The Rise of Alternative Milk

Do you remember the days where you would order coffee and the simple answer back “was that black or white?” Truthfully, neither do we to be honest haha. However, like everything, the market is forever adapting to our crazy industry with Plant Based milks being the new bomb diggity! But why though? Honestly as someone who drinks black coffee, I ask myself the same question. However, I then remember I am a barista who is superior in our society and not all can handle that heat 😉 anyways, pushing my pretentious barista aside, let’s jump into the nitty gritty of why these plant-based milks are legendary.

First question, why do we need them? The simple answer is sustainability, values and dietary. Around 25% of the carbon footprint of the average Australian cafes come from just milk, this is because farming livestock has a heavy CO2e, primarily due to methane production and fertilizer usage. Some quick maths, more consumption of dairy milk = more cows = more Co2e into our atmosphere = not good. The sustainability is one thing however plant-based milks don’t stop there! Drinking plant based has proven benefits for your body.

These babies got nutrients!

-          Some have more calcium

-          Some have less sugar

-          No IGF-1 hormones

-          Fewer calories

-          Soft to on our digestive system

However, not all those who drink plant based do it for this approach. Some cannot digest milk-based products due to several reasons, the most popular being your small intestine does not make enough of a digestive enzyme (lactase). Lactase breaks down the lactose in food so your body can absorb it.

Now after a quick little school lesson, lets discuss what Alternative milk is the match made in heaven for you. Lucky for us, we had a chance to interview Fleur from Alternative Dairy Company who provided us with some quality information which will help you choose your milk of choice.

Fleur, what is your go to ADC milk choice?

I personally think that Oat milk has the cleanest taste of all the plant-based milk, followed by almond and soy.

Can you give us a run down on the ADC milks?

Oat Milk

Let’s start with the new kid on the block making some noise, OAT. Now if you’re curious about alternative milk but haven’t tried any of yet, we suggest trying Alternative Dairy Co Oat Milk. With a creamy texture and delightful taste make this option a super-duper transition from cows milk to plant based. Made from Australian Oat at Blue Lake Milling in Riverina, NSW, it is also GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) free. That’s what makes ADC the number one Oat milk in the Australian café market (Article on Bean Scene Magazine https://www.beanscenemag.com.au/the-alternative-dairy-co-barista-oat-milk/)

Almond Milk

The IT milk. This bad boy was the pinnacle of plant-based milk and with good reason. If you are gluten intolerant, Almond milk is the solution for you. Alternative Dairy Almond is made from the almond farm in Murray-Darling Basin, processed with low sugar and less filler. This provides a natural flavour whilst ensuring the flavour profile of the coffee is pinnacle.  Insert *chefs kiss* here.

Soy Milk

Ye old & faithful, one of the OG’s with plant-based milk is Soy. It’s a tricky one with soy, you either love it or haven’t tried it. It’s high protein content means this is a much-loved plant-based milk option for vegans. However, soy has had some stigma attached to separation and curdling. That’s because you’re yet to try The Alternative Dairy Soy Milk. It’s easy to stretch and combines pleasantly with espresso. Doing one better, with ADC soy you won’t find that uncomfortable taste of soybeans that overpowers the taste of your fresh brew.

Alrighty, have we convinced you to give a plant-based milk a go? Choosing your preference of milk in your coffee is always a personal decision, and of course no judgment will come your way (hand on heart no pretentious barista prying here) However if you’re keen to dabble we hope this little blurb helps you make the best decision for your brew (even if I still think black coffee is superior)