Spanish Latte (Ingredients, Taste, Variations, Sizes, Copycat Recipe, Caffeine, Calories, Dairy content, & more information)

Ever since I was a child, I have had a strong bond with all the members of my family, especially my grandparents. Although we didn’t live together, they visited every once in a while, and I remember I used to have the best time, especially with my grandmother’s cooking. When I was in the tenth grade, we went to Spain for the first time. I enjoyed all the new experiences and adventures I had. But one of the most memorable was when my grandmother made me a Spanish latte which was nothing close to what I was used to back in the States. It was the creamiest, decadent Latte I ever had, and she decided to teach me how to make it. I decided to write this article to share with the world the wonderful joys that come with a Spanish latte. Read on to find out how to make your own.

A brief history of the drink

To understand where the Spanish Latte came from, we need to know where the noble Latte came from. Unlike Spanish lattes, regular lattes are of Italian origin. They were invented in the 1950s by a barista named Meiorin Lino. Lattes came into existence since people did not like how strong regular cappuccinos were at the time.

On the other hand, as the name suggests, Spanish lattes originate from Spain; however, this is not true. The Spanish Latte gained its reputation since it’s brewed like that which Spaniards use to brew lattes. The Spanish Latte was first created by Louie James, who co-owned a café in the United States. The Spanish Latte differs majorly from regular lattes in how it tastes. The Spanish Latte has a sweeter and much more subtle coffee flavor profile than regular lattes. This sweet and subtle flavor profile made it gain popularity among many people, especially Americans.

Where can I get Spanish Latte?

Spanish lattes are available throughout the country in many coffee shops. However, the most popular retail Spanish Latte can be found at Starbucks. You will not find it on Starbucks’ daily menu; however, if you ask the barista to make you one, they will know how to brew the perfect cup. Since Spanish lattes have grown in popularity in the past few years, you can most certainly get the drink at any coffee shop in your neighborhood.

Spanish Latte (Ingredients, Taste, Variations, Sizes, Recipe, Caffeine, Calories, Dairy content)

What’s in a Spanish latte – (ingredients)

Ingredients

What’s in a Spanish Latte? Unlike the regular lattes you are used to, Spanish lattes incorporate more milk to mellow out the strong coffee flavor profile. It also has a few more ingredients added to elevate it.

• Caramel syrup: caramel, in my opinion, makes every drink better. It adds a deeper flavor profile and a rich earthy scent that compliments the whole drink.
• Milk: There aren’t any restrictions regarding the kind of milk that can be used to make this drink. You can decide to use plant-based milk or animal milk. But I prefer having mine with full-fat animal milk for a creamier flavor.
• Espresso: just like every coffee-based drink, the Spanish Latte needs to give you a dose of caffeine. The caffeine levels may vary depending on the type of bean used, but for this, I recommend a medium roast arabica coffee.
• Condensed milk (optional): this is one of the best additions to a Spanish latte. It adds a subtle creaminess and some much-needed sweetness to the drink.

Spanish Latte: sizes, nutrition, caffeine, dairy content & Calories

What sizes are available

Spanish lattes come in many different sizes depending on the place and coffee shop you decide to have your drink at. However, three standard sizes are available at all shops across the country regardless of the brand. A large, medium, and small cup. You should know that that exact amount may vary from place to place. If you want to try out the Spanish Latte for the first time, I’d advise getting the small cup since everyone likes the drink.

Nutritional facts

I have broken down all the nutrients you will get from a medium-sized cup of Spanish Latte in the table below. However, these numbers are not the same ones you will find in every cup. This largely depends on the amount and kind of ingredients used. Spanish lattes are unhealthy. Compared to a skinny latte with 100 calories in a small cup, the Spanish latte is way unhealthy. A small Spanish latte cup has approximately 250 calories. A medium Spanish latte has 350 calories, while a large one has 450 calories. These figures are high as one should take a maximum of 2000 calories daily, with 300 at breakfast. When you consume all the recommended calories for a single meal in one drink, the chances of exceeding the daily recommended intake are high.

You should take a small cup to keep your general caloric intake low for healthier living.

Calorie Content 350	Number of calories from fat 212
Nutrient content (per Medium cup)	% Daily Value
Total fat 7 g   Trans fat 1 g Saturated fat 6 g	22%   0 % 51%
Total carbohydrates 41 g   Sugar 36 g Dietary fiber 5 g	14 %
Proteins	12 g
Cholesterol 47 mg	18 %
Sodium	151mg
Caffeine	147 mg

Caffeine content

Spanish lattes have varying amounts of caffeine in them. The caffeine content in each cup of a Spanish latte largely depends on the amount of espresso used as well as the roast level of the bean. However, the average cup of a Spanish latte contains about 150mg of caffeine. Hence it would not be an ideal drink for people with certain health conditions.

Dairy content

The amount of dairy in a Spanish latte varies significantly depending on the kind and amount of milk used. However, Spanish lattes are known to have a higher dairy content compared to other lattes. If you choose to make your Spanish Latte with plant-based milk, there will be no dairy in it. However, if you choose animal milk, there will be a significant amount of dairy.

So, what does Spanish Latte taste like?

Every sip of a Spanish latte is like a new adventure for your taste buds. If you are like me and like a lot of dairy in your coffee. The Spanish Latte offers the perfect balance between the creamy, mellow taste of milk and the strong flavor of the coffee. If you choose to add sweetened condensed milk adds some much-needed sweetness as well as some extra creaminess.

Ways to Customize Spanish Latte at Starbucks – Spanish Latte Variations

Like all other lattes, there isn’t much that can be customized in a Spanish latte. However, whenever I am on a diet, I choose to have my Spanish Latte made with plant-based milk instead of cow’s milk. This reduces the total calories consumed significantly. You can also choose to add sugar-free caramel to your Latte, which makes it so much healthier.

How to make Spanish Latte at home – Spanish Latte Copycat Recipe.

Informative section

How do you order Spanish Latte?

At many coffee shops in America, you can get your hands on a Spanish latte just by ordering one at the counter. However, they might need some details on how to brew it in some places.

How much is the Spanish Latte?

A medium cup of a Spanish Latte costs, on average, $ 3.52.

Is Spanish Latte good?

Yes, it is. If you like sweet and creamy coffee drinks, it is the drink for you. However, if you like strong coffee drinks, it might not be for you.

Is Spanish Latte sweet?

Generally, Spanish lattes are sweet because of the condensed milk that is added.

Is Spanish Latte vegan?

Most Spanish lattes are not vegan since they use animal products in their making. However, some shops have vegan-friendly versions, such as Starbucks.

Is Spanish Latte healthy?

Depending on the amount of sugar and milk added, it can be healthy or not. However, the standard Spanish Latte is considered healthy.

Is Spanish Latte strong?

No, it is not. Spanish lattes have more milk in them, making them mellow and not as strong as some coffee lovers would like.