How to Make Your Coffee Order Vegan Without Sacrificing Taste
Stopping in at your favorite coffee shop can be a daily reprieve, though you may find yourself shifting your standard order for a number of reasons. Luckily, most coffee shops have plenty of alternatives to explore, vegan options included.
Sure, dairy milks have a distinct flavor. Still, you don’t have to sacrifice taste to make your go-to order vegan. Most coffee shops have plenty of options to explore. You can even dig deeper with yummy add-ins to create the flavor profile you’re after.
The Best Plant-Based Milks for Tasty Vegan Coffee
People have gradually embraced plant-based alternatives to dairy milks in recent years. But make no mistake: When it comes to coffee, not all vegan milks are created equal.
Almond Milk
Cafes often carry almond milk, even though it’s not as popular today as it once was. It foams nicely, though it isn’t as strong when it comes to flavor and texture. For those after a more coffee-forward taste, this could be a benefit. That said, anyone after more of a dairy-adjacent taste may want to try some other options.
Soy Milk
The creaminess of soy milk creates a rich texture and decent foam. Soy milk is also one of the more protein-rich options. Soy milk has a distinct taste some will notice, but many coffee fans find it compliments coffee rather than taking away from it.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is the go-to for most modern coffee shops and plant-based coffee fans, for good reason. Many find its neutral flavor and creamy texture to mimic dairy milk. It also foams up nicely. Given the popularity of oat milk, most coffee shops tend to carry it over other alternatives.
Other Plant-Based Milks
Almond, soy, and oat milk are the more common options you’ll find at coffee shops, though there are other plant-based options that go great with coffee. Be warned that you may have to try these out at home, as they are more rare to find at a coffee shop:
- Pistachio milk
- Pea milk
- Macadamia milk
- Hazelnut milk
- Cashew milk
Choosing Add-Ins for Enhanced Flavor
Depending on what craft coffee beverage you order, you might be solid after settling on your ideal milk. If you need a bit more flavor, you’ll find other additional ingredients at modern cafes to get you there.
Cafe Ingredients to Customize Taste
What flavors go well with your order? Is there anything your palate still craves after those first sips? Get inventive and customize with these add-ins:
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warming spice that works marvelously with the flavor of coffee. Cinnamon is strong, so you won’t need much to notice a difference.
- Chai: If you haven’t tried chai and espresso together, you may want to change that! Chai comes with notes of cinnamon or cardamom. The flavors work well with coffee, but chai is hearty. You may need some trial-and-error to find your ideal balance.
- Caramel: Round out your order with the sweet, buttery, and nutty flavor of caramel. Some cafes carry the real deal, though you may have to go for a syrup in some cases. The traditional recipe for caramel is dairy-free, but ask your barista to confirm their caramel is vegan.
- Chocolate: It’s no secret that chocolate and coffee are a stellar pair. Most coffee shops carry some form of chocolate as a syrup, sauce, or solid options. Dark and semi-sweet chocolates are sometimes dairy free. It can be a gamble, so confirm with your barista before you go for it.
- Other spices: Spices like cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, or ginger are other options with distinct flavors. However, they aren’t necessarily coffee shop staples. Check in first if you’re really banking on one of these spices.
Natural Sweeteners
A natural sweetener can amp up your plant-based coffee while catering to your sweet tooth:
- Agave syrup: Agave syrup can add a simple pop of sweetness to your beverage. Today, many coffee shops carry it as a honey alternative. It’s a great option if you’re avoiding raw sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Vanilla: You’ll likely find vanilla syrup at most coffee shops, but just a few drops of vanilla extract can be immensely powerful too. This may be hit or miss at cafes. Vanilla makes the experience all the more indulgent when it’s available.
- Maple syrup: Rather than going with traditional sugars, you may try out maple syrup. As maple-centric drinks become more popular, coffee shops carry this ingredient more frequently. To avoid disappointment, confirm with your cafe first.
Syrups
Most coffee shops have a wide selection of syrups to enhance your drink. Syrups are concentrated with flavor, so you don’t need much. Cafes sometimes have an overwhelming number of options, so ask your barista which syrup flavors pair best with your order.
Many coffee shops also have low-or-no sugar options if you’re watching your intake. Most syrups are vegan-friendly, but be sure to ask before you take the plunge.
Vegan Coffee at Archies
Many find that our daily coffee break is one of the most beloved parts of our routines. This ritual is more a caffeine boost but embracing the community connection a modern cafe inspires. It offers reprieve among the hustle of our everyday lives, and Archies keeps that mindset front and center.
We also prioritize well-being in our approach, as the Archies Coffee menu is curated to fit a number of dietary and lifestyle needs. Just as we embrace the healing benefits of CBD and delta-9 THC, you’ll find a wide array of plant-based energy drinks and stellar specialty coffees to explore. We offer several plant-based and lactose-free milk options to choose from, abundant syrups, add-ins, and wellness enhancements to keep your day moving.
Next time you find yourself looking for coffee in San Antonio or San Marcos, stop in and say hi! Our baristas will gladly help you create a plant-based beverage so tasty, you won’t even notice it’s vegan.
