Non-Dairy and milk alternatives have been on the rise for years, for several reasons. A significant portion of the population struggles to digest lactose, the sugar in dairy milk. Non-dairy milk offers a tasty and convenient alternative. There is also a growing number of vegans and vegetarians who exclude all or most animal products from their diet and naturally seek plant-based milk options. Similar to those who are lactose intolerant, for those with dairy allergies, non-dairy milk is a safe and essential replacement.

There are many different types of non-dairy milk available, each with its own taste and texture. You can experiment to find one that complements your coffee the way you like. Oat milk and soy milk are popular choices for coffee because they cream well and froth, similar to dairy milk.

Different Milk Options

The most popular milk alternatives for coffee shops and baristas are oat, soya, coconut and almond. Each has its own benefits, it comes down to personal preference and taste for which one you use. Oat milk is a good source of fibre, which can promote digestive health, keep you feeling fuller for longer, and potentially aid in blood sugar regulation. Many oat milk brands are fortified with calcium and other minerals essential for bone health. Oat milk also froths well, making it a great choice for coffee lovers who still want a frothy and creamy cappuccino.

Soy Milk

Soy milk is a great source of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids your body needs. This makes it a valuable option for vegetarians, vegans, and those seeking to cut back on animal products. It's low in saturated fat and contains unsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels. Additionally, soy milk is rich in potassium, which is linked to healthy blood pressure. Similar to oat milk, soy milk froths relatively easily, another bonus for baristas.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk shines for its creamy texture and rich flavour, making it a valuable ingredient in curries, soups, desserts, and various other dishes. Coconut milk also provides a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and lauric acid. Compared to oat and soya, coconut milk can massively impact the taste of coffee, so it’s an acquired taste. Some prefer a less flavourful milk alternative, but for coconut lovers, coconut milk is the go-to choice!

Almond Milk

Almond milk might not be as popular as the options listed above, but it’s still a fantastic choice. Almond milk is a natural source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and may support immune function. Almond milk adds a sweet kick to coffee, although keep an eye on the label, some brands add sugar and sweetener. Unsweetened varieties are the healthiest option.

Dairy Alternative Tools And Accessories

Here at Cooksmill, we have plenty of barista supplies to help take your coffee from good to great. Having the right tools makes it easier for you and your staff to prepare coffee efficiently and quickly, and also ensures a smooth and enjoyable drink for your customers. We have the essentials that every barista needs, like cleaning cloths, tamping mats, and knocking drawers.

However, when it comes to preparing dairy free coffee, you need to separate your milk preparation equipment to ensure no dairy products come into contact with the milk alternative tools. The Milk Frothing Jug, Steel, 1 Litre Inscribed Soya, ensures there is no mix-up between soya milk and dairy milk when it comes to frothing. We also have different coloured frothing jugs, introducing a colour-coded system can help to reduce mix-ups as well, and having a bright yellow or blue milk jug serves as a visual reminder to baristas to only use these colours for dairy alternatives.

Purple has recently been introduced as an allergen colour in colour-coded kitchens. This is a great way to keep your dairy-free utensils separate from your usual tools. The Allergen Utensils Sticker 100mm x 100mm can be easily applied to certain areas in your kitchen, or barista counter, so staff know where to keep specific utensils.

Monin Syrups

We’re currently having an offer on Monin products! Save on Monin syrups this April, a majority of Monin syrups are vegan-friendly, so suitable for those who don’t consume dairy. These syrups come in handy 70cl capacity bottles and can be easily stored with the rest of the barista products. They add an extra burst of flavour to coffees and hot drinks, and cater to vegans and vegetarians, allowing your entire customer base to enjoy these delicious syrups.

The Cinnamon Roll Syrup has a subtle, yet sweet taste of cinnamon, and makes an excellent addition to coffees. Even one pump adds enough flavour to make a coffee sweet and sugary, perfect for customers who want a little more in their usual coffee order. Similarly, both the Pistachio and Vanilla syrups are vegan friendly, and they both bring their own level of sweetness to the drink.

For customers who still want that sweet taste, but crave something a little healthier, we have sugar-free alternatives, that are still suitable for vegans. The Sugar Free Hazlenut syrup comes in a 1 litre bottle and can be used in lattes, hot chocolates and iced coffees. Monin’s Sugar Free Caramel syrup also comes in a 1 litre bottle, and adds a soft and buttery caramel taste, without the extra sugar!

Cups For Serving

So, you’ve done the hard part. You’ve made the perfect dairy-free coffee, finished with a sweet Monin addition. But what about serving your delicious cup of coffee? We’ve got you covered! If you’re looking for stylish, in-house crockery, Porcelite Cartons are 10% off at the moment, making it easy for you to stock up on coffee cups and matching saucers. Aura by Porcelite is a popular range, featuring distinctive pieces in four colourways. These products have impressive reactive glazes, delighting even the most hard-to-impress coffee connoisseur. This crockery range is made using Porcelite Professional Vitrified Porcelain, where the products are designed for use in commercial kitchens.

If you’re looking for a simpler, more universal design, the stacking cup is a smart choice. These cups are part of the Standard White Crockery Range, which has been designed to perform in the most demanding of catering environments. This cup is comprehensive and cost-effective, and can also be stacked, saving crucial storage space. There are also larger options available, like the Bowl Shaped Cup in 16oz, for bigger brews and cups of coffee.

Taking coffee to go is as popular today as it’s ever been. People are busy, always moving from place to place, and they want to take their coffee with them. 500 billion coffee cups are discarded in landfills every year. The UK accounts for around 2.5 billion of these. This means less than 0.25% are recycled. Our beverage serving cups are made from sustainable materials, ensuring that they have minimal impact on the environment. We have a range of sizes, including 8oz, 12oz and 16oz. Also, we have options for iced coffees too, our most popular choice is Vegware’s 12oz Standard Cold Cup.

Coffee With Cooksmill

With dairy-free lifestyles on the rise and showing no signs of slowing down, it’s best that you equip your business now to avoid missing out on potential revenue. Cooksmill has so much to offer, from the beginning of the coffee creation all the way to serving, making us your one stop shop for all your needs. Enjoy free delivery on larger orders as well, £60 (excluding VAT).