When it comes to barista-made coffee drinks, the type of milk you choose can make a big difference to the overall flavour and texture. In this guide, we'll explore some of the most popular types of milk used in coffee drinks, so that you can make an informed decision next time you're at your favourite coffee shop (or when you’re looking to buy barista milk online).

Whole Milk

This is the most common type of milk used in coffee drinks. Whole milk has a rich, creamy texture and contains 3.5% milkfat. The high fat content gives whole milk a velvety mouthfeel and provides a canvas for espresso to really shine through. If you’re looking for a classic flavour profile, whole milk is a great choice.

2% Milk

2% milk is a good compromise between whole milk and skim milk. It has slightly less fat than whole milk (2% compared to 3.5%), but still has enough to provide a creamy texture. 2% milk also allows the espresso to shine through while still providing some sweetness from the natural sugars in the milk. If you want a drink that's not too heavy but still has some richness, 2% is a good option.

Skim Milk

Skim milk is the lowest fat option when it comes to coffee drinks. It contains less than 0.5% milkfat, which gives it a watery texture and makes it less likely to foam well. However, skim milk does have its advantages - it's much lower in calories than other types of milk, so if you're watching your waistline, skim might be the way to go. Additionally, because there's less fat to interfere with the espresso flavour, some people believe that skim milk actually brings out more of the coffee's nuances compared to higher-fat options.

Oat Milk

Oat milk is a newer addition to the world of barista-made coffee drinks. It's made by soaking oats in water and then blending them until they form a creamy liquid. Oat milk has a similar texture to cow's milk but often contains added thickeners like gums or starches to give it body. Oat milk is also relatively low in calories and fat, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. One downside of oat milk is that it can sometimes cause coffee drinks to taste "grassy", so if you're looking for a true coffee experience, you might want to choose another type of milk. 

Ready to get started?

There are many different types of milks available for use in barista-made coffee drinks, and each one will impact the flavour and texture of your drink in different ways. In this guide, we've explored some of the most popular types of milks so that you can make an informed decision next time you order your favourite coffee drink. Bon appetit!