How to stop almond milk curdling
If you love almond milk coffee and want to prevent curdling, there are several ways to do it:
- Heat the milk and let the coffee cool so they’re more similar in temperature. This may stop the almond milk from splitting.
- Mix a little coffee with your almond milk before adding the rest of the coffee. This will also make them more even temperatures and help stop splitting.
- Use coffee with low acidity. Dark roasts and coffee beans grown at lower altitudes are usually lower in acid.
- Get a barista to make it! Baristas have access to almond milk that is specifically designed to not split when mixed with coffee. One brand of barista grade almond milk is MILKLAB almond milk.
What is almond milk exactly?
Almond milk is a non-dairy, plant-based milk made from mixing almonds (usually ground in a blender) with water, and then straining the sediment. It has a light, nutty and almost sweet taste that is much thinner than full-cream dairy milk because of the water content. 10 years ago few people had heard of almond milk (although it has been around since the middle ages!), but now you can get it at every cafe on the corner. Its popularity is due to a rise in veganism and lactose intolerance, and a growing coffee culture that demands variety. People may prefer almond milk for lifestyle reasons (i.e. they are vegan), dietary reasons (i.e. they’re lactose intolerant or unable to drink soy milk), or they may simply like the taste.
Is almond milk healthy?
Almond milk is considered healthy as it is naturally full of minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin E. It is lower in calories than dairy milk, with only 30 calories per cup. It is also lower in fat and sugar. Unsweetened varieties of almond milk are very low in carbohydrates and low GI, making them suitable for diabetics and those on low-carb diets. Almond milk does not have the same nutritional value as almonds though as it is mixed with water and strained, so it loses the protein, fibre and healthy fats found in whole almonds.
When compared to dairy milk, almond milk isn’t as nutritionally close as other planet-based milks such as soy milk. Almond milk for example does not naturally contain calcium, although this is often added as fortification before being sold. It is also lower than dairy milk in protein, but again, many brands add this.
Is almond milk bad for the environment?
The environmental impact of almond milk, and all other milks, is often compared in studies. The two biggest issues associated with producing almond milk are the water and pesticide usage. While studies have shown dairy milk produces the most emissions, land use and water use, when it comes to plant-based milks, almond milk is the worst offender for water usage. Almond milk however requires little space to grow and produces the least omissions of any other non-dairy milks. As with most choices, there are positives and negatives.
Best almond milk for coffee
1. MILKLAB Almond milk
Used by baristas, this almond milk has been scientifically formulated to not curdle in coffee. Its taste suits all coffee types and is free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. This almond milk has added sugar, an unsweetened version is not yet available.
2. Pure Harvest Organic Unsweetened Activated Almond Milk
A full flavoured non-dairy milk made from organic activated almonds. This almond milk has no added sweeteners and holds up well in coffee.
3. Sanitarium So Good Almond Milk
Available in flavoured, sweetened and unsweetened varieties, So Good almond milk are lactose-free, gluten-free and have added calcium. More watery than some almond milks, so best heated a little, but still goes well in coffee.
4. Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Original Almond Milk
All the good parts of almond milk, with low sugar and a creamy taste. Blue Diamond almond milk contains carrageenan, a vegan friendly thickener, which is what gives it the silky feel. Heat a little before adding to coffee for a full flavoured brew.
