The Only Milk Bobby Flay Will Use In His Coffee

Imagine being the only person in the whole world who uses whole milk in their coffee and Bobby Flay would slide up right next to you. During a tour of his refrigerator with Misfits Market on Instagram, the Iron Chef revealed he keeps his fridge stocked with this full-fat dairy for his morning shot of caffeine because he wants his "coffee to taste like coffee." No oat milk, almond, coconut, soy, or alternative dairy du jour for the podcast host. The "Throwdown" chef is a little more traditional when it comes to the cup of Joe he might sip along with some eggs.

A quick search on Google finds Flay likes to use whole milk in many of his recipes. But why does he feel that whole milk is what makes coffee taste as he expects it to taste? The first, and perhaps most obvious, reason is that its milkfat, which hovers between 3% and 4%, is velvety smooth and creamy, enhancing and thickening the overall taste and texture of coffee's bold and full-bodied flavor.

How does full fat milk work its magic? The proteins in whole milk are going to lighten the bitter nature of coffee, making it a better sip. Whole milk also has a natural sweetness to it that transforms the flavor when it hits that hot cup of coffee. But be careful what types of coffee you add whole milk to because all javas are not created equal.

Espresso drinks go with whole milk like peanut butter goes with jelly; however, not every drip or pour-over coffee is going to benefit from Flay's milk penchant. If a coffee is a light roast or has any hints of citrus or other fruit flavors, you want to stay clear of cow's milk. Instead, you want to save your milk for a medium or dark roast or consider adding it to those coffees that tend to be a little nuttier or chocolaty in taste.