Best Plant-Based Milks for Creamy Coffees | Coconut Cloud

Which Plant-Based Milk Will Make Your Coffee Feel Like a Big Warm Hug?

One of the hardest parts of switching to a plant-based lifestyle is saying goodbye to delicious cappuccinos and lattes. The good news is this doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of natural alternatives that will make your coffee taste just as good, if not better!

A favorite choice is a coconut. This drupe fruit has joined the long list of non-dairy substitutes, which include almond, soy, rice, and oat milks. One of the reasons why coconut has become a popular choice over these other options is that it ‘s quite readily available, comes in a variety of options and
is highly versatile in the kitchen.

If you want to make your coffee feel like a cozy embrace, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need
right here.

Taking on the Taste Of Coconut

Something important to remember when using coconut milk is that it has its own flavor. Coconut comes with a distinct taste and that won’t go away - unless it’s added to super-strong coffee that’s been roasted to be incredibly intense, and masks any added flavor.

If you aren’t sure whether or not you like the taste, it’s probably best to try a Coconut Cloud individual creamer sachet rather than go straight out and buy a whole lot of coconut milk. You can then sample it and see if it works for you. The creamy texture is certainly great for a cup of coffee,
but the flavor might not be to your liking.

Avoid The Added Stabilizers

Unfortunately, some forms of coconut cream and milk have a lot of added chemicals. These have been put in to help the product last longer out of the fridge. You usually find stabilizers in the cartons or boxes that are similar to long-life milks. The idea is that they can live for an extended period of time in the pantry and only require refrigeration once opened.

The Lite versions of coconut milk include several stabilizing ingredients. These are gums that are meant to replace the fats that make coconut milk thick and creamy. If you want a proper hug from your coffee in the morning, go for the regular coconut milk and enjoy the fats that make your drink super creamy.

Be Wary Of Added Sugars

A lot of coconut cream, milk and water products have added sugars in them. This is all part of the processing to ensure the product has a longer shelf life. Many people also find that it makes the coconut product more palatable. However, if you’re not careful, your drink can end up with a lot more sugar than you intended on.

Always be sure to check the ingredients for anything that is added. It’s hard to find a pure coconut product unless you’re actually getting it from the source. Cartons and boxes filled with coconut cream or milk tend to have more sugars in them than cans, but take a look at the ingredient list just to be sure.

A Keto-Friendly Creamy Coffee

In general, coconut milk has a higher fat content than other plant-based milks. Or, you can go for the coconut cream, which is even higher in fat than the milk. The milk is made by blending the coconut flesh with water, and the cream is what can be found rising to the top.

This is why creamy, delicious coconut milk or cream is a perfect addition to your coffee, especially if you follow a ketogenic diet. The high fat content makes it as good an option as butter, but, as many people looking for vegan alternatives agree, it’s far tastier. If you stay away from any of the products
that have sugar added to them, you have a great alternative that’s perfect for your keto diet.

Powdered Creamer Options

A Coconut Cloud powdered creamer or milk can give you the best of both worlds. A good product is essentially the cream or the milk with all water removed, turning it into a powder. When you pour the powder into your cup, it will act the same way that it would if it was regular coconut milk or cream. The concept is quite similar to a regular dairy creamer, but with the added goodness of coconut fats.

Your creamer powder will likely contain a small amount of stabilizing ingredients, but far less than a box or carton that’s designed to sit on a pantry shelf. A powdered option gives a similar longevity, but with fewer chemicals (if you go for a reputable brand). Additionally, the powder travels better than milk or cream in its wetter state – especially if you go for individual sachets – meaning you can have your coffee the way you like it when on the go.

A drawback to a powdered cream or milk is that it does nothing to cool your drink down. Many people prefer a liquid that can live in the fridge because it takes the edge off of a piping hot beverage. You may also find that you can’t froth up your milk substitute into a more indulgent cappuccino-style drink when you are simply adding a powder to your hot water.

Which Product Is Best?

The answer really comes down to what works for you. In terms of convenience, a powder or a long-life carton will give you more flexibility because you don’t have to worry about it going off. You do however need to keep an eye on any added sugars or stabilizers that could be problematic.

If you are struggling with the choice between cream or milk, it’s all about preference. Coconut milk will be the closest in texture and consistency to a regular dairy milk. However, the cream can give you a rich, creamy feel in the mouth that’s a lot more like a decadent cappuccino or latte. Just remember to pick the unsweetened option for a truer flavor and a healthier hug in a mug! 

By: Jessica Romero