Beyond Dairy: What Can I Have in Coffee Instead of Milk?

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2019 Mintel study, nearly a quarter of Brits had adopted plant-based milk alternatives, a trend that has continued its upward spiral. For those looking for a non-dairy option, the question of what can I have in coffee instead of milk? has more delicious answers than ever before.

Quick Summary

Discover delicious non-dairy and vegan alternatives for your coffee. Explore plant-based milks like oat, soy, and cashew for creamy texture and great flavor, with options for different dietary needs.

Key Points

Oat Milk is the Top Performer: With a neutral, creamy flavor and excellent frothing ability, Barista-style oat milk is the closest non-dairy option to cow's milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
Pre-warm to Prevent Curdling: Most non-dairy milks, especially almond and soy, can curdle when added cold to hot coffee. Gently warming the milk beforehand can prevent this.
Each Milk has a Unique Profile: Taste, texture, and frothing capabilities vary significantly by type. Coconut adds tropical richness, almond provides a light nutty flavor, and cashew offers superior creaminess.
Consider Non-Milk Options: For added benefits, consider alternatives like collagen creamers for a protein boost, coconut oil for healthy fats, or spices for complex flavor without changing the consistency.
Barista Blends are Recommended: For the best results in hot espresso drinks, seek out milks labeled as 'Barista Edition,' as they are specifically designed to steam and foam better.
Nutritional Value Differs: Plant-based milks range widely in their nutritional profiles. Soy and hemp are higher in protein, while coconut is richer in fats. Check labels for fortification with vitamins and minerals.

Popular Plant-Based Milk Alternatives

Oat Milk: The Barista Favorite

Oat milk has surged in popularity, largely because it performs so well in coffee. Its naturally creamy texture and neutral, slightly sweet flavor make it a close contender to dairy milk. Many brands offer 'Barista' versions specifically formulated for better frothing and steaming, creating a smooth microfoam ideal for lattes and cappuccinos.

Best for: Lattes, cappuccinos, or anyone seeking a creamy, neutral-tasting option.

Soy Milk: The Classic Alternative

For decades, soy milk was the standard non-dairy option. It's high in protein, which gives it a creamy texture and great frothing capabilities, making it another favorite for espresso drinks. While some find its 'beany' taste noticeable, it's generally a reliable choice that blends well with coffee's acidity. To prevent curdling, it's often recommended to warm soy milk gently before adding it to hot coffee.

Best for: A high-protein option that performs well in foamy drinks.

Almond Milk: Light and Nutty

Almond milk is a lightweight and popular choice for those watching calories. Its delicate, nutty flavor can complement or, in some cases, overpower the coffee's taste, so finding the right balance is key. Be aware that almond milk has a tendency to separate or curdle in hot coffee, especially if added cold. Warming it first can help mitigate this effect.

Best for: Iced coffee, light lattes, or for a subtle nutty flavor.

Coconut Milk: The Tropical Twist

Using coconut milk in your coffee offers a rich, creamy texture and a distinct tropical flavor. For coffee, it's best to use the carton variety, as canned coconut milk is much thicker and has a stronger taste. The bold flavor pairs wonderfully with dark roasts, but might clash with lighter, more delicate coffee varieties. Coconut milk froths reasonably well, though it can produce larger bubbles.

Best for: Adding a rich, tropical flavor to dark coffee or mochas.

Cashew Milk: Rich and Creamy

Cashew milk is gaining favor for its remarkably creamy texture, which closely mimics dairy milk. It has a milder, less pronounced nutty flavor than almond milk and adds a luxurious richness to a cup of coffee. While generally less prone to separation than almond milk, it's still advisable to warm it gently before use to ensure a smooth blend.

Best for: Achieving maximum creaminess and richness without the dairy.

Other Innovative Coffee Additions

For those looking beyond traditional milk alternatives, several other ingredients can enhance a cup of coffee:

Collagen Creamers: These powdered creamers offer a protein boost and can support skin and joint health. They blend well and are often low in added sugars, making them a clean alternative to artificial creamers.
Coconut Oil/MCT Oil: Adding a small amount of coconut oil or MCT oil can create a rich, bulletproof-style coffee that provides sustained energy and creamy texture.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add warmth and complexity to coffee without any milk or sugar. Simply sprinkle into the grounds before brewing or stir into your finished cup.
Protein Powder: Unflavoured or chocolate-flavored protein powder can be added to coffee for a protein-packed pre or post-workout drink. Add it gradually to hot coffee to prevent clumps from forming.

Comparison of Non-Dairy Coffee Additions


Alternative	Best For	Flavor Profile	Texture	Notes
Oat Milk	Lattes & foam	Neutral, subtly sweet	Creamy, smooth	Most similar to dairy milk; Barista versions froth best.
Soy Milk	Foamy drinks	Neutral, mild 'beany' taste	Creamy	High in protein; heat gently to prevent curdling.
Almond Milk	Iced coffee	Nutty, delicate	Light, watery	Can separate in hot coffee; low in calories.
Coconut Milk	Dark roasts, mochas	Tropical, bold	Rich, thick	Use carton variety; pairs well with chocolate.
Cashew Milk	Rich creaminess	Mildly sweet, not overpowering	Ultra-creamy	Excellent mimic of dairy; less common than almond.
Hemp Milk	All-purpose	Earthy, nutty	Smooth, creamy	Good source of omega fatty acids; froths well.
Collagen Creamer	Protein boost	Neutral or flavored	Smooth	Powdered format; supports skin and joints.
Coconut/MCT Oil	Energy boost	Subtle coconut	Oily, creamy	Creates a bulletproof-style coffee.
Spices (Cinnamon)	Flavor enhancement	Warm, spicy	None	Adds flavor without changing consistency.

Tips for Perfecting Your Non-Dairy Coffee

Use Barista Blends: For frothing and steaming, opt for milks specifically labeled as 'Barista Edition.' These are formulated with added fats or proteins to create a better microfoam.
Warm it up: To prevent plant-based milks from curdling in hot coffee, warm the milk slightly before adding it. Don't let it boil.
Mind the Roast: Lighter, more acidic coffee roasts are more likely to cause curdling with some non-dairy milks. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best.
Blend for Richness: For the smoothest, creamiest texture, use a high-speed blender to combine your alternative milk (especially if adding oils or powders) with your coffee.
Shake it, don't stir it: For iced coffee, add milk to a jar with ice and shake vigorously before adding the coffee for a nice foamy head.

Conclusion

Whether you're exploring for health reasons, ethical choices, or just flavor, the world of coffee additions offers a delicious spectrum of possibilities. The perfect milk substitute depends on your desired flavor profile, texture, and dietary needs. Oat milk delivers the most neutral and creamy experience, making it a crowd-pleaser, while cashew provides luxurious richness. For those seeking health benefits beyond simple creaminess, options like collagen or MCT oil can be a great choice. By experimenting with these various alternatives, you can discover a new and exciting way to enjoy your daily cup.

For more insight on how plant-based milks are made, check out this guide on plant-based milk production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oat milk, especially Barista-style versions, is widely considered the best for frothing due to its creamy texture and ability to create a smooth microfoam. Soy and hemp milks also produce decent foam.

To prevent curdling, gently heat your non-dairy milk before adding it to hot coffee. You can also let your coffee cool slightly or try a barista-grade milk designed to be more stable.

This depends on your preference. Almond milk is lighter and nuttier, ideal for those who want lower calories and a subtle flavor. Coconut milk is richer and creamier with a distinct tropical flavor, perfect for mochas or dark roasts.

Yes, cashew milk works well in coffee and is valued for its creamy, rich texture. As with other nut milks, it's best to warm it gently first to prevent any potential for curdling.

Collagen creamer, which adds protein, and coconut or MCT oil, for healthy fats, are excellent alternatives. Spices like cinnamon can also add flavor without calories or sugar.

Soy milk is typically the highest in protein among common plant-based alternatives, offering around 7 grams per 8 oz serving.

Yes, hemp milk has a nutty, earthy flavor and a smooth, creamy texture that complements coffee well. It also has the benefit of being rich in healthy omega fatty acids.