Foaming Oat Milk or Other Plant-Based Milks: Here’s What to Keep in Mind

Laatst bijgewerkt op: 13/10/2026

Anyone who orders a cappuccino, latte, or flat white with a plant-based milk (such as oat milk) naturally wants that delicious, velvety layer of foam. But how do you achieve that when you’re not using cow’s milk?

Coffee with plant-based milk is becoming increasingly popular. However, it depends on the type of plant-based beverage whether you can make perfect foam with it. Proteins are among the key factors for silky foam. Because oat milk, soy milk, and pea milk have higher protein contents compared to, for example, coconut milk or almond milk, these three are best suited for frothing. Fortunately, you don’t need to do a whole study to figure out which plant-based milks foam well. Brands like Alpro, Oatly and Sproud offer barista-style versions of oat milk and soy milk, among other products. These barista editions contain the right balance of protein, fat, and sugar.

Tip: To enhance the flavor and texture of the frothed plant-based milk, you can add some cinnamon, cocoa powder, or a splash of vanilla syrup.

Make Sure the Temperature Is Right When Frothing

When frothing plant-based milk, the right temperature is very important. Not too hot and not too cold, or you won’t get that delicious frothy layer. Heat the oat milk to about 60°C to 70°C for the best results.

Foaming Oat Milk with a Milk Frother

A good milk frother, such as the Sage milk frother makes a world of difference when it comes to frothing. This electric frother has different settings, so you can experiment with the right speed and consistency for your milk foam. And thanks to its even heat distribution, this milk frother creates tiny air bubbles. Look at that: there’s your perfect plant-based milk foam.

Foaming oat milk with the steam wand of an espresso machine

Do you work in a coffee shop, or do you have an espresso machine at home with a steam wand that you want to use to make cappuccinos or other coffees with plant-based milk? Here are the steps:

1. Pour the desired amount of plant-based beverage into the milk carafe.
2. Make sure the steam wand is clean before you begin. Hold the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the plant-based milk.
3. Turn on the steam function and slowly open the steam knob. You’ll now hear the hissing sound of the steam passing through the milk.
4. Gently move the pitcher downward to stretch the milk. This creates small bubbles and a creamy texture.
5. Stop steaming when the milk reaches a temperature of about 60°C; this is the ideal temperature for frothing plant-based beverages.
6. Tap the bottom of your milk pitcher against your countertop a few times to remove all the bubbles from the milk, and swirl the pitcher to mix the foam and milk together. If you notice that you have too much milk foam, pour off a little bit first before adding the milk foam to the coffee.
7. Slowly pour the frothed milk into the coffee and pour your latte art.

Foaming Oat Milk with a Whisk

Don’t have a milk frother or an espresso machine with a steam wand? Of course, you can also froth oat milk or other plant-based alternatives with a whisk.

The secret to perfectly frothed oat milk is to keep stirring constantly and quickly. This incorporates air and creates foam.

Try different pouring techniques

Heat the oat milk in a saucepan to about 60°C to 70°C. It’s helpful to use a thermometer, because if the oat milk gets too hot, you won’t get that perfect layer of foam.

Reached the right temperature? Grab the whisk and move it quickly up and down until foam forms.

Plant-based milk suitable for frothing? Check. The right temperature? Check. Frothing successful? Check. Guaranteed perfect foam in your coffee? Not yet. The final important step in frothing is the pouring technique. Try different movements, such as circular or up-and-down motions, to figure out which technique works best.

Wondering about the best way to froth cow’s milk? You can read about it in this blog.