New Non-Dairy Milk on the Block: Sōl Sunflower Beverage!

I just got the newsletter from Kids with Food Allergies, and in their "New Food Finds" section, I saw the new Sōl Sunflower Beverage from Sunrich Naturals.  Now, I am very happy and satisfied with my daughter's Living Harvest Tempt Milk, but I certainly wanted to check this new non-dairy milk out and see how it compares.  I am bummed that Texas isn't on the drop-down list on their "Where to Buy" section, but hopefully, it will be available soon, or perhaps I can get some online. 

Here is the spiel from Sunrich's website:

SōL is a refreshing sunflower beverage made from wholesome sunflower kernels, one of nature’s most potent superfoods. SōL is a delicious, creamy, nutritious beverage that can be enjoyed any time of day. One serving of SōL provides 50% RDA of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that destroys free radicals, protects the heart and brain, and promotes healthy, glowing skin. Dairy free, gluten free SOL is available in three flavors: Original, Vanilla, and Unsweetened.

Key Nutritional Benefits:

SOL Sunflower Beverage is made from sunflower seeds, one of nature’s most potent superfoods. Sunflower seeds are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that help neutralize cancer-causing free radicals and slow down signs of aging. Sunflower seeds are also packed with essential minerals such as phosphorus, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. SOL’s vitamins, minerals, and Omega-3 fats boost immunity, promote brain and heart health, strengthen bones and teeth, and promote beautiful, younger-looking skin from within.

SOL refreshing sunflower beverage provides an excellent source of Vitamin E, Phosphorus, Folic Acid, Calcium and Vitamin D. Each 8 oz. serving provides 50% of the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin E, 60% for Phosphorus, 30% for Calcium, 25% for Vitamin D, and 20% for Folic Acid.

I am awaiting a response from the company about any possible soy cross-contamination issues, but aside from that possibility, the product is free of the Top 8 allergens.  It does contain xanthan gum, which might be an issue for some, but so far, it appears to be a very allergy-friendly milk alternative.  I have a feeling that it would work really well for baking!

This is the ingredient list for their Original flavor:
Filtered Water, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Sunflower Kernels, Sunflower Lecithin, Tricalcium Phosphate, Organic Tapioca Starch, Expeller Pressed Sunflower Oil, Sea Salt, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Natural Flavor, Carrageenan, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2, Folic Acid, d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Natural Vitamin E).

The Unsweetened variety has no Organic Evaporated Cane Juice and the Vanilla variety has Vanilla Flavors.

Here's the Nutrition Facts Label: (click on the image to view larger...)

It has 410mg of potassium, which hemp milk does not, but I'm wondering about the high level of Phosphorus.

(I often consult the Office of Dietary Supplements pages by the National Institute of Health, and this is what they have to say about Phosphorus:
Function: Maintenance of pH, storage and transfer of energy and nucleotide synthesis.
Adverse effects of excessive consumption: Metastatic calcification, skeletal porosity, interference with calcium absorption.)

It has a good amount of Folic Acid, which equates to around 40-50% of the daily requirements for a child.  It's high in Vitamin E, similar to almond milk.  It's not very high in protein, but that's not unusual for non-dairy milks, aside from soy milk, which has about 7g per serving. 

As I've said before, I am not a nutritionist or a dietitian, nor am I a health professional by any means, but this is just my cursory review, from what I've gathered.  It looks like a pretty good non-dairy alternative and certainly more nutritious than some of the options that are currently available.  Hopefully, the available of this new product will increase and I'll actually be able to try it out!