Last Updated on 25/01/2022 by Miki
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Veganism is a lifestyle that encompasses the ethical belief that it is wrong to use and exploit any animal and animal products. Vegans avoid eating or using any animal products, such as meat, dairy, eggs, silk, wool, leather, and so on. Not all coffee is labelled as a vegan because milk-based coffees generally contain dairy. On the other hand, non-milk based coffees such as espresso and long black are vegan.
One can enjoy a vegan latte or cappuccino by adding soy milk and an alternative sweetener, but remember to check for additives such as animal products if you are not making coffee at home. In this article, I’m going to guide you in more details on coffee for vegans.
What Coffee is Not Vegan?
If you’re vegan, then coffee is one of the most difficult parts of your diet to decide. There are so many options to choose from and many of them include dairy or other animal products. And why should it be so difficult? In the USA, the term ‘vegan’ has become a selling point for a lot of products and people are taking advantage of it. It’s important to research your options before purchasing any food so you can avoid disappointment.
If you’re trying to keep a vegan lifestyle, you’ll probably find out pretty quickly that coffee isn’t vegan. This is because of all the dairy that goes into coffee. However, there are alternatives to dairy that keep your coffee plant-based. With that being said, if your favourite coffee doesn’t contain any milk, then you are good to go 🙂
We will have a look at how to make your coffee vegan-friendly next.,
What do Vegans Use in their Coffee?
A lot of people don’t know many options that they have when it comes to coffee when they’re a vegan. Vegans have to be extremely careful about what they put in their coffee. Many non-vegans seem to think a vegan diet is bland, but that is often not the case. Vegans use an alternate milk replacement in place of cows milk and sugar in order to get the flavour they desire from their coffee. Let’s have a look at each component.
What is Vegan Milk?
Vegan milk is non-dairy milk made from plant-based ingredients, such as nuts and grains. Vegan milk is also considered to be healthier than dairy milk because it does not contain any traces of cows’ hormones or antibiotics. Actually, there are quite a few types of vegan milk available in the market. The benefits of vegan milk are that many brands of vegan milk do not contain lactose or cholesterol and contain less sugar than conventional dairy milk when you choose unsweetened options.
What is Vegan Sugar?
Vegan sugar is exactly what it sounds like. It’s sugar that’s been made without harming any animals in the process. Unlike most sweeteners, which are processed with bone char or filtered through charred animal bones, vegan sugar is produced using a filter that is free from animal substances. For instance, beet sugar is vegan because it doesn’t go through the process with bone char.
What is Vegan Coffee Creamers?
Vegan coffee creamers are a non-dairy alternative to regular creamers. They are perfect if you are in the market to try something new when it comes to your daily morning coffee, or if you are a vegan who is looking for that little something extra to add to their morning cup of joe. There are several different vegan creamers out on the market. These creamers are made with various ingredients and are available in a variety of flavours.
Coffee for Vegans – Cows Milk Alternatives
If you’re a vegan then you might think that you can’t enjoy milk products anymore. However, this is not true! There are alternatives to cows milk that you can use to replace milk in any recipe you can think of.
1. Almond Milk
Almond milk makes a fantastic alternative to ordinary cow’s milk for your morning coffee without the hassle of vegans making their own nut milk. Almond milk has long been hailed as one of the best alternatives to everyday dairy milk, and it offers a slightly sweet taste that will make you rethink your ordinary skim or low-fat milk options. The flavour of almond milk is milder than some types of plant-based milk, which makes it easier to flavour with other ingredients and serve alongside coffee.
2. Soy Milk
When it comes to finding dairy alternatives for vegans, soy milk is one of the most popular options. It’s an affordable choice, can be enjoyed in many different ways, and has become more readily available in recent years. Some people are hesitant to drink soy milk for fear of causing digestive issues, but when taken in moderation soy milk can be a fantastic alternative to dairy milk. It’s made by grinding roasted soybeans and mixing the beans with water. The mixture is then boiled until the liquid is reduced and cooled and then poured into bottles.
3. Rice Milk
The main appeal of rice milk is obviously that it’s vegan-friendly. However, there are also those who drink rice milk for health reasons. Unfortunately, rice milk does not have the same amount of nutritional value as regular milk. While rice is high in fibre and can be beneficial, it’s much lower in nutrients like calcium, selenium and zinc.
4. Coconut Milk
Not only does coconut milk taste somewhat sweet, but it also gives a soothing feeling as per its effects on memory and cognitive performance. There’s also the health factor that cannot be neglected. Coconut milk is an excellent source of vitamin C. It’s also rich in minerals such as iron and magnesium, as well as some essential fatty acids. Using this type of raw organic product in your coffee can make it less acidic, healthier, and sweeter.
5. Oat Milk
The more you learn about oat milk and the reasons why you might want to consider switching over to it, the more convinced you are going to be. The decent flavour really wins out over soy and almond milk. As a bonus, this type of milk is easier on your stomach than its artificial counterparts. Vegans and people with nut allergies choose oat milk over soy, almond or any other type of dairy as well.
6. Macadamia Milk
Macadamia is an Australian tree with nuts that are likened to pine nuts. You can easily make a vegan cup of coffee and substitute macadamia milk for soy milk in your lattes and cappuccinos. It’s packed with a ton of healthy macro and micronutrients to give you fuel for your day. It’s sweeter than other milk substitutes and boasts an amazingly creamy texture that makes your coffee that much more delicious. The fact it’s vegan is only an added bonus. Be sure to check the labels for brands that are free from soy and dairy ingredients though.
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5 Best Vegan Milk for Coffee
It’s hard to give up the taste of your favourite coffee drink. However, after switching to a vegan diet, you might notice that the cream and milk options in the store are not ideal for you any longer. So which vegan milk do you choose?
Here’s a list of my top 5 alternatives to cow’s milk that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
MILKLAB Almond Milk 8 x 1L | Barista Milk For Coffee, Latte & Espresso, Dairy-Free, Vegan
If you are after plant-based milk, MILKLAB offers great options. What I love about MILKLAB almond milk is the fact that it can produce creamy frothed milk, not like some other almond milk that remains watery no matter how well you try to froth. It’s because the MILKLAB milk is designed for coffee by professionals, which means you can get that silky creamy texture you want in milk-based coffee. Even dairy milk drinkers would be satisfied with the taste of this almond milk in their coffee.
Minor Figures Oat Milk Barista – Formulated by Coffee Baristas – Vegan – No Sugar – No Dairy, (Pack of 6 x 1Ltr)
Minor Figures Oat Milk is designed for baristas just like MILKLAB. It creates a silky smooth texture when properly frothed. Another benefit of using this oat milk is to make your coffee enjoyable without the overpowering taste of oat. Furthermore, it adds natural sweetness to your coffee, so you won’t crave any added sugar.
Vitasoy Unsweetened Long Life Oat Milk 1L
Vitasoy is undoubtedly one of the most popular non-dairy milk brands in Australia. Although this oat milk is not specifically designed for coffee, it produces beautiful creamy frothed milk. Just like the Minor Figures oat milk, the Vitasoy milk isn’t too oaty, so you will enjoy the delicate taste of your espresso. With the price of less than AU$3, you cannot go wrong with this oat milk.
Bonsoy Soy Milk 1 Litre
If you are more familiar with soy milk than other non-dairy milk, then Bonsoy soy milk can be your perfect choice. With that being said, you may not notice a big difference between regular milk and this soy milk. Bonsoy uses high-quality ingredients like organic soybeans and no nasty additives. It’s great for frothing as well. The only downside is its packaging – no cap on the box, which makes it difficult to shake once opened and creates an odour issue in the fridge.
MILKLAB Coconut Milk 8 x 1L | Barista Milk for Coffee, Latte & Espresso, Dairy-Free, Vegan, 8 x 1000 ml
It’s another plant-based milk option from MILKLAB. The MILKLAB coconut milk would be one of the most favourable choices among vegan coffee lovers and regular coffee lovers alike. It goes very well with your latte or hot chocolate. If you are looking for the best coconut milk for your coffee, then this product is the one for you.
Simple Vegan Coffee Recipes
Vegan Latte
Ingredients:
1 cup coffee, brewed
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Brew coffee with your preferred method.
2. Heat almond milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
3. Pour coffee into a mug. Add almond milk and maple syrup, and stir to combine. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
Vegan Iced Coffee
Ingredients:
1 cup brewed coffee
1 cup almond milk or soy milk
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Brew a cup of coffee using your preferred method. If you’re using a French press, add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar to the coffee grounds before brewing.
2. Pour the coffee into a glass filled with ices
3. Add almond milk or soy milk and vanilla extract, and stir to combine.
4. Serve immediately.
Vegan Coffee Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup cold coffee
1 banana
1 cup almond milk
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Coffee is one of the most popular and recognisable drinks globally. It has stood the test of time and continues to be a favourite among many people – including vegans.
If you are a vegan, you may be concerned about the ingredients in your food and drinks, especially your favourite coffee. Thankfully, there are a lot of options for vegans to choose from and even some alternatives such as soy milk and oat milk. Next time you find yourself needing a cup of coffee, whether before breakfast or after dinner, keep these alternatives in mind and indulge yourself without worrying about your vegan diet.
