Alpro plant-based milk is far more than just a standard milk alternative. Oat drink, almond drink, soya drink, barista varieties, desserts and plant-based cooking cream all differ in ingredients, allergens, nutritional values, pack sizes and intended use. If you only look out for terms like "creamy", "barista" or "no added sugar", you could easily end up with the wrong option.
This buying guide shows what vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, coffee lovers and households with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy should look out for.
With an almond drink that has no added sugar, the sugar content according to the nutritional table can be 0 g per 100 ml. Other products, however, contain sugar or naturally have a higher carbohydrate content due to their recipe. That's why you shouldn't rely solely on the front of the packaging. What really matters is the "of which sugars" per 100 ml information and the ingredients list.
A standard Alpro oat drink can be suitable for muesli, smoothies or cooking. For cappuccino and latte macchiato, however, a barista recipe is usually more practical. It often contains ingredients such as oil, pea protein or stabilisers, which are designed to give a different consistency when heated and frothed. An oat drink for frothing should also not be heated too much. For the Alpro Barista Oat Drink, for example, a temperature below 65 °C is recommended.
An Alpro value pack with 8 × 1 L or 8 × 500 ml can be convenient for households with regular consumption. However, once opened, the products must be kept refrigerated and used within the time stated on the packaging. If your consumption is low, a smaller pack might therefore be a better fit for your actual needs.
"Plant-based" does not mean allergen-free. An Alpro oat drink typically contains oats and therefore gluten-containing grains. An Alpro almond drink contains almonds and may carry warnings about traces of other nuts. An Alpro soya drink is unsuitable for anyone with a soya allergy.
Before buying, you should compare the following information:
If you have a medically relevant allergy, you should always refer to the current packaging label.
For breakfast, mild varieties such as Alpro Oat Drink Original, Almond Drink or Oat & Almond Drink are versatile. Depending on the product, they work well for muesli, coffee, smoothies and baking recipes. An Alpro Barista Drink, on the other hand, is designed for coffee-based drinks. If you're looking for a plant-based cooking cream for sauces or soups, choose a Cuisine variety. According to the product information, the Alpro Soy Cooking Cream Cuisine is not suitable for whipping, but is intended for cooking, baking and sauces.
Desserts should also be chosen according to the occasion: the Alpro Soya Desserts Vanilla and Dark Chocolate come in individual portions and are ready to eat. Their nutritional values differ from those of an unsweetened plant-based drink.
Unopened drinks can be stored at room temperature, depending on the product. Once opened, they need to go in the fridge. Several product labels state that they should be consumed within about five days; the specific instructions on the pack take priority.
For daily coffee in a one-person household, a 500 ml barista pack may be sufficient. Families, offices or households that have muesli and coffee every day could benefit from 8-packs or 12-packs. With value packs, you should also check whether you have enough storage space and whether the best-before date fits your consumption.
Why this product fits the profile: The 1-litre pack is designed for breakfast, coffee, smoothies as well as cooking and baking. It offers a versatile foundation for getting started with plant-based drinks.
The product information lists specific uses and 1.4 g of fibre per 100 ml. This allows you to make your choice based on ingredients and nutritional values rather than just marketing claims.
10.5 % oats in the oat base, plus calcium and vitamins B2, B12 and D2 according to the product description.
Why this product fits the profile: For households with regular coffee consumption, this pack combines eight 1-litre units with a recipe that, according to the product information, is designed for hot and cold frothing.
The recommended temperature below 65 °C and the need to refrigerate after opening are clearly stated. This helps you plan the barista function realistically.
1.0 g of fibre per 100 ml, plus calcium and vitamins B2, B12 and D according to the product information.
Why this product fits the profile: The small 250 ml pack is ideal for individual sauces, soups, baking recipes and dishes, without having to open a large quantity.
The product description explicitly states that the Cuisine alternative is not suitable for whipping. This means it won't be mistaken for a whipped cream alternative.
Intended for cooking, baking, sauces and soups; contains 15 g of fat and 2 g of protein per 100 ml according to the product information.
We've put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations in force in the EU.
For coffee with a nutty flavour, an Alpro Barista Almond or Alpro Almond Drink Roasted could be suitable. However, if you have a nut allergy, these products are not appropriate. An Alpro Barista Coconut can be an alternative for those who prefer a coconut flavour; according to the product information, it contains coconut and pea protein.
An Alpro soya drink provides 3 g of protein per 100 ml according to the stated nutritional values. If you're looking for portion-sized drinks on the go, you could check out the Alpro Proteindrink Chocolate in a 15-pack. For vegan desserts, varieties including Vanilla and Dark Chocolate are available in 4 × 125 g packs. Flavoured products should be compared carefully with unsweetened varieties because of their respective sugar levels.
For milk froth and coffee specialities, barista products are the ones to go for. According to the product information, the Alpro Barista Oat Drink can be frothed hot or cold. You should follow the recommended temperature and the instructions about shaking. A standard oat or almond drink can work in coffee, but it won't necessarily produce the same foam.
That depends on the individual pack. Several of the products mentioned should be refrigerated after opening and consumed within five days. Always check the specific manufacturer's instructions, seal the carton carefully and store it in the fridge.
Many Alpro drinks are described as lactose-free and plant-based. Nevertheless, you should check the current labelling on the specific product. For a milk allergy, "lactose-free" alone is not enough, as a milk allergy is not the same as lactose intolerance. You also need to consider the relevant allergens such as soya, almonds or oats.