(+ HOW THEY TASTE & FROTH)

The vegan wave has been gaining tremendous momentum in recent years. With major chains like Burger King and KFC offering vegan options, it's clear this trend is here to stay. But how does this relate to enjoying a great cup of coffee? If you're skipping dairy, you'll want to know the best non-dairy milk alternatives for your freshly roasted coffee beans from Good Life Coffee. We’ve tested all the top contenders to bring you the best choices for a vegan-friendly, award-winning coffee experience. No jargon, no fuss, just exceptional coffee.

Oat Milk

Oat milk is a blend of oats, water, and sometimes canola oil. Its full-bodied flavor is reminiscent of full-fat milk, making it an excellent choice for coffee. Oat milk is also high in fiber, offering added health benefits.

How does Oat Milk Taste in Coffee?

The creamy nature of oat milk complements coffee without overpowering its taste, making it one of the best milk alternatives for coffee.

How does Oat milk froth?

Oat milk can be frothed, producing larger bubbles, which are great for latte art.

How does Oat milk curdle in coffee?

Oat milk does not curdle in coffee, whether added hot or cold.

Almond Milk

Almond milk, a popular nut-based milk alternative, comes in sweetened and unsweetened forms and is widely available.

How does Almond Milk taste in coffee?

It has a nutty flavor that can sometimes overpower coffee. Sweetened almond milk tends to be more versatile.

How does Almond milk froth?

Almond milk can foam but may separate, leaving a watery layer.

How does Almond milk curdle in coffee?

Almond milk often curdles in hot coffee, so it’s best to warm it first.

Soy Milk

Soy milk has long been a staple non-dairy milk, made from soaking and grinding soybeans. Its neutral flavor allows the coffee's taste to shine.

How does Soy Milk Taste in Coffee?

Creamy and neutral, it enhances coffee without altering its profile too much.

How does Soy milk froth?

Soy milk froths well, similar to cow’s milk.

How does Soy milk curdle in coffee?

Soy milk can curdle due to coffee's acidity. Warming it first helps prevent this.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk, made from water, coconut water, and rice milk, offers a rich and exotic flavor.

How does Cocnut Milk Taste in Coffee?

Its sweetness can complement coffee, but it may overpower certain flavors.

How does Coconut milk froth?

Coconut milk can froth, but the bubbles are larger and less stable.

How does Coconut milk curdle in coffee?

Coconut milk curdles if added cold; warm it first to prevent this.

Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is made from ground cashews and water. It’s creamy and slightly sweet, perfect for coffee.

How does Cashew Milk Taste in Coffee?

Less nutty than almond milk, it has a creamy texture that works well with coffee.

How does Cashew milk froth?

It froths, but with larger bubbles.

How does Cashew milk curdle in coffee?

Warm cashew milk before adding it to coffee to avoid curdling.

Rice Milk

Rice milk is a nut-free, slightly sweet alternative, often sweetened with sugar or rice syrup.

How does Rice Milk Taste in Coffee?

Watery and neutral, it lacks a creamy texture.

How does Rice milk froth?

Rice milk does not froth due to low protein content.

How does Rice milk curdle in coffee?

Slight curdling may occur if added cold, but warming it can help.

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk, made from hemp plants, is high in protein and has a nutty, neutral taste.

How does Hemp Milk Taste in Coffee?

Its neutral flavor works well with most coffee types.

How does Hemp milk froth?

It froths well due to its high protein content.

How does Hemp milk curdle in coffee?

Warm hemp milk first to prevent curdling.

Pea Milk

Pea milk, made from yellow split peas, is a high-protein alternative that closely mimics cow’s milk.

How does Pea Milk Taste in Coffee?

It has a milk-like taste without overpowering flavors.

How does Coconut milk froth?

Pea milk froths well, similar to cow’s milk.

How does Pea milk curdle in coffee?

Pea milk is less likely to curdle but should be warmed to avoid lumps.

General Tips for Using Milk Alternatives in Coffee

For the best foaming results, choose high-protein milks like pea, hemp, or soy.

Always warm your milk alternative slightly to prevent curdling, except for oat milk, which doesn't require warming.