Ellery West was most afraid of her morning coffee when she gave up dairy, not cheese or dessert. She chuckles, “I wasn’t sure how I’d survive without cream.” “For me, it was like a ritual.” She initially tried the typical store-bought substitutes, but the majority let her down. Too artificial, too sweet, and too thin. She claims, “I missed that rich, reassuring experience.”
Ellery decided to take matters into her own hands. She began experimenting with homemade mixes, such as almond milk with vanilla added, oat milk that frothed perfectly, and coconut milk with a hint of cinnamon.
Some mornings were magical, while others were a bust. She gradually established a routine that made her eagerly anticipate her cup once more. Ellery says, “It evolved into something more than a caffeine rush.” “It was about taking back a positive aspect of my day.”
She would never return to her happy place, which is now dairy-free coffee. When comfort is involved, “it’s amazing how small changes can feel big,” she says. “And to be honest, MY coffee has never tasted better.”
