I still remember the first time I tried to make a dairy-free latte at home. I had a beautiful new milk frother, a fresh carton of almond milk, and high hopes. But the result? A warm cup of disappointment — thin, flat milk with hardly any foam.
Sound familiar?
As a recipe developer and someone who adores recreating coffee shop favorites at home, I get this question all the time: “Can almond milk be frothed?”
The answer is yes — but not all almond milk froths the same way, and technique matters. In this post, I’m diving into why almond milk can be tricky to froth, what to do about it, and how you can create perfectly frothy almond milk every time — even without a frother.
Table of Contents
- Why Is Almond Milk Harder to Froth Than Dairy Milk?
- Yes, Almond Milk Can Froth — Here’s How to Make It Happen
- So, Will Almond Milk Froth Like Dairy Milk?
- My Personal Almond Milk Frothing Routine
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts From My Kitchen
Why Is Almond Milk Harder to Froth Than Dairy Milk?
Frothing milk is all about two things: fat content and protein content. These are what help create structure and stability in foam.
- Dairy milk naturally contains casein and whey proteins that stretch and trap air bubbles.
- Almond milk, on the other hand, has lower protein and fat — especially the shelf-stable kinds.
That’s why not all almond milk froths well. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with flat, lifeless lattes.
Yes, Almond Milk Can Froth — Here’s How to Make It Happen
After lots of testing (and a few failed cappuccinos), here are my favorite tricks for getting that luscious, café-style almond milk froth:
1. Use Barista-Style Almond Milk
This is hands-down my top tip. Barista blends are specifically formulated with a better fat-to-protein ratio and emulsifiers that help the milk froth and stretch beautifully.
Look for labels that say: “Barista Blend,” “Froth-Friendly,” or “For Lattes”
Expert tip: I personally love brands like Califia Farms Barista Blend and Elmhurst — both create creamy, frothy almond milk with minimal effort.
2. Heat It Just Right (Don’t Overdo It)
Temperature is everything when it comes to milk frothing. Almond milk froths best when heated to around 130–140°F (54–60°C) — anything hotter can scald the milk and break down its proteins.
Tip from my kitchen: I always warm almond milk slowly on the stovetop or microwave and test with a thermometer (or a clean finger — it should feel hot but not scalding).
3. Choose the Right Frothing Tool
You can froth almond milk using several tools — each with its own pros:
Milk Frother (Best for Volume)
Electric frothers like the Nespresso Aeroccino or Breville Milk Café are foolproof. They heat and froth at once — ideal for almond milk.
Handheld Frother (Great for Quick Use)
Battery-operated frothers are super affordable and perfect for a quick latte. Just heat your milk first, then froth in a tall container.
French Press (Surprisingly Effective!)
Yep — a French press isn’t just for coffee! Pour warm almond milk into your French press and pump the plunger quickly up and down. You’ll get a thick, creamy froth in about 30 seconds.
Espresso Machine Steam Wand (Professional Quality)
If you have an espresso machine, this is gold. Just be gentle — almond milk requires a lighter touch than whole milk.
4. Shake Things Up (Literally)
No frother? No problem. You can still create foam with a few clever tricks:
- Shake It: Pour heated almond milk into a jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds.
- Blend It: Use an immersion blender or standard blender to whip air into the milk.
- Whisk It: A simple balloon whisk can also do the job with a bit of elbow grease.
So, Will Almond Milk Froth Like Dairy Milk?
Yes and no. While it won’t behave exactly like dairy milk, you can still get a beautiful froth with the right almond milk and technique.
What you’ll get is:
- A froth that’s best enjoyed immediately, since almond milk foam tends to break down a little faster
- A lighter, softer foam (less dense than dairy)
- A slightly nuttier flavor, which can be delicious in lattes
So, Will Almond Milk Froth Like Dairy Milk?
Yes and no. While it won’t behave exactly like dairy milk, you can still get a beautiful froth with the right almond milk and technique.
What you’ll get is:
- A froth that’s best enjoyed immediately, since almond milk foam tends to break down a little faster
- A lighter, softer foam (less dense than dairy)
- A slightly nuttier flavor, which can be delicious in lattes
My Personal Almond Milk Frothing Routine
Every morning, I make an almond milk latte with just a few ingredients: good espresso, barista almond milk, and sometimes a dash of cinnamon. I heat the milk gently in a saucepan, then use my handheld frother to create a soft foam.
The key? Don’t rush the heating process. Let it warm slowly, and froth just before pouring.
It feels like such a luxury — and it takes less than five minutes. Small rituals like this make cooking (and life) feel a little more joyful, don’t you think?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does almond milk froth well?
Barista blends froth the best, thanks to their higher fat and protein content. Regular almond milk can still froth, but the results will be lighter and less stable.
Can I froth almond milk without a frother?
Yes! You can use a French press, whisk, blender, or even a tightly sealed jar.
Why doesn’t my almond milk froth?
It could be the brand, temperature, or technique. Try switching to a barista blend and keeping the temperature under 140°F.
Can you make cold frothy almond milk?
Yes — especially if you’re using a blender or electric frother with a cold setting. Use barista blends for best results.
Is homemade almond milk good for frothing?
Fresh almond milk is delicious, but typically lower in protein and fat — making it harder to froth. You can add a bit of neutral oil (like MCT or avocado) to improve the texture if you’re making your own.
Final Thoughts From My Kitchen
Frothing almond milk might take a little finesse, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. And honestly? There’s something so satisfying about recreating your favorite coffee shop drinks at home — especially when they’re dairy-free, cozy, and made exactly the way you like them.
Whether you’re just starting your plant-based journey or you simply love the light nuttiness of almond milk, don’t skip the froth. It truly elevates the experience.
Now go forth and foam! ☁️
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
