Just because you don't drink dairy milk doesn't mean you can't have frothed milk on top of your coffee. It's perfectly possible to froth almond milk, but it isn't as straight forward as frothing regular dairy milk.
In this guide I'll explain which almond milk types you can froth, and how to froth almond milk yourself easily so you can make your own almond milk latte at home.
What Is Almond Milk?
More people than ever are moving away from 'regular' dairy milk and choosing plant based alternatives. This may be because people are lactose intolerant or maybe they're on a dairy free diet.
Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, cashew milk, and coconut milk are all popular dairy-free alternatives to cow's milk.
Almond milk is made by grinding almonds and mixing them with water. It's then strained and added vitamins and minerals and often put in. It's low-calorie, high in protein, and gluten-free, so it's easy to see why it's exploded in popularity, right?
Can You Froth Almond Milk For Coffee?
Long story short, almond milk can be frothed, but it's more complicated than regular frothed milk.
In comparison with cow's milk, it's not as simple. This is because thicker milks with higher fat and protein content froth easier. Almonds do contain fat, though almond milk does contain a higher amount of water.
This does, of course, vary depending on the brand and style as well as the method used to froth the milk.
There are various methods to froth almond milk, but one of the most popular is using an Aeroccino.
Can you froth cold almond milk? You sure can! In fact, it's oftentimes going to be better than when it's fresh straight from the fridge!
You also get flavored almond milk, and you can froth flavored almond milk using the same methods!
Factors That Determine Whether Or Not Almond Milk Will Froth
Protein and Fat Content
As we briefly mentioned above, all "milks" consist of 3 major components: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
The ratio of these ingredients determines how easy it is to froth the almond milk and there are several different types of almond milk. Ideally, you want almond milk with a higher fat and protein content as they are easier to make into frothed almond milk.
Specific 'barista almond milk' or 'coffee almond milks' are available with a higher fat content. These work best for frothing milk to go in your coffee.
Milk Quality
All 'regular' milk will froth pretty much the same way, but if you want to create almond milk froth you need a good quality brand.
While it's not an absolute rule, usually, cheaper plant based milk brands use fewer almonds, which means higher water content that doesn't froth well for coffee drinks.
Temperature
The temperature is crucial for creating frothy almond milk. If you let the steamed almond milk get too hot it can make the almond milk curdle, scorch or burn.
When you steam almond milk keep the temperature between 150 and 155F. Remember that almond milk curdles more easily than other plant based milk, so don't take your eyes off your frothy almond milk.
Degree of Freshness
Fresh almond milk froths a lot better than older almond milk.
Make sure your non dairy milk isn't too close to the expiration date because without fresh milk you could ruin your almond milk drink and hot coffee.
How to Froth Almond Milk at Home (Best Ways for Your Coffee)
1. By Steam Wand
This is the most common method used to froth milk and is how it’s done in cafes by baristas. It's also the same method used for frothing dairy milk.
It results in quality foam thanks to the bubbles and excellent texture that comes from this method.
- 1Pour almond milk into the steaming pitcher
- 2Hold pitcher angled under the steaming wand.
- 3Insert the wand into milk just below the surface, using the steam output dial to provide a steady supply of steam.
- 4Keep the wand tip held to the side of the pitcher, which will create a kind of funnel within the milk.
- 5Move the pitcher somewhat slowly around the wand in a circular motion, then up and down. This will keep moving air into the milk, keeping bubbles smaller.
- 6As bubbles get smaller and smaller, the milk should about double in size. Once you see this, your milk is finished steaming. Turn off the dial, removing the wand completely from the pitcher.
2. By Hand
These battery-operated frothers are super convenient and a great alternative if you don’t have an espresso machine and/or steaming wand. Not only that, but an electric milk frother is very budget-friendly!
- 1Pour almond milk into a pitcher, large jar, mug, or similar container.
- 2Insert the tip of the frother into the cold milk, just below the surface.
- 3Turn frother on, frothing while keeping the tip in place for 30 seconds.
- 4Move the wand up and down for another 30 seconds.
- 5Move the wand somewhat slowly in a circular motion around the pitcher while continuing to froth until the milk is smooth, silky, and increases notably in volume. You may not get it to twice its original size, but it should come close.
- 6Microwaving the warm almond milk for another 30 seconds could help stabilize the foam, offering improved texture.
3. Using a Jar
If you aren’t in possession of either of the aforementioned frothing tools, you can use a jar as an alternative. It is a more physically demanding way to create almond milk froth, but still yields good results.
- 1Fill about ½ - 1/3 of a jar with almond milk, ensuring the lid is screwed on securely.
- 2Shake the jar hard and consistently. You’ll do this until the milk volume doubles, which should take around 5 minutes.
- 3Once done, take the lid off and microwave for around 30 seconds to stabilize and improve the milk's texture.
4. With A French Press
This is an "easy" option in that it's quick and doesn't require much physical effort, though it isn't quite as effective as previous methods for frothing almond milk.
- 1Heat almond milk for about 30 seconds.
- 2Pour heated milk into French press, moving the plunger up and down quickly.
- 3Continue until milk increases significantly in volume.
- 4It may not be as smooth as some other options, but the results are decent.
5. Using A Blender
A lot of us already have a blender in our kitchen, so there's no need to go out and purchase a new device to froth almond milk. You already have a great frothing device sitting right there!
- 1Microwave almond milk in a bowl for about 30 seconds.
- 2Blend milk at medium speed. Some models have a "frothing" option, so if that's the case with yours, this is preferable.
- 3Blend until the milk increases notably in size. This milk froth method isn't quite as effective as the first few, so it may not get to double the original volume.
Almond Milk Frothing FAQs
What are the best almond milks for frothing?
Califia Farms Almond Milk Original Barista Blend is a crowd favorite, as well as Silk Shelf-Stable Almond Milk Singles, and Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Almond Milk.
Can you froth almond milk with an espresso machine?
Absolutely! It’s known to be one, if not the most, effective way of frothing almond milk! It leaves you with foam that has a smooth, thick texture perfect for using in coffee.
Can you froth almond milk creamer?
Definitely! These have a higher fat content than “regular” almond milk usually, so it should be even easier to get it to froth.
Can almond milk make latte art?
You can, but you need high-quality almond milk. Try to use a small milk jug and get the milk as thick and frothy as you can!
Conclusion
So, will almond milk froth? Yes, but only if you get a good quality, fresh almond milk with high fat and protein content.
So, whether you want a chai tea latte, or a frothy cappuccino at home, you now know how to use almond milk to give your favorite coffee drinks more texture and richness.
