The Science Behind Almond Milk’s Superior Frothing Ability
and the Secret Additives in Barista Blend Oat Milk

The Science Behind Almond Milk’s Superior Frothing Ability and the Secret Additives in Barista Blend Oat Milk

Written by Pamela Rupprecht · Feb 26, 2025 · 4 min read

As plant-based milk alternatives continue to rise in popularity, coffee lovers often face a familiar question: oat milk or almond milk? While both have their place, one key difference consistently stands out behind the café counter — almond milk tends to froth better.

Why does almond milk create more stable foam, and how do barista blends of oat milk compensate? The answer lies in food science, ingredient composition, and a few carefully chosen additives.

The Frothing Chemistry: Why Almond Milk Excels

Almond milk has earned a strong reputation among baristas due to its reliable frothing performance. This advantage comes primarily from its protein and fat balance. Most almond milks contain approximately 1–2 grams of protein per cup, which plays a critical role in forming stable foam by trapping air bubbles during steaming.

Additionally, emulsifiers commonly found in almond milk help bind water and fat, allowing air to incorporate more evenly. This results in foam that holds its structure as the milk heats — an essential quality for latte art and textured drinks.

Common Emulsifiers and Stabilizers in Almond Milk

Almond milk often contains natural or food-grade emulsifiers and stabilizers, including:

• Lecithin: Helps bind fat and water, contributing to a creamier texture
• Carrageenan: A seaweed-derived thickener that improves consistency and shelf life
• Guar gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and gum acacia: Stabilize texture and foam
• Added sugar, salt, flavorings, preservatives, and vitamin fortification in some brands

Why Oat Milk Froths Differently

Oat milk contains a much higher carbohydrate content, particularly beta-glucans — soluble fibers that create a naturally creamy texture. While this creaminess enhances mouthfeel, it also makes the liquid denser and less capable of trapping air.

A typical cup of oat milk contains around 16 grams of carbohydrates, compared to roughly 2 grams in almond milk. This difference affects foam stability, as excess carbohydrates and fats can interfere with bubble formation.

The Barista Blend: How Oat Milk Compensates

To improve performance, many manufacturers create barista-style oat milk blends. These formulas are engineered specifically for coffee and steaming applications.

Common additives in barista oat milk include:

• Vegetable oils (rapeseed or sunflower oil): Enhance creaminess and microfoam stability
• Acidity regulators (e.g., dipotassium phosphate): Prevent curdling in acidic coffee
• Gums and emulsifiers (gellan gum, locust bean gum, lecithin): Improve texture and foam structure
• Enzymes (such as amylase): Break down starches to create natural sweetness and smoothness

These ingredients work together to help oat milk steam more effectively, producing the creamy microfoam needed for café-quality drinks.

Nutritional Considerations

Almond milk is typically lower in calories, averaging 30–60 calories per cup, and is a good source of vitamin E. Oat milk, on the other hand, contains around 120 calories per cup and offers a more filling carbohydrate profile.

Beyond nutrition, almond milk’s higher protein and lower fat content make it naturally better suited for frothing, while oat milk relies more heavily on formulation adjustments to achieve similar results.

Final Thoughts

In the ongoing comparison between almond milk and oat milk, almond milk stands out for its naturally superior frothing ability. Barista-style oat milks narrow the gap through carefully selected additives, offering an alternative for those who prefer oat-based beverages.

Understanding the science behind these plant-based milks empowers consumers to choose what best suits their taste, nutritional needs, and coffee preferences.

Whether you’re perfecting latte art or enjoying a quiet cup with friends, knowing how each milk performs can elevate your coffee experience. Cheers to coffee made just the way you love it.