If you’re trying plant-based milk for the first time and can’t go without your daily coffee, you might be wondering which non-dairy option provides the best latte or the creamiest cappuccino.
What works best for you will depend on how you take your coffee. Oat milk is generally the best all-rounder for coffee, especially barista blends, since the fat and protein balance gives you the steam and froth you’d get from cow’s milk. Soya is a solid match for texture and protein content, while almond and coconut work better in black, iced or flavoured coffee.
In this blog, we’ll go through the options available in the UK and how to pick the best milk for your preferences.
Oat milk
Oat milk has become the UK’s most popular plant-based dairy alternative, as its thick and creamy texture rivals cow’s milk.
There are barista-style versions which have been specifically formulated to froth and hold their texture in coffee. Whether you prefer a latte, cappuccino, iced coffee or black coffee with a splash of milk, oat milk covers all bases.
Oat milk brands to look out for:
- Oatly
- Alpro
- Plenish
- Glebe Farm
- Minor Figures
- Moma
- MYOM
- Califia Farms
- Oddlygood
- Supermarket own-brand
Why it’s great: It’s the most widely available barista-style plant milk in the UK and reliable for all your caffeine-related needs.
Soya milk
For those who love milky coffees like lattes or flat whites, soya barista blends are one of your best bets alongside oat.
Soya milk has a naturally sweet taste which is loved by many. However, it has a lighter texture than oat, which means it doesn’t have quite the same frothing and foaming abilities. Standard (non-barista) soya milk splits or curdles when added to hot espresso or instant coffee, so stick to a barista version where you can.
Soya milk brands to look out for:
- Alpro
- Plenish
- Grower’s Harvest
- Glebe Farm
- Rude Health
- Sojade
- Supermarket own-brand
Why it’s great: It’s higher in protein than many plant milks, froths up pretty well and is one of the cheaper dairy alternatives.
Almond milk
Almond milk has a subtly nutty taste, which some people love. It’s lighter than alternatives like oat or hazelnut milk, so it works well in iced coffee.
There are several barista-style versions available, which froth up well for lattes and flat whites. The standard versions have a thinner texture than oat and soya and can curdle in Americanos or instant coffee. If almond milk is your preference, it may take some experimenting to get the right brand for you.
Almond milk brands to look out for:
- Alpro
- Plenish
- Rude Health
- Almond Breeze
- Supermarket own-brand
Why it’s great: It’s a popular choice for iced coffee and widely available across UK coffee chains.
Hazelnut milk
Hazelnut milk has a creamy texture and a distinctly nutty flavour, stronger than almond milk. Its thickness means it froths well and holds up in hot espresso-based drinks.
The taste also pairs well with mochas and other flavoured or dessert-style coffee drinks.
Hazelnut milk brands to look out for:
- Alpro
- Rude Health
- Oddly Good
Why it’s great: A distinctive flavour for anyone who likes a stronger kick to their coffee.
Coconut milk
Coconut milk offers a tropical, sweet flavour, but doesn’t have the same thick and creamy consistency as other plant milk options.
It works well in iced coffee, sweeter drinks or anything where you want that richness to come through. Although there are barista options available, they are not as easy to come by as other dairy alternatives.
Coconut milk brands to look out for:
- Alpro
- Plenish
- Koko
- Rude Health
Why it’s great: Offers a tropical flavour if you want a change from your usual coffee order.
Cashew milk
Cashew milk has a subtly nutty taste and froths moderately well in a latte or cappuccino. It doesn’t tend to curdle in Americano or instant coffee drinks, making it a reliable option.
Cashew milk brands to look out for:
- Plenish
- Rude Health
Why it’s great: Gives a creamy, subtly nutty flavour that sits between almond and hazelnut.
Pea milk
Yes, pea milk is a thing and it really does work in coffee (don’t worry – it’s not green and it doesn’t actually taste of peas).
While not widely available in the UK, it’s an option for those avoiding oat, soya and nut milks and offers a surprisingly smooth, creamy taste. Choose a barista version if you want to use pea milk for flat whites, lattes and frothy coffees.
Brands to look out for in the UK:
- Sproud
- Mighty
Why it’s great: Packed with calcium and protein and a handy option for those with allergies to nuts or soya.
Best-performing plant milks for coffee
Here are the plant milks that tend to stand out among reviewers for lattes, cappuccinos and other milky coffees drinks:
- Oatly Oat Drink Barista Edition – Often considered the gold standard of plant milks for coffee. It’s formulated specifically for steaming and frothing and is widely used in coffee shops.
- Minor Figures Organic Barista Oat Drink – Used in coffee shops, Minor Figures’ barista oat milk has rave reviews for its frothing ability and texture.
- Alpro Barista Oat Drink – Reviewers love this option and it’s available in many supermarkets. It does a good job of frothing for lattes, flat whites and lattes and has a creamy texture.
- Plenish Organic Soya Barista Milk – People love this soya barista milk because it froths nicely and has a natural sweetness.
- MOMA Barista Oat Drink – A reliable option if you want a creamy oat milk that works well in all your favourite hot drinks.
- Alpro Barista Almond Drink – Reviewers have raved about the nutty flavour of Alpro’s almond barista milk and how well it complements their hot drinks.
- Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend – Another standout. Reviewers have praised its ability to froth up well and its taste.
- Sproud Barista – Designed for all your coffee-related needs, from creating latte art to splashing in your filter coffee. Reviewers are impressed with the texture and how well it steams up.
If you don’t like the first non-dairy milk you try, don’t be put off. There are so many brands and options so it may take some experimenting. We’re certain you’ll find your new favourite before long!
Frequently asked questions
Which plant milk is closest to cow’s milk in coffee?
Oat milk, especially barista-style oat milk, is generally considered the closest match both in flavour and texture. Barista-style soya milk is another strong contender.
Why does my plant milk curdle in coffee?
Curdling usually happens when milk proteins react to the acidity or heat of the coffee. Soya and oat milk are generally the most stable, but many plant milks have barista editions which are specifically formulated to avoid curdling.
Which plant milk is best for iced coffee?
Most plant milks will pair well with iced coffee, but oat, soya, almond and coconut milk are particularly popular.
How does plant milk compare with cow’s milk?
For a comparison of the key nutrients, check out our blog on cow’s milk vs plant milk.
Check out our guide to the best plant milk for tea.
