The plant based diet is growing among health and environmentally conscious people around the world. Reducing animal products is a really great way to reduce our carbon footprint, and in some ways a plant based diet can be better for our health. If you are used to drinking dairy milk or cream with your coffee, you might be overwhelmed with the choices of plant-based milks available, and what is the most ideal to drink with your CBD coffee.

There are a few things to consider, of course. It’s not just about the taste. Dairy milk comes with a lot of nutrients to support our health. Calcium and protein are the two nutrients we should really be considering. Some plant based milks will have fortified options, but not to the extent of dairy milk and in many cases, not at all. So ensure that you are reading the labels each time you purchase a plant-based milk so you can ensure you make up for the lack of nutrients throughout your day.

We have broken down a few of the more popular plant-based milks to help you decide which will be the best for your taste!

Soy Milk

Soy milk has a flavor that is fairly close to dairy milk, but when poured into coffee, it won’t be as smooth as dairy milk. You will find that it may ‘curdle’ (harmless) a little, leaving your coffee slightly grainy. It does have a good taste though, and has a slightly thicker consistency. You can also try vanilla or chocolate soy milk as well to change the flavor of your coffee. 

In terms of nutrition, you will find that it does have the closest nutritional profile to dairy milk compared to any of the other plant-based milks on the market. Soy is already naturally high in protein, and contains potassium and isoflavones. It’s also usually fortified with vitamins A and B12.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk will give you more options as you can find milk versions and creamer versions for those of you who prefer cream over milk. This is a consistency preference of course. Flavour-wise, coconut milk mixes well with coffee and won’t have that grainy texture soy milk does. However…you will need to love the taste of coconut, as it does taste like, well, coconut. It also has a hint of sweetness to it as well, which makes for a pleasant flavor and even some tropical vibes.

For nutrition, the biggest concern would be the fat content. Coconut milk and cream is high in saturated fat. So if you are someone watching your heart health, this will not be a good choice for you. It also lacks protein, but does contain vitamin A, B12, and E. Rather than used in your coffee daily, it could instead be used as a treat once and a while.

Almond Milk

You may find almond milk, like soy, doesn’t blend as well in your coffee and may curdle. It has a nutty taste, but also leaves coffee tasting slightly bitter. However, this taste may suit your preference. If you’re looking at its nutritional value, it’s not the best of all the plant-based milks. Almond milk is really low in protein, but has a decent source of vitamin A and E, and it’s also low in calories for those of you who are watching your calorie intake.

Cashew Milk

Cashew milk blends well with coffee and you can enjoy a nutty flavor without the bitterness. Cashew milk is lighter in terms of consistency, so if you prefer a creamier consistency, you will want to choose something else. And, like almond milk, cashew milk is low in protein, but it does not contain cholesterol or saturated fat, and is a source of vitamin E and A.

Oat Milk

Oak milk has become a favorite among coffee drinkers, especially those who love to enjoy a latte. It’s rich and creamy and blends very well with coffee for a smooth cup! Oat milk also steams well – hence being a favorite among latte drinkers. Oat milk is high in fibre, contains about 3-4 grams of protein to cup. Oat milk is a great alternative to dairy milk for coffee drinkers.

Rice Milk

Rice milk has a very watery consistency, and because of this it mixes well with coffee. It has very little taste as well, so you may find it’s better to just drink your coffee black rather than use rice milk. It doesn’t contain enough nutrients to be considered a good dairy alternative, and it’s often sweetened so if you are watching your sugar intake, be sure to check the amount of sugar the rice milk you are using contains.
If you are planning on switching to plant milk in 2023, you can now make a more informed decision on which one will work best for your CBD coffee.