Non-dairy milk alternatives like almond, soy, and oat milk have unique tastes and textures, which can enhance or alter the taste of the coffee. With many people seeking a more dairy-free lifestyle, the common question is, what is the best non-dairy milk to add to my coffee?
While the best non-dairy milk is subjective and depends on your preferences, the best and most popular non-dairy milk at coffee shops is oat milk, soy milk, and pea milk. All of these froth well, which is important for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, complementing coffee flavors very nicely.
How Much Does The Milk Matter In Coffee?
The milk used in coffee can greatly impact the overall taste and texture of the drink. The right type of milk can complement the flavor of the coffee, while the wrong type of milk can overpower or clash with it. Dairy milk, for example, is known for its creamy and rich texture, which pairs well with strong coffee flavors.
Dairy milk works so well in coffee because of its flavor, texture, and high protein content. The high protein content allows for great foam and latte art. So protein plays an important role in giving us that rich and creamy latte we’ve grown to love.
The Best Dairy-Free Milk In Coffee Drinks
- Oat milk: Oat milk is the most popular vegan milk for lattes due to its creamy texture and neutral taste that complements coffee. It also froths well, making it ideal for latte art.
- Soy milk: Soy milk has a mild, nutty flavor and is known for its excellent frothing ability. It also contains a good amount of protein.
- Pea milk: Pea milk is a great substitute for dairy milk as they have a lot of taste and texture similarities. However, it is number 3 on this list because it is harder to find in the average grocery store.
- Almond milk: Almond milk has a slightly sweet taste that pairs well with coffee but can be difficult to froth.
The taste and texture of vegan milk can vary, so choosing the right type of milk is important for the desired outcome.
Ranking 8 Dairy-Free Milks For Coffee Drinks
Here, we’ll look at some of the best non-dairy milks currently on the market – perfect if you’re looking for a vegan or low-calorie alternative that still offers a fantastic flavor.
Whether it’s oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk, read on for the details as we explore what makes each one of these dairy-free options so special!
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1. Oat Milk
Oat milk has emerged as the newest non-dairy milk alternative, quickly becoming the most popular dairy-free milk.
Oat milk has a creamy texture and a mild flavor that complements coffee well. It is thicker and creamier than almond milk, with a texture similar to cow’s milk.
How Does Oat Milk Taste In Coffee?
Oat milk has a slightly sweet and creamy taste that can add a subtle flavor to coffee. Its mildness allows it to blend well with coffee, making it a popular choice for coffee lovers.
Will Oat Milk Froth?
Yes, oat milk will froth very well, and the barista oat milk versions froth even better. Popular oat milk brands in the U.S. have created special formulas for coffee shops and coffee drinkers at home that will froth very similarly to dairy milk. You can even make latte art with it!
For more help frothing oat milk, check out these tips.
2. Soy Milk
Soy milk has been a popular alternative to dairy milk for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a plant-based option. In fact, it has been the pioneer of dairy alternatives in coffee shops and cafes.
Soy milk has a creamy texture and is known to froth well for coffee drinks, making it an excellent option for those looking for a milk alternative in their morning latte.
How Does Soy Milk Taste In Coffee?
Soy milk has a light flavor that is slightly beany and is definitely creamy.
Soy milk has a texture similar to cow’s milk which many people find a pleasant addition to their coffee.
Will Soy Milk Froth?
Soy milk will froth very well, which is why it has been so popular in coffee shops.
When frothing soy milk, it is important to start with cold (refrigerated) soy milk and heat it gradually. This allows the soy milk to aerate without overheating.
Like all dairy substitutes, soy milk has weaker proteins than dairy milk, so it can’t hold up to the same temperature as dairy milk. A general rule of thumb is to froth soy milk at a minimum of 10 degrees colder than you would dairy milk.
3. Pea Milk
Unlike the process for creating nut milk, which is soaking and blending, pea milk is made by grinding yellow split peas into flour. This flour is then separated into protein, starch, and fiber. The protein (around 7g per 8oz.) is then added to water and sometimes mixed with natural sweeteners like vanilla extract.
How Does Pea Milk Taste In Coffee?
Unlike nut-based alternatives, this interesting milk does not have any overpowering taste, and it doesn’t taste anything like the mushy green peas you’re thinking of. Surprisingly, pea milk offers a taste similar to regular milk, a great option for all coffee drinks!
Will Pea Milk Froth?
Pea milk, just like other high-protein milk substitutes, can create the perfect foam for your coffee creations! Also, the foam from pea milk is so silky and smooth that it allows latte art to be added to your beverage!
4. Almond Milk
This popular nut-based milk can be found in most supermarkets and is available sweetened or unsweetened. While it may offer a unique and delicious flavor to your coffee, beware that it can sometimes overpower the taste of your coffee. Generally, it’s advisable to stick with sweetened almond milk for a more balanced and universally-pleasing cup of joe.
How Does Almond Milk Taste In Coffee?
Almond milk has a slightly nutty and creamy flavor with a hint of natural sweetness. It is also lighter in taste and texture than cow’s milk, with a slightly grainy texture.
Overall, almond milk tastes mild and pleasant, with a subtle almond flavor resembling cereal milk.
Like all non-dairy milk, almond milk can separate when mixed with coffee due to the acidity and heat of the coffee. This separation can cause the almond milk to curdle and form small lumps, affecting the taste and texture of the coffee.
Separation can be avoided by slowly warming the almond milk before adding it to the coffee, as the warmth can help to stabilize the milk and prevent separation. Additionally, using high-quality almond milk that is specifically designed for use with coffee is a barista tip. These products are often formulated to withstand the acidity of coffee and maintain a smooth texture when mixed.
Will Almond Milk Froth?
Yes, you can froth almond milk, but it does not froth as well as other dairy-free milks like oat milk or soy milk. Because it’s made from blended almonds and water, it’s a bit trickier to work with than regular milk.
Almond milk can also be heated and frothed manually using a whisk or blender. However, it’s important to note that the foam produced from almond milk may not be as stable as dairy milk and may settle more quickly.
Make sure to use fresh, cold almond milk and slowly heat it. The refrigerated kind usually works better than the shelf-stable option. You can also get better froth by opting for a small container vs. a larger one. This will help give you smaller bubbles and a more even froth.
5. Coconut Milk
With its smooth and creamy texture, coconut milk is making waves as a dairy alternative. Its high-fat content pairs perfectly with coffee drinks. Many coconut milk brands have a neutral taste with just a touch of coconut flavor.
The coconut milk you find in stores is usually medium thickness, but the creaminess and texture can vary based on how many times it’s been strained. On the other hand, pure coconut milk is thick and creamy, but it’s also high in fat and calories. It’s often used in smaller amounts to add delicious richness to dishes like sauces or curries.
How Does Coconut Milk Taste In Coffee?
Coconut milk has a rich and creamy texture. It is sweeter and more flavorful than almond milk, with a light coconut taste.
Additionally, coconut milk has a thicker texture than cow’s milk, making it a good dairy-free alternative for recipes that require a creamier texture.
Will Coconut Milk Froth?
Coconut milk is great for frothing because of its higher fat content. The thicker the coconut milk you buy, the better the froth (and fat) will be. Even still, compared to dairy milk, coconut milk foam will be less dense and have larger bubbles.
Coconut milk can be heated and frothed manually using a whisk or blender. However, it’s important to note that the froth produced from coconut milk may not be as stable as dairy milk and may settle more quickly. Despite this, coconut milk can still be a great option for frothing if you want a dairy-free alternative with a sweet and tropical flavor.
6. Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is a non-dairy milk alternative made by blending the hemp plant seeds and water. It has an earthy, nutty flavor and watery consistency.
How Does Hemp Milk Taste In Coffee?
Hemp milk has a gently nutty and earthy flavor with a thin texture. The neutral taste works well in most coffee varieties.
Will Hemp Milk Froth?
Yes, you can froth hemp milk. It has enough protein to make a respectable froth. It is most comparable to soy milk but with a different aftertaste.
7. Cashew Milk
Cashew milk is a good option for those who and counting calories and aren’t looking for extra protein in their milk alternative, as it is low in protein, fat, and carbs. Plus, its mild flavor makes it a great choice for anyone dipping their toes into the world of plant-based milk.
How Does Cashew Milk Taste In Coffee?
Cashew milk has a creamy texture with a very minimal nutty taste. It also tends to be sweeter than other nut milks, so it’s a great way to add some natural sweetness to your coffee drinks.
Will Cashew Milk Froth?
Cashew milk can froth, but it will not produce the same foam quality as dairy milk or other non-dairy milks due to its lower protein content and thin texture. It is also likely to separate quickly, affecting your latte or cappuccino.
8. Rice Milk
Rice milk is made from a mix of white or brown rice, a pinch of salt, and sometimes a drop of oil. The process includes pressing rice through a mill and using fancy diffusion to filter out the grains. It has a very subtle flavor and a super thin consistency (some compare it to water).
How Does Rice Milk Taste In Coffee?
Rice milk has a very mild and slightly sweet taste with a thin consistency, which makes it a good option for someone looking to water down their coffee or for a very neutral splash of milk.
Will Rice Milk Froth?
Rice milk does not froth well at all. It is not ideal as a dairy alternative for coffee drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
Final thoughts
Overall, the choice of vegan milk for making lattes at home depends on personal preference and desired outcome. Whether you prefer a neutral taste or a unique flavor profile, vegan milk can enhance your coffee experience!
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