The health benefits of pairing your coffee with vegan milk alternatives

In a post-pandemic world, a growing number of healthconscious coffee aficionados are taking to non-diary coffee. On International Coffee Day, today, people tell us why coffee made with milk alternative is becoming increasingly popular in cafes across the world. Increasing sensitivity towards animal cruelty is a reason why people are skipping milk in their coffee.

We now have plenty of milk alternatives such as soya, oats, almond and coconut that give a refreshing twist to coffee, and are considered a healthy and ethical choice.

Rithwik Ramesh, co-founder, Alt Co, a plant based alternative brand, says that an oat milk latte, a blend of an espresso shot and oat milk is getting a big thumbs up from coffee lovers. “The creamy and light bodied texture coming from oat milk enhances the latte experience. We can make a variety of lattes even at home. Some good options are honey and oat milk latte and spiced oat milk latte for a nice rainy day,” says Ramesh.

Turmeric coffee, almond milk coffee, soy milk coffee, matcha coffee and hemp milk coffee are some other popular options. Deepak Agarwal, founder, Auric, an Ayurveda brand says, “Our turmeric gourmet coffee is made with spray dried Indian estate coffee and US FDA approved curcumin turmeric. We believe that it tastes much better with nondairy milk, such as coconut and almond milk. I was inspired by a global coffee outlet to experiment with non-dairy options.”

The taste differs from a regular dairy-based coffee without the lactose content of cattle milk. Coffee aficionados say the pairing of coffee with milk alternatives result in exciting flavours that hold a punch of surprise. “Coffee flavours without a dash of dairy at all have gained significant popularity. These include the much-loved Espresso, Red Eye, Americano, and Black coffee. I have tried coconut milk, soy milk, and hemp milk coffee preparations. Soy milk has a creamy texture to it and tastes relatively neutral and leaves no residual after taste. Hemp milk has a slightly nutty flavour with a thin texture that dissolves easily. I have a personal affinity towards soy milk as I prefer strong coffees without the milk component to interfere with the original taste,” says Aman Singhal, Delhi-based food blogger.

There are several outlets in Delhi where you can try the non-dairy coffee varieties such as United Coffee House, Greenr Cafe, Rose cafe, Fabecafe, and Getafix.

The increasing awareness among individuals against animal cruelty is another reason for the rising popularity of no-milk coffee. “It makes for an ethical choice, as it is totally plant-based. Also, dairy milk is quite thick and intense in flavour as compared to vegan milk and vegan coffees are slightly more watery as compared to normal coffee. My favourite is almond milk in coffee,” says Kuljyoti Dhingra, Delhi-based food blogger.

Oat milk boasts of many beneficial components, as it’s devoid of saturated fats but loaded with protein, fibre and natural sweetness. Oats also contain beta-glucans which help in aiding heart health and lowering cholesterol. Soy milk is a popular alternative to dairy milk. Soy milk has a rich history, as one of the go-to dairy-free milk option as it has a high protein content.

Coconut milk’s properties are creamy and naturally dense, making it a firm favourite for foam and froth. It also has a lot of healthy fats!

Cashew milk is also low in protein and calories. It contains no cholesterol or saturated fats, so replacing cow’s milk with cashew milk, may help lower cholesterol. It’s also a source of vitamins E and A.

Vegan coffee makes for an ethical choice, as it is totally plantbased. Also, dairy milk is quite thick and intense in flavour as compared to vegan milk. My favourite is almond milk in coffee.

KULJYOTI DHINGRA,

food blogger

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK Soy milk latte Oat milk latte is getting a big thumbs-up from coffee lovers

Black coffee Coconut milk coffee

Turmeric latte