Do Flavored Lattes Have Coffee? An In-Depth Look

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

While the origin of lattes dates back to the 17th century, the flavored variations we know today became widely popular in the American coffee scene during the 1980s. So, do flavored lattes have coffee? Yes, the vast majority are built upon an espresso base, making them a type of coffee drink despite the addition of sweet syrups or powders.

Quick Summary

Most flavored lattes contain espresso, which is a concentrated form of coffee, combined with steamed milk and a flavor additive like syrup. While there are coffee-free versions, a standard flavored latte will have caffeine from its espresso base.

Key Points

Espresso is the Base: Most traditional flavored lattes contain espresso, which is a concentrated form of coffee, along with steamed milk and a flavor additive.
Caffeine is Present: The caffeine content in a flavored latte depends directly on the number of espresso shots used, with a standard shot providing around 63 mg of caffeine.
Flavor Masks Coffee: Heavy flavoring syrups and creamy milk can overpower the taste of the espresso, making some people assume the drink is coffee-free.
Coffee-Free Alternatives Exist: Drinks like matcha lattes and chai lattes are popular coffee-free variations that use tea as their base instead of espresso.
Customization is Key: You can customize your flavored latte by adding or removing espresso shots, choosing different milk types, or opting for a coffee-free base.

Understanding the Anatomy of a Flavored Latte

At its heart, a latte is a coffee drink built on espresso and steamed milk. The word itself, 'latte,' is Italian for milk, and the combination has been enjoyed for centuries. A flavored latte simply takes this classic foundation and adds an extra element of taste. This could be a vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup, a mocha sauce, or a spice mix like pumpkin spice.

The coffee component comes from the espresso. Unlike drip coffee, which is brewed slowly, espresso is made by forcing hot water through a dense, compacted 'puck' of finely-ground coffee. The result is a concentrated, potent shot of coffee. This shot is what provides the signature coffee flavor and caffeine kick, even when balanced by a large amount of milk and sweet flavors.

The Espresso Base and Its Role

The espresso is the non-negotiable core of a traditional flavored latte. A typical latte uses one or two shots of espresso, which is then blended with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. The flavor additives, whether a fruity syrup or a rich chocolate sauce, are mixed in with the espresso before the milk is added. This ensures the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the drink. Without the espresso, the drink would no longer be considered a caffè latte, or 'coffee with milk'.

Where the 'No Coffee' Confusion Comes From

It's easy to see why some might question if a flavored latte contains coffee. The intense sweetness and creamy milk can easily mask the robust espresso flavor, making it feel more like a dessert than a coffee drink. This perception is especially strong for those who choose very sweet syrups or multiple flavor shots. Additionally, the proliferation of non-coffee 'lattes' like chai lattes and matcha lattes adds to the confusion. These drinks use tea as their base instead of espresso but are prepared using the same steamed milk and flavoring techniques.

Coffee Alternatives and Specialty Lattes

The coffee shop landscape has expanded significantly, offering numerous alternatives for those who want the latte experience without the coffee. Here are some popular examples:

Chai Latte: A blend of spiced black tea concentrate and steamed milk. A 'dirty chai' is the version with an added shot of espresso.
Matcha Latte: Uses finely ground green tea powder whisked with steamed milk for an earthy, vegetal flavor.
London Fog: An Earl Grey tea latte, made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup.
Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk): A creamy, spiced drink made with turmeric, ginger, and other warm spices, blended with milk.
Beetroot Latte: A unique and earthy alternative made with beetroot powder and steamed milk.

The Impact on Caffeine Content

The caffeine content in a flavored latte directly correlates with the number of espresso shots it contains. A standard single-shot latte will have less caffeine than a larger size with two or three shots. While the addition of milk dilutes the coffee's intensity, the caffeine remains. For comparison, a typical single shot of espresso contains about 63 mg of caffeine.

Latte vs. Other Espresso Drinks


Drink Type	Espresso	Steamed Milk	Foam	Flavors/Additives	Key Difference
Flavored Latte	Yes	High	Low	Yes (Syrup, sauce)	High milk content, added sweetness
Cappuccino	Yes	Equal to Foam	High	Optional (Cocoa)	Equal parts espresso, milk, and foam
Flat White	Yes	High	Microfoam	Optional	Higher coffee-to-milk ratio, no froth
Macchiato	Yes	Splash	Minimal	Optional	Espresso 'marked' with a little milk
Americano	Yes	No	No	No (Water added)	Espresso diluted with hot water

Making a Flavored Latte at Home

Creating a delicious flavored latte is simpler than it seems, even without a fancy espresso machine.

Brew the Coffee: Start with a strong coffee base. An espresso machine is ideal, but a moka pot or even strongly brewed coffee from an AeroPress can work well.
Add Flavor: Pour your flavored syrup (store-bought or homemade) into your mug with the freshly brewed espresso. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Steam the Milk: Heat your milk on the stovetop or microwave. Use a steam wand, a handheld frother, or a whisk to create a creamy texture.
Combine and Serve: Pour the steamed milk into the flavored espresso mixture. Hold back the foam with a spoon, then spoon it on top to finish. Enjoy!

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to the question, "do flavored lattes have coffee?", is a resounding yes in most cases. The foundation of a classic flavored latte is espresso, providing both the coffee flavor and the caffeine. The presence of sweet syrups and steamed milk might mask the coffee's bitterness, but it remains an integral component. However, it's important to be aware of the growing number of coffee-free alternatives, such as matcha and chai lattes, that share the name but not the core ingredient. Understanding these distinctions helps you make an informed choice based on your taste and caffeine preferences, whether you're ordering from a cafe or crafting your own at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

The key difference is the addition of flavoring. A regular latte consists only of espresso and steamed milk, while a flavored latte adds sweet syrups, sauces, or powders like vanilla, caramel, or pumpkin spice.

A standard chai latte does not contain coffee, as its base is a spiced black tea concentrate blended with steamed milk. The version with espresso added is called a 'dirty chai'.

Yes, many cafes offer coffee-free alternatives like matcha lattes or chai lattes that are made with tea instead of espresso. You can also specifically request a flavored steamer, which is flavored syrup and steamed milk without any coffee.

The caffeine content depends on the number of espresso shots. A single-shot latte typically has around 63 mg of caffeine, while a double-shot latte has about 126 mg.

An iced flavored latte uses the same ingredients—espresso, flavored syrup, and milk—but is served over ice instead of being steamed. It is often topped with whipped cream or extra drizzles.

Yes, decaf flavored lattes use decaffeinated espresso, which is still a type of coffee that has had most of its caffeine removed. This allows for the full coffee flavor without the significant caffeine kick.

Lattes are generally perceived as milder than brewed coffee due to the high milk-to-espresso ratio, but a latte with a double shot can still contain more caffeine than a standard cup of drip coffee.