The Ultimate Guide to Dairy-Free Barista Milks (We Tried Them All!)

Whether it’s an 8am cortado or a comforting 3pm cappuccino, for many of us, coffee is part of our routine and allows us to be productive members of society. But you don’t have to outsource this mandatory caffeine rush. 

Jump to the BARISTA MILKS

Instead, invest in a quality milk frother and make your latte, cortado, or cappuccino at home—in the long run, you’ll even save money (those daily $6 coffees add up!). To get you started, here are 14 vegan milk options that produce barista-worthy results.

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The benefits of barista milk blends

While most plant-based milks will work well in a coffee, if it’s that creamy, latte-style whip you’re after, you’re better off choosing a barista blend. This is because barista vegan milks are made specifically for frothing and foaming—they often contain extra emulsifiers, thickeners, and more fat and protein, all so that the silky, creamy effect in your latte is just right.

The best vegan milk for making lattes at home

There are many different types of barista blends on the market, so whether you prefer almond, oat, soy, or even pea, there will be something for you.

Oatly

1Oatly Barista Edition

About 10 years ago, we watched as oat milk became the new almond milk—and it was all thanks to Oatly. In the US, the Swedish brand first launched exclusively in coffee shops, capturing a loyal following amongst caffeine-seeking crowds nationwide. Since then, Oatly has made its way into mainstream grocery stores and has become a go-to for home use. Its Barista Edition is ultra-creamy, not too sweet, and foams magnificently. 
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Califia Farms

2Califia Farms Barista Blend

Considered the gold standard of milk alternatives, baristas in third-wave coffee shops have been stocking this reliable almond milk way before the oat milk craze caught on. It froths beautifully, making it perfect for foamy cappuccinos and intricate latte art. Be sure to buy the sweetened version (with the red label), as it provides just enough flavor without overpowering the espresso. For oat loyalists, Califia Farms also makes an Oat Barista Blend alongside its Coconut Barista Blend. 
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Chobani

3Chobani Oatmilk Barista Original

This dairy giant, best known for its line of Greek yogurt, launched its first vegan milk in 2020. Now, Chobani’s line of oat milk includes this go-to barista blend. This shelf-stable milk offers a superior steam, foam, and froth. 
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Elmhurst

4Elmhurst Barista Edition

For an ultimate creamy experience, Elmhurst’s barista-edition milks are perfect for frothy drinks and beyond. Specially designed for home latte enthusiasts, their velvety texture and subtle sweetness elevate your coffee experience. The brand’s Barista Edition line boasts six varieties: almond, cashew, coconut-cashew, maple walnut, oat, and pistachio. 
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Planet Oat

5Planet Oat Barista Lovers

Planet Oat’s signature oat milk has become a staple in grocery stores alongside its wide range of vegan creamers, so it’s no surprise the brand also counts a barista blend among its products. Planet Oat Barista Lovers is designed to level up at-home coffee creations. “Designed to blend and whiten like dairy milk,” it holds up to steaming and frothing beautifully. 
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Táche

6Táche Barista

Add a touch of luxury and elegance into your morning coffee (or matcha!) routine with a little help from Táche. This woman-owned brand specializes in pistachio milks, and its barista blends—in original and unsweetened varieties—are guaranteed to elevate your morning cuppa.
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Ripple

7Ripple Barista Blend

Instead of oats, almonds, or soy, Ripple relies on peas to create its Barista Blend milk. According to the brand, this plant-based offering “froths and foams just like dairy.” It’s also free of the top nine allergens, and is ideal for both hot and cold applications. 
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Milkadamia

8Milkadamia Barista Macadamia Milk

Made from a base of macadamia nuts, Milkadamia’s barista milk was designed to bring out the best of your coffee. This sweetened variety packs just seven grams of added sugar to bring a subtle sweetness to your morning cuppa without overpowering the coffee notes. It’s creamy, and it foams beautifully should you want to practice your latte art. 
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Mooala

9Mooala Barista

Earlier this year, vegan milk brand Mooala took over TikTok when users began raving over the brand’s banana milk. Viral recipes and its simple ingredient formulation quickly made it a cult-favorite among TikTok users. In addition to its original banana milk, Mooala also makes Barista Banana Milk, as well as barista almond and oat milks. Reach for it’s Barista Banana Milk for your next banana bread latte. 
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Minor Figures

10Minor Figures Barista Oat

Relatively new to the coffee shop scene (when compared to longstanding brands such as Pacific Foods or Califia Farms), Minor Figure’s barista blend is also available straight-to-consumer so you can recreate your favorite lattes without having to wait in line early in the morning. Choose between Barista Oat and Barista Oat Organic. 
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Pacific Foods

11 Pacific Foods Barista Series

Pacific Foods boasts a wide array of vegan milks spanning from soy to almond, oat, coconut, and hemp varieties. The brand even has a dedicated Barista Series, which offers both oat milk and almond milk formats. Both are subtly sweetened to mask any bitterness that may result after steaming, but you won’t be able to detect the sugar when combined with a shot of espresso. Whether you foam or steam, these barista milks will transform your morning brews into luscious, creamy, café-quality drinks.
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Good Karma

12 Good Karma Barista Blend

Based in Colorado, Good Karma has a whole range of alternative milk products, most of which are made with flaxseeds. But the brand also has a handful of mixed options, including this creamy, unsweetened barista blend, which is made with whole grain oats, pea protein, and flax oil, too.
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Sproud

13Sproud Barista

Pea protein may not be as popular as oat or almond milk, but don’t sleep on Sproud Barista. Made from pea protein, Sproud’s specially crafted blend creates a long-lasting microfoam—the perfect tool for any barista looking to master latte art. Plus, the smooth and neutral taste really lets your coffee shine through. 
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New Barn Organics

14New Barn Organics

Organic almond milk, organic cane sugar, and sea salt form the foundation of New Barn Organics’ Barista Almond Milk. The added sugar imparts sweetness that’s perfect for lattes without overpowering your coffee. This blend is also infused with calcium for an added boost of nutrition.