Best Non-Dairy Milks For Coffee

The Best Non-Dairy Milk for Coffee

With an increasing number of people eliminating dairy products from their diets, many coffee lovers are asking, “What is the best non-dairy milk for coffee?”

But with the various milk alternatives available, it can be confusing to know which types are best to use in specialty coffee drinks. Some non-dairy options have overpowering flavors and don’t complement coffee, while others don’t foam well.

So, which ones taste the best in coffee and also create the desired texture? Below, we’ve rounded up what we’ve found to be the best non-dairy milk for lattes and other coffee drinks.

The Best Non-Dairy Milk for Coffee

We’ve found the three best milk alternatives for coffee are soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk. Find out about these different options and experiment with each of them to discover which one you prefer the most.

Soy Milk

Soy milk is an excellent option for those who want to avoid dairy and those with nut allergies. High-quality brands of soy milk have a smooth, creamy texture and a great, neutral flavor that works well with specialty coffee. Soy milk can also produce a foam similar to that of dairy milk.

Try it in a Costa Rica La Cascada Coffee

Almond Milk

Almond milk is quickly becoming a leading plant milk option and, as such, is a popular milk alternative available at many coffee shops. It has a nutty flavor that can sometimes taste bitter, depending on the brand. For this reason, sweetened almond milk (instead of unsweetened almond milk) is a better option, as it results in a smoother taste.

Wondering if almond milk is best for frothing? While an excellent, silky foam can be created, it tends to separate when heated. So, while it creates a nice, foamy top layer, the rest of the beverage underneath may not be as thick and foamy as beverages made with dairy milk.

Try it in Hazelnut Iced Coffee

Oat Milk

Oat milk is a rich non-dairy milk with a richness that closely compares to whole dairy milk. Of all the dairy milk alternatives, oat milk offers the most neutral flavor and doesn’t overpower coffee, so you’ll still taste the distinct flavors of the specific roast you’re drinking. It’s no wonder why this type of milk has become a favorite among many coffee drinkers!

Oat milk has a creamy taste similar to full-fat dairy milk in coffee, and its smooth texture blends easily. It foams well, although it may take longer to foam and steam than cow’s milk and may also produce larger bubbles. But it still creates a foam good enough for creating beautiful latte art!

Try it in a Mocha Latte

Stop into a The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® store near you and try out one of our specialty coffee drinks with a non-dairy milk alternative. You can also experiment with these milk alternatives whenever making coffee at home.