A latte, also known as a café latte, is a popular espresso-based coffee beverage that originated in Italy. The word “latte” means “milk” in Italian, and a latte is made with espresso and steamed milk.
Lattes are known for their creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. They are typically served in larger cups or glasses than other espresso-based drinks, such as a cappuccino, and are often enjoyed as a morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
How to Choose the Best Coffee Beans for Lattes
Roast Level
The roast level of coffee beans significantly influences the flavor of your latte. Generally, medium to dark roasts are preferred for lattes because they offer a robust flavor that can stand up to milk. Light roasts tend to be more acidic and can get drowned out by the milk.
Origin
The geographical origin of the coffee bean can impact its flavor profile. Beans from Ethiopia often have fruity and floral notes, while those from Brazil might offer a nutty, chocolatey taste. Your preference in flavor can guide your choice of origin.
Flavor Profile
When shopping for coffee beans, you’ll often see flavor notes on the packaging, ranging from ‘earthy’ to ‘citrusy.’ For a latte, you might want a well-rounded bean that offers a balanced flavor to complement the milk.
Best espresso beans for lattes
1. Volcanica Espresso Dark Roast Coffee
High-Quality Beans
Volcanica Coffee specializes in sourcing gourmet coffee beans from volcanic regions around the world. The mineral-rich volcanic soil lends the beans a unique flavor and high quality that’s hard to find in regular coffee beans.
Ethical Sourcing
Volcanica offers high-quality beans and is committed to ethical sourcing practices, often supporting Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance-certified farms.
2. Peet’s Coffee, Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee
Are you a fan of lattes that come with a punch of strong, rich flavor? Then you might want to consider Peet’s Espresso Forte for your next brew.
Roast Profile
Espresso Forte falls under a dark roast category, making it intensely rich and full-bodied. The darker roast complements the creaminess of a latte, creating a harmonious balance between milk and coffee.
Flavor Notes
The blend is crafted for complexity and vigor, featuring a symphony of bright, fruity notes along with deeper, chocolaty undertones. This dynamic flavor profile is versatile enough to shine through the milk in a latte or stand alone as a straight espresso.
Versatility in Brewing
While designed for espresso, the blend is versatile enough to work well with other brewing methods, such as the French Press or AeroPress, although the unique characteristics might be best showcased in an espresso machine.
3: LifeBoost Dark Roast Bean
Lifeboost’s Embolden Dark Roast is one of the best coffee beans for latte drinkers. We recommend buying this one directly from them because it’s going to ensure a freshly roasted coffee that hasn’t been sitting on a shelf in a warehouse for months. Lifeboost Embolden Dark Roast is a type of coffee that is known for its bold, rich flavor profile. It is a dark roast coffee that is made from 100% organic, shade-grown beans that are sustainably sourced from Nicaragua.