Breve is another variation of Latte, but there are a lot of differences.
A lot of people don’t know the difference between breve and latte. Some even assume they’re just two different names for the same drink.
But there are some key distinctions between these drinks, and it’s important to understand them before you order your next coffee.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about breve vs latte by breaking down the differences between the two so that you can make an informed decision next time you’re at your favorite coffee shop.
But first, let’s get to know each of them.
What is a Breve?
A breve coffee, also known as breve latte or cafe breve, is a type of coffee made with steamed half-and-half or half-light cream instead of milk and topped with a lot of milk foam.
It was the American version of the popular Italian Cafe Latte.
As you can see, this coffee is not as popular as other espresso-based drinks. You might even be here because you are curious about what a breve coffee is.
Well, one of the reasons why this coffee is not as popular as your favorite Latte or cappuccino is that it has a higher calorie content.
According to the nutrition facts, a 16-ounce breve latte can have up to 500 calories. That’s because the steamed half and half are higher in fat than milk.
So, if you are health conscious, you might want to avoid this type of coffee.
However, if you are looking for a delicious and creamy alternative to your usual coffee, then a breve is definitely worth a try!
What is a Latte?
A latte is also an espresso-based drink with steamed milk and espresso.
A little milk foam is usually added on top.
The Latte originated in Italy, and the word “latte” means milk in Italian.
In America, the Latte became popular in the 1980s, when coffeehouses started serving this coffee drink.
Nowadays, lattes are made with an espresso machine. The steamed milk is added to the espresso to create a creamy and foamy coffee.
Lattes are usually served in tall glasses or mugs and can be flavored with syrups or spices.
The most popular flavorings for lattes are vanilla, chocolate, and caramel.
As you can see, lattes are a very popular coffee drink. If you’re looking for a popular and delicious coffee, then a latte is definitely the way to go!
Now that you know what a breve is and what a latte is, let’s take a look at the key differences between these two coffee beverages.
Caffè Breve Vs Latte
Ingredients
Let’s first talk about the ingredients and composition.
As we mentioned before, a breve is made with steamed half and half, while a latte is made with steamed milk.
The difference in ingredients makes a big difference in taste.
Breves are richer and creamier than lattes because of the higher fat content in the half and half. Lattes are still creamy, but they have a lighter taste.
Texture
When it comes to the texture of these two drinks, there are some definite differences. A cafe breve is going to be much thicker and richer than a latte.
This is because of the milk used in this beverage.
For a cafe breve, half and half are used instead of milk which creates a foamy texture that’s very smooth.
A latte also has a smooth texture but isn’t as thick or rich. Latte tends to be milkỉe and lighter than a breve.
Calories
Another key difference between these two coffee drinks is the calorie content. Breves are higher in calories because of the higher fat content in the half and half.
A 16 oz breve has 473 calories, while a 16 oz latte has only 190 calories. Thus, if you are calorie conscious, then Latte is a better choice for you.
Appearance
When it comes to appearance, both these coffees look quite similar. Both have a creamy and frothy top layer.
However, if you take a closer look, you will notice that the Latte has less foam while the breve has more foam.
How to make a Cafe Breve?
To make a breve latte, you should:
- Make an espresso shot. (This can be easier if you have a finely ground coffee and espresso machine.)
- Steamed half and half milk.
- Pour the steamed half and half milk into a cup and add the espresso shots. Add some milk foam on top (optional). You can also flavor your Latte with syrups or spices if you like.
- Finally, enjoy your delicious and creamy Latte!
Can you make Iced Breve Latte and Iced Latte?
You can indeed make cold breve latte and iced cold Latte.
For breve, you will have to add the cold half and half, make espresso shots, and then pour them over ice cubes.
Then add sweetener and give it a good mix. Finally, top it with some more foam (though this step is optional).
For Latte, brew some espresso shots and pour them into a glass filled with ice cubes. Add frothed or whole milk and sweetener. You can also add syrup as toppings.
Is a breve or Latte sweeter?
A breve cafe is naturally sweeter and creamier than a typical latte since it is made with half and half.
But the sweetness of both drinks also depends on how you make them.
For example, if you add sweeteners like more sugar or syrup to a latte, they will obviously be sweeter.
However, if you don’t add any sweeteners, lattes are generally slightly less sweet than breves because of the lower fat content in the steamed milk.
Is a breve or Latte healthier?
As previously stated, breve contains a lot of cholesterol because of the half and half, which also gives it a higher calorie content.
This makes it unhealthy for those who are trying to watch their cholesterol or calorie intake.
Lattes, on the other hand, are generally healthier since they are made with skim milk. So if you’re looking for a healthier option, go with a latte.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many differences between caffè breve and Latte.
- Breves are richer and creamier in taste, while lattes have a lighter taste.
- When it comes to texture, breves are thicker and richer, while lattes are smoother.
- Breves are also higher in calories because of the half and half, while lattes are lower in calories.
If you’re still unsure which coffee to choose, you can try both of them and see which one you like better.
FAQs
What exactly is half-and-half?
According to the FDA, it’s a blend of milk and cream that contains at least 10.5% but no more than 18% milk fat. The rest is made up of milk solids and water. It has a rich, creamy texture and can be used in coffee, tea, or baking.
What is a double caffè breve?
A double caffè breve is a coffee drink made with two shots of espresso and steamed half and half. It’s similar to a latte but has more caffeine because of the extra shot of espresso.
How much fat is in a breve?
A breve is a coffee with added cream and has 27 grams of fat per 16 ounces. Most of the fat comes from the cream, but there is also some saturated fat from the milk.