Why Your Matcha Latte Has No Coffee in It

You’ve ordered a ‘latte’ and ended up with something that barely tastes like coffee—or worse, none at all. Maybe you’ve even wondered why your matcha latte doesn’t contain any espresso. The confusion isn’t your fault: the word ‘latte’ means different things around the world. In Italy, it just means ‘milk,’ but in coffee shops globally, it can refer to anything from a milky espresso drink to a completely dairy-based beverage. So what’s really in your cup—and why?

Your ‘latte’ might have no coffee because the term is often used to describe milk-focused drinks that don’t include espresso at all—like a matcha latte, which is made purely with tea and milk. A true Caffè Latte, however, always includes espresso and steamed milk, typically in a 1:3 to 1:5 espresso-to-milk ratio.

What Is a True Latte?

In Italian, ‘Latte’ simply means ‘milk.’ A Caffè Latte, however, is a specific drink: a small cup of espresso (about 30ml) combined with 150–200ml of steamed milk, heated to around 65°C. The hallmark of a latte is its high milk content with a base of espresso—what gives it flavour isn’t just the milk, but the crema and body from quality espresso. The amount of milk isn’t fixed; it’s adjusted to taste, but without espresso, it’s not a Caffè Latte.

Other Popular Milk-Based Coffee Drinks

Globally, the term ‘latte’ has evolved into a catch-all for various milk-and-coffee (or milk-and-tea) combinations. Here’s how some of the most common versions differ:

Macchiato (Espresso Macchiato)

This is a shot of espresso ‘stained’ with just a spoonful or two of milk foam—no steamed milk, no significant milk volume. Add caramel syrup, and you get a Caramel Macchiato.

Tè alla Nocciola / Tè alle Mandorle (Hazelnut/Apricot Syrup Latte)

These are made by blending Italian espresso with syrups such as hazelnut or toffee, then adding around 65°C steamed, frothed milk. They’re dessert-like milk drinks with espresso, not pure milk beverages.

Americano-Style Latte (Starbucks-Style)

This version layers espresso at the bottom, hot milk (65–75°C) in the middle, and a thin layer (under 0.5cm) of cold milk foam on top. It mimics a layered latte but isn’t made with microfoam integration.

Iced Latte

Made by adding 10g of syrup to a glass with ice, pouring in milk to 70% full while stirring, then slowly pouring espresso over the back of a spoon to preserve layering, and topping with two large spoons of milk foam.

Caffè Latte alla Francese / Europiccola (European-style)

A simpler preparation: combine one shot of espresso with a large amount of hot milk, no milk foam involved. Similar to a ‘milk coffee’ without texture.

Non-Coffee Milk Drinks

Some drinks labelled as ‘lattes’ contain neither espresso nor coffee:

Matcha Latte

Made by dissolving matcha powder in about one-fifth of a cup of warm milk (~65°C), stirring for 30 seconds until smooth. Then, steamed milk and the finest milk foam are poured on top. No coffee is used—just tea and milk.

Tea Latte (e.g., Black Tea Latte)

A blend of black tea extract or tea bags with milk in a 1:4 ratio. This creates a smooth, aromatic drink, often considered a healthier milk-based option—but again, no coffee involved.

Why the Confusion?

The word ‘latte’ in English-speaking countries often refers to Caffè Latte—but many other milk-based beverages borrow the name even when no coffee is present. That’s why your ‘matcha latte’ has no espresso: it’s not a coffee drink, but a tea one, even though it’s served in the same format. Meanwhile, a proper Caffè Latte is defined by its espresso-milk balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a latte and a Caffè Latte?

In English, ‘latte’ often refers to a Caffè Latte—a drink made with espresso and steamed milk (typically 1:3 to 1:5 ratio). But ‘latte’ in Italian just means ‘milk,’ so without specifying, it could imply a milk-only drink. Always check if espresso is included.

Why doesn’t my matcha latte have coffee?

Because it’s not a coffee drink. A matcha latte is made with matcha powder and milk only—it does not contain any espresso or coffee. The word ‘latte’ here refers to the milk component, not the coffee base.

What’s in a traditional Italian Caffè Latte?

It contains a small cup of espresso (around 30ml) and 150–200ml of milk heated to approximately 65°C. The drink is mostly milk, but the espresso provides the coffee flavour and crema.

Are drinks like caramel macchiato or tea lattes actually coffees?

Not always. A caramel macchiato includes espresso, but tea lattes and some flavoured lattes may contain no coffee at all. Always check the ingredients if you’re expecting caffeine.

Does an iced latte have the same ingredients as a hot latte?

Yes, but it’s assembled differently to preserve layering: syrup, milk, then espresso poured over the back of a spoon, and foam on top. It still contains espresso and milk, just served cold.

Can I have a latte without coffee?

Yes, but it won’t be a Caffè Latte. Drinks like matcha or tea lattes are coffee-free but may be called ‘lattes’ because they’re milk-based and served in similar formats.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Lattes

For a classic Caffè Latte, FrontStreet’s Classic Blend offers rich body and outstanding crema, perfect for milk drinks. Its smooth, well-rounded profile works well under steamed milk. For a fruitier twist, try the Strawberry Candy Espresso—its sweet, berry-like notes shine through milk. Both are ideal for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.