For a long time, coffee drinkers have been known to reduce the raw taste of black coffee with common additives such as milk and cream. Creamer can also be used as an alternative additive and it can be totally frothed. In this article, I’ll show you how to froth creamer.
Contents
How to Froth Creamer
Frothing creamer can be done following a number of various methods, all guaranteed to produce desired results. For instance, you could use a whisk at home, a milk frother, or even an espresso machine, among others.
With a Whisk
Using a whisk is one of the easiest and most traditional means to froth creamer and you would very likely have one in your kitchen. So, if you’re not looking to purchase an appliance, a whisk is a go-to and readily available tool that can get the job done.
- Pour your creamer into a bowl and warm it up on a stove or microwave.
- Take it out and begin whisking. Whisk evenly for about a minute. And there you have it!
You should have little microfoams like you do when whisking eggs. Although this method may not produce microfoams as a coffee shop would, the process is simple and remarkably smooth.
With a Milk Frother
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, then you must be familiar with the handheld milk frother. It is an amazing tool that easily creates frothy foams. Just as you can use a milk frother for milk, you can also use coffee creamer in a milk frother.
- For this method, if you choose to use a powdered creamer, you have to dissolve it using hot water.
- Next, insert the wand into the liquid/dissolved creamer, push the button and move it up and down. This process takes about three minutes and you’ll have a perfect froth.
- However, if you love hot foam, you’ll have to warm your liquid creamer as this method doesn’t heat the foam.
With a French Press
With a French press, you can almost achieve a coffee shop creamy texture and it is quite straightforward than other techniques. You would be needing a French press for this method.
- Warm up your creamer following the method above and pour it into your French Press.
- Replace the lid, cover it tightly and pump up and down for about a minute and voila, you will have perfectly frothed milk.
You can also check the foam consistency as you keep pumping to ensure you have your desired foam milk texture.
With Home Espresso Machines
For coffee lovers who can’t go without a cup a day, the espresso machine is for you. Home espresso machines come with a little steaming wand that can effectively steam creamer. The process of using an espresso machine is pretty easy as the machine does most of the work:
- Pour a little amount of liquid creamer into a jug
- Tip the jug towards an angle and place the top edge of the wand just under the surface of the creamer.
- Turn on the wand and allow air in for about 5 seconds
- Dip the wand fully into the liquid until it gets frothy
- Take out the frothed creamer and into your coffee.
This method is exceptionally efficient and produces reliable results. It also warms your creamer while frothing it.
With a Mason Jar
As unbelievable as it may sound, you can use a simple mason jar to froth creamer for your coffee at home. This technique is equally inexpensive and easy as using a whisk. Plus, you don’t have to spend money on a new appliance, all you need is a mason jar.
- Fill the creamer halfway up your jar.
- Put the lid back on and tighten it, then shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds. This should give you a soft foamy texture.
- To heat it, place the jar in a microwave for 40 seconds.
- Remove the lid and use a spoon to scoop out the microfoams onto your coffee.
What Creamer Type Should I Use?
A creamer’s ability to froth is dependent on the type of creamer you choose to use. Generally, creamers are in liquid or powder form with both forms containing casein – a protein supplement with an amino acid that is crucial for the body. Liquid creamer, for example, froths better than powdered creamer.
It’s important to note that creamers are filled with lots of refined sugar which can be considered unhealthy. However, there are varieties of sugar-free creamers, ensure you check the nutrition guide before you make a choice. Your choice of creamer is solely dependent on your preference as well as what you reckon would provide you with the best results.
Basically, there are two main categories of creamers:
- Liquid creamer
- Powdered creamer
For vegetarians, there is also the option of plant-based creamers.
Liquid Creamer
Liquid creamer is diluted. It consists of casein, sugar, flavors, and vegetable oil. They are available in a vast number of flavors including cookie flavor, hazelnut, and french vanilla. They are typically found in the dairy section of a grocery store and are also available in low-fat and sugar-free choices.
Powdered Creamer
Powdered creamer is pretty much like liquid creamer. The only exception is that it is in powder form. It also contains essential nutrients and is available in similar flavors to the aforementioned creamer. Just like adding milk, powdered coffee creamer dissolves naturally into coffee and becomes cloudy.
Additionally, powdered creamer lasts longer, for up to 2 or 3 years, compared to liquid creamer.
Plant-based Creamer
Plant-based creamers are considered the healthiest of the trio. They are scientifically proven to be healthier as they contain no casein. Plant-based creamers are made from non-dairy products such as almonds, soy, and oats. Also, they share an identical taste to other creamers plus it can be frothed just like regular milk and cream.
Coffee Creamer vs Milk and Milk Substitute
Despite the fact that coffee creamer can be used interchangeably with milk, there are major differences between them. To begin with, coffee creamer has a thicker and creamier texture than milk which is evident in its taste and depth. In addition, it is available in multiple exciting flavors compared to milk’s neutral taste.
Coffee creamers are lactose-free and this makes them ideal for people who are lactose intolerant. It’s a better source of calories, contains a high level of sugar, and therefore tends to be sweeter than milk. Unlike milk, you don’t require an additional sweetener for coffee creamer. However, milk is healthier and contains less fat and sugar.
Lastly, coffee creamers have a longer shelf life than milk. Frozen unopened liquid coffee creamer can last up to 4 months and when opened, they last up to 2 weeks. Powdered creamer, on the other hand, is relatively durable and can last up to 30 days upon opening. Milk has a smaller window and expires quicker; it lasts 4-7 days.
Related Questions
Can You Use Plant-Based Creamers After They Expire?
Yes, you can use plant-based creamers after they expire. Plant-based creamers, also known as non-dairy creamers, if properly stored, can be used after their expiration date. There are chances it may be bad before expiration or good after expiration. To be on the safe side, simply run a safety check by smelling and tasting the creamer before use.
Conclusion
You can conveniently froth creamer from your home with the simplest of tools and easiest of the techniques. All you require is a common kitchen appliance and any of the methods stated above. Ensure you choose a technique that’s fairly easy to use and produces your desired outcome.
