7 reasons why you should have plant-based milks in your coffee

We don’t consider plant milks to be just dairy substitutes – they’re a delicious option that people can (and should) choose to drink because they taste great. In fact, Vitasoy worked closely with a team of baristas in Australia to develop a coffee-brewing formula specifically for its plant-based milks. The formula satisfies the high standards set by professional baristas, especially since both Vitasoy Café for Baristas Soy and Almond milks have a smooth, rich texture and their own unique flavours that complement coffee and a whole host of other beverages without stealing the show. Expect a silky smooth mouthfeel that’s enhanced by a fine microfoam. If you don’t believe us, you can check them out in a variety of different drinks at some of the city’s best-loved restaurants and speciality cafés like N1 Coffee & Co, OVO Cafe, InFuse Specialty Coffee by Ideaology, Nodi, Barista Jam, Ninetys and more.

Here are some statistics for the sceptics: the Vitasoy Café for Baristas Soy and Almond milks are approximately 40 and 60 percent* less calorific than whole cow’s milk, respectively. Soy milk is also completely free of trans fats and cholesterol, while almond milk is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and heart-healthy unsaturated fatty acids.

_{*Vitasoy Café For Baristas – Soy Milk contains 42kcal per 100ml compared to whole milk, which contains 70kcal per 100ml. Meanwhile, Vitasoy Café For Baristas – Almond Milk contains 24kcal per 100ml (NUTTAB2010).}

Whether it’s for personal or medical reasons, the number of people turning to plant-based diets is on the rise, and it’s heartening to see the city’s meat-free options expanding beyond ready-made salads and Buddhist restaurants (though both are greatly appreciated). After all, if we can now buy “bleeding” meat-free burgers and scrambled eggs made from tofu, shouldn’t we be able to get our hands on vegan-friendly milk?

There are a lot of lactose-intolerant people in East Asia. For those whose love for dairy is unfortunately unreciprocated, ordering anything other than black coffee is risky business. Beyond accepting your fate, the only options are plant milks and buying lactase pills, which you’ll probably forget at home half of the time. Another benefit of soy milk in particular is its total lack of gluten, which is sure to please those who live with coeliac disease.

If you’re on a plant-based diet or keen on fitness, you’ll already know that many legumes and nuts are great sources of protein, fibre and healthy fats. You may not realise, however, that soybeans have even more protein than chicken breast, with a whopping 36g of protein per 100g of raw beans. The nutrient content of almonds is nothing to sniff at either, with its healthy range of protein, fibres, fats and vitamins.

While we’re not here to lecture anyone, it’s no secret that it takes a whole lot of water, energy and deforestation to rear cattle. In comparison, soy milk uses 72 percent less water to produce than cow’s milk, with the added benefit that soybeans, unlike cows, don’t burp an alarming amount of methane into the environment. And though almond milk has a bad rep for being a water-intensive product, its water and carbon footprints are both much smaller than those of cow’s and sheep’s milk.

Soy and almond milk are versatile products that can add a lot of flavour to your everyday life. Aside from being delicious and healthy substitutions for dairy in your coffee and tea drinks, Vitasoy Café for Baristas Soy and Almond milks can also be used in cooking and baking too. Whether you’re adding it to your daily brew or using it to give creaminess and depth of flavour to sauces, soups and stews, these plant-based milks are great for anyone who wants to lead a greener and healthier lifestyle starting from today.