Welcome to my blog post about the age-old battle between breve lattes and regular lattes. In this post, I’ll dive deep into the juicy details of these two tasty espresso drinks. I’ll explore the key differences in taste, texture, and nutritional content.
What’s the difference between a latte and a breve?
A breve and a latte are both espresso-based drinks, but they use different kinds of milk. A regular latte is made with whole or 2% milk, while a breve latte is made with half-and-half. That’s right, creamer.
The higher fat content in half-and-half gives a breve latte its trademark velvety texture and slightly sweet flavor.
More about breve lattes:
“Breve” is a word of Italian origin that means “short” and is pronounced “brev-ay.” Other names it’s known by are latte breve, caffè breve, or simply a “breve.”
You can also use “breve” as a modifier when ordering a drink. When you order a coffee drink with “breve” as a modifier, you want half-and-half instead of milk in your drink.
For example, you could say, “I’d like a breve mocha, please.”
More about lattes:
A latte, on the other hand, is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. Lattes can be made with a wide variety of cow-based milk and plant-based milks. But, when half-and-half is used, it becomes a breve.
A regular latte has its roots in Italy; over the centuries, it’s become one of the most popular coffee drinks ever. Its name comes from the Italian word “caffè latte,” which means “coffee and milk.”
Comparing a Breve Latte to a Latte: Key Differences
There are several differences and similarities between a breve latte and a regular latte.
1. Type of milk: A breve latte is a variation of a regular latte made with half-and-half instead of whole milk. Half-and-half is a mixture of whole milk and cream.0
The fat content in half-and-half gives breve lattes a rich, creamy texture and flavor.
2. Flavor: Both a breve latte and a regular latte are made with espresso and steamed milk, but the breve latte has a richer and creamier flavor.
3. Customization: Lattes can be customized with various flavored syrups or non-dairy milk options, such as chocolate syrup, vanilla syrup, or almond milk. A breve has these customizations, too, except for the milk, which will always be half-and-half.
4. Nutrition: Here is a comparison of the nutritional content of a latte and a breve based on a 12-ounce serving size. The exact nutritional content will vary depending on the coffee shop, specific ingredients, and proportions used:
12-ounce 2% latte:
- Calories: 142
- Fat: 5.3 grams
- Carbs: 13.5 grams
12-ounce breve latte:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 24 grams
- Carbs: 9 grams
Breve vs. Latte Nutrition Table
| Latte | Size (oz) | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2% | 8 | 95 | 3.5 | 9 |
| 2% | 12 | 142 | 5.3 | 13.5 |
| 2% | 16 | 190 | 7 | 18 |
| 2% | 20 | 237 | 8.8 | 22.5 |
| Breve | 8 | 186 | 16 | 6 |
| Breve | 12 | 280 | 24 | 9 |
| Breve | 16 | 373 | 32 | 12 |
| Breve | 20 | 466 | 40 | 15 |
Comparing Lattes and Breves: A Cultural Perspective
Origins & Popularity: Lattes are more popular than breve lattes, at least in the United States. Lattes originated in Italy, but they have become especially popular in the US in recent decades.
Breves lattes have more of an Italian influence and are more common in Europe. They’re not as well-known or widely available as lattes in the US, but they can be found at most specialty coffee shops and cafes.
Variations: There are many variations of regular lattes that are popular in different cultures, such as the caffè latte in Italy, the café au lait in France, and the flat white in Australia.
There are also variations of breve lattes, such as the caffè breve and the latte breve.
How to make a breve at home:
To make a cafe breve at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso
- 12 ounces of half-and-half
Here’s how to make a breve latte:
- Start by brewing a double shot of espresso using your espresso machine or Moka pot.
- While the espresso is brewing, steam the half and half using a steam wand or frother until it is hot and has doubled in size.
- Pour the espresso into a 12-ounce mug.
- Pour the steamed half-and-half cream into the mug, careful not to disturb the espresso too much.
- Serve the breve latte hot, and enjoy!
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a traditional espresso machine, you can use a stovetop espresso maker, aka a Moka Pot, to make shots of espresso at home or use strong brewed coffee as a substitute. This is the Moka Pot that I use and recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are breve lattes keto?
A traditional breve is not keto-friendly because it is made with half-and-half, a mixture of milk and cream. A 12 oz serving of half-and-half contains about 9 net grams of carbs.
Breve vs latte calories.
A traditional breve, made with half-and-half, has about 280 calories per 12oz serving. A latte with 2% milk has about 142 calories per 12oz serving.
Is a breve sweeter than a latte?
A breve is sweeter than a latte because it is made with half-and-half, which has a higher fat content and a slight sweetness than milk.
How do I order a breve latte at Starbucks?
To order a breve latte at Starbucks, you can ask for a “breve latte.” Also, specify your drink’s size and any additional flavors or modifications you would like.
For example, you could say, “I’d like a grande breve latte with an extra shot of espresso and caramel syrup, please.” The barista will then prepare your drink according to your specifications.
What’s a Breve at Dutch Bros coffee?
At Dutch Bros in Portland, Oregon, a Breve is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed half and half cream. Several variations of the breve are available at Dutch Bros, including the White Zombie, the 9-1-1, and the Irish Breve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a breve latte and a regular latte are both delicious coffee drinks with their own unique characteristics. The main difference between the two is the type of milk used, which results in a different flavor and texture.
If you’re looking to add some variety to your coffee routine, check out my post on the Top 7 German Coffee Beans for some beans from across the pond to try in your breve lattes!
Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
