5 Best Milk Alternatives For Coffee: Which Is Right for You?

Vegan, lactose intolerant, or just want to try something new? Let’s help you figure out which of the best milk alternatives for coffee is right for your taste buds!

1. Soy milk

The first and still the most popular non-dairy milk alternative (especially if you have a nut allergy!), soy milk can be found in most cafés. 

It’s high in protein but low in fats and sugars, which makes it a healthy option, too.

Is soy milk good in coffee?

Fairly neutral-flavored, soy milk is particularly good in coffee because it allows you to enjoy its profile. 

However, some people insist that it tastes like paper (which we hope they haven’t actually eaten!). Maybe they could try sweetened soy milk?

Why does soy milk go weird in coffee?

Soy milk—and some of the best milk alternatives—can go a bit weird and curdle in coffee because of the way it reacts to its acidity and temperature. 

However, if you steam the milk before brewing the coffee and choose less acidic medium or dark roasts, you can still get a smooth, foamy texture.

2. Almond milk

Low in calories and protein but a bit higher in sugars, almond milk is one of the most popular milk alternatives.

Is almond milk good in coffee?

Almond milk obviously tastes a bit nutty and can have a slightly bitter aftertaste: some love it (especially since it can balance light roasts), some others prefer its sweetened version.

Why does almond milk not mix with coffee?

When steamed, almond milk doesn’t mix with coffee because of its low proteins. Since it can result in a slightly watery, separate layer of foam, we mainly recommend adding it to filter coffee as you would cream. 

However, some barista versions can guarantee a perfect flat white.

3. Oat milk

Oat milk has risen in popularity over the past few years, and it’s easy to see—or taste—why. 

Full of protein, fibers and natural sweetness but without many saturated fats, it’s an incredibly healthy choice. 

Plus, thanks to its low carbon emissions and water usage, it’s the best milk alternative for the environment.

How does oat milk taste in coffee?

Oat milk tastes extremely good in coffee because it carries wheaty flavors and malty notes without overpowering its taste. 

Can you froth oat milk?

Yes, oat milk is the best milk alternative when it comes to frothy drinks! Because it’s high in protein, its thick, creamy texture is very similar to dairy.

4. Coconut milk

Looking for something more exotic? Creamy and rich in healthy fats, coconut is a great alternative milk.

Does coconut milk taste good in coffee?

Coconut milk tastes good in coffee thanks to its natural sweetness (no need for sugar!). However, it can overpower the coffee’s taste, so it might not be a wise choice with the purest single-origin beans.

Can you froth coconut milk?

You can definitely froth coconut milk: it will result in slightly bigger bubbles than dairy but they’ll disappear more quickly, so don’t let your coffee stand for too long.

5. Hemp milk

Made from the cannabis plant but with such low traces of THC that you really don’t need to worry about its psychoactive effects, hemp milk is a bit harder to find... and yet certainly worth trying.

Is hemp milk good in coffee?

Thanks to its vegetal or slightly nutty flavor and high protein content, hemp milk tastes particularly good in coffee.

Can hemp milk be heated?

Yes, hemp milk can definitely be heated and, thanks to its proteins, it behaves similarly to soy, although its foam can dissipate faster.

Which of the best milk alternatives for coffee do you like the sound of the most?