Making the switch from milk to almond milk has never been easier. With all supermarkets stocking a range of almond milk options and even local smaller chains now have almond milk on the shelves, changing your routine couldn't be more simple, but for any of you coffee lovers out there the burning question is how will almond milk taste in your latteF and how can you get that perfect froth? The good news is we can help you whip up a creamy barista-style cappuccino, at home in no time!
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What is Almond Milk?
Almond milk is plant-based milk, made from almonds blended with water. It has a smooth nutty taste in its original form but you can buy it in flavors such as dairy (to taste like cows milk), chocolate, strawberry, etc. Almond milk has become one of the most popular plant-based milk in the United States and this is due to benefits of almond milk:
- Almond milk is plant-based and therefore suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
- It does not contain any lactose meaning it can be consumed by anyone who suffers from lactose intolerance.
- It has low carb content which is great for anyone on a carbohydrate-controlled diet or for anyone monitoring blood sugar levels.
- Almond milk is full of vitamin E and the healthy fats that after being consumed regularly can help keep your heart healthier.
- It contains a high concentration of vitamin D which can help make your bones stronger and prevent vitamin D deficiency.
How to Froth Almond Milk
Almond milk can be just as frothy, creamy and delicious as cows milk. First heat your milk in a pan or microwave for around 30 seconds, only until it is warm, not too hot (If you let it get too hot the milk will skin on the top and it will be difficult to froth). If you like sugar in your cappuccino or latte, add it now and let it dissolve. Now its time to whip up some almond foam, here are some different methods you can try on how to froth almond milk:
A Jar
Take a jar, preferably glass, add your warm milk and screw on the lid tightly, then shake vigorously. If your milk is hot be careful as the glass will heat quickly, so use a towel to hold the jar. It will make large airy bubbles; not the best if you are trying to create latte art, but it is a quick option for a frothy almond milk coffee.
A Hand Whisk
Pour your warm almond milk into a bowl and start whisking. The benefits to this method are it makes minimal mess, the froth is thicker than the jar method and it only takes a couple of minutes. It does, however, take a little effort and you need to use a consistent motion for the froth to thicken to the right consistency.
Immersion Blender
It is an option... but my least recommended one! An immersion blender is great for some things, but with almond milk, it can make a big mess as it will spray when in contact with the liquid. The best method I found was to warm my milk in a large deep pan making the splash stay within the metal. The foam is lovely to work with, thick and creamy but for me, the mess wasn't worth it.
A Hand Milk Frother / Drink Whisk
I love my milk frother, it was super cheap to buy and I use it for a range of things like milkshakes and hot chocolate. When it comes to frothing almond milk it is the simplest method, it makes the least mess and the foam consistency is good, not the best but good!
Pump Frother
A bit more of a specialized product but if you love coffees its a purchase I would recommend. Pour in your warm milk, remember it will expand so not to the top and then pump rapidly for around twenty seconds. Let your milk rest a minute before you pour a beautiful thick foam into your coffee.
French Press
Also if you use a french press to make coffee, or if you have one lurking in the cupboard, it works just the same as the pump frother so you can give it a go!
What is the difference between a Cappuccino and Latte?
Well, the difference can depend on the barista and how your favorite coffee shop prepares them. Both lattes and cappuccinos come from Italy and start with a shot of espresso.
Then the milk is steamed and frothed, but this is where the difference occurs. In a cappuccino, approximately 1/3 is hot milk added and 2/3 is heaped foamed milk making the coffee stronger and richer.
But in a latte 1/3 is heaped foamed milk and 2/3 is hot milk making it milkier and creamier and the coffee is more subtle.
Conclusion
As you can see, making the change from cows milk to almond milk can seem like a daunting change, but in reality, there are many many benefits and with supermarkets now supporting a wide range of non-dairy options, you will have a huge variety of flavors to choose from. The health benefits make almond milk a good option for anyone looking to make small lifestyle changes for health reasons.
And once you have made the change you can make a huge range of beverages to enjoy, and preparing your perfect foamy frothy coffee couldn't be easier, by looking at our range of ways on how to froth almond milk; whether you have a specialized pump frother or a simple glass jar you can rustle up a delicious latte or cappuccino that will look like a barista prepared it just for you, and most importantly its smooth nutty blend will taste amazing!
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