If you’re an avid coffee drinker, you may have already been experimenting with plant-based milk alternatives for your coffee. Maybe you’re a vegan with your own preferences firmly in place. Or, you have a dairy allergy that is forcing you to change your diet. Either way, coffee can be delicious no matter which milk you are using! We have tried and tested many different drinks, so here is our list of the best coffee drinks with non dairy milk.

Milk can definitely impact the flavor of coffee along with the aesthetic. Modern coffees use steamed milk, in an attempt to produce a foam by ‘stretching’ the milk. Many coffees, such as the latte, cappuccino and flat white, all depend on this style of the milk to fulfil their criteria. When having a coffee with non dairy milk, there are a few pros and cons. Some drinks will taste better than others, but that is ok! You just need to find your favorite combination.

At Belle Surf Cafe, we offer many plant based milk alternatives :

Keep in mind this list may change depending on availability

Almond Milk
Soy Milk
Macadamia Nut Milk
Oat Milk

Oat Milk Hazelnut Latte

This drink is my newest favorite! Oat milk provides the creamiest texture (in my opinion) of all the plant based milks. It definitely tastes a bit “oaty”, but if that doesn’t bother you, then I would definitely give this one a try. I tend to like my coffee on the sweeter side. The Oat Milk Hazelnut Latte is the perfect balance with a bit of sweet, and a creamy milky texture. If you aren’t much of a sweet coffee drinker, then just remove the hazelnut and try the oat milk latte on its own.

Iced Nutella Latte with Almond Milk

Our Nutella Latte is one of the most popular drinks on the menu! It is definitely made for those with a major sweet tooth. Want to sub with a plant based milk? No problem! We can customize any drink for you. Try our Nutella Latte iced, with almond milk! This delicious treat will leave you wanting another one! Keep in mind, if you are strictly vegan, Nutella does contain animal derived ingredients.

Spiced Lavender Mocha with Soy milk

Our Spiced Lavender Mocha is one of our specialty drinks, another very popular one! We make our own fresh, home made lavender syrup. Soy milk is voted to be one of the best milk alternatives because it doesn’t effect the flavor of the coffee. With this drink, we really want you to be able to taste the delicious lavender syrup and espresso, so we recommend soy milk! Originally this drink comes with regular milk, so don’t forget to ask for your milk preference!

Dirty Chai with Macadamia Nut Milk

Many reading this may be wondering what Macadamia Nut Milk is?! This is a dairy free milk alternative made by blending soaked macadamia nuts with water. Macadamia milk has a rich, smooth texture. It serves as a creamy substitute for cow’s milk. We love our Dirty Chai with Macadamia Nut Milk! If you are in Hawaii (home of the Macadamia Nuts) you should definitely try this milk!

Oat Milk Latte with Honey

Looking for a creamy latte with a tiny bit of sweetener? We love an oat milk latte with honey! Honey is not vegan, but it can be substituted for something else. Let us know what you think about this tasty yet simple drink!

There are many different options with coffee drinks. Some people like their coffee black, others want all the bells and whistles with it. Then, there is always someone in-between! With all of the options and alternatives, there is bound to be a favorite for everyone!

Here are a few tips :

Foaming dairy free milk– The foam with any dairy free milk, will unfortunately not have the same consistency with that of cows milk. Be easy on your barista! He or she is doing her best to foam that milk, but don’t be surprised if they are unable to successfully make that pretty latte art.

Cappuccinos with dairy free milk- Cappuccinos are half coffee, half foam. A typical cappuccino is made with whole milk, and the foam is made precisely to balance with the coffee. Unfortunately, after steaming thousands of milks, I can inform you that the cappuccino is not the same with a plant based milk. This doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy your cappuccino! Just expect the texture to be a little bit different.

We recommend trying all the dairy free milk alternatives, and discovering your favorite one! Each taste preference is different, and one might not like what the other does. Have fun with it, and we guarantee you will discover your favorite drink! We hope that our list of the best coffee drinks with non dairy milk helps you discover your favorite!