Coffee doesn't always need milk! Plant-based milk comparison

Although black coffee is healthy and allows the original flavor of coffee to be easily appreciated, many people still prefer coffee with milk. Coffee with milk becomes smoother and more textured, enhancing its rich taste.

But does coffee have to be made with milk? Is milk absolutely necessary for latte art? Actually, no. In recent years, green eating has become increasingly popular, and many people are choosing plant-based milk for their coffee. Plant-based milk, extracted from soybeans, almonds, coconuts, etc., gets its name because its texture is similar to that of milk. The difference in properties between plant-based milk and animal milk will certainly affect the taste of coffee, but many people still choose plant-based milk for health reasons.

Soy Milk: Suitable for medium roast coffee

40% lower in calories than whole milk and made entirely from soybeans, it offers a soy and nutty aroma. It is lactose-free, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, low in sugar, and has a smooth texture, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance, nut allergies, and vegetarians. Due to its high protein content, it is easier to froth among the four plant-based milks, and the foam is more stable, making it ideal for latte art.

Taste: ★★★☆☆
Frothing ability: ★★★★★
Editor's recommendation: ★★★☆☆

Almond Milk: Suitable for light roast coffee

Latte made with almond milk has not only almond and sweet notes but also a subtle nutty aroma, which can enhance the coffee's complexity. The foam frothed from almond milk is delicate and thin, resulting in a smoother texture. However, there's a slight bitterness in the aftertaste that might mask some of the coffee's flavors. Compared to other milks, it produces very little foam, and it disappears quickly, so latte art must be done promptly.

Taste: ★★★☆☆
Frothing ability: ★★★☆☆
Editor's recommendation: ★★★★☆

Oat Milk: Suitable for light roast coffee

Oat milk is the new favorite in cafes recently because its texture and consistency are most similar to milk, allowing it to blend perfectly with coffee. Its unique silky texture and soft, mellow aftertaste complement coffee beautifully, providing an excellent drinking experience. Its texture is thick and smooth, thinner than soy milk but thicker than almond milk, falling in between the two. The same textural performance can be applied to latte art results.

Taste: ★★★★★
Frothing ability: ★★★★☆
Editor's recommendation: ★★★★☆

Coconut Milk: Suitable for dark roast coffee

Coconut milk is rich in fat and has a texture similar to dairy milk. However, it contains a high amount of saturated fat, and its unique flavor can mask the coffee's taste. When making drinks with coconut milk, it is recommended to choose coffee beans with a darker roast, so the coffee's flavor is not easily overshadowed. It is also highly recommended for cold drinks, such as cold brew and iced coffee. Making hot chocolate is also a good option.

Taste: ★★★★☆
Frothing ability: ★☆☆☆☆
Editor's recommendation: ★★★☆☆

Editor's Recommendation

【Opresso 4-in-1 Milk Frother Eager】

The Opresso Milk Frother can easily create professional latte art like in a coffee shop. It offers four drink modes: cold foam, hot milk, hot foam, and hot chocolate.