder contains turmeric latte powder, ginger tea, and a superfood smoothie mix to provide a wide range of health benefits. The Teaveli Premium Golden Milk Powder contains a number of superfoods. Some of the ingredients include turmeric with curcumin, wild chaga mushrooms, and Ceylon cinnamon.
FAQ
Q. Is golden milk something new?
A. Drinking golden milk may be trendy at the moment, but it is hardly a new practice. Golden milk is part of Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic healing system that originated in India and has been around for roughly 3,000 years. Golden milk is believed to nourish the essential energy of life, offering benefits to the mind, body, and spirit.
Q. What is Ayurvedic medicine?
A. In Ayurvedic medicine, the focus is on maintaining a balance between mind, body, and spirit. Harmony between these three essential elements means good health. When that balance is disturbed, whether through emotions, injury, stress, fear, change, or any other force or condition, that is when sickness and disease can enter. Ayurvedic medicine doesn’t focus on fighting disease but on preventing it from entering your life in the first place.
Q. Are there any possible negative side effects to drinking golden milk?
A. As with everything, the key is moderation. Certain medications should not be taken with turmeric (often the primary ingredient in golden milk), so it is essential to first check with your doctor or pharmacist before drinking golden milk.
The main negative side effects are digestion-related and may include upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea. Because turmeric contains oxalates, it may also increase the risk of developing kidney stones in some individuals. Too much turmeric may also inhibit the absorption of iron and create iron deficiencies in people who consume excess amounts of turmeric.
