You might be standing at a coffee shop, looking at the menu, and wondering: do lattes have coffee in them? It’s a common question, especially with so many milk-based drinks available. The short answer is yes, a classic latte does contain coffee, in the form of espresso. But there’s a lot more to understand about what makes a latte, how it compares to other drinks, and even how you can make variations without coffee at all.
This guide will explain everything about lattes. We’ll look at their ingredients, how they’re made, and how they differ from cappuccinos or macchiatos. You’ll learn about caffeine content and get tips for ordering or making your perfect latte.
Do Lattes Have Coffee In Them
A standard latte is built on a foundation of espresso. That means it absolutely contains coffee. The name “latte” comes from the Italian phrase “caffè e latte,” which literally translates to “coffee and milk.” So, the coffee component is right there in its original name.
The structure of a latte is simple. It’s one part espresso to about three to five parts steamed milk, with a small layer of milk foam on top. The espresso is the key ingredient that defines it as a coffee drink. Without it, you just have a cup of steamed milk.
The Core Ingredients of a Latte
Let’s break down what goes into that cup.
- Espresso: This is a concentrated form of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. A single shot (about 1 ounce) is standard for a small latte, while a large might have two or even three shots.
- Steamed Milk: The majority of your drink is milk that has been heated and aerated using a steam wand. This process creates microfoam, giving the milk a smooth, velvety texture that blends seamlessly with the espresso.
- Milk Foam: A thin layer (about 1 cm) of frothed milk sits on the very top. It’s a bit thicker than the steamed milk below and adds a nice finish.
How a Latte is Made: Barista Steps
The process is precise and creates the drink’s signature taste and look.
- Grind fresh coffee beans finely and tamp them into the espresso machine’s portafilter.
- Pull one or two shots of espresso directly into your serving cup.
- Pour cold milk into a steaming pitcher. Insert the steam wand just below the surface to create a light foam, then lower it to heat and texture the rest of the milk.
- Swirl the pitcher to integrate the foam and milk. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon.
- Top the drink with the remaining layer of milk foam.
Latte vs. Other Coffee Drinks
It’s easy to get confused. Here’s how a latte stacks up against similar drinks.
Latte vs. Cappuccino
Both use espresso and milk, but the ratios are different. A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. This gives it a much stronger coffee flavor and a drier, fluffier texture. A latte has more steamed milk and less foam, making it creamier and milder.
Latte vs. Macchiato
A macchiato is often much smaller. A traditional espresso macchiato is just a shot of espresso “stained” with a dollop of milk foam. A latte macchiato, however, is milkier; it’s steamed milk “stained” by adding espresso on top. The latte has a more blended flavor.
Latte vs. Flat White
Originating from Australia and New Zealand, a flat white sits between a latte and a cappuccino. It uses a double shot of espresso and has less milk than a latte, but the milk is steamed to a velvety microfoam consistency with little to no separate foam layer. The coffee taste is more pronounced than in a latte.
Caffeine Content in a Latte
Since the coffee in a latte is espresso, its caffeine depends on the number of shots. A single shot of espresso has about 64 milligrams of caffeine. A standard 12-ounce latte with one shot has that much. A 16-ounce or “grande” size typically has two shots, so about 128 milligrams.
Compare this to a standard 8-ounce cup of drip coffee, which can have 95 milligrams of caffeine. So, ounce for ounce, a latte often has less caffeine than drip coffee because it’s diluted with more milk. But the total caffeine can be similar or higher if you get a large size with multiple shots.
Popular Latte Variations
The basic latte is a canvas for many flavors. Here are some favorites.
- Flavored Latte: Add a syrup like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or pumpkin spice. These are usually added to the cup before the espresso and milk.
- Iced Latte: Espresso is poured over ice, followed by cold milk. It’s not shaken or blended, just stirred. It’s a refreshing alternative.
- Alternative Milk Latte: You can use any milk you like. Oat, almond, soy, and coconut milk are all popular choices. They steam differently than dairy milk, but can create a great drink.
Do All Lattes Have Coffee?
Not necessarily. The term “latte” has been adopted for other drinks that use the same milk preparation technique but replace the espresso with another base.
- Chai Latte: This uses a concentrated chai tea mix or brewed spiced tea instead of espresso. It’s combined with steamed milk.
- Matcha Latte: Made with matcha green tea powder whisked into hot water or milk, then combined with steamed milk.
- Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk): A warm drink made with turmeric, spices, and steamed milk, often sweetened.
When you order these, you are getting a “latte” in the style of preparation, not the classic coffee drink. If you want coffee, you need to order a caffè latte specifically.
How to Order a Latte Like a Pro
Knowing the terms can help you get exactly what you want.
- Size: Small, medium, large? Or use Italian terms like “piccolo” (small) or “grande” (large) if the shop does.
- Milk Type: Specify whole, skim, oat, almond, etc.
- Temperature: “Extra hot” if you prefer it very warm, or “kids’ temperature” for a cooler drink.
- Flavor: Ask for any syrups you’d like added.
- Caffeine Level: You can ask for an extra shot (“double latte”) or a decaf latte if you prefer less caffeine.
Making a Latte at Home
You don’t need a fancy machine to make a decent latte. Here’s two methods.
With an Espresso Machine
- Use fresh, finely-ground coffee to pull your espresso shot.
- Steam your milk until it reaches about 150°F and has a glossy texture.
- Pour the milk gently into the espresso, aiming for a smooth integration.
Without an Espresso Machine
You can improvise with a few tools.
- Make a strong coffee using a Moka pot, AeroPress, or even instant espresso powder.
- Heat your milk on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling.
- Froth the milk using a handheld frother, a French press (pump the plunger), or by shaking it vigorously in a sealed jar.
- Pour the strong coffee into a mug, then add the frothed milk.
Common Latte Mistakes to Avoid
Even small errors can change your drink.
- Overheating the Milk: Scorched milk tastes bad. Aim for 140-155°F.
- Poor Espresso Quality: Stale beans or a bad grind makes a weak base. Always start with good coffee.
- Not Mixing Properly: If you just pour milk over espresso, the first sip can be too strong and the last too weak. Give it a gentle stir or pour in a way that mixes it.
Health and Nutritional Aspects
A latte’s nutrition is mostly from the milk. A 12-ounce latte with whole milk provides roughly 210 calories, 11 grams of protein, and a good amount of calcium. Using skim milk reduces the calories and fat. Flavored syrups add significant sugar, so be mindful if you’re watching your intake. The coffee itself provides antioxidants and, of course, caffeine.
FAQ Section
Does a latte always have caffeine?
Yes, unless you specifically order a decaffeinated latte. A standard latte is made with espresso, which contains caffeine. If you ask for decaf espresso, you’ll get a caffeine-free version.
What is the difference between a coffee and a latte?
“Coffee” usually refers to drip or filter coffee, which is less concentrated. A latte uses espresso as its coffee base and contains a large amount of steamed milk, making it creamier and often milder in coffee flavor.
Can you get a latte without coffee?
Yes, but it’s not a traditional caffè latte. Drinks like a chai latte or matcha latte use tea as the base. To avoid coffee completely, you would need to order one of these specific alternatives.
Is a latte stronger than regular coffee?
“Stronger” can mean flavor or caffeine. In flavor, a latte tastes milder because of the milk. In terms of caffeine concentration per ounce, drip coffee is usually stronger. But a large latte with multiple espresso shots can have more total caffeine than a small cup of drip coffee.
Why is my latte sometimes bitter?
Bitterness usually comes from the espresso. Over-extraction (water passing through the coffee grounds for too long) or using darkly roasted beans can create a bitter taste. A skilled barista and fresh beans help prevent this.
How much milk is in a latte?
A typical latte is about 8-10 ounces of milk for a 12-ounce drink. The ratio is roughly 1/6 espresso, 4/6 steamed milk, and 1/6 foam, but this can vary by cafe.
Final Thoughts
So, do lattes have coffee in them? Absolutely. The espresso is the heart of a true latte. Understanding this helps you navigate the menu, order with confidence, and even make better drinks at home. Whether you prefer it plain, flavored, iced, or with alternative milks, the latte remains a versatile and beloved coffee shop staple because of that perfect balance between rich coffee and smooth, creamy milk. Next time you order one, you’ll know exactly what your getting and how its made.