Coffee culture is more than just a daily routine for Australian consumers – it’s a way of life. We share a passion for coffee, and that passion extends to every detail including the milk that goes into our cup of joe. Coffee shops across Australia need to recognise the importance of offering a range of milk options to cater to diverse palates and dietary requirements. We explore the different milk types coffee shops need to deliver to elevate their daily brew with popular products to help perfect your coffee offerings.
Full Cream Milk
Full cream milk is a staple ingredient for coffee shops and a beloved classic in Australian coffee culture. With a fat content of approximately 3.25%, it offers a delightful creaminess with full flavour that complements bold coffees. Full cream milk, also known as whole milk, is versatile making it an excellent choice for espressos, flat whites, or cappuccinos.
Full cream milk is best kept in very chilled environments to avoid bacteria growth.
TOP TIP: Invest in a Commercial-Grade Glass Door Fridge for your café or coffee shop. The glass doors allow you to quickly view the ingredients you need before opening the doors. This ensures the temperature is maintained and your full cream milk stays fresher longer.
Reduced Fat Milk
Reduced fat milk, sometimes confused with skim milk, is a 2% variety of full cream milk that strikes a balance between the richness of full cream milk and the desire for a lighter option. This milk variety is ideal for those who appreciate indulgence with less guilt. Reduced-fat milk is a popular choice for lattes and flat whites.
Reduced-fat milk is best kept in very chilled environments to avoid bacteria growth.
TOP TIP: Use different coloured Milk Frothing Jugs for full cream or reduced fat milk to ensure there is no cross-contamination of the products.
Skim Milk
Skim milk, or fat-free milk, caters to health-conscious coffee drinks due to its minimal fat content which is usually below 0.5%. This lighter option doesn’t sacrifice the essence of the coffee’s flavour and it’s a popular choice for those seeking a vibrant coffee experience without the added calories.
Skim milk is best kept in very chilled environments to avoid bacteria growth. Skim milk has a slightly longer shelf life than full cream milk, so keeping track of inventory is important to avoid spoilage.
TOP TIP: Skim milk has a slightly longer shelf life than full cream milk, so keeping track of inventory is important to avoid spoilage. A helpful way to keep track of stock, without the hassle of reading the small expiration fine print, is the use of convenient Colour Coded Labels making stock control fast and convenient.
Almond Milk
Almond milk has increased in popularity in recent years. Consumers with dietary restrictions, and those who prefer dairy alternatives, have made almond milk a new staple in coffee shops. Made from ground almonds, this variety adds a subtle nutty flavour to coffee while delivering the traditional milky texture. Almond milk is a hit with vegans and lactose-intolerant consumers.
Almon milk has an extended shelf life when unopened. Once opened it is best kept in the coldest part of the fridge and where the temperature is most stable to avoid temperature fluctuations.
TOP TIP: Almond milk can curdle when making coffee due to the temperature differences. The best practice when making coffees containing almond milk is to get the temperature of both liquids as close in temperature as possible. Use a Coffee Probe Thermometer to measure the heat levels of both ingredients before combining them to avoid curdling.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is the new kid on the block, and it has gained rapid popularity amongst health and environmentally-conscious consumers. It is the go-to choice for vegans and those who love its creamy consistency with a naturally sweet taste that pairs exquisitely with coffee.
Oat milk has an extended shelf life when unopened. Once opened it lasts approximately 7 days depending on brand and storage conditions.
TOP TIP: Oat milk’s natural flavours are best served with coffee brewed using filtered water as tap water contains minerals that can impact the flavour of the coffee. Ensure your water source includes a commercial-grade Water filter kit to ensure the best results. A Commercial-Grade Dishwasher will also assist in ensuring your cups and frothing jugs are adequately cleaned for supreme results.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is derived from soybeans and is another popular dairy-free option. It’s well-known for its flavour making it a great canvas to showcase full-strength coffee’s flavours. Soy milk has been a coffee shop staple for some time however its popularity has reduced slightly with the emergence of oat and almond milk varieties.
Soy milk lasts for months before being opened. Once opened, the product has a shelf life of approximately 5 days.
TOP TIP: Soy milk is made from soya beans with controversy surrounding this ingredient relating to deforestation impacts. Source a reputable soy milk brand with ethical standards in mind and promote these on Takeaway Coffee Cups with Reward Hospitality Custom Printing so your customers know you’re a socially responsible business.
Reward Hospitality Helps Coffee Shops Succeed
The diversity of milk types available in Australian coffee shops is a testament to the ever-evolving coffee culture in this great nation. From classic full cream milk to innovative dairy-free alternatives like almond, oat, and soy milk, there's something for every coffee lover's palate.
Cafes and Coffee Shops can increase their daily turnover by ensuring they have the ingredients to deliver to the broad range of consumers available. Further to this is making sure ingredients are sourced and stored correctly for optimal and consistent results.
If you need assistance with identifying the best products and equipment to help your menu shine, Reward Hospitality has a team of experts available to offer advice and guidance. We also have a vast array of products, equipment, and services to help coffee shops succeed. Chat with us online, send us a message, or visit one of our outlets for more help and advice.