THE BEST NON-DAIRY MILK FOR COFFEE
(+ 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.
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.
It has a nutty flavor that can sometimes overpower coffee. Sweetened almond milk tends to be more versatile.
Almond milk can foam but may separate, leaving a watery layer.
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.
Creamy and neutral, it enhances coffee without altering its profile too much.
Soy milk froths well, similar to cow’s milk.
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.
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.
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.
Less nutty than almond milk, it has a creamy texture that works well with coffee.
It froths, but with larger bubbles.
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.
Watery and neutral, it lacks a creamy texture.
Rice milk does not froth due to low protein content.
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.
Its neutral flavor works well with most coffee types.
It froths well due to its high protein content.
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.
Pea milk froths well, similar to cow’s milk.
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.