There is no name more popular when it comes to quick, decent coffee than Starbucks. With over 35,000 locations worldwide, it’s hard not to find yourself at the emerald mermaid’s drive-thru every now and again when needing a pick-me-up. However, its accessibility isn’t the only thing that makes the chain so enticing. The amount of options Starbucks has is almost endless with all the combinations of syrups, milk, and coffee blends it offers. While we could talk all day about Frappuccinos and refreshers, lattes are a classic and beloved choice among coffee (and tea!) enthusiasts, and Starbucks truly excels in this area. Their lattes are expertly crafted with rich, velvety milk and a perfectly balanced espresso shot. Whether you prefer a traditional blend or something more adventurous, one of the best Starbucks lattes can make even the biggest coffee skeptic rejoice.
Coffee enthusiasts already have a reason to rejoice, however, because a simple cup of joe with milk may protect your body from harmful inflammation, according to researchers from the University of Copenhagen. Their study finds that adding milk to coffee doubles the protective power of the immune cells. When things that don’t belong in the body find their way inside, the body reacts by releasing white blood cells and other substances to take protective action in the form of triggering inflammation. This also happens when we overwhelm our muscles and tendons, and it also has a link to diseases like arthritis. Meanwhile, antioxidants called polyphenols are common in fruits and vegetables and help reduce cellular stress in the case of inflammation. They’ve found that polyphenols are capable of binding to milk and meat. This is great news for coffee lovers because coffee beans are full of antioxidants, while milk is full of protein.
There are other benefits to enjoying your morning latte. A recent study shows that everyday pleasures like listening to music or sipping a cup of coffee can elevate brain activity, enhancing tasks demanding concentration and memory. Researchers found that both music and coffee significantly influenced participants’ brain arousal, essentially tuning their brains for optimal performance in the tasks. These stimuli boosted “beta band” brain wave activity, which is linked to peak cognitive performance. So there’s no need to feel guilty for enjoying a cafe mocha at work, as it can actually enhance your cognitive abilities. This research suggests that incorporating these pleasurable stimuli into our daily routines can potentially enhance our productivity and overall performance. So, next time you reach for that cup of coffee or put on your favorite song, remember that it might just be giving your brain the boost it needs to excel at your tasks.
Ready to discover your new go-to? We at StudyFinds have taken the time to research across multiple expert sources to bring you today’s list of the top seven best Starbucks lattes available. Don’t agree with our ranking? No worries, we would love to hear from you in the comments down below.
The List: Best Starbucks Lattes, According to Experts
1. Caffe Latte
The first drink up is the Caffe Latte. Some may say it’s too “plain Jane,” but there’s a reason this drink is number one. “This is the classic Starbucks latte made with their signature roast coffee. Swap this out for a blonde espresso if you prefer, or make it iced for a hot summer’s day. The Caffe Latte is the perfect all-rounder,” says Above Average Coffee.
“What’s a coffee shop without the classic Caffe Latte? Starbucks serves this traditional drink with a blend of milk and brewed espresso. Like all drinks on this list, you can order this beverage hot or iced,” writes Your Dream Coffee.
“The balance of rich espresso and creamy milk creates a well-rounded flavor. Enjoy it plain, or customize it with additional flavors like vanilla or caramel syrup. The Iced Caffe Latte is a timeless Starbucks favorite that offers a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a delicious coffee experience,” states Bit Of Cream.
2. Cinnamon Dolce Latte
The second spot on our list is dedicated to the Cinnamon Dolce Latte. A seasonal favorite of many, “This option can be enjoyed as a holiday drink or all year round as a warming treat. It combines your latte with cinnamon dolce syrup, and tops it off with whipped cream and cinnamon dolce sprinkles,” describes Above Average Coffee.
It’s a Starbucks Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte kind of day! pic.twitter.com/D1zNoex1a8
— school secretary life (@LifeSecretary) February 21, 2019
“The Starbucks proprietary cinnamon-dolce syrup and topping make this drink stand out in a crowd. The classic espresso and steamed milk of your choice shine when the cinnamon-dolce flavor is mixed in, and sweetened whipped cream makes the perfect finishing touch. A Grande gets four pumps of the cinnamon-dolce syrup. For a chocolate and cinnamon treat, ask for two pumps instead and two pumps of mocha syrup. Substitute white mocha syrup to enjoy a latte that tastes like a cinnamon roll,” notes Restaurant Clicks.
“If you’re looking for a delicious coffee treat, try this popular cinnamon dolce latte! It’s made with espresso, steamed milk, sweet cinnamon syrup, and topped with sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon dolce topping. It’s a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard,” explains Roasty Coffee.
3. Starbucks Reserve Hazelnut Bianco Latte
Next up on our list is the Starbucks Reserve Hazelnut Bianco Latte. And yes, it’s as fancy as it sounds. “This drink uses the special Starbucks Reserve espresso beans, but it also adds hazelnut-praline-infused steamed milk. A little bit sweet, very nutty, and with plenty of gourmet coffee flavor, this Starbucks latte flavor deserves a try,” comments Coffee Affection.
Starbucks Reserve Hazelnut Bianco Latte is backkkkkk ✨️🌰🌰 pic.twitter.com/7bcdcIZ19I
— Renz Daniel De Vera (@renzdvr) September 14, 2022
“Starbucks also uses a small-batch coffee to make the Reserve Hazelnut Bianco. Starbucks Reserve is a small-lot coffee grind made from their rarest beans and combinations. Expect a rich, nutty, and sweet experience with this specialty coffee. If you love mint, a pump of peppermint gives this coffee a holiday twist,” recommends Restaurant Clicks.
“The Starbucks Reserve Hazelnut Bianco Latte is special enough to feel like a treat but not so sweet that you won’t want to drink it in the morning. It’s toasty and nutty with a hint of creamy sweetness and is a great option if you need a little extra something to get you going,” reports Shop Food.
4. Caramel Brûlée Latte
The fourth spot on our ranking is Starbucks’ Caramel Brûlée Latte. It sounds just as delicious as it tastes, we assure you. “Caramel brûlée sprinkles dot the sweetened whipped cream that floats on top of espresso flavored with caramel brûlée sauce. The vanilla syrup adds more flavor, and as usual, you can switch out the milk, toppings, or other ingredients to customize your coffee,” says Restaurant Clicks.
“If you have a sweet tooth, then a cup of Caramel Brûlée Latte is perfect for you! It contains similar amounts of milk, brewed espresso, and whipped cream but is enhanced with caramel brulée sauce and caramel brûlée topping. For aesthetics and a more flavorful experience, you can top your order with chocolate powder malt, vanilla bean powder, or both! If you can’t get enough of the flavor, you may also ask the barista to line the cup with an extra squeeze of caramel or mocha,” explains Your Dream Coffee.
“This seasonal variation is limited time only, but you’ve got to sneak it into your schedule when you have the chance. This recipe is a dessert, a drink, and a one-of-a-kind experience rolled into one. While caramel is a well-known and beloved sweet flavor, caramel brûlée steps things up a notch. This flavor retains the same buttery sweetness while adding a smoky finish, all of which sings when blended with your milk of choice. To top things off (literally), this drink comes with a curl of whipped cream and a dash of crunchy brûlée bits,” states DrinkStack.
5. Chai Tea Latte
The fifth spot on our list goes to the Chai Tea Latte. The first of two tea options on our list. “The most popular tea-based latte has to be the Chai Tea Latte. It combines black tea with cinnamon, cloves, and many other warming spices. It’s delicious hot or cold,” writes Above Average Coffee.
Feeling all kinds of cozy with every sip:
☕ Chai Tea Latte with Soymilk*
☕ Caffè Latte with Oatmilk*
☕ Starbucks® Blonde Vanilla Latte with Oatmilk*
☕ Matcha Tea Latte with Soymilk*
☕ Honey Almondmilk Flat White*Customize milk preference in the app pic.twitter.com/MWLty9m7PP
— Starbucks (@Starbucks) January 26, 2022
“Chai tea lattes are the quintessential cozy fall beverage, but they’re delicious all year round. A chai tea latte is a great option if you want a latte but don’t like espresso (or you just want a break from it.) Starbucks’ Chai Tea Latte is made from steamed milk, water, and chai concentrate,” notes Shop Food.
“A popular variation of the chai latte is the dirty chai latte in which a shot of espresso is added to the cup. The combination of tea and coffee in the same drink packs quite a punch and is a unique flavor that you need to try at least once,” raves Era Of We.
6. Matcha Tea Latte
Next on our ranking is the Matcha Tea Latte. This green monster will be sure to give you a burst of energy among many health benefits, “Powdered green tea sweetened with sugar and topped with creamy milk makes this vibrant and delicious treat. Delicious and packed full of antioxidants, this drink is popular for many good reasons,” explains Above Average Coffee.
“This Starbucks Matcha Latte is the perfect pick-me-up for when you need an extra boost of energy. Made with rich matcha green tea powder, milk, and a touch of sweetness, this latte is creamy, smooth, and oh-so-delicious and can be ordered hot or iced. For a little extra sweetness, you can add a shot of vanilla syrup,” reports Roasty Coffee.
“You may have seen a green Starbucks drink all over social media, and that would most likely be the Match Tea Latte, which is served both hot and cold. The matcha powder is pre-mixed and not fresh, so it might not be the freshest flavor if you’re accustomed to fresh matcha. The matcha powder is pre-sweetened, and you need three scoops of this powder for the drink,” describes Era Of We.
7. Caffe Mocha
Last but not least is for the chocolate enthusiasts. That’s right, it’s the Caffe Mocha. “If you’re a chocolate lover, you’re probably familiar with the Caffe Mocha, which is essentially a regular latte with chocolatey mocha sauce and sweet whipped cream. It’s the adult version of a hot chocolate,” comments Coffee Affection.
#Starbucks iced caffe mocha with almond milk. Chocolatey love !! pic.twitter.com/sJsujyt0Xf
— My Venting Page (@REALationship9) June 23, 2022
“Simple flavors make this no-frills drink a treat that’s easy to customize. I like to pick my favorite syrups that taste good in a mocha. Using different syrup helps me not get bored by ordering the same thing too often. Fortunately, the variety of options Starbucks offers allows so many different combinations that boredom isn’t possible,” adds Restaurant Clicks.
“Mixing chocolate with coffee sounds fun. Caffe Mocha is an amalgamation of a regular mocha infused with chocolatey mocha sauce and sweet whipped cream. This chocolatey taste takes your drink to another level and gives you a feeling of having hot chocolate while you’re sipping your coffee. It’s bold in taste compared to other Starbucks lattes,” concludes Dash Of Butter.
You might be interested in:
- Best Starbucks Drinks
- Best Starbucks Frappuccinos
- Best Coffee Chains
- Best Fast Food Iced Coffee
- Best Fast Food Fall Coffee
Sources:
- Above Average Coffee
- Your Dream Coffee
- Bit Of Cream
- Restaurant Clicks
- Roasty Coffee
- Coffee Affection
- Dash Of Butter
- Shop Food
- Drink Stack
- Era Of We
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.