The Moon Roast guide to choosing the best milk for your coffee at home
Whether you’re a budding home barista or simply love starting your day with a great cup, one thing’s for certain: the milk you choose matters. It doesn’t just lighten your coffee - it transforms the flavour, texture, and even the satisfaction of that very first sip.
With so many choices now available, from classic dairy to innovative plant-based alternatives, it can be tricky to know which works best in coffee. That’s where we come in. Here’s our guide to help you match the right milk with your brew, so you can enjoy café-quality coffee at home.
Dairy
For a traditional coffee experience, dairy milk remains a tried-and-tested option, especially whole milk.
Whole Milk
Whole milk offers the perfect balance of fats, proteins, and sugars. It creates a smooth, creamy texture, enhances the natural sweetness of coffee, and softens sharper, more acidic notes.
Best for: Espressos and flat whites. Try it with our Moon Shot for a rich, velvety cup.
Skimmed & semi-skimmed
Skimmed milk, on the other hand, often leaves coffee tasting thin and overly sharp, particularly with espresso drinks. If whole milk isn’t for you, semi-skimmed can be a good middle ground - adding a softer texture without the full creaminess of whole.
Best for: Cafetière brewing. We love it with our award-winning Lunar or Candover Blend.
Barista milk
If you’re aiming for true café quality, look out for Barista milk, available in most large supermarkets. With a higher protein content, it holds up better under heat, creates a stable foam, and adds a smoother, creamier mouthfeel.
Best for: Espresso-based drinks. Pair it with our Ethiopia Beshasha - a favourite with our wholesale café customers.
Non-Dairy
Plant-based alternatives have soared in popularity in recent years, and with good reason. They’re versatile, flavourful, and now widely available in Barista-friendly versions.
Oat Milk
Oat milk has quickly become the go-to non-dairy choice for coffee lovers. Naturally sweet, smooth, and mild in flavour, it won’t overpower your brew. Look for Barista versions, which are specially formulated with added fats and proteins for better frothing and blending.
Best for: Everyday lattes and cappuccinos. We recommend it with our Decaf or Half Caff blends for a beautifully balanced cup.
Other plant-based options
While oat milk takes the spotlight, almond, soy, and coconut milks are also worth experimenting with. Just remember - Barista editions usually deliver the best texture and integration with coffee.
Quick tips for coffee and milk pairing
- Go full-fat or Barista: Full-fat dairy or Barista plant milks give you the creamiest texture and smoothest flavour integration.
- Check the protein: Higher protein = better froth and a more stable foam. That’s why Barista blends are worth the extra cost.
- Test & Taste: Everyone’s palate is different. Experiment to see which milk best complements your favourite Moon Roast brew.
Find your perfect pour
At the end of the day, the best milk for your coffee is the one that suits your taste. Whether you’re drawn to the richness of whole milk, the balance of semi-skimmed or the smooth sweetness of oat milk, the right choice can elevate your coffee from good to exceptional.
So don’t be afraid to experiment - your perfect cup is just a pour away.
(If you’re local to the roastery, we highly recommend Cotteswold Barista Milk from Clarkes Dairy Ltd - a fantastic option for at-home baristas.)
