Creamy Soy Latte

If you can’t tolerate dairy or choose not to consume them, this soy latte is for you! Soy milk is a great alternative to regular milk in coffee due to its mild taste. It is also slightly higher in protein than other plant-based milk, enabling it to produce a stable froth.  

Looking for a higher-protein, more satisfying drink? I highly recommend checking out my protein iced coffee and protein hot chocolate. 

💚Why you will love this recipe 

• The perfect warm morning beverage to kickstart your day 
• Highly customizable with a variety of different flavor combinations 
• Easy to make and is ready in 15 minutes 
• Budget-friendly and more cost-effective than buying it at coffee shops 

🤔What is a latte 

Latte is one of the most popular coffee beverages consumed around the world. Also known as caffe latte, it usually consists of 1-2 shots of espresso mixed with steamed milk topped with a smaller amount of frothed milk. The general ratio of coffee to milk is 1:3. 

Although basic latte only consists of 2 ingredients - coffee and milk, countless types of latte are now available in the market. This is possible by adding flavored syrups (like vanilla and chocolate syrup), sweeteners, spices, and other add-ins. 

In this plant-based version, soy milk is used instead of whole milk. 

Difference between cappuccino and latte 

The main difference between a cappuccino and a latte is their ratio of ingredients. Latte contains more milk, while the proportion of coffee to milk to frothed milk for cappuccino is generally 1:1:1 and has a more balanced distribution of components. 

Cappuccino has a more robust and bolder coffee flavor due to the equal distribution of coffee to milk. Latte has a milder flavor. Sweeteners like granulated sweeteners and flavored syrups are sometimes used, yielding sweet-tasting lattes. 

☕What you will need 

📃Ingredient notes and substitution 

• Coffee - You can use French press, espresso, or cold brew coffee. I am using 2 shots of espresso using my Nespresso coffee machine. 
• Milk - Soy milk is recommended as it produces the most stable foam. However, other plant-based milk like oat or almond milk will also work. 

🔪How to make 

Brew your coffee - Brew your coffee according to your preference. I am using the Nespresso coffee machine. 

Froth your milk - Heat your milk in the microwave for 30-60 seconds using a microwave-safe mug. Using a whisk or hand-held frother, whisk your milk until foamy. Alternatively, you can use a milk frother. 

Making the latte - Allow the frothed milk to sit for 30 seconds to separate the foam and milk. Pour milk over brewed coffee. Serve your soy milk latte while warm, and enjoy! 

✅Helpful tips 

• Keep an eye while heating milk - When heating soy milk in the microwave, keep a close eye on it to ensure it does not spill over. 
• Adjusting the ratio of ingredients - The beauty of making your latte is that you get to customize it to fit your preference! You can use more or less coffee/milk and add a sweetener if you prefer your coffee to be sweetened. 
• Use a double-walled mug - An insulated mug will help keep your coffee warm for longer. 
• Iced latte - If you prefer to enjoy your soy latte cold, add a handful of ice cubes to your coffee. 
• Creamier coffee - You can swap soy milk with a soy-based creamer instead or do ½ milk ½ creamer. 
• Lower caffeine version - Use decaf coffee beans or coffee pods. Decaffeinated instant coffee will work as well.

✨Making flavored lattes 

This soy latte is only the base, so get creative and come out with your variation of coffee! Here are some suggestions to get you started: 

Sweetened latte - For a basic sweetened latte, add the sweetener of choice (granulated sugar or simple syrup) to your milk right before heating. Proceed with frothing your milk and making your latte per instruction. For a lower-calorie version, opt for sugar substitutes like Splenda and Equal.

Vanilla - add ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract after heating your milk. 

Mocha - Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup before heating your milk. Optionally, sprinkle on some cocoa powder before serving. 

Caramel - Add 1-2 tablespoons of caramel syrup or sauce to your milk before heating. To keep it vegan, you can use a vegan-friendly caramel syrup.

🍰Serving suggestions 

Pair your soy latte with homemade baked goods like banana flapjacks or eggless coffee cake for a midday snack or dessert. Or, you could do protein flapjacks and vegan protein muffins for a more satisfying snack. 

As for breakfast, I recommend pairing latte with my eggless protein pancakes. If you are craving something savory, give my vegan omelette a try! 

❔Commonly asked questions