RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk scores 44/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food.
RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk receives a FoodScore of 44/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
This product is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed beverage.
It provides a notable 15% DV of calcium and 23% DV of Vitamin A per 100g serving.
Compared to unsweetened plain almond or oat milk, RIPPLE offers significantly more protein (3.38g per 100g).
Use RIPPLE as a protein-contributing base in smoothies or with cereal, being mindful of its processed nature.
Scores +0 points above the beverage category average (44/100 across 84 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
3.38g
7% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
50.99mg
2% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Calcium, Vitamin A)+4
−
What holds it back
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 44
RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk achieves a FoodScore of 44/100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The primary factor driving this score is its classification as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food. This classification incurs a significant penalty of -10 points. On the positive side, the product receives a bonus of +4 points for its micronutrient content, specifically providing 15% DV of calcium and 23% DV of Vitamin A per 100g. It contains 3.38g of protein per 100g, which is higher than many unsweetened plain almond or oat milks, and has 0g of added sugar. However, the presence of ingredients like organic sunflower oil, natural flavors, and various gums (organic guar gum, gellan gum) contribute to its processed nature. While it offers some fortified nutrients, its overall formulation as a highly engineered food product impacts its FoodScore negatively when compared to less processed alternatives.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in ripple original plant-based milk actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Bone Health with Calcium and Vitamin A
RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk is fortified to provide significant amounts of calcium and Vitamin A. Each 100g serving contributes 15% of the Daily Value for calcium and 23% for Vitamin A. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, while Vitamin A plays a role in bone growth and development. For individuals seeking plant-based options to support their bone health, this product can be a useful contributor to daily intake, especially when dairy is not consumed.
Provides a Source of Plant-Based Protein
This plant-based milk offers a notable amount of protein, with 3.38g per 100g serving, derived from pea protein. This makes it a more protein-rich alternative compared to many other plant milks, such as almond or oat milk, which often contain less than 1g of protein per 100g. Including this product can help individuals meet their daily protein needs, particularly those following vegetarian or vegan diets, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
Suitable for Specific Dietary Needs
RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk is formulated to be free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and nuts, making it a suitable option for individuals with these specific dietary restrictions or allergies. Its pea protein base and fortification with vitamins and minerals allow it to serve as a functional substitute for dairy milk in many applications. This can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle to find fortified, protein-contributing plant-based alternatives.
RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk scores 44/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk is commonly consumed as a dairy milk alternative in the US. It's often used in cereal, coffee, smoothies, or as a base for cooking and baking. A typical serving size is 12 ounces, which is equivalent to about 340g of product.
Use RIPPLE as a protein boost in your morning smoothie by blending it with fruits, vegetables, and a source of healthy fats.
Pair with whole-grain cereals or oatmeal to enhance the overall fiber content of your breakfast.
Consider using RIPPLE as a 1:1 substitute for dairy milk in recipes to maintain a similar protein and calcium profile in plant-based dishes.
Be mindful of the ultra-processed nature of this product and balance its consumption with whole, unprocessed foods throughout the day.
Things to keep in mind
RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food. While generally recognized as safe, the presence of various additives such as organic sunflower oil, sunflower lecithin, natural flavors, organic guar gum, and gellan gum are typical of highly processed products. Individuals sensitive to gums or emulsifiers might experience digestive discomfort, though this is not common. The product is free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and nuts, which is a benefit for those with allergies. There are no specific interactions or high levels of concerning nutrients like sodium or added sugar that would warrant broad caution for specific populations, beyond general advice to moderate intake of ultra-processed foods.
RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk scores 44/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, largely due to its classification as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4). While it offers beneficial fortification with calcium (15% DV) and Vitamin A (23% DV) per 100g, and provides 3.38g of protein, its overall processed nature impacts its nutritional rating. It is a better choice than many other plant milks in terms of protein and fortification, but still a processed product.
How does RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk compare to unsweetened plain almond milk?
Compared to unsweetened plain almond milk, RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk generally offers a significantly higher protein content (3.38g vs typically less than 1g per 100g) and similar or higher fortification of calcium and Vitamin A. Both are often classified as ultra-processed. RIPPLE's pea protein base provides a more substantial nutrient profile than the water and almond base of many almond milks, making it a more nutritionally robust choice within the plant-milk category.
What is pea protein, and is it a good protein source?
Pea protein is a plant-based protein source derived from yellow peas. It is considered a high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, although it is slightly lower in methionine compared to animal proteins. In RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk, it contributes 3.38g of protein per 100g, making it a valuable component for those seeking to increase their plant-based protein intake.
What is a typical serving size for RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk?
A typical serving size for RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk is 12 fluid ounces, which is approximately 355ml or 366g of product. This serving size would provide about 12g of protein and higher amounts of the fortified micronutrients than the 100g values. It's important to consider this larger serving size when evaluating the total nutrient contribution to your diet.
Can I use RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk in coffee without it curdling?
RIPPLE Original Plant-Based Milk is generally formulated to be stable in hot beverages like coffee, similar to dairy milk. Its stabilizers, such as gellan gum and organic guar gum, help prevent curdling. However, extreme temperatures or highly acidic coffee can sometimes cause any milk alternative to separate. For best results, add it to coffee gradually and stir well.