Starting On Tuesday, September 6, Starbucks will be adding almond milk to their menu. Although news comes as a delight to any dairy free Pumpkin Spice Latte connoisseurs, it raises an important question for their lactose consuming counterparts: nonfat or almond milk?

Starbucks has announced that their almond milk will feature a customized formula producing a frothy foam when steamed and a creamy addition to any iced beverage. In the wake of this announcement customers have been left to wonder whether this addition will be worth the 60-cent fee that will accompany any almond milk order.

Nutritionists are still somewhat divided on the overall nutritional benefits of almond milk in place of traditional dairy. The beverage has been celebrated by the world's vegans and lactose intolerant, however, there has been much dispute regarding the perks and potential costs of all milk alternatives, including coconut milk, flax milk and rice milk. Of all the alternatives to traditional dairy, almond milk is considered to be the most healthy option. Nevertheless, there have been numerous findings and disputes on whether dairy lovers should abandon cows milk once once for all.

Almond milk's greatest benefit stems from its low calorie count. Eight ounces of almond milk contains only 40 calories. In comparison, nonfat milk contains 77, one-percent milk contains roughly 100 calories and an eight ounces of whole milk contains 136. Although 20 calories may not make much of a difference in the long run, if people opt to replace their whole milk latte with an almond milk alternative, the benefits are far greater. It also contains far fewer carbohydrates than it's more traditional counterparts.

The differences are further magnified by the fat each beverage contains. Although 30 of the 40 calories in almond milk are from fat, it does not contain any trans fats, saturated fats or cholesterol. In comparison, 64 of the calories in eight ounces whole milk are from fat. The beverage also contains eight grams of saturated fats, and 24 mg of cholesterol.

Nonfat milk comes far closer to matching almond milk, with zero calories from fat, no saturated fats and only 8 mgs or cholesterol.

Another advantage of almond milk stems from the extensive vitamins present in its formula. The numerous vitamins Most almond milk formulas include a number of vitamins that are unrivaled by all other milk substitutes. The beverage is loaded with antioxidants, including magnesium, potassium, manganese, selenium and Vitamins A, D and E. However, cow's milk has a trick up its sleeve in this field as well, as most milks are fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

Cow's milk also has a decided advantage in the form of protein. Almonds are naturally low in protein. Although some fortified variations of almond milk contain higher levels of protein the beverage still falls short in comparison to cow's milk with approximately 1/8th of its protein content. Protein brings many benefits, aiding weight loss, improving the health of nails and hair and promoting muscle and bone health.

The greatest argument for traditional milk comes from the ambiguity that accompanies almond milk. Until Starbucks releases the nutrition information on their almond milk formula we can only speculate on its overall levels of health, however, we can use information from almond milk products currently on the market to make an educated guess about what lies ahead. Although plain almond milk tends to contain fewer calories and less sugar than many of the beverages on the market, flavored almond milk, such as vanilla, tends to contain double the calories and sugar content, making the beverage less healthy than skim. Judging from Starbucks' less than wholesome history in terms of nutrition, we can assume that their specialized formula may lead to some disappointment.

Whether you want to pay the extra 60 cents, the next time you order a latte, is entirely your call.