What is a milk substitute for lattes?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Mintel data from 2021, one in three Britons drinks plant-based milk, highlighting a major shift towards dairy alternatives. This growing trend makes understanding the best options crucial when asking: what is a milk substitute for lattes?

Quick Summary

This guide explores popular dairy-free milk alternatives for lattes, comparing their flavor, texture, and frothing capabilities to help you find the ideal match for your coffee and palate.

Key Points

Oat Milk: The top choice for creamy texture, mild flavor, and excellent frothing for latte art.
Barista Editions: Specially formulated plant milks with stabilizers are best for frothing and preventing curdling in lattes.
Soy Milk: A reliable, protein-rich option that froths well, but heat it gently to avoid curdling.
Almond Milk: A lighter, nutty option, but standard versions may not froth well and can separate in coffee.
Coconut Milk: Adds a rich, tropical flavor but can be high in calories and harder to froth for perfect microfoam.
Choosing: Your ideal milk substitute depends on your personal preference for flavor, texture, and frothing.

The Best Milk Substitutes for Lattes

Choosing the right dairy-free milk can dramatically change your latte experience. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize creamy texture, specific flavor notes, or superior frothing ability. Many plant-based milks, especially 'barista edition' varieties, are formulated with stabilizers to perform more like dairy milk when steamed.

Oat Milk

Widely regarded as the top choice for professional baristas and home brewers alike, oat milk offers a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements espresso without overpowering it. Its natural starch content and balanced fat profile allow it to steam and froth exceptionally well, creating a silky microfoam that's perfect for latte art. This is why many coffee shops have made oat milk their default non-dairy option.

Best uses: Lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites.

Soy Milk

As one of the original dairy alternatives, soy milk is a reliable option known for its high protein content, which aids in creating a stable and creamy foam. Some soy milks can have a distinct 'beany' flavor, but many barista-specific brands, like Bonsoy, have a more neutral profile. It's a versatile choice but can sometimes curdle if added cold to hot, acidic espresso, so it's best to heat it gently.

Almond Milk

Almond milk brings a mild, nutty flavor to a latte. While it's a popular choice due to its low-calorie nature, it tends to be thinner than oat milk and can be more challenging to froth, often resulting in larger, less stable bubbles. Barista-specific blends are designed to address these issues, but regular almond milk can sometimes separate from the coffee. Its distinct nutty note pairs well with certain flavor profiles but can sometimes compete with delicate espresso blends.

Coconut Milk

For those who enjoy a tropical twist, coconut milk is a rich and creamy alternative, though its strong flavor profile is not to everyone's taste. It has a high-fat content, which allows it to froth well, but it can be more challenging to create the fine microfoam needed for latte art. Coconut milk is often best for iced lattes or flavored drinks where its profile is a welcome addition. Canned versions can be very thick and should be blended well.

How to Choose the Right Milk Substitute

When selecting a milk substitute, consider the following factors:

Flavor Preference: Do you prefer a neutral base (oat), nutty notes (almond), a classic balance (soy), or a tropical hint (coconut)?
Desired Texture: For the richest, creamiest latte, oat milk is often the top choice, closely followed by soy milk.
Frothing Capability: If latte art is your goal, barista editions of oat or soy milk will offer the best results, creating the smoothest microfoam.
Dietary Needs: Consider allergies or nutritional content. Oat milk is often nut-free, while almond and cashew contain tree nuts.

Comparison of Latte Milk Alternatives


Feature	Oat Milk	Almond Milk	Soy Milk	Coconut Milk
Flavor	Mild, naturally sweet	Nutty, sometimes subtle	Neutral to slightly beany	Strong coconut flavor
Texture	Creamy and smooth	Lighter, can be watery	Creamy, comparable to dairy	Rich and thick, can be oily
Frothing	Excellent, produces silky microfoam	Fair, can create larger bubbles	Good, stable foam but can curdle if overheated	Good, but can be overly bubbly or oily
Best for Lattes?	Yes, excellent overall	Can be hit-or-miss; best with barista blends	Yes, a classic reliable option	Yes, if you enjoy the coconut flavor profile

Tips for Steaming Non-Dairy Milk

For optimal results, especially with non-barista blends, follow these tips:

Use chilled milk: Always start with cold milk to give yourself more time to incorporate air before it gets too hot.
Monitor temperature: Overheating can cause non-dairy milk to split or develop an off-taste. Aim for a temperature around 130-150°F (55-65°C).
Find a 'barista edition': If frothing is important, seek out milks labeled 'barista' or 'for coffee'. These contain emulsifiers that improve performance.

Conclusion

Choosing a milk substitute for lattes is a journey of taste and preference. While oat milk is a current favorite for its neutral flavor and exceptional frothing ability, soy milk remains a reliable classic. Almond milk offers a nutty profile for those who enjoy it, and coconut milk provides a tropical escape. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that best complements your coffee and your palate. Don't be afraid to experiment with different brands and types to discover your perfect latte companion.

For more in-depth information on milk chemistry and steaming techniques, check out this guide by Serious Eats: The Best Nondairy Milks for Espresso Drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oat milk, particularly a 'barista edition' blend, is widely considered the best milk substitute for creating latte art due to its creamy texture and ability to produce silky microfoam.

Curdling often occurs when cold, non-dairy milk is added to hot, acidic espresso. To prevent this, heat the milk gently before adding it to your coffee.

Yes, barista-edition milks are generally worth it if you enjoy creamy, frothed lattes. They contain stabilizers and have a composition designed to withstand heat and prevent separation.

Both have different nutritional profiles. Almond milk is lower in calories, while oat milk has slightly more protein and fiber. The best choice depends on your specific dietary needs and preferences.

Coconut milk is very creamy and can froth well, but its strong tropical flavor may not complement all coffee beans. It is often a popular choice for iced or flavored lattes.

Yes, most milk alternatives work well in iced lattes as the temperature isn't an issue for curdling. Thinner milks like standard almond or rice milk are perfectly suitable for iced drinks.

Pea milk is a newer, high-protein alternative made from yellow split peas. It is creamy, foams well, and has a mild flavor, making it a viable option for those seeking a soy-free, nut-free alternative.