Oat Vs Almond Milk: Which Is Better For Creamy Lattes?

What is oat milk?

Oat milk is a mixture of ground oats and water, often enhanced with additional ingredients for flavor or texture. As a grain, oats contain starchy compounds that thicken when mixed with water, contributing to the creamy consistency found in many commercial oat milk products. Nowadays, numerous brands offer "barista blend" oat milks specifically formulated to froth like traditional dairy milk.

Many individuals choose oat milk for its taste, and it is especially popular among those with nut or dairy allergies or intolerances. Since oats are naturally low in fat, various oat milk products include added fats to mimic the texture and mouthfeel of cow's milk. Additionally, oat milk has a mild sweetness, resulting from the natural sugars released during the breakdown of oats.

What is almond milk?

Similar to oat milk, almond milk is an emulsion made from its namesake—almonds—and water. To create it, raw almonds are soaked and then blended with water until they form a fine meal, allowing the fats and sugars to be released. The mixture is then strained thoroughly, leaving behind a creamy, milky liquid. Almond milk is a favored option for lattes due to its distinct qualities that complement espresso, including its naturally nutty flavor.

In contrast to oats, almonds are high in fat, which gives almond milk a richness that oat milk does not possess. However, almond milk can be less consistent when it comes to steaming and frothing. Its lower protein content compared to oat milk can make it challenging to achieve a stable microfoam, which is crucial for crafting smooth lattes and intricate latte art.

Oat milk lattes are creamy and beautiful

Oat milk has rapidly gained popularity among latte lovers, and it’s easy to understand why. Its ability to froth makes it a favorite for both baristas and coffee aficionados. The baristas I chatted with at Found Coffee unanimously agreed that oat milk resembles whole cow's milk more closely than almond milk, making it simpler to work with. Its foam is significantly more stable, ideal for crafting latte art, and the evidence was clear — after five minutes, the foam on the drink they prepared for me maintained its shape impressively.

In terms of flavor, the oat milk’s subtly sweet yet neutral taste complemented the espresso beautifully, enhancing its flavors without overshadowing them. Its lightly creamy texture provides a delightful mouthfeel reminiscent of a traditional dairy latte. In fact, the oat milk latte serves as an impressive alternative to a whole milk latte in nearly every way.

Almond milk lattes are rich and full-bodied

When it comes to almond milk lattes, flavor takes center stage. The baristas at Found Coffee shared that these drinks are a bit more challenging to prepare, as they require careful steaming to prevent curdling and create a smooth foam. As soon as the latte was served, it was evident that the almond milk wouldn’t maintain its foam for long. I noticed the bubbles in the foam were larger and quickly began to pop as the drink sat.

In terms of flavor, the almond milk was bursting with its characteristic subtle nuttiness, which lent a refined elegance to the beverage. Its texture felt creamier than oat milk after steaming, somewhat akin to whole milk but with a distinct almond flavor. The almond milk latte was genuinely a pleasure to savor, right down to the final sip.

The verdict

Deciding on a winner was challenging. The oat milk latte certainly performed better over time, as the latte art retained its shape long after being poured. This is a significant advantage for those who value presentation in their coffee — it’s safe to say oat milk excels in consistency. The flavor was also present, complementing the espresso without overpowering it.

On the other hand, the almond milk latte was more enjoyable to drink. It felt more luxurious — almost like a dessert. The natural nuttiness added a level of complexity that the oat milk latte simply couldn’t achieve in terms of flavor. Perhaps most importantly, it was richer and had a much creamier texture, which is something this latte enthusiast truly appreciates. Any one of these qualities could have made the almond milk latte a standout, but together they clearly establish it as the winner.

In the end, the choice of milk alternative for your latte boils down to personal taste. If you’re looking for reliability, a smooth balance, and a visually appealing drink, oat milk is the way to go. However, if you prioritize creaminess, boldness, and a rich flavor profile, almond milk is the better option.