A staggering 70% of the global population suffers from lactose intolerance with some ethnic groups like African Americans and Asians, seeing rates of between 75-95% of the population.
Suffering from such an intolerance a decade ago would have severely restricted one’s choices when it came to milk based beverages but fast forward to today and the milk alternative options for your flat white are overwhelming with over 20 different plant based milks in the market including, flax, pea, cashew, hemp, oat, soy, quinoa, rice, sesame, spelt and coconut.
But with so much choice how do you choose? Four potential factors that might play into your decision making includes flavour, texture, nutrition and cost. Each plant-based alternative delivers a different flavour profile, from nuttiness, sweetness and even tropical. Whilst some of these taste profiles might enhance your brew, they may also mask the delicate flavours of your coffee. The texture is also important if you are planning to enjoy a hot milk-based beverage. Some milk alternatives curdle, whilst others produce a nice foam similar to cow's milk. If you are a latte art enthusiast, then a nicely foaming milk might be important. From a nutritional perspective some replicate the nutrients found in cow's milk, but in many cases, with the assistance of additives. Cost also varies greatly from $1.80/ltr for cow's milk, $2.42/ltr for soy milk, $2.95/ltr for oat milk and up to $4.50/ltr for pea milk.
Whatever your choice, it's nice to have one, or even nineteen. If you are swayed by public opinion then you might like to try oat milk for its neutral taste in coffee followed by almond milk.