Whether it’s a cortado at 8 a.m. or a comforting cappuccino at 3 p.m., for many of us, coffee is part of our routine that allows us to be productive members of society. But you don’t have to outsource that obligatory caffeine hit.
Instead, stay in the comfort of your home and invest high-quality milk frother, and make a latte, cortado or cappuccino at home. Here are 13 vegan milk options that deliver barista-worthy results.
Advantages of milk mixtures for baristas
While most plant-based milks will work well in coffee, if you’re looking for a creamy, latte-style tamper, you’re better off opting for a barista blend. That’s because vegan barista milks are designed specifically for frothing and foaming—often with extra emulsifiers, thickeners, and more fat and protein to aid your latte achieve its silky, creamy finish.
The best vegan milk for making lattes at home
There are many different barista blends available on the market, so whether you prefer almonds, oats, soy, or even peas, you’re sure to find something for yourself.
1Oatly Barista Edition
From behind schedule 2016 to early 2017, oat milk became the fresh almond milk – thanks to Oatly. In the United States, the Swedish brand launched exclusively in coffee shops, gaining a devoted following among caffeine-seeking crowds across the country. This drink is ultra-creamy, not too sweet and foams wonderfully.
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Farms in California
2Califia Farms Barista Blend Almond Milk
Considered the gold standard for milk alternatives, third-wave coffee shop baristas were stocking up on this reliable almond milk long before the oat milk craze took hold. It foams beautifully, making it perfect for frothy cappuccinos and intricate lattes. Be sure to get the sweetened (red label) version, as it provides just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the espresso. Word to the wise: the unsweetened green label version will leave your drink tasting bitter.
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Pacific dishes
3 Pacific Foods Soy Barista Series
Some third-wave coffee shops are ditching soy in favor of homemade vegan milks or trendier options like oat and macadamia. But soy remains the most reliable option when it comes to espresso milks. Unlike these alternative milks, which can taste sour when heated too much or combined with certain espresso drinks, the soy flavor remains glossy and stable. Pacific is ideal, since some soy milks can be cloyingly sweet.
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Pacific Food Products
4 Pacific Foods Almond Barista Series
Like Califia Farms, this brand of barista-approved almond milk is used in coffee shops across the country—from Peet’s Coffee to independent roasteries. It’s lightly sweetened to mask any bitterness that might develop after brewing, but you won’t be able to detect the sugar in a shot of espresso. It also stands up to the foam test, making it a great choice for cappuccinos and macchiatos.
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Elmhurst
5Elmhurst Barista Edition Oat Milk
For the ultimate creaminess, Elmhurst Barista Milks are perfect for frothy drinks and more. Designed specifically for home latte enthusiasts, their velvety texture and subtle sweetness elevate the coffee experience. Looking to expand into oat milk? Brand pistachio AND maple walnut It’s also worth checking the milk.
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6NotCo NotMilk Barista Plant-based milk
Produced by Chilean vegan company NotCo, NotMilk is for the cow’s milk fans among us. While many other plant-based milks are creamy and delicious, this one is specifically designed to exactly mimic the taste and texture of real milk, but without any dairy ingredients. Developed in collaboration with baristas, this creamy, frothy version of the formula will have your friends wondering if you accidentally bought the wrong milk at the grocery store.
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Milkadamia
7Milkadamia Barista Macadamia Milk
Milkadamia’s macadamia barista milk is designed to bring out the best in your coffee. This sweetened version contains just seven grams of added sugar to add a subtle sweetness to your morning cup of joe without overpowering the coffee notes. It’s creamy and foams up beautifully if you want to practice your latte art.
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Chobani
8Chobani Barista Original Oat Milk
The dairy giant, best known for its line of Greek yogurts, launched its first vegan milk in January 2020. Now the Chobani oat milk line has expanded to include this barista favorite blend. This shelf-stable milk provides excellent steam, froth and froth.
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Rise Brewing Co.
9Rise Brewing Co. Barista Blend Organic Oat Milk
Even the most inexperienced barista will be a pro with this organic oat milk barista blend from Rise Brewing Co. Perfect for steaming and frothing, this creamy vegan milk has eight grams of added sugar, so expect a bit of sweetness in your cup of joe.
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Good Karma
10 Good Karma Barista Blend
Colorado-based Good Karma offers a range of dairy alternatives, most of which are made with flax seeds. But the brand also offers a few blended options, including this creamy, unsweetened barista blend that also consists of whole grain oats, pea protein, and flaxseed oil.
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11Barista Oatmeal Miniatures
Relatively fresh to the coffee shop scene (compared to longtime brands like Pacific Foods or Califia Farms), Minor Figura’s barista blend is also available direct-to-consumer, so you can recreate your favorite latte without having to wait in line early in the morning.
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Sproud
12Sproud plant-based barista milk
Pea protein may not be as popular as oat or almond milk, but don’t miss out on Sproud’s plant-based barista milk. Sproud’s specially developed blend, made from pea protein, creates long-lasting microfoam – the perfect tool for any barista who wants to master the art of latte. Plus, the glossy and neutral flavor really allows your coffee to stand out.
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What if food
13What if eating BamNut milk barista
You might think you’ve heard it all when it comes to vegan milk. Macadamia nuts, cashews, peas, oats and almonds are tasty alternatives to milk, there is no doubt about it. What about Bambara peanuts? Native to West Africa, this legume tastes a bit like a sweet peanut and is the perfect base for a tasty, creamy, balanced barista milk.
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