Some of the best lattes and cappuccinos contain plant-based dairy alternatives like oat or soy milk. These non-dairy milk alternatives are popular among coffee drinkers because they’re a delicious option for people with dietary restrictions or those who just want to cut back on dairy.
However, not all non-dairy milks are equal when it comes to frothing. Getting that creamy texture depends on the milk’s fat, protein and emulsification properties.
So, let’s compare some of the best non-dairy milk for frothing to understand which one’s perfect for you.
This is where we get to go deep on the food science we love. It’s going to get a bit technical, but bear with us.
In dairy milk, proteins like casein and whey trap air bubbles. Then, fat globules act as stabilizers and prevent the bubbles from collapsing. This creates a rich, velvety foam with exceptional stability.
Non-dairy milks have a different protein structure, which can make it challenging to whip them into a stable foam. That’s why plant-based milks rely primarily on fat content and stabilizers, such as gums or lecithin, to achieve froth. Still, the resulting foam is less dense and dissipates more quickly.
To address these challenges and improve the frothing of plant-based milk, we use the following strategies:
These differences impact the texture and taste of milk-based beverages. Dairy milk froths produce a creamy feel and a rich flavor. While non-dairy milks are always improving, they may still exhibit a slightly thinner texture — similar to 2% or skim milk — and a more subdued taste.
However, the experience can vary depending on the base ingredient of your milk.
While many people use the terms “frothing” and “steaming” interchangeably, there’s actually a slight difference between them — and it’s the introduction of heat.
In frothing, the goal is to incorporate as much air as possible into the milk to create a thick texture. In contrast, steaming involves introducing both heat and air to the milk — it’s what you see your barista do when you order at your local coffee shop.
Frothing is a bit more straightforward to do at home. You can use a frothing pitcher or a frothing wand to agitate and aerate your milk. If using a wand, make sure to position its tip just below the surface of the milk to introduce the optimal amount of air.
Steaming requires a steam wand — often attached to an at-home espresso machine — to heat and aerate the milk. Submerge the steam wand in the milk and use a circular motion to ensure even distribution of heat. This creates a velvety texture without creating foam.
Now that we’ve covered the science and process of frothing, let’s compare some plant-based milks. All have some benefits and tradeoffs you may want to consider on your quest for the perfect froth.
In oat milks, naturally-occurring starches act as thickeners. Upon heating, they create a thicker foam consistency — similar to the consistency created by the casein protein in dairy milk.
Many oat milk brands crafted for professional use, especially Pacific Foods Barista Series, include fats like oil. These additions mean more potential for froth.
Oat milk brings a sweet and subtle flavor, complementing coffee without overpowering it. This makes it an excellent choice for people who want a frothy coffee experience that stays true to the flavor of a traditional latte or cappuccino.
Tempted to try a Barista Series oat milk? Check out Pacific Foods Barista Series™ Oat Original.
Fat is the key ingredient for good frothing and coconut milks. In this way, they are more similar to cow’s milk than to other non-dairy options. This means, during frothing, the air bubbles are trapped to create a thick, creamy texture.
So, if you’re a barista or a home coffee enthusiast, try Pacific Foods Barista Series™ Coconut Original to prepare your mocha. Creamy coconut flavor comes through when adding coconut milk to drip coffee or espresso. Dial in your flavor preference by testing at home. With practice, you’ll find the perfect balance of frothiness and flavor.
Almond milk is generally lower in fat than dairy milk. However, some almond milk varieties — like those in the Barista Series — have a slightly higher fat content than regular almond milk.
Pacific Foods has two Barista Series almond milk options: original and unsweetened. Both complement coffee and espresso with a light almond flavor. They also have extraordinary frothing capabilities that create a smooth, glossy microfoam that’s ideal for latte art.
Original has a slightly sweet flavor, while unsweetened provides almond flavor without added sugar.
Soy milk contains a similar level of protein to cow’s milk. This protein content allows soy milk to achieve a thicker and more substantial froth than other alternative milks. While lower in fat than whole milk, soy milk still contains enough to enhance the coffee flavor and create a creamy froth.
Pacific Foods Barista Series Soy Milk has two options for coffee lovers: original and vanilla. Both create a smooth, glossy microfoam and have no burnt or bitter aftertastes.
The only difference is that original soy milk is a neutral base that highlights the flavors of your coffee beans, whereas vanilla soy milk adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with chai and vanilla lattes.
Hemp milk contains magnesium, good protein and wholesome fats, which create a rich, velvety texture when frothed. The proteins and fats form a stable, long-lasting microfoam that’s very similar to dairy milk. That’s why hemp milk froths smoothly without developing undesirable burnt or bitter notes.
Hemp milk also has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that complements espresso and coffee drinks without overpowering them. Its composition and flavor make it an excellent non-dairy option for frothing to create creamy coffee drinks.
Ready to try a Barista Series hemp milk? Check out Pacific Foods Barista Series™ Hemp Original.
Do you love plant-based milk but miss the creamy coffee shop experience? Now, you can use the best non-dairy milk for frothing at home and get that creamy texture you crave.
Pacific Foods Barista Series™ is your frothing solution. It’s specifically formulated for coffee drinks and tea lattes like matcha and chai. Grab some Pacific Foods Barista Series™ and elevate your coffee routine.