Best Homemade Milk Alternative for Morning Coffee

With 3 ingredients, date-sweetened and perfectly creamy, this cashew milk is the best homemade milk alternative for morning coffee.

If making food from scratch is not your thing, keep reading to find what milk may be the best alternative creamer for you.

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What to look for in non-dairy milk options.

The best milk alternatives typically have a few characteristics to think about.

Flavor

Do you want a creamer with a more neutral taste? Or do you prefer a sweetened flavoring in coffee?

Consistency

Do you like to create latte art and need a creamy, uniform texture in your milk substitute?

Is drinking a cappuccino your thing and you like milk that creates a beautiful foam?

Health reasons

Are you lactose intolerant or have dietary restrictions?

Do you have allergies to consider when choosing milk?

Food sensitivities are the main reason I dove into discovering the best homemade milk alternative for morning coffee.

By using a homemade, whole-food-based coffee creamer you have the most control over the nutritional value and can easily tailor the recipe to a milk alternative you love.

Making coffee creamer at home is often more cost-effective than purchasing plant-based milk from the store.

The good thing about cow milk as the most popular option for coffee drinkers is the well-rounded make-up of low-processed milk products, especially raw unpasteurized milk (which I have yet to see in a local coffee shop but if that becomes a thing, I am here for it). 

The higher protein content of dairy milk, no added shelf stabilizers, no added sugar, creamy consistency, and essential vitamins such as vitamin D and essential fatty acids, make organic whole milk dairy milk a nutritionally beneficial option for coffee.

If you are strictly dairy-free…

​Science in the nutrition world has come a long way for those who are not able to tolerate dairy. Let’s compare some of these plant-based alternatives to help you find the best milk alternative for morning coffee

Other alternatives to cow’s milk for morning coffee:

Almond milk

I have found almond milk to be watery in consistency when added to iced or hot coffee, making it less ideal for creaminess, latte art, or frothing. Almond milk can be a good option though if you are allergic to other nuts. I would suggest replacing the nuts in my recipe below with almonds if that is the only nut you like or can tolerate.

Macadamia nut milk

Macadamia nut milk comes close second to cashews for me in non-dairy alternatives. The higher fat content in the macadamia nuts makes them a nice creamy option for latte art and frothing. This milk is a popular alternative that many coffee shops carry.

If you need an option with fewer calories for weight loss goals, you may look into different plant-based milks or drink black coffee.

Oat milk

Oat milk is a good option for the fewer calories compared to other varieties of milk but has little nutritional value and little protein. The main reason I like oat milk lattes, which are a popular coffee shop menu option, is the flavor. 

When steamed well and slightly frothy, oat milk can be a nice option in acidic coffees or hot chocolate.

Make sure you look for milk made from organic oats as oats are one of the crops frequently sprayed with pesticides and glyphosate.

Hazelnut milk

Hazelnut milk has a very distinct nutty flavor and can have a more grainy consistency. The fatty acids in the nuts do make for a creamy texture compared to other types of plant-based milk, but some people are not a fan of the flavor in their coffee. 

Walnut milk

Walnuts have a distinct flavor and almost a bitter aftertaste. They also have a slight texture to them. If you opt for using walnut milk, you may consider blending the walnuts with another nut option for a more neutral flavor and better consistency.

Hemp milk

Hemp milk is very creamy in consistency when steamed well. This makes it a good option for latte art.

There is also a high protein content in hemp milk which makes the nutritional profile more ideal for those with specific health goals.

Rice milk

Rice milk is one of my least favorite milk options for coffee beverages or hot drinks in general.

The flavor is very distinct and the consistency is watery.

Rice milk is one of the more highly fortified plant-based products to help offset the lack of nutritional value in plain rice. 

Coconut milk

Coconut milk has a coconut flavor which may be a turn-off for some people in their coffee.

Canned or boxed coconut milk has a higher fat content which makes it creamier in hot coffee, but the low melting point of coconut oils can make the texture not as smooth when added to an iced coffee.

Soy milk (or soya milk)

For those who can tolerate soy, this can be a good option in terms of mild flavor to curb the bitter taste in coffee and provide a nice consistency when steamed.

Soy milk also has the added benefit of higher protein content.

Depending on the brand of soymilk, I would be aware of unnecessary fillers and always opt for organic, non-GMO. Soy is one of the most modified plants in the world and can have adverse health effects for many people, including allergic reactions from the soy protein.

I avoid soy products as much as possible but it is a popular choice for many dairy-free coffee lovers.

Pea milk

Pea milk has the closest protein content to whole cow milk from pea protein.

This can be a good option if you are allergic to nuts or other plant milks but it does have a slight texture I do not prefer in my coffee.

You may have to play around with different brands and see if they are all the same or if there is a brand that does a good job with the right consistency.

Ice Cream

When all else fails and you want a nice affogato or midday pick me up, just add some dairy-free ice cream.

It will make you feel a little fancy, a little bougie, and the creaminess will be wonderful. Ice cream makes a close second place in the running for the best milk alternative for morning coffee. 🙂

I have not tried the new potato milk but I can update here when and if I do. 😉

In the average coffee shop, you likely will not find homemade alternative milk.

Coffee Shops

Many plant-based milk alternatives used in coffee shops are barista blends made for coffee drinks.

Many of these milks meet the standards for complying with a vegan diet or lactose intolerance but contain filler ingredients to make them shelf-stable products to last a long time in local stores. 

If you are not into making your dairy-free milk (though this simple recipe below may change your mind), there are a few brands I recommend. 

Elmhurst plant-based milk

This brand has only whole food ingredients and is shelf stable. This is a great healthy alternative to making homemade plant milk.

Willa’s Organic Oat Milk

The important thing to look for in commercial products is the ingredients list. Are the ingredients whole foods? Can you pronounce them? Are they organic, non-GMO, and sustainably produced?

If you have a recommendation that only uses whole food ingredients and you enjoy, please comment down below!

The best homemade milk alternative for morning coffee…

The best option as a good substitute for cow milk in terms of taste, sugar content, fat content, and healthiest milk all around for a good cup of coffee, is to make this simple cashew milk.

After testing many nondairy milks from local grocery stores, and trying a variety of nut milks, this cashew milk is the best homemade milk alternative for morning coffee. 

Why you will love this creamer:

Only 3 ingredients.

Water, cashews, dates. This milk is whole food-based and naturally sweetened.

No filler ingredients. 

Many milk and coffee creamer alternatives contain filler ingredients that make the product more shelf stable but can have adverse effects on your body. By making your own, you have a creamer you can feel good about drinking!

Creaminess.

In my search for a quality dairy-free coffee creamer, I have found many to be on the watery side of the spectrum. The creaminess of this cashew coffee creamer makes a silky smooth cup of coffee that is just the right consistency. 

Date sweetened. 

If you are someone who doesn’t do well with processed sugars and syrups, dates come to the rescue. Sweetened with dates makes for a delicious, perfectly naturally sweetened creamer. 

If you prefer an unsweetened version, just omit the dates.

Flavor.

In terms of flavor, Cashew milk has subtle hints of nutty flavors but they are neutral and easily replace dairy milk in many recipes.

Ingredients

Organic raw cashews (whole or pieces)

Organic dates

Water (I always opt for filtered water from our Greenfield Water System Gravity Water Filter) 

The process:

First, start with 1 cup of organic raw cashews in a glass bowl.

Then, cover the cashews with boiling water for at least 4 hours, up to 24 hours in the fridge. This will allow the cashews to become nice and soft for the creamy consistency we are looking for.  

Next, when you are ready to finish the process after 4 hours, remove the pits from 3 dates and set aside in a glass bowl.

After the pits have been removed, cover the dates with boiling water to soften for 10 minutes.

While the dates are softening, drain and rinse the soaked cashews. 

Next, add the cashews to the blender with 2 cups of filtered water. 

Blend.

After the cashews are well blended, use a nut milk bag, fine woven tea towel, or cheesecloth to strain the milk into a jar.

I like to use a nut milk bag like this one here.

Using a funnel that fits the top of the jar is also helpful to avoid spilling all over the countertop. 

Unsweetened creamy cashew milk option

If you don’t want to sweeten the milk then skip adding in the dates. This is a great option for a dairy-free cream to add to soups or more savory recipes. 

For date-sweetened creamy cashew milk

Rinse the blender and add the strained milk back into the blender. 

Next, strain the water off of the dates and add the dates into the blender with the cashew milk.

Then, blend well.

Use a mesh strainer over the glass jar and strain the milk again to remove any larger date particles.

This ratio of cashews, dates, and water makes the best homemade milk alternative for morning coffee.

If you want a thinner consistency, depending on the recipe you are using this dairy-free milk in, you may add one more cup of filtered water or enough until you have reached your desired consistency.

Finally, blend until well combined.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Enjoy!

These recipes are delicious with a hot cup of coffee:

• Maple Sourdough Discard Scones
• Sourdough Brioche Cinnamon Rolls
• Brown Butter Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies

Additionally, you also may enjoy these dairy-free recipes:

• Crockpot Mulled Apple Cider
• Healthy Homemade Fruit Snacks for Kids