Dairy alternatives for tea guide: plant-based options for a perfect brew

Is there anything better than that first sip of your morning brew? We think not. And with more and more of us choosing to swap cow’s milk for plant-based dairy alternatives in our tea, those cuppas are getting mighty tasty.

You might be looking for an alternative milk for tea as part of a vegan diet, to cut out lactose, or simply for the taste of it. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help you find the best dairy alternative for your tea so you can enjoy all the deliciousness of plant-based drinks.

Ready? Let’s brew this!

Why choose plant-based drinks for tea?

There are plenty of reasons you might be considering dairy alternatives for your tea. Some of the most common are:

• Choosing drinks for a vegan diet.
• A lactose intolerance.
• A cow’s milk protein allergy.
• Wanting to reduce your environmental impact.
• Looking for healthier dairy alternatives.
• Supporting animal welfare.

Whatever your reason, we salute you!
 

Alpro’s plant-based options for tea

At Alpro, plant-based products are kind of our thing, and we want you to have the best dairy alternative for your tea. We pour all our efforts into giving you a range of delicious flavours and textures for the most satisfying plant-based brew.

All Alpro drinks are 100% vegan and lactose-free, perfect for plant-based diets. Many are also fortified with essential nutrients, like calcium and vitamins B2, B12, and D2, to help meet nutrient intakes, whether you use them in your cuppa, in your cooking, or even in your baking.

Let’s take a look at Alpro’s plant-based dairy alternatives to help you find the very best dairy-free alternative for your tea.

Alpro Soya Drink

Alpro Soya is a true classic. With a delightfully creamy texture and a mild, subtle taste, it could be the dairy alternative for tea that tastes just like the one you know and love.

Alpro Almond Drink

For a little something extra, treat your tea to a splash of superbly smooth Alpro Almond. We lightly roast our Mediterranean almonds to really bring out their deliciously nutty flavour. Combine this with the deep and rich notes of your tea, and you’ve got yourself a seriously tasty blend.

Alpro Oat Drink

Alpro Oat has a smooth and silky texture that’s matched only by its unbelievably creamy taste. It’s rare for Alpro Oat to curdle, meaning that you can pour it out to your heart’s content.

Alpro Oat drink is a good source of fibre, which is important as 96% of Brits don’t consume enough fibre¹. Whilst it’s vegan-friendly and lactose-free, those toasty oats mean that our oat drinks in tea aren’t suitable if you’re following a gluten-free diet.

Alpro Coconut Drink

Tea and coconut dairy alternatives really are a match made in tropical heaven. Alpro Coconut is another plant-based favourite for your morning or afternoon cup of tea, thanks to its fresh taste and creamy texture, which adds an extra fragrant flavour to classic tea blends.

Alpro Hazelnut Drink

Alpro Hazelnut could be the best plant-based dairy alternative for your tea if you like a rich and indulgent nutty taste. Despite its velvety texture, Alpro Hazelnut is also naturally low in saturated fat².

Which will make the cut for your cuppa?

Explore the full range of Alpro drinks

How to brew the perfect plant-based cuppa

The perfect cup of tea looks different to everyone. Whether you like a strong and full of flavour or you prefer yours milky and sweet, we don’t judge. Just like using cow’s milk, brewing up a cuppa with plant-based dairy alternatives is an art, and your taste might not be the same as anyone else’s.

That being said, there are still some tricks you can use to get the best out of your dairy alternative for tea.

Preventing curdling in plant-based drinks

One thing that’s worth knowing about plant-based dairy alternatives is that they’re more likely to split or curdle if you add them straight into a boiling hot cup of tea. But there’s no use crying over plant-based milk, especially when there are easy ways to keep the creamy consistency you’re looking for.

You could:

• Add your plant-based drink into your tea slowly to allow it to heat up gradually.
• Gradually warm your milk alternative on the hob at a low heat or in the microwave before adding it to your tea.
• Use barista-style dairy alternatives, which are less likely to curdle.

Tips for taste and texture

If you’re just dipping your toe into the world of plant-based dairy alternatives for tea, here are our tips for finding a taste and texture you’ll love.

• For a taste and texture that’s closest to cow’s milk, try soya.
• For a toastier, almost biscuit-y flavour, try oat drink in tea.
• For a creamier, more tropical taste, go with tea and coconut drink, or add it to your coffee.
• If you’re nuts for nuts, try your tea with almond or hazelnut drink.
• Start with a small amount of your chosen plant-based dairy alternative in your brew and add more if you like the flavour.
• Preheat your dairy alternative or pour it slowly into your tea to avoid splitting.
• Try using different types of tea with different plant-based drinks to find your favourite combos.

Frequently asked questions

What plant-based drinks taste best in tea?

This is really down to your personal taste, but lots of people think soya is the closest match to cow’s milk in tea. Try different flavours to find your fave!

How do I stop plant-based drinks from curdling?

To stop your dairy alternatives from curdling or splitting, pour them slowly into your tea or warm them up a little first.

Are Alpro drinks suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! Alpro Almond, Coconut, Soy and Hazelnut are all gluten-free. However, Alpro Oat isn’t suitable for gluten-free diets.

Which Alpro drink is best for frothy tea or lattes?

The Alpro Barista range is made especially for frothing and comes in a delicious range of fabulous flavours (it’s super creamy, too).

How can I heat my oat drink without it curdling?

Warm oat drinks gradually in short bursts in the microwave or on a low temperature on the hob to prevent them from curdling.

Can you put oat drinks in tea?

T-oat-ally! Alpro Oat tastes great in tea, and adds a toasty, almost biscuity flavour to your brew.

Can you put soya drinks in tea?

Yes you can! Alpro Soya’s delicate flavour and light texture make it one of the best dairy alternatives for tea if you’re looking for that classic taste.

REFERENCES:

1. Gov.UK Office for Health Improvement & Disparities. National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2019 to 2023 [online 2025]. Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-diet-and-nutrition-survey-2019-to-2023/national-diet-and-nutrition-survey-2019-to-2023-report. [Accessed April 2026]
2. NHS (2023). How to eat less saturated fat [online] Available at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eat-less-saturated-fat/ [Accessed February 2026]