Does a pandan latte have coffee? Unpacking the ingredients

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Originating from Southeast Asian culinary traditions, the fragrant and vibrant green pandan flavor is now a global café trend. While some versions of pandan lattes include coffee, many popular recipes are entirely caffeine-free, offering a delicious and soothing alternative.

Quick Summary

A pandan latte's coffee content varies; it is a flavored milk drink that can be made with or without an espresso shot or other coffee, depending on the preparation.

Key Points

Caffeine is Optional: A pandan latte can be made with or without coffee; the presence of coffee depends on the specific recipe.
Pandan Provides the Flavor: The distinct taste, often described as nutty and vanilla-like, comes from the Southeast Asian pandan plant, not from coffee.
Multiple Variations Exist: Options include caffeinated versions with espresso or Vietnamese coffee, as well as caffeine-free drinks using just pandan and milk.
'Latte' Means Milk-Based: The term 'latte' simply indicates a milk-based drink, not that it contains espresso.
Versatile and Customizable: A pandan latte can be prepared hot or iced and can incorporate plant-based milks to suit different preferences.
Different Tastes: The caffeinated version offers a flavor contrast, while the caffeine-free version provides a more mellow, soothing experience.

The Core of a Pandan Latte: Flavor, Not Caffeine

At its heart, a pandan latte is a milk-based beverage flavored with the aromatic essence of pandan leaves. The term "latte" itself, derived from the Italian for "milk," simply indicates the inclusion of steamed or frothed milk. This means that, unlike a traditional coffee latte, the pandan version does not inherently include espresso. The base flavor comes from pandan extract, syrup, or paste, which is often blended with a milk of choice, and it can be prepared either hot or iced.

Pandan: The "Vanilla of Southeast Asia"

Pandan, a tropical plant with long, blade-like leaves, is a staple in Southeast Asian cooking and is often referred to as the "vanilla of the East." Its flavor profile is distinct, offering a subtle mix of nutty, sweet, and floral notes with a delicate grassy undertone. This unique flavor is what defines the beverage, not the presence of coffee. Using fresh pandan leaves to create a homemade syrup or infusion can result in a more authentic and nuanced flavor than using a commercial extract alone.

Caffeinated vs. Caffeine-Free Pandan Lattes

Here's where the confusion often arises. A pandan latte is a category of drink, and it can be made in different ways. Baristas and home brewers can choose to add coffee or other ingredients to create different variations.

The Caffeinated Pandan Latte (or Pandan Coffee)

For those who enjoy both the taste of pandan and the kick of caffeine, a pandan coffee latte is the perfect fusion. In this version, pandan syrup is combined with a shot of espresso, a strong cold brew, or even Vietnamese-style drip coffee. The rich, dark bitterness of the coffee creates a bold and delicious contrast with the sweet, nutty notes of the pandan, making it a popular choice in many cafes.

Typical Ingredients for a Caffeinated Version:

Pandan syrup or paste
Espresso shot or strong brewed coffee
Milk (dairy, oat, coconut, or soy)
Sweetener (optional, as the syrup is often already sweet)
Ice (for iced lattes)

The Caffeine-Free Pandan Latte

For many, the appeal of a pandan latte is precisely its ability to provide a unique and flavorful beverage without any caffeine. These versions are often made by simply combining pandan syrup or paste with milk and serving it hot or cold. A popular variation is the Pandan Matcha Latte, which blends the earthy notes of matcha (a caffeinated tea) with the sweet fragrance of pandan for a different kind of buzz. However, a standard pandan milk latte offers a comforting, naturally green, and relaxing drink suitable for any time of day.

Typical Ingredients for a Caffeine-Free Version:

Pandan syrup or paste
Milk (dairy or plant-based)
Sweetener (optional)
Ice (for iced lattes)

Making Your Own Pandan Latte

Whether you opt for a caffeinated or caffeine-free version, making a pandan latte at home is a straightforward process.

For a Caffeine-Free Pandan Milk Latte:

Prepare the Pandan Base: Combine 1-2 teaspoons of pandan syrup or paste with a small amount of milk and mix until dissolved. If using fresh leaves, simmer them in a small pot with water and sugar to create a homemade syrup.
Heat or Chill the Milk: For a hot latte, steam your milk until frothy. For an iced version, fill a glass with ice.
Combine and Enjoy: Pour your prepared pandan mixture into a mug or glass, top with your milk, stir well, and serve. A garnish of a fresh pandan leaf can add an elegant touch.

For a Caffeinated Pandan Coffee Latte:

Brew Your Coffee: Pull a shot of espresso, brew a strong cup of coffee, or prepare a cold brew concentrate.
Combine the Flavors: In a mug or glass, pour the pandan syrup and the freshly brewed coffee.
Add Milk: Fill the rest of the cup with steamed or cold milk and stir to combine the distinct pandan and coffee layers.

Comparison: Pandan Coffee vs. Caffeine-Free Pandan Latte


Feature	Pandan Coffee Latte	Caffeine-Free Pandan Latte
Coffee	Yes (espresso, cold brew, etc.)	No
Caffeine	Yes	No (unless matcha is added)
Flavor Profile	A rich, bold contrast of coffee bitterness and pandan's sweet, nutty flavor.	A delicate, soothing harmony of pandan's floral and vanilla-like notes with creamy milk.
Ideal For	Coffee lovers seeking a unique, aromatic flavor experience.	Those who prefer a non-caffeinated, tropical-inspired drink.
Main Ingredients	Pandan syrup/paste, coffee, milk.	Pandan syrup/paste, milk.

The Evolution of the Pandan Latte

What was once a niche Southeast Asian delight has now found its way onto specialty cafe menus across the globe. This rise in popularity is part of a broader trend of consumers seeking out new and exotic flavors beyond traditional coffee options. The visual appeal of the vibrant green drink, often shared on social media, has also contributed to its trending status, driving curiosity and demand. For café owners and coffee enthusiasts, the pandan latte is a testament to the evolving coffee scene, where innovation and unique ingredients can redefine a classic beverage.

Conclusion To put it simply, a pandan latte does not always have coffee. It is a highly versatile drink whose composition depends on the chosen recipe. While it can be made with coffee for a caffeinated kick, it is just as, if not more, popular as a caffeine-free beverage. The unifying element is the distinctive flavor of the pandan plant, proving that a latte is ultimately defined by its milk and flavoring, not by its coffee content. So, whether you're looking for a new coffee creation or a relaxing, tropical treat, the pandan latte can deliver on both fronts. Discover more pandan latte variations and recipes here.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a pandan latte is not always made with coffee. While some recipes add coffee or espresso, many are prepared as a flavored milk drink without any coffee, making them caffeine-free.

The key ingredient is the pandan flavor, which comes from the leaves of the pandan plant. This is used as a syrup, extract, or paste to infuse the milk.

Pandan provides a flavor profile often compared to vanilla, with nutty, grassy, and floral undertones. When combined with milk, it creates a unique and aromatic beverage.

Yes, you can. If you are ordering at a cafe, be sure to specify that you want a 'caffeine-free' or 'pandan milk' latte. If you are making it at home, simply omit the coffee or espresso shot.

No, they are different but can be combined. A pandan latte is flavored with pandan, while a matcha latte uses green tea powder. Some variations, like a pandan matcha latte, use both.

The light green hue comes from the natural chlorophyll in the pandan leaves. Concentrated extracts and pastes can intensify this color, but some commercial products may also use artificial food coloring.

Yes, absolutely. A vegan pandan latte can be made by simply substituting dairy milk with a plant-based alternative such as coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk.

Pandan coffee is a specific type of pandan latte that includes coffee. Pandan latte is a broader term for any milk-based drink flavored with pandan, which may or may not contain coffee.