Cashew Milk vs. Almond Milk: Which Plant Milk Is Better for Your Coffee?

Quick answer

For a creamier, subtly sweet coffee, cashew milk is the better choice, especially if you want a rich texture without added sugars. Almond milk offers a lighter, nuttier flavor that works well in iced drinks or when you prefer a thinner consistency. Both are excellent clean options, but your pick depends on your taste and coffee style.

When you're standing in the plant milk aisle, cashew and almond milk are two of the most popular choices. Both are nut-based, unsweetened, and made with simple ingredients, but they behave differently in coffee. This guide breaks down the key differences—taste, texture, and how they perform in hot and iced drinks—so you can choose the right one for your morning cup.

We'll compare them using real product details from Elmhurst 1925, a brand known for its clean, minimal-ingredient plant milks. You'll learn which one is creamier, which one steams better, and how to match them to your favorite coffee drinks.

Taste and Texture: Creamy Cashew vs. Light Almond

Cashew milk is naturally creamier because cashews have a higher fat content and a softer, buttery texture when blended. This makes it ideal for coffee drinks where you want a rich mouthfeel without needing to add extra cream or sweetener. Almond milk, on the other hand, has a thinner consistency and a more pronounced nutty flavor that can sometimes overpower the coffee's taste.

In terms of sweetness, both are unsweetened, but cashew milk has a subtle natural sweetness that complements coffee's bitterness. Almond milk tends to be more neutral, letting the coffee's flavor shine through. If you enjoy a nuttier taste, almond milk is a good match; if you prefer a smoother, creamier cup, cashew milk is the way to go.

• For a latte with a velvety texture, choose cashew milk.
• For a light, refreshing iced coffee, almond milk works well.

How They Perform in Hot and Iced Coffee

When heated, cashew milk's higher fat content helps it create a smooth, stable foam, making it a great choice for cappuccinos and lattes. It's less likely to separate or curdle when added to hot coffee. Almond milk, while it can froth, tends to produce a thinner foam and may be more prone to separation, especially if the coffee is very acidic.

In iced coffee, both work well, but almond milk's lighter texture keeps the drink refreshing and not too heavy. Cashew milk adds a creamier body that can make an iced latte feel more indulgent. If you're making a cold brew, either works, but consider the flavor profile you want: nutty and light (almond) or creamy and smooth (cashew).

• Heat cashew milk gently to avoid scalding, as it can thicken.
• Shake almond milk well before use, as it may separate during storage.

Nutrition and Ingredients: Keeping It Clean

Both cashew and almond milk from Elmhurst 1925 are made with minimal ingredients. For example, their Unsweetened Hazelnut Milk contains just hazelnuts and water, and while that's a different nut, it shows the brand's commitment to simplicity. Similarly, their Unsweetened Oat Milk uses only oats and water. This philosophy means you get a clean product without gums or emulsifiers.

When comparing cashew and almond milk specifically, cashew milk often has a slightly higher fat content, which contributes to its creamy texture. Almond milk is typically lower in calories and fat, making it a lighter option. Both are vegan, dairy-free, and free from artificial flavors, so you can feel good about either choice.

• Check the ingredient list to ensure no added sugars or fillers.
• If you're watching calories, almond milk is usually the lighter pick.

Trade-offs to Consider

• Creaminess: Cashew milk is naturally creamier due to its higher fat content, giving a rich mouthfeel. Almond milk is lighter and thinner. Choose cashew for a latte-like texture; almond for a lighter cup.
• Flavor Profile: Cashew has a subtle sweetness and mild nuttiness, while almond has a more pronounced nutty taste that can compete with coffee. If you prefer a neutral base, go with cashew; if you like nutty notes, almond works.
• Performance in Hot Coffee: Cashew milk froths better and is less likely to curdle, making it ideal for hot lattes. Almond milk may separate in acidic coffee. For hot drinks, cashew is more reliable; for iced, almond is fine.

Product Facts at a Glance

• Unsweetened Hazelnut Milk: Just hazelnuts and water deliver an especially pure experience of this favorite tree nut. Made with 2 ingredients – hazelnuts and water. No added gums or emulsifiers. This shows the brand's clean approach, which applies to their other nut milks like cashew and almond, ensuring you get a simple, unadulterated product.
• Unsweetened Oat Milk: Made with just oats and water that delivers a full serving of whole grain in simpler, better form. No added gums or emulsifiers. While not a nut milk, this highlights the brand's minimal-ingredient philosophy, so you can trust that their almond and cashew milks are equally clean.

Which One Should You Choose?

Best for

• Cashew milk is best for anyone who wants a creamy, barista-style texture in their coffee without added sugar or thickeners.
• Almond milk is best for those who prefer a lighter, nuttier flavor and are making iced coffee or smoothies.

Not for

• If you dislike a strong nutty taste, almond milk might not be for you.
• If you need a milk that steams perfectly for cappuccinos, almond milk may disappoint.

In the cashew vs. almond milk debate, there's no single winner—it all comes down to your coffee habits. Cashew milk offers a creamier, more indulgent experience that elevates hot lattes, while almond milk provides a light, nutty alternative perfect for iced drinks. Both are clean, simple choices from Elmhurst 1925, so you can feel good about either. Try both and see which one makes your morning cup sing.