If you own a coffee shop or cafe, you know there are many ways to make a good cup of coffee. Each customer has different preferences, which you can accommodate by offering a diverse menu. Dairy-free milk has become extremely popular with vegans and omnivores alike, thanks to a growing interest in plant-based foods and alternatives. If you want to offer options for vegan customers and lactose-intolerant patrons, it's important to know what kind of dairy-free milk is best in coffee. In this guide, we examine eight alternatives to dairy milk and the key factors that determine their compatibility with coffee. Shop All Non-Dairy and Dairy-Free Milk Dairy Free vs Non dairy The words dairy-free and non-dairy are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Dairy-free products are completely devoid of animal products such as milk and yogurt and are often made from alternatives such as nuts or seeds. On the other hand, non-dairy products can still contain trace amounts of dairy products such as whey or casein. When creating a menu consisting of milk alternatives, ensure that you’re accurately labeling your food items to eliminate confusion. What Makes a Dairy Free Milk Good in Coffee? For each option in this blog, we’ll tell you how the milk alternative affects the taste or texture of your coffee and whether it has a good "stretch". In coffee terms, stretch is the ability to produce foam for different types of steamed coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Protein molecules melt when they are heated, so incorporating air into heated milk or dairy-free milk causes these proteins to trap the air and stretch the milk into foam. With these factors in mind, you can decide which options are best for your establishment’s coffee service. 1. Oat Milk Oat milk has become one of the most popular dairy-free milks to use in coffee drinks. It's made from a combination of oats, water, and sometimes canola oil or rapeseed oil for emulsification. The result is surprisingly full-bodied dairy-free milk with a richness that rivals whole dairy milk. Oat milk is also prized for its fiber content. This dairy-free milk appeals to health-conscious customers because it contains relatively little fat without sacrificing the protein that you can get from dairy milk. The addition of fiber, however, sets this dairy-free milk apart and makes it the perfect choice for customers who are looking to boost their digestive health. How Oat Milk Tastes in Coffee Oat milk has a creamy taste that is similar to full-fat dairy milk in coffee. It has a smooth texture that blends easily, which explains why it is growing in popularity so rapidly. Can Oat Milk Make Foam for Coffee? Oat milk can be foamed, though it may produce larger bubbles than dairy milk due to its lower protein content. Oat milk may also take longer to foam and steam than cow’s milk. This being said, it can still produce a foam substantial enough to create latte art. 2. Coconut Milk Prized for its thick, creamy texture, coconut milk is quickly becoming a favorite dairy alternative for coffee drinkers. Coconut milk has a high fat content that plays well in coffee drinks, and many brands have a neutral taste with only a hint of coconut flavor. Just make sure to use the coconut milk packaged in cartons, not cans. Canned coconut milk is much thicker and has a stronger coconut taste. How Coconut Milk Tastes in Coffee Many assume that coconut milk has a strong, sweet flavor that only belongs in a tropical fruit drink. Coconut milk actually has a more subtle coconut flavor than other coconut products like shredded coconut. In coffee drinks that contain syrups or other flavorings, the light coconut taste is masked. In a latte or cappuccino, some sweetness will come through. Look for a coconut milk product that is neutral-flavored or try a barista blend created specifically for coffee. Can Coconut Milk Make Foam for Coffee? Coconut milk creates a less dense froth with larger bubbles than dairy milk. 3. Soy Milk Most coffeehouses are accustomed to using soy milk in coffee, as this type of dairy-free milk has been a popular option for many years. Soy milk is easily accessible in most areas, and its relatively affordable price makes it an attractive option for many businesses.Some soy milk curdles in coffee as a reaction to the acidity or hot temperature. Soy milks without preservatives may be more prone to separating in your customers’ coffee. If you think temperature is the problem, try pouring warm soy milk into your serving cup and slowly adding the coffee. How Soy Milk Tastes in Coffee Soy milk has a smooth, creamy texture with a relatively neutral taste. Many brands do not leave any noticeable aftertaste. Can Soy Milk Make Foam for Coffee? Soy milk’s good stretch is one reason it has been a popular alternative to dairy milk for so long. Knowledgeable baristas can produce a foam similar to that of dairy milk when using soy milk. 4. Rice Milk Because this dairy alternative is both nut- and soy-free, it is growing in popularity for coffee drinkers with allergies and lactose sensitivities. If you want a hypoallergenic option for your coffee shop, rice milk could be the dairy-free milk for you. How Rice Milk Tastes in Coffee Rice milk has a very neutral taste that allows the flavor of your coffee to come through. However, its thin and watery texture does not give coffee the creamy consistency that some customers want with their beverage.Can Rice Milk Make Foam for Coffee? Rice milk does not contain enough protein to create a satisfactory foam in steamed drinks. 5. Cashew Milk More and more people are reaching for cashew milk because of its creamy texture that mimics dairy milk in coffee. This being said, many baristas argue that house-made cashew milk is better for taste and steaming. If you want to incorporate cashew milk into your coffee offerings, weigh the costs and benefits of producing your own. How Cashew Milk Tastes in Coffee Cashew milk has a slightly sweet taste that is less nutty than other nut milk. Can Cashew Milk Make Foam for Coffee? Cashew milk has a decent stretch when it comes to steaming, but its bubbles tend to be larger, so its foam is less dense than dairy milk. If you aren’t careful, cashew milk may produce a soapy texture when steamed. 6. Pea Milk Because pea milk is made from the protein of yellow peas, it doesn’t have the green color you might expect it to have. Pea milk has a relatively high protein content compared to other dairy-free alternatives, and it also contains a healthy dose of potassium. How Pea Milk Tastes in Coffee Many people name pea milk the best substitute for dairy milk in terms of taste. This smooth and neutral dairy-free milk does not taste like peas and won’t leave a vegetal aftertaste in your lattes. Can Pea Milk Make Foam for Coffee? Like other high-protein milk alternatives, pea milk is good at making foam for coffee beverages. Its foam has a silky texture that allows experienced baristas to make latte art. 7. Almond Milk Almond milk is one of the most popular nut milks in the dairy-free market. It comes in several flavors, and many manufacturers produce both sweetened and unsweetened varieties. However, when it comes to coffee, almond milk doesn't perform as well as some other dairy-free milks.Unfortunately, almond milk can curdle in coffee for the same reasons as soy milk: temperature and acidity. To combat curdling, avoid pouring cold almond milk into very hot coffee. Its reaction to the acidity of your coffee may vary between types of coffee roasts and brands, so be sure to try several options if you want to make almond milk a mainstay on your beverage menu.How Almond Milk Tastes in CoffeeAlmond milk has a nutty flavor that can sometimes taste bitter. Your customers may prefer sweetened almond milk in coffee for a smoother taste. Can Almond Milk Make Foam for Coffee? You can create a silky foam with almond milk, but this dairy-free milk tends to separate when heated. Latte art made with almond milk may look nice on top of the beverage's foamy layer, but it could leave a watery drink underneath. If you want to accommodate lactose intolerant and vegan customers in your coffee shop, it is important to select a dairy-free milk option that can create delicious coffee drinks. You'll find that when you compare soy milk vs almond milk or oat milk vs coconut milk, some options dissolve better than others, and some milks are better suited for making foam in lattes and cappuccinos. Choose an alternative that does not take away from the taste of your house blends and remember to use this blog as a reference as you weigh your options.

Nitro coffee is coffee infused with nitrogen gas. The nitrogen acts as a pressurized propellant so baristas can dispense the coffee from kegs. While it’s possible to make hot-brewed nitro coffee, it must be prepared in small amounts and is therefore uncommon. Cold brew nitro coffee is easy to make in bulk. In recent years, nitro cold brew has increased on menus by an incredible 904%. Nitro coffee is no longer a novel coffee trend; it’s become a reliable coffee shop menu staple. We teach you about nitro coffee so you can incorporate it into your cafe and answer customers’ questions. Shop All Nitro Infuser Boxes What Is Nitro Cold Brew? Nitro cold brew is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas. Nitrogen gas is completely safe and has been used in beer varieties like porters and stouts for decades. It creates small bubbles in the coffee and gives nitro cold brew its signature thick, creamy texture. The nitrogen also forms a dense, foamy top layer that resembles a beer head. Experimental baristas at Cuvee Coffee in Austin, Texas created nitro cold brew in 2012. Third-wave coffee shops across the U.S. adopted it, and its popularity grew. You can now find it at major chains or buy canned nitro coffee online, at grocery stores, and from vending machines. What Does Nitro Cold Brew Taste Like? Nitro cold brew tastes like a sweet, balanced coffee with a rich mouthfeel. The nitrogen gas reduces the coffee’s bitterness and acidity, and many non-coffee drinkers find it enjoyable. Thanks to its creamy consistency, those who normally favor milk and syrup laden espresso-based drinks can enjoy nitro cold brew without cream or sugar. Nitro Cold Brew Caffeine Nitro cold brew has nearly 30% more caffeine than regular drip coffee. On average, a 12 oz. serving of nitro cold brew will contain 207 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. In contrast, a 12 oz. vanilla latte contains approximately 85 mg of caffeine. Some scientists believe nitrogen gas helps the body process caffeine, so nitro cold brew expedites energy boosts. Is Nitro Cold Brew Bad for You? Nitro cold brew is considered a healthy drink. Its two ingredients, coffee and nitrogen, pose no risk to human health. Drinking coffee has been linked to a reduced risk of heart failure and coronary heart disease. 78% of the air we breathe is made up of nitrogen. Since smooth and creamy nitro cold brew doesn’t require milk and sweeteners, it helps patrons enjoy the health benefits of coffee without drowning them in unhealthy additives. Does Nitro Cold Brew Have Alcohol? No, nitro cold brew does not have alcohol. While it’s served out of beer kegs and resembles a dark beer, nitro cold brew is an alcohol-free drink. Its only ingredients are coffee and nitrogen gas. Nitro Cold Brew vs Cold Brew Cold brew is made by steeping extra coarse ground coffee in cool water for 12 to 24 hours, and nitro cold brew is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas. Due to its extended brew times, cold brew coffee is known for its strong flavor. Nitro cold brew offers the flavor richness of cold brew, but the nitrogen gas removes any unpleasant acidic or bitter notes. It requires almost double the amount of coffee grounds to make cold brew, producing a highly caffeinated beverage. Because of the nitrogen infusion, nitro cold brew is more expensive to purchase and create than regular cold brew. Nitro Cold Brew vs Cold Brew Flavor - Nitro cold brew is smoother, creamier, and has a foam head that resembles cold foam. Nitro Cold Brew vs Cold Brew Production - Cold brew is coffee brewed in cold water. Nitro cold brew is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen. Nitro Cold Brew vs Cold Brew Caffeination - Nitro cold brew and regular cold brew contain the same amounts of caffeine. Nitro Cold Brew vs Cold Brew Price - Nitro cold brew is more expensive both to purchase and produce. How to Make Nitro Cold Brew Coffee shops make nitro cold brew by pouring cold brew coffee into a keg, infusing it with nitrogen bubbles, and then pushing it through a pressurized valve to yield the same frothy head as “on tap” beer. You can use the same process to make other nitro-infused beverages like nitro matcha, nitro chai, and nitro mocktails. Acquire these three pieces of coffee shop equipment, and you'll be ready to diversify your coffee shop menu with nitro infused drinks: Keg - holds the cold brew coffee Nitrogen gas - adds the effervescence Nitro infuser box - specifically designed to handle the acidity of coffee without rusting or wearing down How Long Does Nitro Cold Brew Last? If stored properly, nitro cold brew lasts up to three months. However, experts recommend serving your nitro cold brew within two weeks of preparing it. Refrigerate your cold brew and store it in a keg under pressure with nitrogen to extend its shelf life. Nitro cold brew is also perfect for the RTD (ready-to-drink) canned coffee segment because pure nitrogen keeps bottled and canned drinks fresh. Manage high traffic times by having batches of nitro cold brew ready to dispense. While there is some initial investment required, nitro cold brew sells at premium prices, which more than compensates you in the long run. From nitro cold brew to nitro mocktails, the equipment can diversify your whole menu and help you convert your coffee shop into a nonalcoholic bar in the evenings.

French press coffee is becoming one of the most popular coffee brewing methods in the food service industry. Coffee brewed in a French press offers bold flavors that guests at coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants have come to love. Learn more about this brewing style and follow our French press brewing instructions to extract your coffee beans like an expert. Shop All French Presses Click below to learn more about how to use a French press: Step-by-Step Instructions French Press Brew Guide What Is a French Press? How to Choose a French Press How to Use a French Press Video Check out this video for a visual guide to making coffee in a French press: <iframe scrolling="no" src="/v/?num=7047&width=600&height=500&embed=1" frameborder="0" height="500" width="600"></iframe> How to Make French Press Coffee Creating your own French pressed coffee is an uncomplicated process that can improve your restaurant’s coffee service and reward you with flavorful coffee. French Press Coffee Ingredients and Supplies To make French press coffee, you’ll need: Coarse ground coffee beans Hot water between 190 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be achieved by allowing the water to come to a boil, removing it from the heat source, and letting it sit for a minute or two before use. French press Portion scale to measure ingredients How to Make Coffee in a French Press: Step-by-Step Follow these step-by-step instructions to make coffee in a French press: Preheat French press: Add hot water to your French press and swirl it around to warm up the device before use. This will reduce temperature shock to your beans and keep your coffee hotter for longer. Remove water and dry: After about a minute, dump out the water from the canister and dry your press. Add coffee beans: Measure out your ground coffee beans and add them to the canister. 2 Tbsp. (28.3 grams) of coffee is used per 1 cup of water. Soak the grounds: Add just enough boiling water to cover and soak the grounds. Stir the grounds and let them sit: Stir the grounds, attach the lid, and allow the mixture to sit for about 30 seconds. Add remaining water: Remove the lid and add the remaining water to the canister. Give the mixture a gentle stir. Attach the lid: Attach the lid and make sure the plunger is pulled up. This allows the screen to sit flush against the bottom of the lid, which prevents steam from escaping. Steep: Allow the coffee to steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how finely ground the beans are. Push the plunger down: After 3-5 minutes, hold the top of the lid down with one hand and slowly push down the plunger with the other hand. This should take about 20 seconds, and there will be some resistance. Pour coffee: Pour the coffee into a coffee decanter or coffee cup immediately. Because of the direct immersion between the water and the beans, the longer you let the coffee sit in the French press, the more bitter it becomes. Back to Top French Press Brew Guide Once you master the basics of making coffee in a French press, you’re ready to perfect your coffee craft. Use our French press brew guide to produce the perfect cup of French press coffee. We answer some common questions about French press coffee below. French Press Coffee Ratio If you’re wondering how much coffee you need for your French press, you must first decide whether you want a mild, regular, or strong brew. For a mild French press brew, measure out a 1:17 ratio of coffee to water. For a regular French press brew, measure out a 1:15 coffee to water ratio. For a strong French press brew, measure out a 1:12 coffee to water ratio. Because a French press is an immersion brewer, the water is saturated with coffee throughout the brewing cycle, requiring more coffee beans and an extended extraction period. For the best tasting French press coffee, use a portion scale to measure your coffee and water ratios. The French press brewing style requires more coffee than other methods. French Press Grind Size A French press requires coarse coffee grounds. For an even extraction, the coarse grounds will need to be even in size. How Long to Brew French Press On average, French Press coffee takes four minutes to brew. If your water is on the cooler side, you can extend the brew time to five minutes. What Is a French Press? A French press coffee maker is a cylindrical pot with a plunger and built-in filter used to brew ground coffee beans. The French press keeps the coffee grounds in contact with the water throughout the entire brewing period and “presses” hot water through the ground coffee. A French press filters the brew through its built-in metal screen, which means the essential oils found in the grounds are not absorbed by filters or evaporated. Instead, they remain in the brew and result in a stronger, richer coffee with a more aromatic flavor. This method is known as direct immersion brewing. Because more of the coffee beans' flavor infuses into each cup, pressed coffee is the perfect brewing method for savoring single-origin coffee beans. How Hot Should Water Be for French Press? You should heat the water for your French press to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. While less precise, you can bring the water to a boil and then rest it for 30 seconds before pouring it over your coffee grounds and starting the brewing process. Drip Coffee vs. French Press Drip coffee from traditional commercial coffee machines filters coffee grounds through coffee filters, yielding milder coffee compared to French presses. Most drip coffee machines employ automatic brewing, produce large volumes of coffee, and keep the coffee warm for extended periods. French presses produce a smaller amount of stronger-tasting coffee intended for immediate consumption. When purchasing coffee shop equipment, you'll require a mix of tools and machines to meet a variety of coffee drinking needs. Before choosing your coffee, roasts, and creating your menu, you should understand which establishments benefit from a coffee press vs. a coffee maker. Settings that Benefit from Drip Coffee: diners, office break rooms, and cafeterias Settings that Benefit from French Press Coffee: small cafes, coffee shops, and bakeries What Are the Best Coffee Beans for a French Press? You’ll always want to grind whole coffee beans when using a French press because pre-ground beans are too fine for direct immersion brewing. Because the coffee beans remain in contact with the water during the entire steeping process, you’ll want to grind your beans to a coarser consistency than you would for an espresso maker or automatic drip brewer. The fast infusion rate of French press brewing means finely ground beans will produce a bitter taste. Back to Top How to Choose a French Press When choosing a French press, you’ll want to consider two factors: materials and size. We break down what you should be looking for when you choose a French press below. How to Choose French Press Materials The three main components of a French press are its carafe, plunger, and lid. There are other small parts and pieces, but the quality of the plunger, carafe and lid determine the quality of the French Press. We explain what you evaluate for each of these three parts below. How to Choose a French Press Plunger The plunger piece includes a handle and a filter. When you push the plunger’s handle down, it forces the filter down which in turn pushes the coffee grounds to the bottom of your French press carafe. You can determine the quality of a plunger by its filter. Avoid filters with plastic edges. They will erode after repeated use and are not dishwasher safe. Over time, plastic carafes allow coffee grounds to slip into the brewed coffee, soiling your final product. Choose a filter with durable metal edges. Your metal filter will remain intact unless it is bent, preserving your investment and reducing replacement costs. How to Choose a French Press Carafe Stainless Steel Carafe - If you’re brewing your French press coffee in your kitchen, a stainless-steel carafe is your best option. Stainless steel carafes neither break nor interfere with the brewing process. The only drawback of a stainless steel carafe is you cannot watch the brewing process. However, if the customer will never see the French Press, this is a non-issue. Tempered Glass Carafes - If you’re going to display the carafe to the customer and want to create a premium cup of French press coffee, then tempered glass carafes are ideal for your operation. Tempered glass doesn’t interfere with the brewing process and provides a beautiful window for the patron to watch their coffee brew through. However, tempered glass is prone to breakage, making it unideal in high-volume establishments where accidents are more likely to occur. Plastic Carafes - If you operate a bustling establishment in a small space and want to display your French press to customers, then a plastic carafe is ideal for you. Plastic carafes allow you to view the brewing process but do not break. However, plastic interferes with the brewing process and will not produce the highest quality product. Weigh the potential breakage of a glass carafe and the lack of aesthetic appeal of a tempered glass carafe against this quality loss and decide what is best for you. How to Choose French Press Top Piece Look for a French press top piece with a guard. The guard prevents heat from escaping through the carafe spout while your coffee brews. Most top pieces with guards twist on and off, removing the air barrier and allowing you to pour your extracted coffee. How to Choose a French Press Size You’ll need to determine how much coffee you want your French press to make at one time. 3, 8, and 12 cup French presses are the most common. In ounces, a French press cup yields 4 ounces of brewed coffee. 3 Cup French Press - produces 12 ounces of brewed coffee 8 Cup French Press - produces 32 ounces of brewed coffee 12 Cup French Press - produces 48 ounces of brewed coffee Back to Top While a French press may require more attention than your automatic brewer, the outcome is an aromatic cup of coffee your customers will savor. Serve it hot or bring bold flavors to your selection of iced coffees. No matter how you serve it, this easy, trendy brewing method is sure to put your restaurant or cafe’s coffee service on the map.

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