As far as we're concerned, milk and coffee belong together. Sweet, creamy milk and intense espresso combine perfectly to make a delicious drink or two, whether it's a latte or a cappuccino.
There are many reasons to choose non-dairy milks, and also many types to choose from. But which non-dairy milk is best for specialty coffee ? Can you make a vegan cappuccino that tastes good?
It can be difficult to know whether to choose soy, almond, or oat milk. Some non-dairy options have overwhelming flavors, and others are difficult to froth. Let's learn more about the different qualities of plant-based milks and which ones best complement your coffee.
Soy milk
Does soy milk taste good in coffee?
Soy milk has long been a popular choice, perhaps surprisingly, as it has one of the strongest flavors. Compared to a chocolate espresso, this might not be an issue, but combined with a fruity and floral African coffee, it has the potential to overpower the overall flavor.
What are the health benefits of soy?
For most people, soy is a perfectly healthy choice: high in protein and low in sugar and fat. Many brands are also fortified with other vitamins, which is helpful for eliminating all dairy. There have been inconclusive links with soy's effect on estrogen, so the NHS advises people diagnosed with breast cancer to avoid it.
Why does soy milk curdle in coffee?
It all comes down to the coffee 's heat and acidity: These elements react poorly with many plant-based milks, so some mitigation is necessary. Letting the coffee cool slightly before blending can help, as can choosing a less acidic coffee, such as Brazilian or Colombian.
Can you steam soy milk?
As discussed, soybeans have a tendency to split in coffee. But if you use a low-acid espresso, don't overheat the soy milk, and pour it fairly quickly, you'll have a better chance of getting a better cup.
Oat milk
What does oat milk taste like in coffee?
Oat milk is a popular choice for coffee-based drinks. Creamy and thick, and with a less distinctive flavor than nut milks, it's a dairy cheat. Its natural sweetness pairs well with a shot of espresso. However, you will get a hint of "oat" from it.
Can you froth oat milk for coffee?
The higher fat content (compared to other alternatives) means some people prefer oat milk for steaming and frothing. While part of this comes down to technique, there are also several barista-edited oat milks that will make it even easier to extract those microbubbles.
What are the health benefits of oat milk?
Oat milk has more sugar than other alternatives because it's made from carbohydrates. It also has a slightly higher (unsaturated) fat content. However, the makeup varies by brand, as some are fortified with calcium or vitamins.
How sustainable is oat milk?
Widely considered one of the most eco-friendly options, oats require less water to produce than something like almonds. They also require fewer herbicides, thanks to their weed resistance. In that sense, oats are a winner.
Almond milk
What does almond milk taste like?
Some people find the nutty flavor of almond milk slightly bitter, especially if they're using an unsweetened version. However, that's not true for most, as almond milk is an overwhelmingly popular choiceβthough, interestingly, most almond milks only contain 2% almonds.
Is almond milk healthy in coffee?
Low in calories, fiber, and protein, but slightly higher in sugars; again, some commercial milks are fortified, but this depends. Almonds contain vitamin E, excellent for maintaining a healthy immune system, but due to the low almond content in most milks, the benefits may be negligible.
Is almond milk good for lattes?
Your standard almond milk won't froth well. The low protein content means it won't thicken and the foam is likely to separate. However, some companies have introduced barista-grade versions that make it easier to achieve a good flat white.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to preferences and dietary requirements. For many, however, the best option is barista-edition oat milk. It has a smooth, creamy flavor and good foaming behavior. Not to mention, it's less likely to split into more acidic coffee .