Whether you prefer espresso macchiato or latte macchiato, adding creamy milk gives your cup of coffee that extra sweetness.
But that’s exactly what you want to avoid if you are lactose intolerant or a vegan.
A plant-based milk alternative, such as almond milk, is your best bet if you’ll like a touch of something flavorful in your coffee.
How does almond milk coffee taste? What are its benefits? And what exactly is almond milk, to begin with?
We serve up answers to these and more in this article.
What is Almond Milk?
Almond milk is low-fat, plant-based milk that serves as an excellent replacement for regular milk.
Typically, the low-calorie milk is made by mixing ground almonds and water.
But it can have a variety of ingredients, depending on the type and if you are buying it premade or making it yourself.
Commercial almond milk may contain flavorings, preservatives, and thickeners to improve texture, shelf life, and flavor.
Usually, almond milk has a nutty taste, with unsweetened types having a bitter edge that might not be enjoyable for some people.
There is also sweetened almond milk, which many people prefer. You can also find some variety flavored with vanilla to remove the bitterness.
Regardless of the type of almond milk you prefer, one thing is sure: it is dairy-free.
This makes the milk suitable for those with dairy allergies and people who are lactose intolerant.
It is also great for vegetarians, vegans, and those who follow restricted diets.
Reasons to Opt for Almond Milk in Coffee
There is no denying the popularity of almond milk and its impact on the flavor of a cup of coffee. The milk offers an extra layer of flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
For many people who are vegetarians and vegans, dairy milk is a no-no. Yet, black coffee isn’t something everyone likes.
If you find yourself thinking of giving up on coffee because you don’t want to add cream or regular milk to your cup of joe, almond milk might be the best non-dairy milk alternative for you.
It is a lot better than soy and richer in vitamins and minerals than other plant-based milk such as rice milk.
Can’t stand lactose? Consider almond milk instead.
And if for some reason, you are not okay with what manufacturers offer in the name of commercial almond milk, you can simply make yours at home.
Does Almond Milk Affect Coffee Flavor
When you add almond milk to coffee, you can expect an overall nuttier flavor. Of course, the texture of the coffee will be slightly different, too.
Coffee already has a somewhat bitter taste. Adding unsweetened almond milk to it will definitely bring about a more noticeable bitter edge.
Many people do not like the bitterness of almond milk, which explains why they opt for the sweetened variety.
If that’s you, it is always a good idea to put your health into consideration when choosing sweetened almond milk.
We’ll get into the health benefits of drinking almond milk coffee or adding almond milk to your beverage in a moment.
But for now, it is important to note that the unsweetened variety is your best bet if you are trying to reduce your calorie intake or lose weight.
The flavor of unsweetened almond milk might not be very enjoyable compared to the sweetened variety, but the benefits are worth it.
The good thing is that you can add almond milk to just about any coffee recipe, regardless of the type you choose.
Can You Froth Almond Milk?
Yes, you can froth almond milk. The milk is known to produce beautiful foam.
Here’s the thing, though.
The process of frothing almond milk is usually cumbersome and time-consuming compared to other types of milk.
That’s mostly because the milk is low in fat and protein.
Dairy milk will give you the best result when you froth it, and almond milk doesn’t even come close.
Besides, frothing almond milk makes it separate quite easily. The milk is made from a mixture of almonds and water, so you should expect it to separate rather too easily compared to other types of milk.
That means while you can froth almond milk, you will likely end up with a watery cup of coffee.
Pros of Almond Milk
Almond milk has served as a milk substitute for many centuries. One of the reasons it is the go-to milk in the Middle Ages is its longer shelf life compared to fresh cow milk.
If you’re looking to start adding almond milk to your coffee, here are some of the other benefits you can expect.
Almond Milk is Good for the Heart
You’ll want to avoid dairy milk (such as cow’s milk) if you have issues with your cardiovascular system.
And that’s where almond milk comes in.
The milk doesn’t have any saturated fats or bad cholesterol in it, making it good for the heart.
Plus, even if you already have issues with bad cholesterol, the omega-3 fatty acids in almond milk will reduce the LDL cholesterol levels as well as protect your heart.
The Milk is a High Source of Antioxidants
Free radicals can cause damage to your body. Thankfully, almond milk is rich in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that prevents such damages.
The flavonoids content in almond milk can fight off free radicals in the body. The result is usually a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other degenerative diseases associated with aging.
So, you might want to start drinking almond milk coffee or adding almond milk to your favorite beverage, whether you are trying to prevent cancer or slow down signs of aging.
Almond Milk is Rich in Vitamin and Minerals
Almond milk is packed with plenty of vitamins and minerals.
In fact, it has the highest concentration of vitamins and minerals compared to some non-dairy milk such as rice and soy milk.
The milk contains the following vitamins and minerals:
- Calcium
- Copper
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorous
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Zinc
Even if you choose to make almond milk at home, it is already fortified with all the nutrients you’ll get in store-bought varieties.
Almond Milk is Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans
There are no animal byproducts in almond milk. Typically, the milk is simply a combination of ground almonds and milk. At most, manufacturers will add flavor and preservatives.
This makes the milk suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Besides, you can easily make the milk at home if you prefer to skip all the additives. That way, you can enjoy your very own homemade almond milk coffee!
You might even choose to add the milk to tea any other beverage without worrying about possible harmful additives.
Almond Milk has Low Fat and Calories
Trying to lower your calorie and fat intake? Heavy cream in coffee is out of the question. You are better served with almond milk coffee.
Why is that?
Almond milk has only about 40 calories per serving, making it very low in calories. And when it comes to fat, the milk has only about 3 grams of fat per serving.
But that’s not all.
They are good fats that help your brain to maintain cognitive function and also protect your heart.
Unsweetened Almond Milk is Low in Sugar
It makes sense to stay away from eating too much-added sugar if you’re trying to lose weight.
Unfortunately, even when you opt for commercial plant-based milk, you might be consuming too much sugar.
For example, drinking 240ml of chocolate-flavored almond milk usually means consuming around 21 grams of added sugar.
That’s more than 5 teaspoons of sugar in just one cup!
What’s the best way to avoid this?
Opt for unsweetened almond milk or make yours at home. This is especially the case if you are already overweight or at a higher risk of certain chronic diseases.
With unsweetened almond milk, you only get about 2 grams of sugar in 240ml or one cup.
Cons of Almond Milk
Regardless of all the benefits of almond milk, it still has a few drawbacks. The milk isn’t suitable for everyone, so you should be aware of the following:
Almond Milk May Not Be Suitable for Infants
Although almond milk is lactose-free, it doesn’t offer enough nutrition for infants.
Baby formula and breast milk are by far richer and more nutritionally suitable for infants than almond milk.
Of course, infants shouldn’t be drinking coffee. So adding almond milk to coffee for your infant is out of the question.
The caffeine content in coffee can significantly reduce appetite in younger children and make them skip meals.
Infants and toddlers have small bodies that need plenty of nutrients to grow stronger.
Their smaller body mass is not capable of processing the caffeine and it may have unknown long-term effects on their brains.
Bottom line: it is best to err on the side of caution.
Skip coffee for infants and toddlers, whether or not you add almond milk. Feed them breast milk or baby formula instead.
Almond Milk Can Trigger Tree Nut Allergies
You might want to steer clear of almond milk if you have a tree nut allergy.
Almond milk is a safe alternative for people with lactose intolerance. It is also good for those who are allergic to casein and gluten.
But it can trigger a severe allergic reaction in people with tree nut allergies.
In case you don’t already know, almond is a tree nut. You want to avoid consuming it in any form (nut, milk, paste, and flour) if you have any tree nut allergy.
This is another major reason you shouldn’t feed infants almond milk. It may cause your little baby to develop a tree nut allergy.
It is usually a good practice to speak with your doctor before ever giving almonds to your child.
Processed Almond Milk May Contain Additives
Unflavored and unsweetened almond milk might be your best bet if you want to avoid additives that are often in processed versions.
Before you add processed almond milk to your cup of coffee, consider that it might have certain types of additives that can negatively affect your gut health.
For example, in addition to gum, carrageenan and lecithin are a type of emulsifiers added to processed almond milk to provide texture and consistency.
While they are generally safe, consuming them in high amounts can be problematic.
Processed almond milk is also likely to contain high sugar, salt, and flavors to make it sweet.
That means continuous consumption can increase your risk of dental cavities and even weight gain.
Fortunately, many food companies know the risks involved and usually avoid the use of carrageenan and other disruptive emulsifiers.
It Can Be Tricky to Properly Mix Almond Milk in Coffee
Almond milk coffee is great, but getting the right mix can be difficult.
It is not uncommon to end up with a cup of coffee filled with curdled almond milk.
Without getting into the details, the major reason for this is that the heat and acidity of the coffee make the protein in the almond milk coagulate.
Thankfully, you can limit this occurrence by allowing the coffee to cool down a bit before adding the almond milk.
Conclusion
The ball is in your court! You get to decide whether or not almond milk is right for you and if you’ll want to add it to your cup of morning joe.
But one thing is clear:
Almond milk coffee offers significant health benefits.
It might seem like another coffee craze that’s taking the industry by storm, but trust us when we say this is not a mere fad.
In addition to its sweet and nutty taste, it is an excellent plant-based milk alternative.
So, go ahead and give it a try if gluten is an issue for you.
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Last Updated on March 1, 2022 by Ashok Parmar
