Califia Farms - Original Almond Barista Blend Almond Milk 32 Oz (Pack Of 6), Shelf Stable, Dairy Free, Plant Based, Vegan, Gluten Free, Non GMO, High Calcium, Milk Frother, Creamer

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.

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!

I had the best iced coffee at a hipster cafe in my neighborhood, so I asked them to show me what type of almond milk they use and it was this Califa Farms barista style. I hunted it down on Amazon after not being able to find it anywhere in my local health food stores. This almond milk is unsweetened, is very creamy and blends well with the coffee. It is not as thick as dairy cream so you do have to use a bit more, however it is thicker than the Califa Farms regular Almond milk that I also sometimes buy. I have tried a few brands of plant based cream and have not liked them. Most options come already sweetened, which is strange. The Califa coconut milk version is ok if you love coconut flavor all the time, but it wasn’t my cup of tea, so I prefer this almond milk. In the past I didn’t have much luck with almond milk in hot coffee, as it didn’t seem to heat well, however the few times I had hot coffee beverages with this Califa Farm barista Almond milk creamer I have not had any issues. It doesn’t taste weird or disintegrate in hot beverages. It has been hot out so I have mostly been having iced coffee, which is perfect right now! And honestly, I cannot wait to try it with Thai iced tea someday.

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.

I love this product and use it frequently in coffee, smoothies and even recipes; it adds a nice nutty flavor. It foams up nicely in my Instant Milk Frother (which is also a great product..highly recommend). I have this set up on autoship and have had one of those orders returned to seller and several of them that have arrived with boxes damaged so badly that some of the containers were dented or the corners were crushed. Most recently I ordered an additional shipment of it since I was traveling and would run out before I returned. Well it has been returned to the seller so I will try again but at this point I am seriously considering looking for another source. I love the product but the unreliability of Amazon and their partners is what will force me to seek an alternative source.

I have this most mornings in my tea so like buying bulk when it's an item I use daily. This has been a good product and I am able to use the entire container before it goes bad which is not the case with some creamers.

No hace nada de espuma en la máquina barista es la misma que pusieras una de almendra normal

Buen sabor a almendra y cremosa

sabe horrible

No espuma y el sabor es muy fuerte