Alternative plant-based beverages have experienced huge growth in the past couple of years. In the Philippines alone, ever since the global pandemic has started, 6 out of 10 Filipinos made a change to their diets by eating more plant-based food.
The reasons vary - some want to get healthier, some wanted to try out different diets, and some for animal welfare or the environment. Despite the goal of wanting to incorporate plant-based into their diet, many don’t know where to start.
So how would you assemble and prepare plant-based milk into your menu? Which types should you think about adding?
It is critical to consider why customers are choosing these kinds of milk when designing your menu. You must also understand how each one works with specialty coffee.
Let us have a look at the main types of plant-based milks.
Soy Milk.
For several years, this was the standard dairy-free milk. It is readily available, affordable, and maybe simpler to foam than some other plant-based milk. But not everybody is a fan of the soy milk flavor and texture. Many view soy milk as unpleasant because of the first few brands that popped in local supermarkets which turns acidic when steamed and looks clumpy when frothed.
Soy has a tendency to curdle when overheated. To prevent this, steam it slowly and do not go as high as you may for dairy. You might also consider pairing soy milk with a coffee that's low in acidity, whenever possible.
Solution: Bonsoy Soy Milk is a popular soy milk substitute that you can find in several specialty cafes in Australia, Bali, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Singapore. It pairs well with lattes, tastes the closest to dairy, is creamy, and froths well.
Almond Milk.
Almond is reportedly the most famous plant milk worldwide, accounting for two in every 3 pints sold. It's got a distinctive sweet and nutty taste that some people find appealing. Others dislike the distinctive flavor, which can overpower subtle coffee notes. Like soy milk, it's got a tendency to curdle if it is heated rapidly or not mixed correctly.
However, there is nothing specific about almond milk that is challenging, and it is easier to steam than coconut milk. Almond milk has received critique since it requires water-intensive farming and is frequently shipped around the world. Even though it is still more environmentally responsible than dairy, there are other plant-based milks that use less water and you have comparable levels of carbon emissions.
Solution: Bonsoy Almond milk is growing in popularity in specialty coffee shops around the Philippines. It has a nice complimentary taste compared to other almond milk brands and is perfect for those who are in keto or looking for the lowest calorie option.
Oat Milk.
Sales of oak milk have soared in the last few years. With a balanced flavor and a creamy texture, it could make a great replacement for dairy. It's got a strong and enthusiastic following with both consumers and baristas for its subtle taste. It’s also perfect as it can be good for your customers who have a nut allergy or soy allergy.
Solution: Minor Figures is a brand created by Baristas and Cafe owners in the UK. They were looking to create an alternative milk that complements coffee. They have several variants available - standard, organic and semi. If you’re looking for a plant milk that lets the flavor of your coffee shine, then its Minor Figures.