Are latte and coffee the same drink or do they have their own merits?

Although both latte and coffee are related to coffee, they are actually two different drinks. Latte is a mixture of milk and coffee, with the soft taste of milk and the rich aroma of coffee as its main features; while coffee is a drink made from pure coffee beans, with a strong coffee aroma and unique bitterness. Both have their own advantages, depending on personal taste and preference.

In the world of coffee culture, latte and coffee are undoubtedly the two most common and most confusing concepts. Many people think that latte and coffee are the same thing, just with different names, but in fact, there are obvious differences between them.

1. Differences in Origin and Production Process

Let’s first learn about coffee. The origin of coffee can be traced back to several centuries ago. When people discovered that the fruits on the coffee tree could be roasted, ground and then used to extract the rich aroma, it gradually formed the drink we are familiar with - coffee. The production process is relatively simple, mainly roasting and grinding the coffee beans and then extracting them with hot water.

Latte, which means "take" in Italian, refers to a mixture of hot milk and coffee. Its origin is completely different from that of coffee. The original latte was a working drink created by Italians in order to make drinks quickly. It mixed equal amounts of espresso and milk. The production process of latte is more complicated and requires precise milk foam making technology to ensure the perfect combination of milk and coffee.

2. Comparison of taste and flavor

The taste of coffee usually depends on the type of coffee beans and the degree of roasting. It has a variety of tastes, such as strong, sour, mellow, etc. The flavor of coffee varies due to factors such as origin and roasting method, and has a unique aroma and taste.

Latte is a mixed drink whose taste and flavor are largely influenced by milk. Latte usually tastes smoother, and the dense feeling brought by the milk foam contrasts sharply with the bitterness of coffee. The flavor of latte varies depending on factors such as the ratio of milk to coffee, the type of milk used, and the milk foam making technique. Latte gives people a soft and warm feeling.

3. Application Scenarios and Audiences

As a global drink, coffee has a wide range of applications. It can be used to refresh the mind while working overtime in the office, or to enjoy a relaxing time during leisure time. It has a wide audience, and both young people and middle-aged and elderly people love this drink.

Latte, on the other hand, is more often found in coffee shops or specific occasions as a refined and elegant drink for everyone to enjoy. Due to its soft taste and warm flavor, it is more suitable for tasting in a relaxed atmosphere, and its target audience tends to be consumers who pursue quality life.

4. Differences in Cultural Significance

In culture, coffee often represents a spirit of independence and freedom and is a favorite drink of many literary and artistic creators, while latte represents more of a cultural concept of integration and harmony and is the product of the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures.

Although latte and coffee are both caffeinated drinks, there are obvious differences in their origins, production processes, taste and flavor, application scenarios and cultural significance. We cannot simply regard latte and coffee as the same thing. When we order food in a cafe next time, whether we want to order a latte or a coffee, we should have a clear answer in our minds, right?