Final answer:
In making a sugar-free mocha, lactose-free milk or milk substitutes such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk are typically used to avoid the natural sugars present in regular milk. Additionally, sometimes non-carbohydrate sweeteners are added to lactose-free milk for those with lactose intolerance to improve taste without adding sugar.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a mocha is ordered sugar-free, the type of milk used generally depends on the preference of the customer or the standard practice of the establishment. Since lactose, a form of sugar, is naturally present in the milk of mammals like cows, those looking for a sugar-free option usually consider milk alternatives that don't contain lactose. In such cases, lactose-free milk or milk substitutes like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk might be used. These alternatives can provide a similar creamy texture without the natural sugars found in traditional cow's milk.
It is also possible to use cow's milk that has had the lactose removed. These milks offer the same taste and nutritional benefits as regular milk without the lactose. Furthermore, non-carbohydrate sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin are sometimes added to lactose-free milk to enhance flavor, especially for those with lactose intolerance. Regardless of which milk is chosen, the objective is to keep the mocha free of added and natural sugars while still delivering a delicious beverage.