What Is a Latte Coffee? A Full UK Guide
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If you’ve ever ordered coffee at a café, you’ve almost certainly seen the latte on the menu — but what actually is a latte coffee? Whether you’re new to espresso drinks or simply want a clear explanation, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about what a latte coffee is, how it's made, and how it compares to other coffees.
⭐ What Is a Latte Coffee?
A latte coffee (short for caffè latte, meaning “milk coffee” in Italian) is an espresso-based drink made with:
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1–2 shots of espresso
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Steamed milk
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A thin layer of microfoam on top
It’s one of the creamiest, mildest, and most accessible espresso drinks — perfect for anyone who enjoys a smooth, milky coffee with a gentle coffee flavour.
If you're brewing at home, choose a smooth espresso bean such as:
What Does a Latte Taste Like?
A latte is:
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Creamy
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Mild in flavour
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Smooth and balanced
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Less intense than a flat white or cappuccino
Because it contains more milk than most espresso drinks, the coffee flavour is gentle rather than strong or bitter.
How Is a Latte Made?
A classic latte is prepared using the following steps:
Ingredients
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1–2 shots of espresso
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200–300ml steamed milk
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A small layer of milk foam (around 1cm)
Method
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Brew your espresso.
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Steam the milk until silky and slightly foamy.
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Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, leaving a thin foam layer.
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Optional: add flavours like vanilla, caramel or hazelnut.
To make espresso at home, try:
Latte vs Flat White vs Cappuccino
These drinks often get confused — here’s a quick comparison:
| Drink | Milk Ratio | Foam | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latte | Mostly steamed milk | Thin microfoam | Mild |
| Flat White | Less milk | Velvety microfoam | Stronger |
| Cappuccino | Equal parts milk, foam & coffee | Thick foam | Medium–strong |
A latte is the lightest and creamiest of the three.
Latte Variations
Flavoured Latte
Vanilla, caramel, hazelnut or cinnamon.
Iced Latte
Espresso poured over cold milk and ice — refreshing and smooth.
Mocha Latte
A latte with chocolate mixed in — delicious with:
Oat or Almond Latte
A dairy-free favourite for a lighter, plant-based option.
Is a Latte High in Calories?
A latte contains more calories than an americano or black coffee because of its milk content.
For a lower-calorie choice, see:
Best Coffees for Making a Latte at Home
For a latte with great body and flavour, try any of these:
Related Reading
Conclusion
A latte coffee is a smooth, creamy espresso drink made with steamed milk and a gentle topping of foam. Mild, versatile and endlessly customisable, it’s one of the most popular coffee drinks worldwide — and ideal for anyone who prefers a softer coffee flavour.