Breve vs. Latte — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on March 8, 2024
A breve is a coffee drink made with espresso and half-and-half, offering a richer, creamier taste, while a latte is made with espresso and steamed milk, providing a lighter, milkier flavor.
Difference Between Breve and Latte
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Key Differences
Breve and latte are both popular espresso-based drinks, but they differ significantly in their composition and flavor profiles. A breve, which is sometimes referred to as a "caffè breve," is made by combining espresso with half-and-half (a mix of milk and cream). This combination results in a drink that is richer and creamier than most espresso beverages. The half-and-half not only adds a significant amount of creaminess but also lends a sweeter taste to the drink.
A latte is traditionally made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a small amount of milk foam. The latte is known for its smooth, milk-forward flavor, making it a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts who prefer a less intense espresso taste. The milk used in lattes is typically whole milk, which contributes to the drink's creamy texture, but it is lighter in comparison to the half-and-half used in breves.
The preparation method also plays a role in differentiating the two. While both drinks involve steaming the dairy component to create a warm, frothy texture, the higher fat content in half-and-half makes the breve thicker and creamier. Lattes, with their higher milk content, offer a more velvety texture that blends seamlessly with the espresso.
Nutritionally, breves are higher in calories and fat due to the use of half-and-half, making them a more indulgent option. Lattes, depending on the type of milk used, can be lighter and are often preferred by those looking for a less heavy coffee drink.
Understanding these differences can help coffee lovers decide which drink better suits their taste preferences and dietary considerations. Whether seeking the indulgent creaminess of a breve or the smooth, gentle flavors of a latte, both drinks offer unique takes on the classic espresso and milk combination.
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Comparison Chart
Dairy Component
Half-and-half (equal parts milk and cream)
Steamed milk
Flavor Profile
Richer, creamier, and slightly sweeter
Lighter, milkier, and more subtle
Espresso Content
Typically one shot
Typically one shot
Texture
Thicker and creamier
Smooth and velvety
Calories
Higher due to cream content
Lower, depending on the milk used
Compare with Definitions
Breve
An espresso drink with half-and-half.
She ordered a breve for its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Latte
Versatile with milk choices.
He ordered his latte with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Breve
Known for its richness.
The breve's combination of espresso and half-and-half makes it exceptionally rich.
Latte
An espresso drink with steamed milk.
Her morning routine included making a warm latte.
Breve
Slightly sweeter taste.
The breve's sweetness comes from the natural sugars in the half-and-half.
Latte
Topped with milk foam.
The latte was perfectly made, with just the right amount of foam on top.
Breve
Higher in calories.
Despite the calories, the breve's indulgent creaminess was irresistible.
Latte
Lighter than a breve.
Opting for a lighter coffee, she chose a latte over a breve.
Breve
Creamier than most coffee drinks.
For a creamier alternative to his usual coffee, he tried a breve.
Latte
Known for its smooth flavor.
He enjoys lattes for their smooth, milk-forward taste.
Breve
An equal mix of espresso and half and half cream
Latte
A caffe latte.
Latte
A drink of coffee made from espresso and steamed milk, generally topped with foam.
Latte
A similar drink, where the espresso is replaced with some other flavoring ingredient such as chai, maté or matcha (green tea).
Latte
Same as cafe latte; a type of espresso coffee served with foamy steamed milk, and usually served in a tall glass or mug.
Latte
Strong espresso coffee with a topping of frothed steamed milk
Common Curiosities
What is a breve?
A breve is an espresso-based coffee drink made with half-and-half, offering a creamy and rich flavor.
What is a latte?
A latte is an espresso drink made with steamed milk and a small amount of milk foam, known for its smooth and milkier taste.
Is a breve higher in calories than a latte?
Yes, due to the use of half-and-half, a breve is typically higher in calories and fat than a latte made with regular milk.
Is a breve or latte better for someone watching their calorie intake?
A latte, especially one made with low-fat or non-dairy milk, would be more suitable for someone watching their calorie intake.
Which drink should I choose if I prefer a creamier coffee?
If you prefer a creamier coffee, a breve would be the better choice because of its rich texture and sweetness.
How are breves and lattes similar?
Both breves and lattes are espresso-based drinks that incorporate a dairy component and are part of the wider family of coffee drinks.
How does the taste of a breve compare to a latte?
A breve has a richer and slightly sweeter taste due to the half-and-half, while a latte has a lighter, more milk-forward flavor.
Can the espresso to milk ratio vary in a latte or breve?
While the standard ratio typically includes one shot of espresso, some coffee shops and individuals adjust the ratio to cater to personal taste preferences.
Can I make a breve or latte at home?
Yes, with an espresso machine or similar coffee-making equipment, you can steam milk or half-and-half to create either drink at home.
Can I use non-dairy alternatives in a breve or latte?
Yes, non-dairy milk alternatives can be used in both breves and lattes, though the texture and flavor may vary from the traditional versions.
What makes a breve sweeter than a latte?
The natural sugars in the half-and-half contribute to the breve's slightly sweeter taste compared to the more subtle sweetness of milk in a latte.
Which drink has a thicker texture?
A breve has a thicker texture due to the higher fat content of half-and-half compared to the milk used in lattes.
How does the choice of dairy affect the nutritional content of these drinks?
The choice of dairy significantly affects the nutritional content, with half-and-half increasing the fat and calorie content, while the type of milk used in lattes can vary the calories and fat.
Is foam used in both breves and lattes?
Foam is typically used in lattes, while breves may have a small amount of froth from the steamed half-and-half but not a distinct foam layer.
Can flavorings be added to a breve or latte?
Yes, flavorings such as vanilla, caramel, or chocolate can be added to both breves and lattes to enhance their taste.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
