Starbucks Adds Latte Macchiato to Its Americas Menu

If you’ve ever stared at a coffee menu wondering what really separates a latte from a macchiato—or why some drinks have layers while others don’t—you’re not alone. Starbucks’ latest move in the Americas brings another layered espresso drink to the table, and it’s stirring up debate among coffee drinkers.

On January 5, Starbucks rolled out the Latte Macchiato in the Americas (Canada, the United States, and most Latin American countries), making it the chain’s sixth permanent espresso-based drink since introducing the Flat White in 2015.

What Is a Latte Macchiato, Anyway?

Unlike a traditional latte, where espresso is added to steamed milk, the Latte Macchiato turns the process around. First, milk is steamed to create a layer of thick foam—what Starbucks describes as resembling “a meringue.” Then, a small shot of espresso is poured slowly into the milk. This reverse method results in distinct layers: milk and espresso mixed at the bottom, a middle layer of espresso, and a top layer of foam—with a small dot of coffee visible in the white foam.

How Does It Compare to Other Espresso Drinks?

According to Starbucks, the Latte Macchiato has a stronger coffee flavor than a Flat White but is lighter than a standard Espresso Macchiato (which is just espresso with a touch of foam). The drink’s layered presentation highlights the contrast between milk and espresso, making each component more visually and texturally distinct. While the Flat White (introduced in 2015) aims for a velvety microfoam and balanced espresso-milk blend, the Latte Macchiato emphasizes separation and the visual “mark” of espresso on milk.

Why Is Starbucks Adding This Now?

The Latte Macchiato isn’t new—it’s been around for years in various forms. Nestlé previously offered it in coffee capsule form, and the term “Latte Macchiato” has appeared on Wikipedia since at least December 2014. But Starbucks claims the version now hitting its Americas menu was originally created by an employee who later moved to the company’s product development team. After years in development, it’s finally being served in stores.

This launch is part of Starbucks’ ongoing effort to position itself as a more “serious” coffee authority. Since the 2015 debut of the Flat White, the brand has expanded its espresso menu to fill perceived gaps between classic offerings like the americano and newer drinks like the Flat White. The move also comes amid stiff competition: in fall 2015, Dunkin’ Donuts introduced its own version of a macchiato in the U.S. market.

What Do Customers Think?

Reactions have been mixed. While some coffee enthusiasts appreciate the structured layers and stronger espresso presence, online responses suggest skepticism outweighs enthusiasm. Many consumers find the concept confusing or unnecessary—a sign that not all innovations resonate equally with the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a latte and a latte macchiato?

A regular latte is made by adding espresso to steamed milk, resulting in a uniform drink where milk dominates the flavor and texture. A latte macchiato is made by pouring espresso slowly into steamed milk and foam, creating distinct layers: milk and espresso at the bottom, espresso in the middle, and foam on top—with a visible coffee “mark” on the foam. The latte macchiato highlights the milk more prominently at first, then the espresso.

When did Starbucks introduce the Latte Macchiato?

Starbucks launched the Latte Macchiato in the Americas market on January 5, available in Canada, the United States, and most Latin American countries. It is the chain’s sixth fixed espresso-based drink on the menu.

How is latte macchiato made?

To make a latte macchiato, baristas steam milk to create a thick foam layer, then slowly pour a small shot of espresso into the milk. This results in three visible layers: a bottom layer of milk mixed with espresso, a middle espresso layer, and a top layer of foam with a small coffee dot on top.

What other espresso drinks does Starbucks offer?

Besides the Latte Macchiato, Starbucks serves the americano, espresso, cappuccino, flat white, and traditional latte. The Flat White, introduced in 2015, was the brand’s fifth fixed espresso drink, known for its velvety microfoam and balanced espresso-to-milk ratio.

Why are people skeptical about the Latte Macchiato?

Some customers find the concept confusing or unnecessary, especially since the drink reverses the usual espresso-and-milk order. Online reactions suggest that while some appreciate the layered presentation, many prefer more familiar espresso drinks and don’t see the innovation as valuable.

Has the Latte Macchiato been around before Starbucks?

Yes. The term “Latte Macchiato” has been in use since at least 2014, and Nestlé previously sold a version in coffee capsule form. Starbucks’ version is its own interpretation, developed internally and introduced to its Americas menu in January 2016.

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