Your guide to the best vegan dairy products from California farms

Almond milk seems like a new thing, but it’s actually quite old. In fact, it’s even mentioned in most medieval cookbooks – that’s how old it is. According to A doll of history, This was for a few reasons, but one was that pasteurization hadn’t been invented yet, so cow’s milk wasn’t as safe (raw milk can carry harmful bacteria, such as E.coli and listeria). Instead, people are turning to almond milk. And today, centuries after the Middle Ages, people still turn to almond milk. and oat milk. And coconut milk – the list goes on.

Today, many consumers have ditched cow’s milk for health reasons (read more here), but they are also concerned about the environment and animal welfare. And now, there are many brands ready to meet the demand by creating milk substitutes. The market is continuously growing; That will surpass $123 billion in value by 2030, according to some estimates.

But one of the most beloved dairy-free beverage brands on the market? It has to be Califia Farms. Known for its signature, vase-shaped bottles and creative flavors, the brand—which raised a landmark $225 million in funding in 2020—is going from strength to strength. Here’s more about Califia Farms, along with some of its best, delicious vegan products

What is Califia Farm?

Founded in 2010 by the late Greg Steltenpohl, California-based Califia Farms began as a juice brand. According to Forbes, the initial idea was to help reduce food waste by taking rejected “ugly” and unripe tangerines and then pressing them into a refreshing drink instead. It makes sense that Steltenpohl wanted to take the brand in this direction; 30 years before launching Califia Farms, he founded the popular fruit juice brand Odwalla.

But after noticing growing demand for plant-based milk drinks, the Steltenpohl Calif. farm shifted its focus from juice to dairy-free products, reports Mashed. And the brand went on to become one of the most popular brands in the vegan milk and creamer sphere. It not only produces almond milk, but also oat milk and creamer and coconut milk products.

Are California farms sustainable?

Since the early 2010s, Califia Farms has stayed true to its roots in sustainability.

It prioritizes the planet not only by avoiding dairy products (animal agriculture is a major cause of environmental problems such as emissions and deforestation) but also by emphasizing responsible ingredient sourcing. This is vital for a brand that produces almond milk, as this industry has also been associated with sustainable practices.

In addition, it is consistently striving to create a more eco-friendly supply chain by working towards goals such as more recyclable packaging and zero-waste production.

The best vegan products from California Farms

If you want to taste California Farms’ creamy dairy-free drink for yourself, good news: Its products are stocked in grocery stores across the United States. But which is the best? Arguably, they’re all delicious, but here are some of our favorites.

California farm

1 Toasted Coconut Nut Milk

If you can’t choose between coconut and almonds, Califia Farms says you don’t have to—this blended drink contains the best bits of both. It is soy-free, gluten-free, lower in calories than many other milk alternatives, and is a source of calcium. If you prefer your milk to come from just a single plant-based source, the brand has plenty of other oat, nut, and coconut-based choices.
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California farm

2 S’mores Oat Creamer

Sitting around the campfire, toasting and sharing stories is the best way to spend a summer evening, no doubt about it. But we can’t always Be outside in nature with our loved ones. This creamer from Califia Farms will give you that delicious taste of nostalgia without going anywhere. Sip on its own over ice or add it to a delicious latte.
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California farm

3 Cookie Butter Almond Creamer

Califia Farms is known for its range of creative, innovative creamer flavors, like S’mores Oat Creamer and this delicious Cookie Butter Almond Creamer. The delightful flavor is definitely at its best when mixed into an iced latte, but it’s also delicious in a milkshake (we recommend adding banana and cookie crumbs to the mix!).
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California farm

4 Vanilla Oat Barista Blend

While most of Califia Farm’s milks and creamers will taste great in coffee, its Barista Blend is specifically designed for steaming and frothing hot drinks. Think along the lines of flat whites, cappuccinos and lattes. While the brand has several options, including the Plain Oat Barista Blend and the Original Almond Barista Blend, we love the sweetness of this vanilla oat option.
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California farm

5 Pure Black Blonde Roast

Milky, creamy coffee is definitely indulgent. But sometimes, you can’t beat the taste of a rich and unsweetened cold brew coffee. This mellow blend from Califia Farms is designed to be enjoyed straight over ice, but if you prefer something stronger, there’s also a Pure Black Iced Coffee option and Pure Black Medium Roast.
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California farm

6 heavy whip

If you’re baking a delicious vegan dessert pie, arguably the best way to serve it is with a generous dose of whipped cream. While most whipped creams on the market are made with dairy, Califia Farms offers the perfect alternative in the form of its own Heavy Whip.
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California farm

7 Salted caramel with almond milk

If you’re not a fan of strong black coffee, but prefer pre-made caffeinated drinks, Califia Farms has you covered with its range of bottled lattes and mochas. This little bottle of Salted Caramel Almond Latte is perfectly creamy, sweet and indulgent and ideal for popping into your bag ready for a midday pick-me-up.
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