Breve and latte are both popular coffee beverages that originated in Italy and have gained widespread popularity around the world. While both are espresso-based drinks, they differ in terms of the milk used and the ratios of espresso to milk.
Breve VS Latte – Best Buy For 2023
A latte, short for caffè latte, is made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a small layer of foam. The milk used in a latte is typically whole or skim milk, and the ratio of milk to espresso is usually around 3:1 or 4:1, resulting in a creamy and mildly sweet flavor.
To make a breve, you steam half-and-half and combine it with a shot of espresso. This creates a richer and creamier taste compared to using milk. The ratio of espresso to half-and-half is usually around 1:1, resulting in a stronger and more intense coffee flavor.
When it comes to coffee, two of the most popular drinks are the breve and latte. These two beverages share some similarities, but they also have some key differences. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between a breve and vs. latte, including the ingredients used, preparation methods, taste, and more.
What is a Breve?
A breve is a type of espresso-based drink that’s made with steamed half-and-half instead of milk. Half-and-half is a combination of whole milk and heavy cream, and it has a richer, creamier texture than regular milk. To create a breve, one combines a shot of espresso with steamed half-and-half to make a frothy, creamy beverage.
Ingredients:
- Espresso
- Half-and-half
Preparation:
- Pull a shot of espresso.
- Steam the half-and-half until it reaches a creamy, frothy consistency.
- Pour the steamed half-and-half over the espresso shot.
- Serve hot.
Taste:
Breves have a rich, creamy flavor that’s similar to a cappuccino but with a heavier mouthfeel. The boldness of the espresso balances the sweetness of the half-and-half, creating a well-rounded flavor.
What is a Latte?
A latte is also an espresso-based drink, but it’s made with steamed milk instead of half-and-half. The milk used in a latte can be whole, skim milk, soy milk, or any other type of milk. To make a latte, a shot of espresso is combined with steamed milk and a layer of foam on top.
Ingredients:
- Espresso
- Milk
Preparation:
- Pull a shot of espresso.
- Steam the milk until it reaches a creamy, velvety consistency.
- Pour the steamed milk over the espresso shot, leaving a layer of foam on top.
- Serve hot.
Taste:
Lattes have a milder flavor than breves, with a smoother mouthfeel. The sweetness of the milk balances the boldness of the espresso, resulting in a well-balanced, creamy taste.
Breve vs Latte: Key Differences
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each drink, let’s dive deeper into the differences between a breve and vs. latte.
Ingredients:
The barista uses half-and-half to make a breve and uses milk to make a latte. Half-and-half has a higher fat content than milk, which gives it a richer, creamier texture. Milk, on the other hand, has a lighter, smoother texture that’s ideal for creating latte art.
Texture:
Because of the difference in dairy, breves and lattes have distinct textures. Breves are creamier and heavier, while lattes are lighter and smoother. The foam on top of a latte also adds to its texture, giving it a velvety, smooth mouthfeel.
Flavor:
The difference in dairy also affects the flavor of breves and lattes. Breves have a richer, creamier flavor, while lattes have a milder, smoother flavor. Breves are also sweeter than lattes because of the natural sweetness of the half-and-half.
Calories:
Because half-and-half has a higher fat content than milk, breves typically have more calories than lattes. A breve can have anywhere from 200 to 500 calories, depending on the size and the amount of half-and-half used. Lattes, on the other hand, typically have fewer calories, with a 12 oz latte containing around 120-160 calories.
Price:
The price of a breve vs. a latte can vary depending on the location and the coffee shop. However, in general, breves are usually more expensive than lattes because of the cost of the half-and-half. Some coffee shops may also charge extra for a breve due to the higher cost of the ingredients.
Caffeine Content:
Both breves and lattes contain the same amount of espresso, so the caffeine content is the same. However, because breves have more dairy, they may take longer to drink, which can result in slower absorption of caffeine. On the other hand, people typically consume lattes more quickly, which can lead to a quicker absorption of caffeine.
Health Benefits:
When it comes to health benefits, lattes are generally considered to be the healthier option. Milk is a good source of calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals, and can help promote strong bones and teeth.
Half-and-half, on the other hand, is high in saturated fat and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
FAQs
What is the difference between a breve and a latte?
The main difference between a breve and a latte is the type of milk used. A latte is made with steamed milk, while a breve is made with steamed half-and-half. This makes the breve creamier and richer than a latte.
Which one is healthier, a breve or a latte?
Neither drink is particularly healthy, as they both contain significant amounts of dairy and calories. However, a latte is generally considered to be slightly healthier than a breve because it contains less fat.
Can I order a breve or a latte at any coffee shop?
Most coffee shops should be able to make both a breve and a latte, as they are both popular coffee drinks. However, the exact preparation may vary slightly from shop to shop.
Conclusion:
While breves and lattes may seem similar at first glance, there are several key differences between the two. Breves are creamier, heavier, and sweeter than lattes, but also tend to have more calories and be more expensive.
Lattes, on the other hand, are lighter, smoother, and generally considered to be the healthier option. Ultimately, the choice between a breve vs a latte comes down to personal preference and taste.
Whether you prefer the rich, creamy flavor of a breve or the smooth, mild taste of a latte, both drinks are delicious options for coffee lovers.
