At The Espresso Club™, we believe great coffee starts with the right beans – and ends with the way you enjoy them.
Whether you're pulling shots with our Smooth Medium Blend or Rich Strong Blend, the milk you pair it with can transform your drink entirely. And these days, there’s more choice than ever.
From oat to almond to soy (and everything in between), here’s our simple guide to alternative milks – and what to consider when using them in your home coffee routine.
What makes a milk "good" for coffee?
When it comes to pairing with espresso, here’s what matters most:
Texture: Can it stretch, froth, and hold microfoam?
Flavour: Does it complement the coffee or overpower it?
Stability: Does it split when mixed with espresso?
Alternative milks have come a long way – and with the right pairing, you can create barista-level drinks from your kitchen bench.
Oat Milk
Best for: Balanced, creamy results with easy frothing
Why we love it: Oat milk has become a barista favourite for a reason. It steams beautifully, produces silky microfoam, and adds natural sweetness that plays well with espresso’s boldness.
Home Tip: Look for “Barista Edition” oat milks – they’re formulated to be extra stable and froth-friendly
Almond Milk
Best for: A light, nutty flavour and low-calorie option
Why we love it: Almond milk gives a more delicate cup with a subtle marzipan note. It won’t overpower espresso, but it’s more prone to splitting if not steamed carefully.
Home Tip: Warm it gently and avoid pouring into very hot shots. Barista blends = best bet.
Soy Milk
Best for: Rich texture, cafe-style froth
Why we love it: Soy has long been a cafe standard. It stretches well, holds its shape in lattes, and has a smooth, creamy body. Its flavour is slightly stronger, but The Espresso Club’s blends handle it beautifully.
Home Tip: Avoid overheating – it can get thick fast. Less is more with steam time
Coconut Milk
Best for: A light tropical twist
Why we love it: Coconut adds a gentle, sweet lift to iced coffee and long blacks. It doesn’t always steam well, but it shines in cold drinks or as a flavour twist in espresso.
Home Tip: Try a splash in an iced long black for a subtle surprise
Other up-and-coming options:
Macadamia: smooth, buttery, and luxurious mouth-feel
Hemp: earthy, nutty, high in omegas
Pea/Protein-based: super creamy, but more savoury in flavour
These niche options can work well, but may take more trial and error.
