The delightful experience of a bit of foam on top of a cappuccino, latte, macchiato, or mocha is incomparable to a plain coffee. Frothed milk on top of these beverages brings the customer’s drinking experience to the next level when done correctly. It’s all in the technique, whether you use a steam wand, French press, handheld frother, or automatic frother. Read on for tips for achieving the ideal texture and temperature of your frothed milk.
What is milk frothing?
Milk frothing is the process of taking milk and aerating it to create a light foamy texture. Although the goal is for the foam to be light, it should be firm enough to hold its shape. Different milks will create different foams. Those who froth milk often use whole milk, skim milk, low-fat milk, almond milk, and more.
Does oat milk froth differently than cow milk?
Coffee drinkers who are sensitive to dairy may wonder, “Can you froth oat milk?” The answer is yes — but, for baristas, it’s a bit more complicated than using dairy products. The high fat and protein content in dairy milk is what helps it easily create a foamy froth texture. Oat milk, however, has a different composition compared to cold milk, so it’s important to use the correct method when frothing for best results.
Baristas alike can benefit from using Oddlygood’s All-In Barista Oat Drink for their plant-based frothing needs. Despite the product being created from oats, Oddlygood’s full-bodied recipe froths incredibly well and leaves you with the satisfyingly smooth foamy topping your customers crave.
With oat milk becoming wildly popular because of its dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly nature, restaurants, coffee shops, and other eateries can utilize Oddlygood’s All-In Barista Oat Drink to substitute traditional barista milk. The drink is specifically designed with cappuccinos and lattes in mind to deliver the creamy and light-froth coffee drinkers are looking for.
Barista milk frothing techniques
Handheld frother A handheld milk frother is easy to use and creates light and bubbly foam. For dairy milk, it’s recommended to heat the milk to scalding, placed in a tall container, and frothed at an angle. By moving the frother up and down for about 20-30 seconds, you can achieve the best foam for your beverage. A handheld frother will also do the trick with oat milk. Simply froth the cold oat milk for 30 seconds and then heat on the stovetop for 10 minutes while constantly stirring for best results.
Food processor/blender Using a blender or food processor is an easy method when you need frothed milk for multiple drinks. After setting the appliance of your choice to the highest speed, pour the cold milk in and let it begin aerating. Once the milk has increased thickness — usually doubled in size — you’ll pour it into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it up for your beverages. For the best results, it’s recommended you only use enough milk for two beverages at a time.
French press Although it’s not as quick as other frothing methods, a French press makes foam, too. Whether you are frothing dairy milk or plant-based milk, heat the milk to a high temperature either on the stove or in the microwave to begin. Pour enough milk into the French press while leaving enough room to create the foam. You will then use the hand pump for about 10-15 seconds and check to see if the foam has been created. For the best results, let the milk rest for about a minute before using it on top of your beverage.
Espresso machine steam wand If you have an espresso machine, you can use the steam wand to create frothed milk. The steam wand is the traditional method used in coffee shops to froth milk and takes a certain amount of practice to get the right consistency for your foam. Using cold milk, fill the container about one-third of the way full and insert the steam wand and begin steaming just below the milk surface. The steam from the wand will create a froth that is silky.
Oddlygood’s Barista: A coffee bar’s best friend
If you own a restaurant or a coffee shop or simply appreciate a quality cup of coffee at home, Oddlygood's All-In Barista Oat Drink is the ideal dairy substitute for you. To learn more about All-In and Oddlygood’s other plant-based products, visit the website.