Dairy Free Coffee Lattes can be hit or miss. So we went to all the stores in our area and got anything we could find to do an Honest taste test and review of all of them. The following is what we found.
Why do an Honest Review of Dairy Free Coffee Lattes
Well there is a huge connection between Celiac’s disease, Gluten Sensitivity (also known as Gluten Intolerance) and a corresponding dairy issue. As a rule, we try to keep most of our baked goods dairy free. It just makes it easier for everyone. We do not sacrifice taste to achieve this. Why would we?
As gluten comes with dairy issues, more than half our staff is dairy free in addition to gluten free. We have all tried the dairy free milks, and wow, that is something else. So when we realized we could no longer get our default Starbuck’s caramel frappacino at the local Stewart’s store, we felt it might be time to do a little taste test of any locally available dairy free coffee latte’s.
What is included in our “Oat Milk” Olympics?
Three brands of canned coffee latte’s were available locally for the competition. We rated them on Taste, Packaging and Value. The brands included are: Emma Chamberlain, Slate, and Pop & Bottle. Starbuck’s would have been included with their Oat Milk frappacino’s, but they were sold out here and they are something we already have tried and rejected out of hand for the taste. They were a no go for us.
Most of these drinks included Oat Milk. I am not a huge fan of Oat milk. It leaves what I can only describe as a horrible after taste. So I was not excited to see so much Oat milk in the test. There is lactose free milk, almond milk, oat milk and probably more. Yowza. I was sceptical to say the least.
Down to the Test of Dairy Free Coffee Lattes
The Olympics began first thing in the morning as this is a lot of caffeine to consume. We tried everyone, sometimes twice. It was a pretty mixed bag so to speak. Some, we really loved. Others, not so much. In the end, we were kind of wired up. As usual, I forgot about my caffeine allergy until the caffeine hit. I keep benadryl in the house, so it was safe.
Who Won Based on Packaging?
Pop & Bottle won overall on the packaging. Although Emma Chamberlain’s designs were absolutely adorable and fun, Pop & Bottle’s Classic Styling, typeface choices and just plain clean design won big time.
I personally gave Emma Chamberlain’s design high marks for the cuteness, but I did not win out over the other voters. The Cinnamon bun design was over the top and my personal favorite. I really wanted this brand to win.
Slate, did not fare well, we found the text hard to read. The design was just a little boring and the color choices made the text even more difficult to distinguish.
Who Won Based on Value?
This category was very hard for multiple reasons, and we struggled.
Our breakdown is –
Value Per Ounce:
- Emma Chamberlain. An 11.8 ounce can is roughly 3.19 – or .27 per ounce
- Pop & Bottle – an 8 ounce can is roughly 2.98 or .37 per ounce
- Slate – a 12 ounce bottle is roughly 3.29 or .275 per ounce
Value For Nutrition:
- Slate – each has 20g protein, 0g added sugar, and 1g net carbs. That protein with no sugar could really make it a winner. Perfect for those on a Keto diet – or people working out who really need that extra protein.
- Emma Chamberlain – this group had the largest amount of calories. What we loved about this brand was that it was uncomplicated and delicious. It did not have anything specific to through it over the top for nutrition, but it is awfully good coffee. We loved that Emma’s Coffees are based on her own recipes.
Who Won Based on Flavor?
1. Pop & Bottle – Caramel (9.66 out of 10) (80mg caffeine)
2. Emma Chamberlain – Salted Caramel (9.33 out of 10) (70mg caffeine)
3. Emma Chamberlain – Mocha (6.33 out of 10) (70mg caffeine)
4. Pop & Bottle – Matcha (6.33 out of 10) (80mg caffeine)
5. Pop & Bottle – Mocha (6.33 out of 10) (80mg caffeine)
6. Pop & Bottle – Vanilla (6.33 out of 10) (80mg caffeine)
7. Slate – Dark Chocolate Milk Shake (why not?) (3.6 out of 10) (no caffeine)
8. Emma Chamberlain – Cinnamon Bun (2.33 out of 10) (70mg caffeine)
9. Slate – Vanilla (1.33 out of 10) (175mg caffeine – yes it does!)
10. Emma Chamberlain – Vanilla (.83 out of 10) (70mg caffeine)
So Exactly Who Won the Dairy Free Coffee Lattes Olympics?
I was shocked really. I had never heard of Pop & Bottle and it absolutely hands down won. It won Packaging, and it cleaned up with the Flavor.
Less is more. The caffeine content of Emma Chamberlain’s 11.8 ounce coffee is only 70mg. Alot of caffeine for someone who is allergic, but the amount is little enough to consume as long as I only have one. For me, the scores for Pop&Bottle Caramel vs Emma Chamberlain’s Salted Caramel were the same. Each got a 10 from me, and I almost never give 10’s. Their tastes just blew me away. I know I can drink either one. Very, Very happily!
Other Articles of Interest:
Yes! Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity is Real
How to Deal with a Gluten ExposureCrossover Reactions – Gluten May Not Be All You are Reacting To
For More Information:
Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Extravaganza – an entire website devoted to Emma’s Favorite things
Pop & Bottle’s Amazing site – These ladies are really doing it right!
Slate Protein Drinks – perfect for those looking for a lactose free protein drink