Make Coffee Shop Style Lattes At Home With These 13 Dairy-Free Barista Milk Options

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

Instead, stay in the comfort of home and invest in a quality milk frother, and make your latte, cortado, or cappuccino at home. Here are 13 vegan milk options that produce barista-worthy results.

Jump to the BARISTA BLENDS

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

Between late 2016 and early 2017, oat milk became the new almond milk—thanks to Oatly. In the US, the Swedish brand launched exclusively in coffee shops, capturing a loyal following amongst caffeine-seeking crowds nationwide. This beverage is ultra-creamy, not too sweet, and foams magnificently. 
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Califia Farms

2Califia Farms Barista Blend Almondmilk

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. Word to the wise: the unsweetened version, with the green label, will make your drink taste bitter.
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Pacific Foods

3 Pacific Foods Soy Barista Series

Some third-wave coffee shops are abandoning soy in favor of homemade vegan milks or trendier options such as oat and macadamia. However, soy remains the most reliable option when it comes to milky espresso beverages. Unlike these alternative milks that can taste sour when heated too high or combined with certain espressos, the flavor of soy remains smooth and stable. The Pacific brand is ideal, as some soy milks can be cloyingly sweet.
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Pacific Foods

4 Pacific Foods Almond Barista Series

Similar to Califia Farms, this brand of barista-approved almond milk is used in coffee shops across the country—from Peet’s Coffee to independent roasters. It’s 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. It also stands up to the foam test, making it an excellent option for cappuccinos and macchiatos.
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Elmhurst

5Elmhurst Barista Edition Oat Milk

For an ultimate creamy experience, Elmhurst’s barista-edition milks are perfect for frothy drinks and beyond. Specially designed for home latte enthusiasts, its velvety texture and subtle sweetness elevate your coffee experience. Want to branch out from oat milk? The brand’s pistachio and walnut maple milks are also worth checking out. 
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NotCo

6NotCo NotMilk Barista Plant-Based Milk

Made by Chilean vegan company NotCo, NotMilk is for the cow’s milk fans among us. While many other plant-based milks are creamy and delicious, this one is designed specifically to accurately mimic the taste and texture of the real deal, just without any of the actual dairy. Developed alongside baristas, this creamy, frothable version of the formula will have your friends questioning whether you accidentally picked up the wrong milk at the grocery store.
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Milkadamia

7Milkadamia 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 add 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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Chobani

8Chobani Oatmilk Barista Original

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

9Rise Brewing Co. Organic Oat Milk Barista Blend

Even the most inexperienced barista is a pro with this organic oat milk barista blend from Rise Brewing Co. Perfect for steaming and frothing, this creamy vegan milk is made with eight grams of added sugar, so expect a touch of sweetness in your cup of Joe.
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Good Karma

10 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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Minor Figures

11Minor 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. 
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Sproud

12Sproud Plant-based Barista Milk

Pea protein may not be as popular as oat or almond milk, but don’t sleep on Sproud’s Plant-Based Barista Milk. 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 shin through. 
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What If Foods

13What If Foods BamNut Milk Barista

You might think you’ve heard it all when it comes to vegan milk. Macadamia nuts, cashews, peas, oats, and almonds all make for tasty milk alternatives, there’s no doubt. But what about Bambara groundnuts? Hailing from West Africa, this legume tastes kind of like a sweet peanut, and it’s the perfect base for a tasty, creamy, sustainable, barista milk.
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