It’s no secret - non-dairy milk’s popularity for coffee is on the rise. Regular cow's milk in coffee is simply not an option for some anymore, especially for health-conscious individuals.
The non-dairy milk market has expanded substantially, providing us with many different milk alternatives that are tasty while still being good for your health - a rare combination in the past. Regular whole milk is no longer the only way to achieve a creamy delightful coffee. Keep reading and find the 9 most popular alternatives for milk and enjoy your perfect cup like never before.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is a coffee shop favorite, becoming one of the most requested dairy-free milks to add to your cup of coffee. Compared to other plant-based milk options, oat milk has earned more points with its consumers because of its environmental impact. Oats are generally considered more water-efficient to grow than, for example, almonds, especially when cultivated in regions with sufficient rainfall. This makes oat milk a favorable option in terms of water conservation.
For many coffee enthusiasts, oat milk is the best milk alternative for coffee - and for a good reason. This thick and creamy plant-based milk option is the closest you’ll come to the taste and feel of real milk. Typically very dense with nutrients such as fiber, protein, and iron, it does contain a higher calorie count however, it's extremely versatile with both warm and cold coffees. The natural sweetness will leave you completely satisfied.
For a memorable coffee experience, Angelino’s Breakfast Blend with oat milk makes a stellar combination, leaving you feeling the full depth of flavor and quality in every sip.
Almond Milk
Is almond milk good for coffee? Absolutely yes! Low in calories and sugar, almond milk is one of the top-selling non-dairy milk options known for its rich flavor and texture. Made by grinding almonds and blending with water, this creamy textured milk produces a nutty flavor that many people love in their coffee. For many coffee drinkers, almond milk tastes better than regular milk - even for those who aren't specifically plant-based or lactose-intolerant. While it's the healthiest to consume milk in its unsweetened varieties, many brands offer sweetened almond milk products containing either white or cane sugar.
This type of nut milk is popularly steamed and poured over hot coffee. This way, it will not curdle in your brew, which can often happen when you pour cold almond milk into very hot coffee as a reaction to the coffee's acidity or temperature.
If you tend to enjoy your mornings with a sweet cup of coffee, you may consider pairing vanilla-sweetened almond milk with Angelino’s French Vanilla flavored coffee. This sweet and creamy combo is a great substitute for pricey coffee beverages bought at coffee shops.
Soy Milk
Soy milk, derived from soybeans, is one of the most popular and widely available dairy milk alternatives for coffee. Its popularity stems not only from its mild taste but also from the similar consistency it has to cow's milk thanks to the high amount of protein molecules. As such, making foam with soy milk for cappuccino or latte art guarantees a creamy consistency and silky texture of your favorite drink. And it guarantees you'll get a nice froth that all coffee lovers simply adore.
If you love the smooth texture and earthy tones of soy milk in your coffee, try adding it to Angelino's Hazelnut Crème flavored coffee - the rich nutty flavor of soy milk will enhance the taste of this aromatic blend, creating the most satisfying pairing for your perfect morning cup.
Coconut Milk
Extremely understated, coconut milk is one of those plant-based milk alternatives that provide the thickest and creamiest textures for coffee, thanks to its higher fat content. The coconut flavor is not overpowering and gives you the perfect slight sweetness for your coffee.
Depending on your preferences, there are different types of coconut milk that you may consider. Canned coconut milk gives you a stronger coconut taste while being much thicker. If you’re looking to dip your feet in the water, try the regularly packaged coconut milk that will give you a lighter taste and sweetness you’ll love.
If you're in search of the perfect coffee blend to mix with rich coconut milk, you should try Angelino’s Sumatra Roast. Paired with coconut milk, it will enrich your coffee experience and make every cup of coffee one to remember.
Rice Milk
Rice milk is another excellent milk substitute for coffee drinks with a neutral taste and healthy nutrients. It's low in saturated fat, however, unlike cow's milk or soy milk, it's also low in calcium and protein and high in carbohydrates. While its watery consistency doesn't guarantee a perfect silky froth like other plant-based alternatives, it's still a great choice for those who are looking for a tasty substitute for milk in coffee.
The mild taste makes rice milk a great milk alternative for coffee drinkers with lactose intolerance as well as soy and nut allergies. If you're experiencing either of those (or all of them), then rice milk is definitely the best non-dairy milk for coffee you should try.
As rice milk is naturally sweet, it works well with the dark chocolate profile of coffee. Angelino's Italian Roast will make a fantastic pair with indulgent rice milk, as it will balance the rich flavors of this unique blend.
Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is a dairy-free milk made from hemp seeds, which come from the Cannabis sativa plant. However, it is essential to clarify that hemp milk does not contain the psychoactive compound THC found in marijuana, as hemp seeds used for milk production are non-psychoactive varieties.
Hemp milk is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6. These healthy fats are crucial for supporting heart health, and brain function, as well as reducing inflammation in the body. Additionally, it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source, just like soy milk. This makes it an excellent option for vegans and vegetarians looking to meet their protein requirements.
When it comes to consistency, hemp milk is similar to rice milk - it's thinner and more watery compared to cow's milk, which may not suit everyone's preferences. Still, it's one of the best substitutes for milk in coffee you can find on the market and it will create an excellent pairing with creamy and subtly nutty Angelino's Pistachio Latte.
Cashew Milk
Cashew milk is another fantastic plant-based milk alternative that pairs exceptionally well with coffee. With its creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor, cashew milk can elevate the coffee-drinking experience, adding a delightful richness without overpowering the coffee's natural taste. Unlike some other plant-based alternatives, cashew milk blends smoothly, creating a velvety and frothy consistency that resembles traditional dairy milk.
The versatility of cashew milk extends beyond hot coffee; it also performs admirably in iced coffee and espresso-based beverages. Whether you're a latte enthusiast or enjoy your coffee black, cashew milk will enhance the coffee's taste while being gentle on the palate, making it an excellent choice for coffee lovers seeking a delicious and creamy plant-based alternative.
For an unforgettable coffee experience, try pairing the milk with Angelino's French Roast - the natural sweetness of cashew milk will complement the blend's bitterness, offering a balanced and satisfying flavor profile.
Pea Milk
Pea milk is a surprisingly popular alternative to regular milk for coffee enthusiasts. Made from yellow peas, this dairy-free milk boasts a smooth and neutral flavor that harmonizes beautifully with coffee. Its creamy texture creates a luscious and frothy cup, similar to the experience of whole dairy milk. Pea milk is notably rich in protein, providing a substantial boost to your coffee, making it an excellent option for those looking to add more protein to their diet. It's naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Pea milk's neutral taste makes it an ideal companion for flavored coffee drinks, such as mochas, caramel lattes, and vanilla lattes. It allows the added flavors to take center stage without interfering with their profiles. It also pairs well with light and medium roast coffees, such as Angelino's Hawaiian Blend, as it won't overwhelm the delicate nuances of these roasts.
Coconut Oil
Do you want to know what to put in coffee instead of milk and non-dairy milk? Coconut oil! While it may sound weird, using coconut oil for coffee has gained popularity as a trend known as "bulletproof coffee" or "coconut coffee."
Coconut oil is a source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are quickly metabolized by the body for a rapid and sustained source of energy. Some proponents of coconut oil in coffee claim that MCTs can provide a boost in mental focus and overall energy levels.
The oil adds a rich, creamy texture to coffee when mixed together. This can create a velvety-smooth coffee drink, similar to a latte, without the need for dairy products or coffee creamer. And if you're a fan of coconut flavor, it might be a great way to create a delicious coffee drink that suits your taste buds perfectly.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re dabbling in trying alternative milk for fun or making changes to your diet, these plant-based milk alternatives will change the way you enjoy the natural flavors of coffee. You can also try other milk alternatives available, such as macadamia milk or hazelnut milk. Whatever your preference is in non-dairy milk, this is the perfect time to try something new! Let us know what coffee and non-dairy milk combo you like best!
Bibliography
- Hallal, F. (2021) 11 health benefits of almond milk (and how to make it), Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/almond-milk-health-benefits.
- Oat Milk: Nutrition and Health Benefits (no date) Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/oat-milk#oat-vs-dairy.
- Plant-based milk: Types and health information (no date) WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-plant-based-milk.
