Coffee Bean Now Offers Califia Farms’ Almond Milk

Coffee chain The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf announced this week its partnership with vegan milk brand Califia Farms. Participating locations of Coffee Bean will now offer Califia’s Barista Blend Almond Milk that is made using blanched almonds to create a creamier texture than other plant-based milks. “It blends really well with our coffees and teas to craft great-tasting, dairy-free beverages for our guests,” Coffee Bean Director of New Product Innovation Nurit Raich said. Brian Lovejoy, general manager of coffee at Califia Farms, revealed that the blend was developed in close collaboration with baristas in order to optimize foam structure to create steamed milk that can compete with its dairy counterpart. In addition to soy and almond-coconut milks the company also offers, Califia’s Barista Blend can be used in place of dairy for drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, but the flavored powders at Coffee Bean all contain a dairy derivative. Last week, coffee chain Peet’s Coffee debuted a new Pumpkin Spice Latte that can be made vegan by adding coconut milk and coconut-based whipped cream topping.