1st-line's Espresso Blog
Steaming with Non-Dairy Milk?
Steaming with Non-Dairy Milk?
Do you love milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, but want to be on a more plant-based lifestyle? Well, no worries since there are plenty of non-dairy milk options that you can steam with!
As you may know, whole milk is typically the best to create a thick and consistent microfoam due to its high fat and protein content. However, we did a small experiment to see which of the five plant-based milks below have the best texture, taste, and froth for lattes and cappuccinos.
Almond Milk
- 2.5 g of fat and 60 calories per cup.
- Most widely available plant based milk you will find in the grocery store AND budget friendly!
- Typically popular in restaurants, cafes, or coffee shops since it is trendy.
- Creates decent microfoam overall, but a lot of bubbles can form.
Cashew Milk
- 2 g of fat and 25 calories per cup.
- Another budget friendly and widely available option in your local supermarket.
- Results were very consistent due to low fat content. Easiest to do latte art with!
Soy Milk
- 6 g of fat and 120 calories per cup.
- Another excellent choice to order in a coffee shop, restaurant, or cafe due to its high fat content. Great microfoam after frothing, but a lot of bubbles can form still!
- Relatively inexpensive and easy to find in the grocery store!
Coconut Milk
- 4.5 g of fat and 45 calories per cup.
- Typically not as favorable to order out in comparison with soy milk and almond milk since not a lot of customers enjoy coconut flavor.
- Generally available in most supermarkets.
- Overall, decent microfoam after frothing with bubbles still.
And last but not least…Hemp Milk!
- 8 g of fat and 80 calories per cup.
- Due to the high fat content, this is the best for frothing and creating good flavors.
- Not available in most supermarkets, but possible to find in natural food stores.
- Can get expensive depending where you purchase.
So if you are looking for an alternative to using dairy in your espresso, then try one of the above plant-based milk substitutes and see which you personally like the best!
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