If you hopped on the trend of replacing dairy milk with almond milk and are now figuring out if you can actually heat it for your coffee, you have landed on the right page. Almond milk in coffee tastes delicious, warm, and cozy but is it okay to heat almond milk? Will it curdle if you do so? How to prevent curdling?
We have tried working with a lot of vegan milk alternatives for coffee. Our personal favorite is almond for its nutty flavor and smooth texture, so believe us when we say we know a thing or two. Here is everything you need to know about heating almond milk for coffee.
Can You Heat Almond Milk For Coffee?
Yes, you can heat almond milk for coffee. But, you should not bring it to a boiling point. Boiling almond milk will do more bad than good to your coffee. Excessive heat can scorch or even curdle the milk. The best way to prevent this from happening is to gently heat almond milk at a lower temperature.
[Must Read: Does Almond Milk Make Coffee Less Acidic]
What Is The Best Temperature To Heat Almond Milk For Coffee?
Almond milk is primarily made with almonds and water, that’s it. Its thin texture is one of the major reasons why we recommend heating almond milk at a lower temperature. When it comes to almond milk it is best to stick with the basic 140 to 150℉ heating temperature.
Heating it to a higher temperature will risk the milk sticking to the bottom of the pan, and also losing its flavor and nutritional properties to some extent. If you do not own a kitchen thermometer, all you need to do is heat the milk in a low flame or double boiler and stop right before it begins boiling.
Can You Boil Almond Milk?
For your coffee or hot chocolate, it is best to warm almond milk and not boil it. Almond milk or any nut milk for that matter has a tendency to burn very easily, which is why everyone who has worked with nut milk would recommend you to gently heat it at a lower temperature.
Therefore, avoid boiling the milk. All you need to do for a hot cup of coffee is to steam it at the right temperature either through a coffee steamer or double boiler or directly on a pan if that works for you.
Does Almond Milk Curdle In Coffee?
Yes, Almond Milk can curdle in coffee due to several reasons. One of the most common reasons almond milk curdles with coffee is when the coffee beans are high in acidity, it reacts with the milk and causes it to curdle. Another common occurrence with almond milk is if you combine the cold almond milk with hot coffee, the sudden change in temperature could curdle the milk.
This can be very frustrating for people who are looking to have this as a dairy substitute, are lactose intolerant, or who follow a vegan lifestyle. To avoid this, you can opt for a lower-acid coffee brand or you can add almond milk to your coffee after it has cooled down.
[Also Read: Can You Get Cold Foam With Almond Milk]
Why Should You Heat Almond Milk?
As we mentioned, as soon as cold almond milk hits the surface of the coffee, which is high in acidity and temperature, the chemical compounds present in almond milk react adversely and cause it to curdle.
Heating almond milk with the correct methods beforehand ensures your milk does not curdle when added to coffee. Another benefit of heating almond milk for coffee is when you want to prepare beverages like latte and cappuccino.
These beverages require the milk to be steamed and so knowing the correct way to create almond milk foam and heating almond milk so it does not curdles is of high relevance in an attempt to make artisan coffee beverages.
We wrote an article on if you can put almond milk in coffee. Read it here.
What Are The Best Methods To Heat Almond Milk?
Hot almond milk with coffee is one of the best combinations. The nutty flavor of the milk, and strong coffee aroma makes for the perfect cup of morning coffee. If you want to heat almond milk for coffee, here are some of the best methods you can use-
1. Heating Almond Milk Using The Double Boiler Method
Heating almond milk using the double boiler is one of the best methods. With this technique, there is almost zero risk of milk sticking to the button of the pan, or giving it a burnt taste. Here is how you heat almond milk using the double boiler method-
1. First, take a container and add water to it. Next, take a pan and place it on top of the container.
2. Add milk to a pan and turn on the stove. The heat from the boiling water goes up to the pan and helps almond milk get warm.
3. After a few minutes when the almond milk reaches the optimum temperature, take it off and add it to your coffee.
Sure, this is a prolonged step just to heat almond milk, but it works better than any other method. The double boiler ensures almond milk is gently heated without being in contact with direct heat.
2. Heating Almond Milk In The Microwave
If you found the double boiler method a bit too much just to heat milk, heating almond milk in the microwave is another method you can use. Here is what you need to do –
1. Add milk to a microwave-safe container and heat it for 15 seconds. Take the milk out and check the temperature.
2. By now milk should have started steaming. Pop it back for another 15 seconds until it is hot enough for coffee.
Do not keep the milk in the microwave for a long period of time at once, as the milk could start boiling. Which in turn would burn the milk.
3. Heating Almond Milk On Stovetop
If you want to heat almond milk on a stovetop and not use the above methods. Here is what you need to do-
1. Put milk in a saucepan. Turn the stove on, but keep the flame on the lowest setting.
2. Take a wooden spoon and stir the milk every 10-20 seconds.
3. Remove the milk from the pan as soon as you see steam. Do not wait for the milk to boil.
4. Heating Almond Milk With A Steamer Wand Or Milk Frother
Finally, if you own a coffee maker with a steaming wand or a milk frother, you can use that as well. Here is how to work with a steaming wand or milk frother to heat almond milk-
When using a steaming wand
1. Add almond milk to the frothing pitcher and insert the steaming wand into the milk. Do not place it further below the surface level of the milk nor above the milk. The nozzle of the wand should be dipped in the milk.
2. Next, swirl the pitcher around so the steam is evenly distributed. This would heat the almond milk as well as create microfoam perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
When using a milk frother
1. When using an electric frother, all you need to do is add the almond milk to the frother. The quantity of milk varies according to the markings on the frothing pitcher.
2. Next turn the automatic frother on, it will heat and froth milk in accordance with the set temperature. Using a frother is a good option as it is set to the desired temperature settings and will not burn the milk.
If you use other types of frother like a handheld one or a manual one, here is our guide on how to use a milk frother – check it out.
Does Almond Milk Taste Better Cold?
Cold almond milk tastes great when added to iced coffee or smoothies. But, the flavors of almond milk are enhanced when heated. Whether it tastes better hot or cold can vary on individual preferences.
How Many Calories Does A Coffee With Almond Milk Have?
Almond milk is the most nutritious/healthy choice to mix with your coffee. If you’re looking to cut down on your calorie intake, switching to almond milk for your latte or cappuccino isn’t such a bad idea.
It has the lowest amount of calories when compared to other nut milk – somewhere around 30 to 55 kcal per 100ml. Black coffee contains almost negligible calories. So a cup of coffee with 100ml almond milk will have anywhere between 30 to 55 calories. If you add anything like creamers, sugar, or syrups, the calories will increase accordingly.
What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Almond Milk?
Almond milk is extremely nutritious and popular these days thanks to its benefits. It favors people who are lactose intolerant and vegan. Many people like it because it tastes good, too! Here are some of its many benefits –
1) It is Nutritious: Filled with nutrients, Almond Milk is the go-to product when people need that extra dose of vitamins and minerals. It is also relatively low in calories compared to other plant-based milk, which is great for people trying to stay healthy or lose weight. Almond milk is often used instead of dairy milk to provide a healthier alternative.
2) Naturally Lactose-Free: Almond milk is a protein-rich and lactose-free alternative for people who are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is common, which is why lactose-free foods like almond milk are important. With them, you can enjoy coffee without any issues.
3) Supports Dairy-Free & Vegan Diet: Almond milk is plant-based and dairy-free, which makes it vegan-friendly for most people.
Almond Milk In Coffee: Pros & Cons
Many people are still hesitant to try almond milk in their coffee. The debate about whether or not to add almond milk to your coffee is a hot topic. Whether you think it tastes better or worse than dairy milk, there are a few pros and cons to consider-
Pros: Almond milk is readily available at most grocery stores. Its flavor can really bring a lot to the table for coffee drinks. It works great in hot coffee or iced lattes and iced coffees.
Cons: Almond milk is a healthier non-dairy option, but it doesn’t have as much richness as dairy milk. It’ll still foam, but not to the same level a cow’s milk would. There is also a strong nutty flavor, which can be off-putting for those looking for a smoother taste.
How To Make An Almond Milk Hot Latte
Almond Milk hot latte is perfect for that cozy nutty-flavored morning coffee. Here is how you can make it at home.
Ingredients
- 1 espresso shot OR ½ cup brewed coffee
- ½ cup Almond milk
- 1 tsp Sugar syrup (Optional)
- 1 tsp Vanilla syrup (Optional)
Process
1. Pull 1 -2 shots of espresso, depending on how strong you want your coffee to be. Alternatively, you can also use brewed coffee if you do not have an espresso maker.
2. Froth Almond Milk using a milk frother. Frothing Almond Milk is an important process as it helps in making the milk lighter and fluffier just as you find in a latte.
Note: Here are some of the best milk frothers for Almond Milk!
3. Add sugar syrup and vanilla syrup to your coffee. If you prefer making it low-calorie then use a sugar alternative like stevia.
4. Finally top it with fresh and frothy almond milk and enjoy!
How To Froth Almond Milk At Home?
Almond milk and coffee is a delicious pair. But how do you enhance the flavor of each of the ingredients? One of the best ways of ensuring your coffee stands out is to properly steam or froth the milk. Find out how to froth almond milk with or without a milk frother.
Final Thoughts
That was all you needed to know about heating almond milk. We hoped to have cleared all your doubts. If you want to make yourself a nice hot almond milk latte, go right ahead and heat your almond milk. Make sure you follow the methods mentioned correctly and keep a watch on the milk’s temperature at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can heat almond milk in a microwave. Place the almond milk in a microwave-safe container and heat it for 15 seconds. Take it out, check the temperature and place it back again for another 15 seconds.
Yes, you can heat almond milk for hot chocolate.
If you see almond milk getting separated when you add it to coffee, it is probably because the milk is getting curdled. This can happen due to the highly acidic nature of coffee. To avoid this, try using coffee beans that are less acidic.
No, almond milk does not thicken when heated. On the other hand, if you steam or froth it, then it might feel thick due to the microfoam that is created during the process.
It may be safe to drink curdled almond milk, but it is not exactly the most appealing drink. The curdling of milk can also give it a sour taste, which if you do not like, it is best to toss over than to drink it.
Almond milk has a strong nutty flavor that gets, even more, enhances when added to coffee. Some might find it slightly bitter with coffee, if that is the case with you try adding sweetened almond milk.
If your almond milk tastes sour, there are high chances that the milk is spoiled or curdled. It is best you throw away the drink as drinking sour almond milk can upset your stomach.
Both almond and oat milk have separate nutrition profiles. Some may find almond milk healthier and some may find oat milk healthier. For example, oat milk contains more protein than almond milk. At the same time, oat milk has more carbs than almond milk, which is healthier and may differ on an individual’s preferences.
