Califia Farms - Original Almond Barista Blend Almond Milk 32 Oz Pack Of 6 Shelf Stable Dairy Free

After deciding to cut out regular milk, I spent some time searching for the perfect alternative to make my daily lattes at home. I tried several brands until I found this one. I first tried the regular version, but once I got my Breville espresso machine, I switched to the Barista Blend to see the difference and it’s been a game changer. It steams beautifully and creates a smooth, stable microfoam. I’m not a latte art pro, but I can still manage a few simple designs with this milk, which says a lot about its texture and consistency. The flavor is neutral, creamy, and blends perfectly with espresso without overpowering it. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves making café-style drinks at home. Read more

This is by far the best tasting almond milk that I have tried in my espresso drinks. I'm not a fan of almond milk because it usually tastes like paper or that soft papery shell around an almond nut instead of coffee. This does not have that taste. It does not foam for me as well as some other milks (soy and Ripple's pea protein milk does better), but it isn't bad. I was in search of a good almond milk since I am concerned about using soy (which for me is the absolute best in espresso drinks) and the pea protein just tasted kind of strange. So I will continue with this! Read more

My go-to almond milk for making cappuccinos and lattes! The quality is excellent, and the taste is smooth without being overly nutty, which is perfect for coffee drinks. One of the standout features is how well it steams—it creates a nice, creamy froth that holds up well without going flat quickly like other almond milks I've tried. It has a great consistency, making it easy to pour latte art too. Plus, it's unsweetened, so it doesn't overpower the flavor of my coffee. Overall, this is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a high-quality, barista-grade almond milk that performs well in hot drinks. Highly recommend! Read more

I very rarely leave negative reviews. This is an exception. To start with the positive, there is no issue with flavor, taste or usability for other purposes as mixing protein shakes. A product that purports to be a "barista blend" that "froths and steams remarkably well" should do precisely that. Because the product fails completely for its intended job, I gave it one star despite the otherwise good taste. I did two steaming runs in a Bellman 50SS Stovetop Steamer (this is sold on Amazon). The device functions exactly like a steam wand on an espresso machine. Using the same exact technique as I do when I steam anything else (i.e. using a proper pitcher, correctly angling the wand slightly off center, supporting it on the spout, keeping it just at or slightly below the surface to create the needed vortex, never exceeding 65C..), all it accomplished was heating the liquid. Any "foam" that formed dissipated in under five seconds leaving only a hot almond milk. This might work for adding to a filter/drip coffee or making an almond milk-based hot chocolate perhpas, but that's not what this product is marketed for. There is no head of foam that's suitable even for a cappuccino. Much less lattes with even the most rudimentary latte art. Lattes cannot be made with this product; it's simply impossible. I then tested it in a Bialetti Tuttocrema, also sold on Amazon. With this device you heat the liquid to 65C, then use a French Press style plunger with two discs at the bottom to froth the pre-heated liquid. The technique I use more than doubles the volume: 40 quick strokes top midway to bottom, followed by 40 long strokes at half the speed top all all the way to bottom. With this product, frothing is a total waste of time. Not one micro-bubble. Nothing. There is no froth at all. I don't know on what planet it froths remarkably well. It's not Earth. A complete failure, therefore, whether by proper steaming or by preheat/froth. Standard Unsweetened Almond Milk by contrast steams or froths similar to full fat cow's milk though the foam head as I'm doing it doesn't lend itself to latte art. At least, standard unsweetened almond milk works for cappuccinos. I can't speak about Almond Breeze's "barista" offering as I've never used it, but their standard almond milk steams, and froths to double the volume very easily. I'll take that over this any morning. I have 4 1/2 cartons left and they will be used for mixing protein shakes. The "barista" was promptly fired. Read more

This is a decent almond milk. It doesn't give as much of a nutty aftertaste as other soy milks that are easily accessible in a grocery store. In terms of frothers, I have tried various frothers and what not. It is important to note that this will not produce a large foam. And you will not be able to use the nespresso aerocino models with this milk in terms of foaming. It needs a higher temperature or a proper frothing wand-- this is key. You need to "pull the milk" properly with a frothing wand which is what this milk was designed to work with. The nespresso Creatista has a wand attachment and that will actually froth the milk. It won't be intense, but there will be some froth. If you want a non-wand frother, you can try the breville one on amazon. You can increase the temperature. This does not need to be refrigerated until opened, which is awesome. However, you should chill the milk before opening for the best froth. Starting at room temperature will not provide enough froth. Basically- if you want froth- chill this milk before use use a frother with a steaming wand it will not be a lot of froth but sufficient enough to make you feel like you're drinking a latte. Try increasing the heat settings on your apparatus if it doesn't work. Read more