SANG Vietnamese Coffee - Oatmilk and Saigon Cinnamon - Review
Last week we reviewed SANG’s Traditional and Straight Black with Vanilla. These Vietnamese canned coffees are brewed with tradition. And with tradition and culture in mind, SANG has bridged the gap between a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee and the American palate by utilizing oatmilk and Saigon cinnamon.
When we interviewed Lan (owner of SANG Coffee), she mentioned that “our Traditional with Oatmilk is the best example of [bridging cultures]. It’s virtually impossible to find a dairy-free cà phê sữa đá in Vietnam, but I wanted to have a plant-based alternative for SANG. Oat milk is the #1 dairy milk alternative in the US and I knew its flavor and creamy texture would be PERFECT in a Viet iced coffee.”
Traditional with Oatmilk
This week we start our reviews with SANG’s Traditional with Oatmilk. Lan describes this canned coffee as “authentic but it is certainly not ‘traditional’ as [Vietnamese coffee is] usually made with condensed milk. Another difference is that we use monk fruit extract as a healthier sweetening alternative.”
After tasting the Traditional with Oatmilk, I immediately noticed how strong the coffee is! The can didn’t state how much caffeine was in this can, but note that it is probably comparable to SANG’s other coffees which are between 100-200 mg. The Traditional with Oatmilk was lighter bodied, but not watery, and tasted very similar to the Traditional with condensed milk. It still maintains that sweetness you search for in Vietnamese coffee and has a light perfume that hits the back of the palate. If you are a lover of oatmilk or searching for a dairy free option in your canned coffees, this is definitely one to try!
Saigon Cinnamon Latte
The Saigon Cinnamon Latte immediately caught my eye and I was most excited to give this one a try because of the cinnamon - which is a flavor I think often complements coffee. This is a manageable 100 mg of caffeine (comparable to a normal cup of black coffee which is approximately 80-90mg). In the first sip, you can taste the cinnamon, but it is beautifully balanced with the milk and coffee. I find the cinnamon to be on the sweeter side compared to a spicier cinnamon. It was smooth, drinkable, and creamy. I loved that when I poured it out of the can it was completely homogenized and truly ready-to-drink.
This is the perfect summer sipper on hot days, morning or afternoon, when you are in need of some caffeine on the sweeter side.
Did you know? – Vietnam is one of the largest exporters of cinnamon in the world, reaching #1 in 2021, and accounts for approximately 16% of the global market. (Sources varied between 12% and 24% in recent years.)
Saigon Cinnamon Latte with Oatmilk
And now, we approach the Saigon Cinnamon with Oatmilk - a combination of flavored tradition with a non-dairy approach. This canned coffee comes in at a whopping 202 mg of caffeine, so beware if you drink one of these late in the afternoon. It is sure to keep you awake.
The cinnamon in the oatmilk latte is much stronger than the regular Saigon cinnamon latte. This latte carries a nutty flavor and reminds Mr. Brew and I of fall desserts like monkey bread and toffee almonds. In addition to the cinnamon and nutty flavors, I also notice a mild milk chocolate flavor. The oatmilk brings a lighter body and is less thick than the regular Saigon cinnamon, but is no less creamy.
Although I prefer the regular Saigon Cinnamon Latte, those searching for a non-dairy option, or who are fans of oatmilk, will not be disappointed with this canned coffee.
After sampling each of SANG’s Vietnamese canned coffees, I can happily recommend them to everyone. There is a diverse array of flavors that will please any palate. Whether you prefer more of the condensed milk sweetness of the Traditional, or the gentle sweetness in the Straight Black with Vanilla, or you want to mix it up with Oatmilk and Saigon Cinnamon lattes, you will not be disappointed.
In Lan’s words: “Whether you grew up drinking cà phê sữa đá [Vietnamese iced coffee] or you’ve never had one in your life, my dream is that you find both comfort and excitement through our Vietnamese coffees. More than anything though, I want SANG to be a platform to showcase the vibrancy of Vietnamese culture, one delicious treat at a time.”
Although we have tried Vietnamese coffee before this, SANG has completely changed my mind about how it is prepared and the quality and depth of flavor that can be achieved when done right. With summer fast approaching, now is the best time to grab a case of SANG’s Vietnamese coffees to help you beat the hot days ahead.
Cheers!
Mrs. Brew