If you want to go dairy-free, then learning how to froth coconut milk should be your next step in making sure you can still enjoy all your favorite lattes and coffee drinks. Milk alternatives continue to soar in popularity with global consumption projected to reach nearly 11 billion kilograms by 2029. While less trendy than oat milk, it’s one of the easiest milk alternatives to find.
But as tasty as coconut milk is, frothing it for your daily espresso drinks is going to require a slightly different technique than regular milk. Our guide will walk you through a few different ways to do it as well as what some of the most common issues might be.
Does coconut milk froth well?
Yes, coconut milk can froth very well. Because it’s fattier than other nondairy milks, it can develop a nice foam for lattes and other espresso drinks fairly easily. That said, it’s still not going to behave quite the same as regular milk due to its lack of whey and casein, two proteins that help regular milk froth and stabilize its microfoam.
If you just want to give it a quick try, then using canned coconut milk isn’t a bad option. Just go for full fat and make sure it’s very thoroughly shaken. But if you decide you love the taste, then you’ll definitely want to grab barista blend coconut milk instead! It’s less prone to separating and contains stabilizers that help create a richer, more stable foam.
How to froth coconut milk without a frother
While it’s best to have a frother of some kind if you plan to make lattes regularly or want a more consistent foam, they’re not essential if you simply want to try out the technique for yourself. You likely won’t get the high-quality microfoam you find at cafes, but you can still make a delicious drink, maybe even with items you have on hand.
Word of warning: While coconut milk can froth, it’s not the best plant-based option for achieving microfoam especially if you’re using canned.
How to froth coconut milk with a jar
If you have a heat-resistant jar with a tight-fitting lid, then you can give frothing coconut milk a try. Here’s how:
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Warm the coconut milk on the stovetop until it's steaming but not boiling.
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Pour the heated milk into a heat-resistant jar, filling it no more than halfway to allow space for frothing.
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Secure the lid and shake the jar energetically for 30-60 seconds until the milk doubles in volume and becomes frothy.
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Remove the lid and microwave the jar for 30 seconds to stabilize the foam. Monitor closely to prevent overflow.
How to froth coconut milk with a whisk
Frothing by hand with a whisk is technically doable, but get ready for a real arm workout!
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Warm the milk until steaming but not boiling.
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Pour the milk into a large, heatproof bowl. Using a whisk, beat the milk energetically in a back-and-forth motion for 1-2 minutes until frothy.
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Pour the frothed milk into your beverage.
Note: This method may produce larger bubbles and a less creamy texture compared to mechanical methods. It’s also far more inconsistent.
How to froth coconut milk with a frother
Because coconut milk doesn’t froth the same way as dairy milk does, the best way to go about it is with the proper tools. Using the right tools will get you better, more consistent results with a lot less hassle in the end. Let’s take a look at your best options: handheld milk frothers and steam wands.
How to froth coconut milk with a handheld frother
A handheld frother is the perfect tool for the average consumer because it’s much easier to use while still producing a great result. They’re affordable, simple to operate, and usually battery-powered, which is what makes them so great for beginners. Plus, unlike steamers, handheld frothers can froth hot or cold milk, which, in some ways, makes them a little more versatile. That said, coconut milk froths better when warmed.
How to use a handheld frother
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Warm it in a saucepan or microwave (avoid boiling).
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If you do choose to use canned coconut milk, mix it well to prevent separation.
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Froth in short pulses instead of continuous blending — this prevents overheating.
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Start at the bottom, then gradually move the frother toward the surface to introduce air.
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Lower it back down to mix and create a creamy, consistent froth.
How to froth coconut milk with a steaming wand
Steam wands are the number one choice for professional and expert baristas. It’s what you’ll see used in cafes and restaurants and is what gives your latte that perfectly creamy texture.
How to use a steam wand
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Choose carton-based, barista-formulated coconut milk with stabilizers like gellan gum or soy lecithin.
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Pour the oat milk into a metal milk jug with a spout. The jug will make pouring your milk easier and it ensures it’s heat safe.
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Use a cold pitcher for better control over frothing.
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Don’t overfill—leave room for the milk to expand.
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Position the steam wand just below the surface and introduce air for 3-5 seconds.
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Submerge the wand slightly and swirl to create microfoam.
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Use a thermometer—coconut milk scalds more easily than dairy. Stick to 130-150°F.
Why isn’t my coconut milk frothing?
There are a few reasons why your coconut milk might not be frothing properly. Let’s review some of the most common reasons and solutions.
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Coconut milk is more difficult to froth. Its fattiness gives it a great creamy texture, but its foam is less stable making it more fickle to work with. If frustration is winning, it might be time to consider another nondairy alternative like oat milk.
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Froth your milk for longer. Because coconut milk is less stable, it can take a long time to develop a proper froth. Just keep going!
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Lower the temperature. When coconut milk is heated too much, it prompts its fats to separate and that doesn’t make for a very pretty or tasty drink. Never bring your coconut milk to boiling!
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Try blending it with another nondairy milk. If you add soy milk to your coconut milk, you might find you have an easier time developing your foam without losing the taste of the coconut milk you like.
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You’re using canned coconut milk. Just because it can technically be frothed doesn’t mean it’s the best option! A barista blend is necessary here.
Make the perfect coconut lattes with Pesado!
The coconut milk latte of your dreams is practically here, just build out your espresso setup with quality tools and accessories from Pesado. You’ll want to start with a professional-quality milk jug so you can get the perfect pour. But Pesado also makes everything from the distributors to the tampers to the portafilter itself! See what Pesado has to offer.
