Is Spanish Latte Too Sweet? Customizing Your Perfect Creamy Coffee

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Unlike a regular latte, which is unsweetened by default, a Spanish latte inherently includes sweetened condensed milk, making it naturally sweeter. This raises the question for many coffee lovers: is Spanish latte too sweet? The answer depends entirely on personal taste, and the good news is, its sweetness is easily adjustable.

Quick Summary

A Spanish latte is sweeter than a traditional latte due to sweetened condensed milk, but the amount can be adjusted. This article explores the flavor profile, compares it to other coffee drinks, and provides methods to control and reduce the sweetness for a customized experience.

Key Points

Condensed milk makes it sweet: Unlike regular lattes, Spanish lattes are inherently sweeter because they are made with sweetened condensed milk.
Sweetness is customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness level by controlling the amount of condensed milk used or swapping it for other sweeteners.
Not as sweet as flavored syrups: While sweet, the condensed milk offers a caramel-like richness that is often less intensely sugary than flavored syrups used in other lattes.
Nutritionally different: Expect a Spanish latte to be higher in calories and sugar than a regular latte due to the condensed milk.
Authentic Spanish version is different: The global "Spanish latte" is a variant of the traditional Spanish café con leche, which typically uses regular sugar and is not inherently pre-sweetened.
Can be made less sweet: By using less condensed milk, swapping sweeteners, or mixing with regular milk, you can create a less sugary version at home or at the café.

What Makes a Spanish Latte Sweet?

At its core, a Spanish latte is a variation of the traditional café con leche, featuring a richer, sweeter profile. While a Spanish café con leche in Spain is often made with simple sugar, the globally popular "Spanish latte" is defined by its use of sweetened condensed milk. This thick, pre-sweetened ingredient gives the beverage its signature caramel-like flavor and velvety texture. The sweetness is not just an afterthought; it's a foundational component of the modern recipe, setting it apart from its unadulterated Italian counterpart.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: The Key Ingredient

Sweetened condensed milk is milk from which water has been removed, and a large amount of sugar has been added. This combination of concentrated dairy and high sugar content is the primary source of the Spanish latte's sweetness. Unlike a flavored syrup, which can be overpowering, the condensed milk melts smoothly into the hot espresso, balancing the boldness of the coffee with a creamy, rich sweetness.

How to Customize the Sweetness of Your Spanish Latte

The perception of too sweet is a personal one. Fortunately, there are several ways to tailor the drink to your preference, whether you are at home or ordering from a café. The key is controlling the amount and type of sweetener used.

Adjusting Sweetness When Making a Spanish Latte at Home

Use Less Condensed Milk: Start with half the amount of condensed milk and add more only if needed. A common recipe calls for 1.5 to 2 tablespoons, so begin with just one.
Combine with Unsweetened Milk: To reduce overall sweetness and calories, you can substitute a portion of the condensed milk with plain, unsweetened milk. Try using one tablespoon of condensed milk and filling the rest with regular milk.
Swap Sweeteners: For more precise control, use unsweetened condensed milk and add your own measured amount of sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute. This gives you complete power over the final flavor.
DIY Sweetened Condensed Milk: For health-conscious drinkers, you can create your own version of sweetened condensed milk using your preferred alternative sweetener, like monk fruit or stevia.

Customizing an Order at a Coffee Shop

Request Less Condensed Milk: Simply ask your barista for a "less sweet" Spanish latte. Most cafes are accustomed to such requests and will adjust the amount of condensed milk accordingly.
Split the Sweetener: For a slightly less creamy and less sweet experience, ask for half condensed milk and half regular milk as the base sweetener.

Spanish Latte vs. Other Sweet Coffees: A Comparison

To understand where the Spanish latte's sweetness lies, it is helpful to compare it with other popular coffee drinks. Below is a comparison table outlining key differences.


Aspect	Spanish Latte	Regular Latte	Vietnamese Coffee	Flavored Lattes (Caramel, Vanilla)
Main Sweetener	Sweetened condensed milk	Optional added sugar/syrup	Sweetened condensed milk	Sweetened syrups
Base Flavor	Rich, caramel-like sweetness	Primarily coffee and milk	Intense, strong coffee	Artificial or enhanced sweetness
Acidity	Lower due to milk/sweetener	Higher if unsweetened	Strong and can be more acidic	Varies, can be masked by syrup
Sweetness Level	Inherently sweet and creamy	Neutral, customizable	Very sweet, intense	Very sweet, sugary
Milk Type	Condensed milk + steamed/scalded milk	Steamed milk	Condensed milk + water	Steamed milk + syrup
Texture	Velvety, smooth, rich	Silky, light foam	Dense, thick, syrupy	Smooth, can be thinner than Spanish latte

Nutritional Considerations

Due to the high sugar content in condensed milk, a Spanish latte is more calorie-dense than a regular latte. A medium-sized Spanish latte can contain significantly more sugar and calories, sometimes over 300 calories, compared to an un-sweetened regular latte. Those mindful of sugar and calorie intake should be aware that while delicious, a Spanish latte is often more of a dessert-style treat.

Conclusion: Is Spanish Latte Too Sweet for You?

The simple answer is that a Spanish latte is designed to be sweet, and for many, its inherent sweetness is part of its delicious appeal. However, whether it is too sweet is entirely a matter of personal preference and can be easily managed. By adjusting the amount of condensed milk or experimenting with alternative sweeteners, you can find the perfect balance of bold espresso, creamy texture, and sweetness to suit your individual taste. So, don't be discouraged by its reputation; the Spanish latte is a highly customizable drink that can be enjoyed by everyone.

A Note on Authentic Spanish Coffee

If you find the condensed milk version of the Spanish latte too sweet, you might prefer the traditional Spanish café con leche. A genuine café con leche is simply espresso and steamed milk, served with sugar on the side for the customer to add to their liking. This version offers the same robust coffee flavor without the added richness and sweetness of condensed milk, providing a classic and straightforward coffee-and-milk experience. Read more about the classic preparation here: Café con leche - Wikipedia.

Ways to Make a Less Sweet Spanish Latte

Reduce Condensed Milk: Use only 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of condensed milk instead of the standard 2 tablespoons.
Swap Sweeteners: Use unsweetened condensed milk and add a small amount of sugar or a calorie-free sweetener.
Dilute with Regular Milk: Make the drink with a smaller proportion of condensed milk and a larger amount of regular, unsweetened milk.
Use Coffee Cubes for Iced Versions: For iced lattes, freeze brewed coffee into ice cubes. This prevents a watery taste as the ice melts, maintaining the bold coffee flavor and requiring less sweetener to compensate.
Choose a Bolder Espresso: Use a medium-dark or dark roast espresso to ensure a stronger coffee flavor that can stand up to the sweetness.

Final Thoughts on Spanish Latte Sweetness

For those who love a dessert-like coffee, the standard Spanish latte is a perfect indulgence. For those who prefer a more balanced and less sweet cup, a little customization goes a long way. Experiment with the proportions and ingredients to discover your perfect Spanish latte. The versatility of this creamy, delicious beverage means there is a version for every palate.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Spanish latte is sweeter because it is made with sweetened condensed milk, whereas a normal latte consists of just espresso and steamed milk and is typically unsweetened unless you add sugar or syrup.

Yes, you can easily make a Spanish latte less sweet by reducing the amount of condensed milk in the recipe. Some prefer to use a smaller portion of condensed milk and supplement with regular milk.

Not exactly. The popular "Spanish latte" found in cafes outside of Spain is typically a variation that uses condensed milk. The traditional Spanish café con leche is simply espresso and milk, with sugar added separately, similar to a regular latte.

While both use condensed milk, a Spanish latte generally has a smoother and milder sweetness due to using espresso and often more steamed milk. Vietnamese coffee, made with robusta beans, has a bolder, more intense coffee flavor and can be significantly sweeter.

Yes, a Spanish latte is typically higher in calories than a regular latte because of the added condensed milk. The high sugar and fat content in condensed milk increases the overall nutritional value significantly.

To get a less sweet iced Spanish latte, you can request less condensed milk. An effective tip for making it at home is to use coffee ice cubes, which prevent the drink from becoming watery and diluted, allowing the coffee flavor to shine without needing extra sweetness.

Yes, for more control over sweetness, you can use unsweetened condensed milk or regular milk and add a sugar substitute of your choice. Some prefer natural options like honey or brown sugar, while others opt for calorie-free versions like stevia.