Are you an iced latte fanatic, or do you swear by iced coffee?
There’s no denying both options make for a terrific pick me up. And I think we can all agree that both are equally thirst-quenching no matter the weather outside.
However, iced lattes and iced coffee have their cult following that coffee lovers swear by. So what is it that makes these coffee beverages so great?
Here I’ll give you the rundown of iced latte vs. iced coffee so you can decide if one or both are right for you.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ICED LATTE AND ICED COFFEE?
Looks alone are not the most apparent indicator about which drink is which – especially if you’ve added additional ingredients. Both feature brewed coffee beans at their base, but there’s a big difference between the two.
Iced lattes are a concoction of cold milk, espresso, and ice. You start by filling a glass with ice, pour in an espresso shot, and top it off with milk. The number of espresso shots will vary by size, but generally speaking, iced lattes consist of a 1 to 3 espresso to milk ratio.
Iced coffee, on the other hand, is precisely that. It’s brewed coffee that is poured over ice. Light, medium, or dark, you can use any type of roast. Since you’re only using coffee, there’s not any ratio you have to consider.
Although, as the ice melts, your coffee will become more watered down. One way around this is to freeze coffee ice cubes. That way, when the ice melts, you get nothing but coffee.
WHAT’S A STARBUCKS ICED LATTE AND ICED COFFEE?
Starbucks is no doubt the big dog of coffee chains. They have a way of doing things that may not translate to all other coffee shops.
So to help you out, here’s what you’re getting. When you order a tall iced latte, you’ll get one shot of espresso, and 2 percent milk poured into a cup jam-packed with ice. Order an iced coffee, and you’ll receive their signature coffee served on ice with three pumps of their classic syrup.
As a former barista, I can tell you this is not standard at local coffee shops. Most mom-and-pop shops will serve an iced latte with a shot of espresso and whole milk. In contrast, iced coffee is either hot or chilled coffee that is poured over ice.
Unless specified, there is no sweetener added to either drink. So if you want your drink a certain way, you’ve got to ask for it. Otherwise, you may be surprised to find a simple order is not at all what you wanted.
IS ICED LATTE SWEETER THAN ICED COFFEE?
Iced lattes and iced coffee aren’t sweet by nature. Iced lattes are much creamier and more well-balanced due to the milk fat cutting through the bitterness of the espresso. Iced coffee is far more bitter because it’s just that, brewed coffee that is served on ice.
However, that doesn’t mean they have to stay that way. You fix either one up to be a sweet drink. Vanilla, caramel and hazelnut are all popular coffee syrups you can add to either drink.
Walk into any coffee shop, and odds are you’ll even see iced vanilla latte featured on the menu. This is a classic latte pairing that every barista, and iced latte lover, knows all too well.
You can also opt for the standard sweetening method and add in some table sugar, stevia, or sugar in the raw. Although sweetening with sugar or sugar substitutes is more common with iced coffee, nothing says you can’t add these to iced lattes.
DOES ICED LATTE OR ICED COFFEE HAVE MORE CAFFEINE?
Ounce to ounce, a shot of espresso has more caffeine than brewed coffee; about 64 mg to 11 mg, respectively. The reason why is because when you pull a shot of espresso, what you get is a much more concentrated brewed bean.
Look at the serving size, and you’ll find a different story. One serving of espresso is equivalent to one shot. As mentioned, that’s 64 mg of caffeine. A single serving of coffee is roughly 95mg of caffeine. So if you require a jolt of caffeine, go with iced coffee.
IS ICED COFFEE OR ICED LATTE HEALTHIER?
If you’re wondering which one is healthier, the answer is it depends on who you ask.
Some will say iced coffee is healthier because it has lower calories and zero fat. Others will say iced latte because there are nutrients in milk, such as calcium and protein. Everyone can agree that the sugar-induced variations of either are far from healthy.
To better answer your question, let’s take a look at some of the science. According to one study, coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk for certain cancers, liver conditions, and metabolic conditions. Although, pregnant women who drink coffee were at a greater health risk.
Compare that with milk, and you’ll find other health risks and benefits. One study found milk consumption led to decreased colorectal cancer and a lower risk of osteoporosis. On the contrary, high milk consumption was linked to obesity. Additionally, there was a lower risk for Alzheimer’s but a higher risk for Parkinson’s disease.
So like I said, it depends on who you ask.
DOES ICED LATTE OR ICED COFFEE HAVE MORE CALORIES?
While the science may be out on overall health, there is one factor we know about each: the nutritional content.
According to Nutrition Value, an 8 ounce serving of iced coffee has 2.4 calories, 0g total fat, 0g carbohydrates, 0.2g protein, and 4.8g calcium. Meanwhile, an iced latte has 65 calories, 2.4g total fat, 6.8g carbohydrates, 4.2g protein, and 158mg calcium.
If you’re counting calories, go with an iced coffee. However, if you’re trying to get more calcium and protein in your diet, an iced latte is clearly the way to go.
HOW TO MAKE AN ICED LATTE
The great thing about iced lattes is you don’t need to worry about achieving perfectly frothy milk. Skipping this step makes it quicker and much easier to make a latte at home.
However, you’ll need some way to brew espresso. This can be a stovetop method like a Moka Pot, a manual method like a French press, or a standard automatic espresso machine. If all else fails, you can use a strongly brewed dark roast.
Directions:
1. Brew a shot of espresso or strong, dark roast coffee beans.
2. Pack a glass with ice.
3. Pour espresso shot or 1 ounce of brewed coffee over ice.
4. Top off with whole milk.
Variations
1. Add a flavored coffee syrup like vanilla or hazelnut
2. Top with whipped cream
3. Drizzle caramel sauce in the cup
4. Mix in chocolate syrup
5. Substitute whole milk with 2% milk, nonfat milk, nut milk, or non-dairy creamer
HOW TO MAKE AN ICED COFFEE
Next to hot coffee, iced coffee is ridiculously easy to make at home. So easy, there’s no need to order one at a coffee shop. That is, unless you’re short on time, nowhere near home, and they’ve got some killer pastries you can’t resist.
Here’s a foolproof method for making a homemade iced coffee if you have the time.
Directions:
1. Brew your favorite coffee beans.
2. Pack a cup with ice.
3. Pour coffee over ice.
Variations
1. Sweeten with sugar or sugar substitute
2. Add a coffee syrup flavor like vanilla or hazelnut
3. Sweeten with simple syrup or monk fruit
4. Add a powdered coffee creamer
5. Add a splash of milk, nut milk, or non-dairy creamer
CONCLUSION
There is no right or wrong choice in the iced latte vs. iced coffee debate. Both are equally great beverages that have some perks. Iced lattes are fantastic if you want something rich and creamy. Iced coffee is better if you want a high dose of caffeine and a bitter punch. Whether you drink them as is or tailor them to your taste buds, iced latte and iced coffee are great any time of year.
