Shaken Espresso vs Latte: The Key Differences

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Despite being a coffee freak you too can have confusion about the different coffee flavours.

We can’t repudiate that there is a wide range of coffee flavors in the coffee industry. And now shaken espresso vs latte has become a rising trend.

People are exchanging words on the internet to discuss which drink is best or which one got an excellent taste. To end this debate, we’re here with our shaken espresso vs latte comprehensive comparison guide. Are you also interested to know the difference between these two popular drinks?

In this article, we will discuss the main differences, flavors, and why these drinks have been creating hype among coffee fanatics.

Now get ready to increase your knowledge and reveal which drink is the ultimate winner for your taste buds!

The Strong and Chilled Sip: Shaken Espresso

If you have just started drinking shaken espresso, then understanding the life story of shaken espresso will be interesting for you. It is one of the most famous and favorite Starbucks espresso drinks.

Starbucks added this exciting variant to its menu in March 2021. Also, it has officially introduced the shaken espresso to its family.

As the name indicates, it is shaken not stirred. Shaken espresso is made with one or more shots of espresso, and then it is shaken vigorously in a cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes, a splash of milk, and sugar or syrup.

Moreover, if you shake your espresso, there are chances that the acidity level gets low, and it will be creamier with a smooth texture.

Well, this drink is tempting for those who like iced coffee flavors and want to have something with a new twist.

Besides that, you can sweeten the taste by adding flavors like vanilla, hazelnut syrups, or any other of your preference in the iced shaken espresso.

The Artistry Coffee Delight: Latte

It is a classic and hot beverage among espresso drinks. Latte originated from an Italian coffee drink and is traditionally thought of as a breakfast coffee.

Latte is a beverage that coffee enthusiasts immensely love, and casual coffee consumers also prefer this drink nowadays.

The authentic latte comprises a few shots of espresso and steamed milk. Baristas also add a thin layer of frothed milk at the top to give the latte a more delicious taste and smooth texture. Here steamed milk means you can add any milk of your choice such as almond milk, soy milk and oat milk.

Recently, Starbucks made some variations to their classic latte, like the oleato caffè latte made with olive oil and other natural flavors. Also, their festive honey almond milk latte got popular among coffee lovers.

What are the Differences Between Shaken Espresso and Latte?

After getting into the origin and flavors of shaken espresso and latte you will be a bit more curious about the differences. We have got you covered!

1. Milk

The amount of milk is the first noticeable thing about shaken espresso vs latte. Shaken espresso has more coffee. Latte, on the other hand, is composed mainly of milk.

Well, some variations are exceptions. For instance, some lattes sold at Starbucks have coffee contents equal to a standard shaken espresso, and some shaken coffees have more milk than usual. But this is the general rule of thumb.

This gives the two drinks very different tastes, caffeine levels, and nutritional values.

2. Caffeine

The iced shaken espresso caffeine is more as compared to a latte. The level of caffeine is higher which is 225mg because more concentrated shots are being used in the making process.

On the flip side, a latte contains almost 175mg of caffeine, depending on the quantity and espresso shots. As one shot has approx. 63mg of caffeine.

3. Nutritional Values

When it comes to health and nutritional values, both drinks are relatively healthy depending on preparing method.

Shaken espresso has more caffeine since it contains less milk and more espresso shots. Generally, a Starbucks shaken espresso with blonde espresso has 255mg of caffeine. This caffeine amount is half of the daily recommended caffeine limit. Also, the amount of caffeine changes according to the type of beans, number of shots, and size of the drink.

One cup of iced shaken espresso has 100 calories. The number of calories varies from shop to shop and method to method. The protein quantity is 4g in one cup of shaken espresso. Whereas a latte cup contains 9g of protein. The calorie count also depends on the size of the cup.

As a reminder, coffee lovers who are always fitness freaks must keep an eye on the syrups and sugar to avoid health issues. You can also consider asking your barista for less syrup or select sugar-free syrups if available.

4. The Fascinating Taste & Flavors (Shaken Espresso Vs Latte)

We can’t deny that both drinks are mouthwatering and super enjoyable. Though, you understand the taste once you start sipping.

Ingredients and preparation methods are different hence they both give a unique and different taste. Shaken espresso gives a taste depending on the shaking techniques. The more vigorously the espresso has been shaken, the more your tastebuds will feel the flavors.

While shaking, the ingredients are blended perfectly which further makes the drink more vibrant and gives an intense taste.

On the flip side, the taste of the latte depends on the type of milk you’re using. Latte has a smooth and velvety texture as, at the top, frothed milk is added.

Due to milk, you can have a complete vibe and feel the rich taste of ingredients on your palate. Latte is a sweet and creamy drink that can also be enjoyed by seasonal coffee fans.

5. Appropriate Serving

It’s a shaken espresso vs latte debate! Though both have kind of similar serving. A shaken espresso is served cold and chilled; thus, it becomes the best beverage in summer to refresh your mind.

While the latte is commonly a hot coffee drink. But it can be served with a twist by serving as an iced latte.

6. Customizing the Coffee Drink

Both drinks offer several syrups, kinds of milk, and flavors according to your taste and choice,

The shaken espresso has a strong and intense taste, so it is offered with sweetened flavors of caramel or hazelnut syrup. You can add any syrup that you like, but make sure it does not vanish the original taste of a shaken espresso.

A latte is already a sweet-flavored drink as sweet milk is used in its preparation. When you customize the latte with any syrup, it enhances the taste. Recommended syrups for latte are caramel, and even seasonal pumpkin spice can be great for your tastebuds.

Which Drink Steals the Spotlight? Shaken Espresso Vs. Latte

Shaken espresso vs latte has tough competition as the latte is one of Starbucks’s hot favorite coffee drinks. Also, it’s good for those who like creamy and mild flavor.

Meanwhile, shaken espresso is comparatively a new drink for coffee snobs. Shaken espresso has a bolder and stronger taste. It’s perfect for those who need a potent coffee kick in the morning.

Numerous flavors and different tastes of both drinks create an iced shaken espresso vs latte battle. After a detailed discussion, still we can’t say which one is better as both have their own value among coffee enthusiasts. However, you can choose the drink depending on your mood and cravings.

If you want to have less sweet, rich, and complex flavour then shaken espresso is a way to go. While a latte satisfies the smooth, sweet, and mild cravings for coffee.

Conclusion

Both the drinks shaken espresso and latte offer unique taste experiences while sharing a same base of espresso. Choosing between them completely depends on individual preferences for caffeine levels, taste, and texture.

We hope you understand why there is a rivalry between shaken espresso and latte. If you’re still confused about the drinks or are a newbie coffee lover, we suggest you go to your nearest coffee shop and try both flavors.