Plant milk in coffee – more than just a substitute
Cappuccino thrives on the perfect harmony between a strong espresso and a creamy layer of milk foam. Hence the name cappuccino, which means "little cap" in Italian. But what if cow's milk isn't an option? That's nothing unusual these days, as more and more people are avoiding cow's milk and are therefore looking for a good milk alternative. Whether for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, plant-based alternatives are more popular than ever. However, not every plant-based milk is equally suitable for making a creamy cappuccino.
What makes good plant milk for cappuccino?
For a plant-based milk to be suitable for cappuccino , it should have certain properties:
- Foam well: i.e. form fine-pored, stable microfoam
- Do not flake or curdle: especially in combination with acid from espresso
- Harmonize the taste: do not mask or distort the coffee
- Have a creamy consistency , similar to whole milk
Tip: Look for products labeled “Barista Edition” – they usually contain added vegetable oils, stabilizers, or proteins that make frothing easier.
The best plant-based milks for cappuccino in comparison
The basic products used to make milk substitutes have multiplied in recent years. What started with soy milk is now also available in almonds, rice, cashews, oats, peas, and much more. Ultimately, what tastes best to you should take priority over foamability. However, as baristas and coffee experts, we evaluate the following milk selections based on foamability and their flavor pairing with coffee.
Oat milk – the all-rounder
We think oat milk is the best choice if you want a cappuccino with a creamy foam. It's creamy, slightly sweet, and relatively neutral in flavor. Oat milk also foams well—especially the barista versions. Oat milk is also more sustainable than soy or almond milk because it uses local products and less water in its production.
→ Recommendation: Oatly Barista , Alpro Barista Oats , Minor Figures , Mølk
Soy milk – the classic
It was the first alternative and still scores highly. Soy milk foams quite well thanks to its protein content. However, its flavor isn't as neutral as oat milk. Soy milk has a slightly nutty flavor, but it's rich in protein and has a long shelf life. Be careful, though, if your espresso is too hot, as it can curdle.
→ Recommendation: Alpro Soy Barista
Pea milk – the insider tip
It's relatively new on the market, but is already a strong competitor to established milk alternatives. Pea milk has a high protein content, which has a positive effect on foamability. It's creamy and has a very neutral flavor. On top of that, it's allergy-friendly and usually sugar-free. The only downside is that pea milk isn't yet available everywhere.
→ Recommendation: Sproud Barista , vly Barista
Almond milk – aromatic, but special
Almond milk—as good as it may sometimes taste—isn't particularly suitable for cappuccinos . This milk alternative has low protein and is therefore harder to froth. Added to that is its distinctly nutty flavor, which often overpowers or alters the taste of espressos. Almond milk is therefore more suitable for other beverages, such as iced coffee or lattes.
→ Tip: Try barista versions, e.g. E.g. from Alpro or Califia Farms
Coconut milk, rice drink & Co. – rather unsuitable
Now we come to the less suitable milk alternatives, such as coconut milk or rice milk. Their biggest disadvantage is their low protein content, which makes these products difficult to froth – and what's a cappuccino without foam ? Added to that is the very strong flavor, especially with coconut milk. And even here, you still want to taste the coffee in your cappuccino. Here's another tip: Coconut and rice milk are more suitable for cold coffee specialties.
Overview of various milk alternatives
|
Plant milk |
Foaming |
The taste |
Recommendation |
|
Oats |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☆ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☆ |
🏆 Winner |
|
soy |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☆ |
⭐⭐⭐ ☆☆ |
Well suited |
|
pea |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☆ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☆ |
insider tip |
|
almond |
⭐⭐ ☆☆☆ |
⭐⭐⭐ ☆☆ |
A matter of taste |
|
Coconut/Rice |
⭐ ☆☆☆☆ |
⭐⭐ ☆☆☆ |
Rather unsuitable |
What to do if it doesn't froth?
Not all plant-based milks froth as well as cow's milk. Therefore, you should keep a few things in mind, especially with plant-based milk alternatives. Always use your milk well chilled (after opening, you should refrigerate both plant-based milk and milk anyway). When frothing the milk, you should use a maximum temperature of 60 to 65 degrees Celsius. If possible, buy the barista version of your favorite milk; this is specially optimized for frothing and contains stabilizers. A good steam wand or a high-quality milk frother is also essential.
Conclusion: Which plant milk is best for cappuccino?
If you don't want cow's milk, there are plenty of plant-based milk alternatives. But even here, not all of them are suitable for a good cappuccino foam . The winner is and remains oat milk—preferably in a barista version like those from Mølk or Oatley. Of course, at the end of the day, what matters most is what you like best in your cappuccino. Maybe it's coconut because you like the mix with coffee—unfortunately, the milk foam won't be as great. We mostly use oat milk because it has a neutral flavor, froths well, and is widely available.
