What does milk-based coffee mean?

Milk-based coffee refers to espresso-based drinks that include steamed or textured milk. Classics like lattes, flat whites and cappuccinos balance the boldness of espresso with the creaminess of milk, creating a smooth and flavourful cup.

What are milk-based coffee beans?

Milk-based coffee beans are blends roasted to complement milk’s natural sweetness and texture. At ONA Coffee, our milk-based blends are masterfully crafted to enhance chocolate, caramel, nut and berry notes, ensuring a rich, well-balanced cup with milk.

Is Unwind a good coffee blend for milk-based coffee?

Absolutely! Unwind is a decaf blend designed to deliver a specialty coffee experience without caffeine, making it an excellent coffee base for milky coffee types. Its smooth chocolate and soft orange notes blend beautifully with milk, creating a rich, well-balanced cup. Whether you prefer a latte, flat white, or cappuccino, Unwind offers the best coffee with milk for those looking to enjoy a full-flavoured experience without the buzz.

Coffee Beans For Milk-Based Coffee

Great coffee meets creamy perfection

Whether you're crafting a silky latte or a bold flat white, specialty beans make all the difference. Explore ONA Coffee’s range, expertly roasted to shine in milk-based coffee, balancing sweetness, body and depth in every cup.

from $70.00~~$71.50~~

Milk-Blend Bundle

Weight: 200g

from $24.00

Raspberry Candy

Size: 200g

from $17.50

Maple

Size: 200g

from $17.50

Aspen

Weight: 200g

from $19.00

Gateway

Weight: 200g

from $22.00

Unwind

Weight: 200g

from $29.50

La Esperanza, Costa Rica, Natural

Weight: 200g

Top milk-based coffee bean blends to try

• Aspen — The ultimate chocolate lover’s blend. Decadent and smooth, Aspen fuses velvety chocolate, roasted hazelnuts and malt, making it an irresistible choice for milk-based coffees.

• Maple — Your go-to, full-bodied classic, and one of Sydney’s most preferred blends. Rich, bold and beautifully balanced, this traditional-style blend features caramel, biscuit, nut and spice notes that are perfect for those who enjoy coffee and milk for everyday drinking.

• Gateway — An invitation to elevate your coffee types with milk. Sweet and creamy with notes of chocolate truffle and mixed berries, this blend is like a black forest cake – ideal for those seeking the best coffee with milk for a smooth, balanced cup.

• Raspberry Candy — A game-changer in specialty coffee, taking every sip to the next level. Inspired by the 2015 World Barista Championship, this blend delivers a sweet berry taste with creamy white chocolate notes, creating an indulgent experience in milky, coffee-type drinks.

Roasting and Grinding — how we get the best from our milk-based coffee beans

ONA Coffee’s milk-based roasts are individually tailored to enhance sweetness, body and balance, ensuring they complement your choice of milk’s natural creaminess — be it whole milk, oat or almond. This careful and custom roasting approach brings out rich chocolate, caramel and nutty notes that offer a lingering sweetness, making every sip smooth and satisfying.

Grinding Tips

1. Start with a finer grind — For espresso-based milk coffee drinks, use a fine grind to ensure proper extraction. This helps create a rich, well-rounded cup with depth and sweetness. Pro tip: the consistency would be similar to sand

2. Dial in your extraction — If your coffee tastes sour or weak, the grind may be too coarse. If it’s bitter or over extracted, the grind may be too fine.

3. Test and taste — Pull a shot and assess the flavour, body and balance. Espresso should flow in a steady stream and take 25–30 seconds to extract. Time counts from the moment you press the button!

Prefer a stronger, more robust taste? Try a slightly finer grind. If you want a milder, smoother cup, go slightly coarser, and remember to keep it fresh. Always grind just before brewing to preserve flavour and ensure the freshest, most vibrant coffee experience.

How to make the best coffee with milk

The best coffee base for milky drinks is a blend, and we personally love coffees with flavour profiles featuring chocolate, caramel, nut, or berry notes. These flavours blend seamlessly with milk, creating a smooth, rich, and indulgent cup. A full-bodied coffee with moderate acidity ensures the flavours remain bold and well-defined, even when combined with milk. Too much acidity can taste sharp, while too little can leave the coffee flat — striking the right balance is key to crafting the perfect milk-based beverages.

Experiment and find your perfect milk-based coffee bean match

Try ONA Coffee’s milk-based coffee blends and discover the flavour profiles that suit your palate best. Not sure where to start? Enjoy a rainbow of flavours with our Milk Blend Bundle, and experience a variety of specialty options.

Start exploring, fine-tune your brew, and discover the perfect milk-based coffee for you.