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Oat Milk? So 2024.
These coffee shops are ditching dairy for next-gen alt-milks.
Almond, soy, and oat? Been there, done that.
The global dairy alternatives market hit $32.38 billion in 2024 and is set to skyrocket — hitting $36.76 billion in 2025 and a whopping $91.15 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. What does this mean? We’re far from peak plant milk. Not even close, says the New York Times.
With an already vast array of dairy alternatives, experts say the flow of new offerings won’t slow down anytime soon. And while at one time, soy was virtually the exclusive dairy alternative, in recent years, we’ve seen plant-based milks including hemp, pea and even potato entering the chat.
But, while some of these quirkier alternatives might be more environmentally and/or tummy friendly, not all of them hit the same. Hemp milk – good luck with that aftertaste. Potato milk? Let’s not.
We’re seeing coffee shops around the country ‘espress’ themselves with creative takes on next-gen dairy alternatives.
Better latte than never.
Babas on Cannon, Charleston, SC
The Peanut Mocha at babas gives us life. Crafted with house-made peanut milk made from peanuts, sorghum sweetener, fleur de sel and filtered water, a sip tastes like a Reese’s in latte form.
Cuvee Coffee , Austin, TX
The Pecan Pie Latte blends espresso, vanilla, PKN pecan milk, whipped cream and candied pecans. Made in Texas, PKN upcycles tiny pecan pieces that would otherwise go to waste.
LYSÉE, New York, NY
Influenced by three cultures - French, Korean and New York City, Lysée’s Signature Latté is made with the dessert boutique’s signature toasted brown rice infused whole milk, French sea salt, Madagascar vanilla bean and finished with toasted brown rice powder.
Haiku Teahouse, San Jose, CA
Not afraid to push boundaries, experiment, take risks, and discover new flavors, we’re obsessed with Haiku’s Corn Latte made with a sweet and creamy corn milk that pairs perfectly with Vietnamese coffee.
Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop, Charleston, SC
Known for their delectable, get ‘em while you can baked goods, we can’t pop in to Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop without also ordering their signature Iced Salted Pistachio Latte made with a dreamy mix of pistachio milk, espresso, house-made simple syrup and a dash of Maldon sea salt.
