If you are a coffee lover who wants to enjoy your favorite beverage without dairy, you might be wondering what is the best non-dairy milk for coffee. There are many plant-based alternatives to cow’s milk, each with its own flavor, texture, and nutritional profile. But not all of them work well with coffee, especially if you want to create a creamy and frothy drink. In this blog post, we will compare some of the most popular non-dairy milks for coffee and help you find the one that suits your taste and health goals.
What Difference Does the Milk Make in Coffee?
Milk is a key ingredient in many coffee drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and macchiatos. It adds richness, sweetness, and body to the coffee, as well as creating a smooth and velvety foam on top. Milk also helps balance the acidity and bitterness of coffee, making it more palatable and enjoyable.
However, not everyone can or wants to consume dairy milk, for various reasons. Some people are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, while others follow a vegan or plant-based diet for ethical or environmental reasons. Some people may also prefer non-dairy milk for weight loss, as some plant-based milks are lower in calories, fat, and sugar than cow’s milk.
Why Does the Milk Matter?
When choosing a non-dairy milk for coffee, there are several factors to consider, such as:
Flavor: The flavor of the non-dairy milk should complement the flavor of the coffee, not overpower or clash with it.
Texture: The texture of the non-dairy milk should be smooth and creamy, not watery or grainy.
Foamability: The ability to create a stable and airy foam when steamed or frothed is crucial for certain coffee drinks.
Nutrition: The nutritional content should match dietary needs and goals, considering calories, protein, fat, sugar, calcium, and vitamins.
The Best Plant-Based Milks For Coffee
1. Soy Milk
Flavor: Slightly sweet and nutty in coffee.
Texture: Creamy and blends well with most types of coffee beans.
Foamability: High foamability; ideal for lattes or cappuccinos.
Calories per 2 Tablespoons: Approximately 25-30.
What Does Soy Milk Taste Like in Coffee?
Soy milk tastes slightly sweet and nutty in coffee and blends well with most types of coffee beans. It can create a nice foam on top of the coffee, making it ideal for lattes or cappuccinos. However, it might be too thick or heavy for some and could curdle if the coffee is too acidic or hot.
Does Soy Milk Make a Good Coffee?
Soy milk is a good choice for those who like a creamy, high-protein, and high-calcium non-dairy milk, suitable for vegans and those intolerant or allergic to dairy. However, it might not suit those allergic or sensitive to soy or who prefer a lighter milk.
2. Almond Milk
Flavor: Sweet and nutty, adding a subtle almond flavor.
Texture: Thin consistency that may not suit everyone.
Foamability: Low foamability; could curdle in acidic or hot coffee.
Calories per 2 Tablespoons: Approximately 15-20.
What Does Almond Milk Taste Like in Coffee?
Almond milk tastes sweet and nutty, adding a subtle almond flavor and reducing coffee bitterness. However, its thin consistency might not suit everyone and could curdle if the coffee is too acidic or hot.
Does Almond Milk Make a Good Coffee?
Almond milk is suitable for those seeking a sweet, low-calorie, and low-fat option. However, it might not be ideal for those allergic or sensitive to nuts or seeking a creamier milk.
3. Coconut Milk
Flavor: Sweet and tropical, adding a rich flavor.
Texture: Rich, which might be overpowering for some.
Foamability: Low foamability; could curdle in acidic or hot coffee.
Calories per 2 Tablespoons: Approximately 20-25.
What Does Coconut Milk Taste Like in Coffee?
Coconut milk tastes sweet and tropical, adding a rich flavor. However, it might be too rich or overpowering for some, and could curdle if the coffee is too acidic or hot.
Does Coconut Milk Make a Good Coffee?
Coconut milk suits those craving a rich, high-fat, and high-sugar non-dairy milk. It might not be suitable for those allergic or sensitive to coconut or preferring a lighter milk.
4. Oat Milk
Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet, adding a smooth and creamy texture.
Texture: Creamy and environmentally friendly.
Foamability: High foamability; suitable for lattes or cappuccinos.
Calories per 2 Tablespoons: Approximately 20-30.
What Does Oat Milk Taste Like in Coffee?
Oat milk tastes mild and slightly sweet, adding a smooth and creamy texture. It’s suitable for those looking for an environmentally friendly option. However, it might be too bland for some or could curdle in acidic or hot coffee.
Does Oat Milk Make a Good Coffee?
Oat milk is suitable for those who prefer a mild, environmentally friendly, and lactose-free milk. However, it might not suit those allergic or sensitive to gluten or seeking a more flavorful milk.
5. Cashew Milk
Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet, adding a thick and creamy texture.
Texture: Thick and creamy, high in protein and calcium.
Foamability: Low foamability; might curdle in acidic or hot coffee.
Calories per 2 Tablespoons: Approximately 25-30.
What Does Cashew Milk Taste Like in Coffee?
Cashew milk tastes mild and slightly sweet, adding a thick and creamy texture. It’s high in protein and calcium but might be too heavy for some or could curdle in acidic or hot coffee.
Does Cashew Milk Make a Good Coffee?
Cashew milk is suitable for those preferring a thick, creamy, and nutritious non-dairy milk. However, it might not be ideal for those allergic or sensitive to nuts or seeking a lighter milk.
6. Rice Milk
Flavor: Neutral and slightly sweet, adding a lightness to coffee.
Texture: Thin and lacks flavor and body.
Foamability: Low foamability; might curdle in acidic or hot coffee.
Calories per 2 Tablespoons: Approximately 20-25.
What Does Rice Milk Taste Like in Coffee?
Rice milk tastes neutral and slightly sweet, adding a lightness to the coffee. It’s suitable for those seeking a low-allergenic and low-fat option. However, it might be too watery for some or lack flavor and body.
Does Rice Milk Make a Good Coffee?
Rice milk is suitable for those preferring a neutral, low-allergenic, and simple non-dairy milk. However, it might not suit those seeking a more nutritious or creamy option.
7. Pea Milk
Flavor: Mild and slightly nutty, with a subtle pea undertone.
Texture: Creamy and smooth, similar to dairy milk.
Foamability: Moderate foamability; suitable for various coffee drinks.
Calories per 2 Tablespoons: Approximately 25-40.
What Does Pea Milk Taste Like in Coffee?
Pea milk has a mild and slightly nutty flavor with a subtle pea undertone. Its creamy and smooth texture resembles dairy milk, making it a versatile option. However, its foamability might vary and might not match preferences for certain coffee styles.
Does Pea Milk Make a Good Coffee?
Pea milk is suitable for those seeking a creamy, smooth, and dairy-free alternative. However, it may not suit those allergic or sensitive to legumes or who desire a stronger foam for specific coffee drinks.
8. Hemp Milk
Flavor: Earthy and slightly nutty.
Texture: Thin and watery, might lack creaminess.
Foamability: Low foamability; might not create a stable foam.
Calories per 2 Tablespoons: Approximately 40-60.
What Does Hemp Milk Taste Like in Coffee?
Hemp milk has an earthy and slightly nutty flavor. However, its thin and watery texture might not suit everyone and could affect its ability to create a stable foam for certain coffee drinks.
Does Hemp Milk Make a Good Coffee?
Hemp milk is suitable for those preferring an earthy, nutty flavor. However, its low foamability might not be ideal for those seeking a creamy foam for lattes or cappuccinos.
9. Hazelnut Milk
Flavor: Sweet and nutty, with a distinct hazelnut taste.
Texture: Creamy and smooth, providing richness.
Foamability: Moderate foamability; suitable for some coffee drinks.
Calories per 2 Tablespoons: Approximately 20-30.
What Does Hazelnut Milk Taste Like in Coffee?
Hazelnut milk offers a sweet and nutty flavor, with a distinct hazelnut taste. Its creamy and smooth texture provides richness to coffee. However, its foamability might not meet preferences for certain coffee styles.
Does Hazelnut Milk Make a Good Coffee?
Hazelnut milk is suitable for those desiring a sweet, nutty flavor and creaminess in their coffee. However, its foamability might not suit those seeking a stable foam for specific coffee drinks.
10. Macadamia Milk
Flavor: Creamy, rich, and mildly sweet.
Texture: Creamy and smooth, similar to dairy milk.
Foamability: Good foamability; suitable for various coffee drinks.
Calories per 2 Tablespoons: Approximately 25-30.
What Does Macadamia Milk Taste Like in Coffee?
Macadamia milk has a creamy, rich, and mildly sweet flavor, resembling dairy milk. Its creamy and smooth texture makes it a versatile option for coffee. It has good foamability, suitable for various coffee drinks.
Does Macadamia Milk Make a Good Coffee?
Macadamia milk is suitable for those desiring a creamy, rich, and slightly sweet taste in their coffee. Its good foamability makes it versatile for different coffee styles.
Comparison Chart of Non-Dairy Milks for Coffee
Non-Dairy Milk
Calories per 2 Tablespoons
Foamability
Pros
Cons
Nutritional Content
Allergen Information
Taste Profile
Suitability
Soy Milk
Approximately 25-30
High
Creamy texture, high in protein and calcium
May curdle if too acidic or hot, some may not like the taste
Protein, calcium, vitamin B12
May contain soy
Slightly sweet and nutty
Vegans, lactose intolerant
Almond Milk
Approximately 15-20
Low
Sweet, nutty flavor, low-calorie option
Thin consistency, may curdle in acidic or hot coffee
Vitamin E, low in calories
May contain nuts
Sweet and nutty
Low-calorie seekers, lactose intolerant
Coconut Milk
Approximately 20-25
Low
Rich, tropical flavor, high in fat
High in saturated fat, may curdle in acidic or hot coffee
Saturated fat
May contain coconut
Sweet and tropical
Those seeking richness, lactose intolerant
Oat Milk
Approximately 20-30
High
Creamy texture, environmentally friendly
May curdle in acidic or hot coffee, some may find it bland
Dietary fiber, iron
Gluten-free
Mild and slightly sweet
Environmentally conscious, lactose intolerant
Cashew Milk
Approximately 25-30
Low
Creamy texture, high in protein and calcium
May curdle in acidic or hot coffee, high in calories
Protein, calcium, vitamin B12
May contain nuts
Mild and slightly sweet
Those seeking creaminess, lactose intolerant
Rice Milk
Approximately 20-25
Low
Neutral flavor, low in allergens
Thin consistency, lacks flavor and creaminess
Low allergens
Gluten-free
Neutral and slightly sweet
Allergen-sensitive individuals
Pea Milk
Approximately 25-40
Moderate
Mild and slightly nutty, creamy and smooth
May not produce desired foam, allergenic for some
Protein, calcium, vitamins A and D
Pea allergen
Mild and slightly nutty
Creamy, allergen-sensitive individuals
Hemp Milk
Approximately 40-60
Low
Earthy and slightly nutty
Thin consistency, may not produce desired foam
Omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids
Hemp allergen
Earthy and slightly nutty
Those seeking earthy flavors, allergen-sensitive individuals
Hazelnut Milk
Approximately 20-30
Moderate
Sweet and nutty, creamy and smooth
May not produce desired foam, allergenic for some
Vitamin E, monounsaturated fats
May contain nuts
Sweet and nutty
Those seeking creamy, nutty flavors, allergen-sensitive individuals
Macadamia Milk
Approximately 25-30
Good
Creamy, rich, and mildly sweet
May not produce desired foam, allergenic for some
Monounsaturated fats
May contain nuts
Creamy, rich, and mildly sweet
Those seeking rich, slightly sweet flavors, allergen-sensitive individuals
Plant-Based Milk Alternatives for Coffee
There are many different non-dairy milks for coffee, each with its pros and cons. The best one depends on your taste, preference, and health goals. Experiment with different options to find what suits you and consider environmental impact, cost, and availability.
We hope this blog post has helped you find the best non-dairy milk for coffee. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy coffee drinking!
