Did you think that if it’s made with milk and coffee, it’s automatically good for your health? 🥛☕ The latte has long had this aura of a chic, smooth, and slightly healthy drink. But between beetroot lattes, ginger lattes, cocoa lattes, or even golden lattes with turmeric infusion, the line between beneficial and excessive sugar becomes blurred. Very blurred. “Often confused with a flat white, the latte is distinguished by a higher quantity of milk and a lighter foam—a subtle difference, but one that changes everything in terms of balance on the palate: flat white vs. latte, it’s a real battle of textures.” So, is it simply a latte-based pleasure or a veritable dessert in disguise? Here’s what nutritionists say (and what you don’t always read on product packaging). Latte: What’s Really in It (and What’s Often Forgotten) Theclassic preparation of a latte? A strongespresso, stretched with a good amount of hot milk, lightly frothy. At first glance, nothing alarming. Except that in practice, this base often becomes a playground forbaristas and coffee lovers: Flavored syrup (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut…)Additions of
or even whipped cream Use of sweetened plant-based milks (almond, oat,coconut)
Increasingly large portions (the famous large
cup) The result? We very quickly go from a small morning pleasure to a drink of 250 kcal, or even more. And in some coffee shops, it’s even sweeter than a custard tart. Seriously. When trends trump common sense From pink lattes to spiced chai lattes, the world of lattes has literally exploded in recent years. A true visual playground, between latte art on Instagram and recipes ”
- inspired by nature ” on Pinterest. It’s often associated with
- organic ingredients , a niceroast, or even a revisited style of French coffee.
- But does that necessarily make it a healthy drink? Not always.Nutritionists’ Opinion: Between Illusion and ModerationAccording to several experts, the latte isn’t something to be banished. On the contrary, it can be part of a balanced diet, especially if made with simple, low-sugar ingredients. But here are their recommendations: Choose organic or unsweetened plant-based milk (such as oat or almond milk).Avoid adding syrup, chocolate, or sugary toppings.
- Stick to a reasonable size (a cup, not a carafe!). And if you use a capsule machine or a coffee maker with accessories, be careful with pre-portioned recipes. Some commercial latte capsules are as sweet as a milkshake (but sold as a “wellness selection”… 🙄).More creative but more deceptive lattes?
A spicy chai latte or a turmeric golden latte might seem healthier. And sometimes, they are. But be careful with the recipe. If you add syrup, whole milk, and a touch of brown sugar, you’re back to the same calorie count as a dessert. The same goes for beetroot lattes, pink lattes, or ginger lattes: they look tempting, but the balance depends on the ingredients and the preparation. Latte: verdict The latte is neither the devil nor a miracle elixir. It’s a chameleon drink, capable of being healthy, comforting, and completely decadent depending on how you make it. The key is to be aware of this. Because between two black coffees
the
Italian style , a small discreet macchiato, and an oversized caramel latte, there’s a whole world . It’s up to you to choose yours. 😊 And if you have a good homemade latte recipe ( black, decaf, chai, or other), share it with your friends—or your colleagues—at thecoffee machine. Coffee is also a matter of daily
care (and a unique pleasure).
