What Makes an Ingredient Truly Organic?
There's something about a well-made latte that just sets the tone for the whole day. Creamy, warm, and just the right amount of rich — but it doesn't have to come from dairy to feel that way. With the right plant-based base and a few simple steps, you can pull off a café-quality latte from your own kitchen.
Choose your base
The foundation of any great dairy-free latte is the milk you use. Each plant-based option brings something different:
- Oat milk is the crowd favourite — naturally sweet, creamy, and the closest to dairy in terms of texture. It froths beautifully and doesn't overpower the coffee.
- Almond milk is lighter and slightly nutty, great if you prefer a less heavy drink. Works best with milder espresso or matcha.
- Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical richness — pairs especially well with spiced lattes like turmeric or chai.
What you'll need
- 1–2 shots of espresso (or 1 tsp Terraé latte mix)
- 200ml oat, almond, or coconut milk
- A small saucepan or milk frother
- Your favourite mug
Steps
- Brew your base Pull your espresso shots or dissolve your Terraé latte mix in 50ml of hot water. This is your flavour foundation — don't rush it.
- Heat your milk Warm your plant-based milk over low heat until it just starts to steam. Don't boil it — overheating breaks down the proteins that give it that creamy texture.
- Froth it Use a handheld frother, a French press, or even a jar with a lid — shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Oat milk froths best straight from the fridge. Pour and layer
- Pour your espresso into the mug first, then slowly pour the frothed milk over it, holding back the foam with a spoon. Spoon the foam on top last.
- Finish your way A dusting of cacao, a pinch of cinnamon, or a drizzle of coconut syrup — small touches make it yours.
A note on temperature
The sweet spot for plant-based milk is around 60–65°C. Too hot and it turns flat and slightly bitter. A kitchen thermometer takes the guesswork out, but a good rule of thumb: if you can comfortably hold the cup, it's about right.
Try it iced
Pour your espresso over a glass packed with ice, then top with cold oat milk straight from the carton. No heat, no froth needed — just clean, refreshing, and just as good.