Starbucks Adds Latte Macchiato to U.S. Menu in January

If you’ve ever walked into a Starbucks wondering why there’s a Flat White but no Latte Macchiato—or why your usual latte doesn’t look quite like the one you had abroad—you’re not alone. The confusion over layered milk-and-espresso drinks has long puzzled coffee drinkers. Now, Starbucks is trying to clear things up—with an official addition to its menu.

Starting January 5, 2016, Starbucks launched Latte Macchiato in the Americas (Canada, the U.S., and most Latin American countries), making it the sixth core drink permanently on its menu since the 2015 introduction of Flat White. This structured, layered espresso and steamed milk beverage now sits alongside familiar items like the latte and cappuccino.

What Is a Latte Macchiato?

Despite the name, Latte Macchiato is not simply a mix of “latte” and “macchiato.” According to Starbucks, it’s made by first steaming milk into a velvety microfoam with a stiff foam cap—what baristas call a ‘protein frost’—then slowly pouring a small shot of espresso into the milk. This reverse method creates distinctive layers: milk and espresso at the bottom, a middle layer of espresso, and a thick top layer of foam, finished with a small dot of coffee on the foam. The result is a more pronounced layered look than a traditional latte.

How Does It Compare to Other Drinks?

The official description says Latte Macchiato tastes slightly stronger than a Flat White but lighter than a straight espresso with just a touch of foam (commonly called espresso macchiato). Unlike a latte, where espresso is added to milk, here milk is poured first and espresso is layered in—a method that affects both flavor balance and visual presentation. The drink is also visually distinct, with its stark white foam and single dark espresso dot, as illustrated in Starbucks’ internal diagrams.

Where Did the Drink Come From?

The Latte Macchiato isn’t new to coffee culture. Its recipe and name have existed for years—Wikipedia’s entry dates back to at least December 2014, and Nestlé previously sold a version in capsule form. But Starbucks claims its current version was invented by an employee who later joined the company’s R&D team. After years in development, the drink has now officially launched in the Americas market. The move comes as Starbucks continues refining its image as a more “serious” coffee retailer.

Why Add Another Milk Drink Now?

Since launching the Flat White in early 2015, Starbucks has worked to position itself as a more expert-driven coffee chain. The Latte Macchiato fills what the company sees as a gap between the Flat White and classic drip coffee. But the move is also competitive: Dunkin’ Donuts introduced its own version of a macchiato drink in the fall of 2015. With customer reactions mixed—online feedback shows more skepticism than enthusiasm—the drink’s success remains to be seen.

For reference, here’s how Starbucks positions these drinks visually:

From left to right: Cappuccino, Flat White, Latte Macchiato, Americano (source: Cosmopolitan)

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A regular latte is made by pouring espresso first, then adding steamed milk and a small amount of foam, resulting in a more uniform mixture. A latte macchiato is made by steaming milk first (creating a thick foam), then slowly pouring espresso into the milk, which produces distinct layers: milk and espresso at the bottom, espresso in the middle, and foam on top—with a small coffee dot on the foam. The latte macchiato has a more visible layering effect.

When did Starbucks start selling Latte Macchiato?

Starbucks officially launched Latte Macchiato in its Americas markets (United States, Canada, and most Latin American countries) on January 5, 2016. It became the sixth permanent drink on the standard menu, following the 2015 introduction of Flat White.

How is Latte Macchiato different from Flat White?

According to Starbucks, Latte Macchiato has a more defined layering of milk and espresso, with espresso poured into steamed milk rather than the other way around. It tastes slightly stronger than a Flat White but weaker than a plain espresso macchiato. Flat White is known for its velvety microfoam and a more balanced espresso-to-milk ratio, while Latte Macchiato emphasizes the visual contrast of its layers.

What does the ‘macchiato’ in Latte Macchiato mean?

In coffee terminology, ‘macchiato’ means ‘marked’ or ‘stained.’ In a Latte Macchiato, the addition of espresso ‘marks’ the white milk foam, creating a visible contrast. This is different from an espresso macchiato, where a small amount of milk ‘marks’ the espresso.

How did customers react to the new Latte Macchiato?

Customer response has been mixed, with online reactions showing more skepticism than support. Some consumers found the concept unfamiliar or unappealing. Despite the controversy, Starbucks sees the drink as part of its strategy to offer more specialized coffee options and fill a perceived gap in its menu between Flat White and standard drip coffee.

Was Latte Macchiato available before Starbucks added it?

Yes. The term and basic concept of Latte Macchiato have been around for years—Wikipedia’s page on it existed by at least December 2014, and Nestlé previously offered a version in coffee capsule form. However, Starbucks’ version is distinct in its preparation method and menu placement as a core offering in its stores.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Layered Milk Drinks

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