What Is Cold Foam?

I’ve already gone on record as a black coffee guy. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll get an iced black coffee if I’m feeling rich. I know this makes me sound like a geriatric, but whenever I look at a Starbucks menu, I become frightened and confused. Then someone comes up to me and says, “Sir, are you okay?” because I accidentally knocked over all the coffee stirrers. Anyway, what was I saying? Oh, right. What is cold foam?!

What is cold foam?

Cold foam is a milk-based topping for iced coffee beverages. It’s like the chilled version of the steamed milk that tops a cappuccino or latte. Starbucks didn’t invent cold foam but they sure as heck popularized it. They had a wide release of the technique in 2018. The neat little trick with cold foam is that it rests on top of the cold coffee so you get milky goodness in each sip. Which, to me, a black coffee drinker, sounds like hell.

How do you make cold foam?

The simplest way to make cold foam is to put cold milk in a blender and ratchet it up to high. This process aerates the milk, creating a light, velvety texture that is slightly more solid than milk right from the carton.

Starbucks inserts a lot of flavorings into their cold foams. They often pump vanilla syrup in the milk before foaming, and the same can be done with pretty much any of their syrups. That’s how things like Peppermint Chocolate Cream Cold Foam or Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Foam appear on their menus. And it’s those combinations of words that causes my brain to malfunction and I wind up on the Starbucks floor surrounded by teens who know far too much about coffee for their age.

Does cold foam have dairy?

If you’d asked me ten years ago, I’d probably say it had soap in it. You know, cuz…foam. But yeah, cold foam it’s milk-based. Of course, as with many things these days, there are vegan dupes out there. This one is made with aquafaba, aka chickpea water.

Is cold foam just whipped cream?

How dare you not know the difference between cold foam and whipped cream?! Is what every gen alpha person is screaming at me right now. Please, show mercy, my knees hurt so much!
Whipped cream and cold foam are similar—they’re both aerated dairy products. But there are some differences. Cold foam is traditionally made with nonfat milk (it helps with the bubbles). Whipped cream, on the other hand, is made with cream. And, because of that, whipped cream is thicker and more stable. Unlike my feeble bones.


About the Author

Luke Field

Luke Field is a writer and actor originally from Philadelphia. He was the former Head Writer of branded content at CollegeHumor and was also a contributing writer and actor to the CollegeHumor Originals cast. He has extensive improv and sketch stage experience, performing both at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and with their Touring Company. In addition to writing, he also works as a Story Producer, most recently on season 4 of Accident, Suicide, or Murder on Oxygen. Keep your eyes peeled for his brief but impactful appearance as Kevin, the screaming security guard, in the upcoming feature The Disruptors, directed by Adam Frucci.

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