Milk Alternatives for Coffee

Milk from a cow is becoming less and less popular these days, especially in the world of coffee. You've likely visited many coffee shops with an ever-growing list of dairy substitutes available to try in your latte.

Luckily, there are seemingly infinite milk alternatives for you to explore in your coffee. They’ve figured out how to make milk from almost anything.

Today, we’ll walk through the top milk alternatives for your coffee. Each one has pros and cons, so read closely to find the one that best suits your taste buds. Let’s get started.

Why Use Milk Alternatives?

Milk alternatives are becoming increasingly popular, and there are many reasons why you might want to make the switch.

Dietary Restrictions

Millions of people around the world are lactose intolerant. Your body needs an enzyme called lactase to digest milk properly. While infants naturally produce this enzyme, many people experience a decline in lactase production after infancy.

If your small intestine produces less lactase, you are considered lactose intolerant. This can cause abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, nausea, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products.

Lactose intolerance is incredibly common. Approximately 65% of the human population is lactose intolerant. That’s a significant number of people who cannot digest milk properly.

This is an evolutionary trait. People of Northern European descent have historically depended on cow’s milk for nutrition, so their ancestors developed a need for lactase over thousands of years, giving them an evolutionary advantage in lactose digestion. Only about five percent of Northern Europeans are lactose intolerant.

However, groups that did not historically rely on milk never developed this trait. In places like East Asia, lactose intolerance rates range between 70% and 100%.

There are also people with dairy allergies. This occurs when the immune system perceives dairy as a foreign pathogen and responds with symptoms like hives, wheezing, digestive issues, and even anaphylaxis.

Environmental Concerns

Some people avoid milk due to environmental concerns. The dairy and cattle industries have a relatively large environmental footprint, requiring significant land space, water, and grain for cattle feed while also producing substantial greenhouse gas emissions.

Many people are turning to non-dairy milk for more eco-friendly options. Most milk alternatives are produced in ways that demand fewer resources from the planet. If you’d like to reduce your personal footprint, switching to a milk alternative is a great step.

The Taste

Some people simply prefer the taste of non-dairy milk over dairy milk. Milk alternatives have distinct flavors and textures that differ slightly from regular milk. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Many people love the nutty taste of almond milk or the sweetness of soy milk. These flavors might complement certain lattes better. You might want to experiment with different types of milk to create unique flavor combinations.

Health Benefits

Switching to milk alternatives can also offer health benefits. While cow’s milk is nutritious, some people may prefer a different nutritional profile.

For example, cow’s milk has more calories and fat than most milk alternatives. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie, lower-fat option, a milk alternative might be a better choice.

The Best Milk Alternatives

Now, let’s explore the best milk alternatives available. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. This list is in no particular order—choose the one that best suits your needs.

1. Almond Milk

Almond milk is the most popular non-dairy milk. It has been well-loved in coffee shops and cereal bowls for decades. One of its biggest advantages is its low-calorie count, making it a trendy choice for those on a diet.

Almond milk is also low in total fat and contains no saturated fat, making it a healthy option. Just be sure to choose a brand without added sugars.

Its distinct, nutty flavor is another reason for its popularity. The taste pairs well with many drinks, like the Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew, which highlights the almond flavor beautifully.

2. Oat Milk

Oat milk has surged in popularity since it hit the shelves. Developed in the 1990s, it didn’t gain widespread popularity until recently, but now people are raving about this milk alternative.

Oat milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D, making it comparable to regular milk. However, its real appeal lies in its taste. It’s incredibly creamy without being overpowering, making it a great addition to coffee and lattes. Baristas love oat milk for its unique ability to foam, just like regular milk.

Additionally, oat milk is the most environmentally friendly milk alternative. It produces 80% fewer greenhouse gases than regular milk and requires 60% less energy. It also uses 80% less land and the least amount of water compared to other milk alternatives.

3. Soy Milk

Soy milk was once the most popular milk substitute, but it has since been surpassed by almond and oat milk. It has a sweet and silky texture, making it an excellent coffee creamer. However, soy milk doesn’t foam well, so it may not be the best option for lattes.

Soy milk is the only milk alternative that matches cow’s milk in protein content. Cow’s milk contains about seven grams of protein per serving, while soy milk has around six grams. In contrast, most other milk alternatives contain only one or two grams of protein.

4. Coconut Milk

Although less popular than the options above, coconut milk holds a special place in the non-dairy world. Its naturally sweet, coconut flavor makes it a favorite for many.

Coconut milk is higher in fat than most milk substitutes, making it a preferred choice for those on the keto diet. It’s also rich in essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin B12.

5. Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is another nut-based milk that stands out due to its creamy texture and subtle flavor. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy the nuttiness of almond milk but prefer a smoother mouthfeel.

Nutritionally, cashew milk is similar to almond milk but contains more vitamin K and iron. It’s also low in calories, making it a fan favorite. Additionally, cashew milk works well in baking for those avoiding dairy in homemade treats.

However, like almond milk, cashew milk requires a lot of water to produce, making it less environmentally friendly than some other options.

6. Hemp Milk

Hemp milk may be harder to find, but it’s worth trying if you see it in stores. It’s a popular choice for those with nut allergies, but its real appeal comes from its rich texture.

Hemp milk is much thicker than almond or cashew milk. It steams well, making it a great choice for coffee shops. It’s also packed with calcium and healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6.

7. Rice Milk

Rice milk is another lesser-known dairy substitute, made by milling brown rice. Most rice milk is fortified with calcium to align more closely with cow’s milk nutritionally.

One of rice milk’s biggest advantages is its taste—it closely resembles cow’s milk, making it an excellent option for those transitioning to dairy-free alternatives.

Milk Alternatives for Your Morning Cup of Joe

All of these milk alternatives work well in coffee, whether as a creamer or a milk base for a latte. That said, oat milk stands out as the best option for coffee. It has a neutral flavor, foams well, and is environmentally friendly, nutritionally rich, non-allergenic, widely available, and delicious.

So go ahead and choose the best milk substitute for you. There are plenty of options, and you really can’t go wrong.

For more information about coffee and a delicious selection of cold brew concentrate, head over to Javvy.