Blonde Vanilla Latte vs Vanilla Latte Difference

With so many options on a drink menu, the first question coffee drinkers often ask is “What’s the difference?” Today we’re going to provide a detailed overview of the key differences, including nutrition facts, calories, milk options, and ingredients in two popular drinks: the Blonde Vanilla Latte and a regular Vanilla Latte.

My go-to coffee drink order at Starbucks® has always been a vanilla americano to which I add a splash of cream. One day I wanted something a little different. Plus, it’s nice to add steamed milk or hot foam to avoid cooling my drink too quickly. So I planned to order a vanilla latte.

Of course, when I glanced at the menu, in addition to the many different flavorings, from caramel to pumpkin spice, and milk alternatives – oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk – I noticed a new option – the Blonde Vanilla.

I asked the Barista, “What’s the difference between the Blonde Vanilla and regular Vanilla?” Her answer was simple – the Blonde Vanilla is a lighter-roasted coffee.

That a simple, quick response. Yes, it’s accurate and while there are many similarities, there are also a few other differences. Here’s the detailed report.

Quick Overview of a Latte

A latte, also called a caffè latte, is made with layers of espresso and steamed milk. The two main ingredients are gently blended and topped with a light layer of foam.

It’s said that this drink originated in Italy. and gained popularity across the U.S. and the world with the launch of quick service coffee chains such as Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Peet’s Coffee, among others.

It’s a real treat to take a moment and enjoy a well-brewed caffè latte. Especially when the barista is skilled at crafting a beautiful design with the foam topping. In fact, the process has garnered its own name and is known as Latte Art.

Latte Art is a unique method of pouring milk into a latte to create special designs. It’s a great way to enhance the overall experience of enjoying a special hot coffee drink.

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Quick Comparison: Latte vs Cappuccino vs Macchiato

To better understand how a latte is made, let’s compare it to other popular choice coffee drinks made with espresso and milk. The primary difference is the ratio of espresso to milk (and milk foam).

• A macchiato is made with a shot of espresso and a dollop of steamed milk. Of the three drinks we mention in this list, the macchiato has the highest espresso coffee-to-milk ratio.
• A latte is made by pouring a shot of espresso into the cup and then adding steamed milk. The drink is topped with a thin, light layer of milk foam.
• A cappuccino has the most milk. It’s made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.

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The Vanilla Flavoring

In addition to the type of coffee drink (a latte), both the Blonde Vanilla Latte and the Vanilla Latte are (quite obviously) flavored with Vanilla. The flavor is typically derived from a liquid syrup.

Depending on your preferred coffee chain or store-bought flavoring, the ingredients in the vanilla syrup will differ.

Here are the ingredients in select types and brands of vanilla-flavored syrup.

Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup

Torani, one of the most well-known brand of flavoring syrups, also offers a sugar-free syrup. It’s Puremade Zero Sugar Vanilla syrup contains water, erythritol, natural flavors, stevia leaf sweetener, xanthan gum, citric acid, monk fruit extract, and salt.

Type of Espresso

The main difference between these two drinks is the type of espresso used, which delivers a subtle difference in flavor.

Caffeine

The amount of caffeine is another factor to consider when comparing the similarities and differences between a Blonde Roast Espresso latte and a regular latte.

Why the Amount of Caffeine Differs

Caffeine varies widely due to the type and species of bean, the roasting method (temperature, duration, and intensity), and how the beverage is prepared. For example, the amount of caffeine in two small vanilla lattes may differ simply because of the amount of steamed milk poured into each cup.

Caffeine content decreases as coffee roasting intensifies.

Because of the many factors that lead to a variation in caffeine content, the amount of caffeine is typically reported as an estimate.

Caffeine in Light Roast vs Dark Roast

According to a detailed study about the roasting levels of Robusta coffee beans, a light roast contains approximately 60 mg of caffeine while a comparable amount of dark roast coffee contains 51 mg of caffeine.

Here is a quick summary of how much caffeine is in a vanilla latte.

As you can see from the table above, Starbucks’ Blonde Vanilla Latte has a slightly higher caffeine content compared to vanilla lattes from other popular coffee chains in the U.S.

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Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of a Blonde Roast Vanilla Latte compared with a Vanilla Latte is essentially the same, all else being equal, except for the slight difference in caffeine.

That said, nutrients do vary based on drink size, flavoring, and type of milk (dairy or non-dairy). Accordingly, the nutritional value differs from one coffee chain or restaurant to another.

Except for the amount of caffeine, the nutritional value of black coffee is essentially the same across all sizes. A small, 8 ounce cup contains about 5 calories. Likewise, a 20 ounce mug of black coffee also delivers about 5 calories.

Black coffee contains about 5 calories per cup, regardless of size.

Nutrients Vary with Drink Add-Ins

However, calories, total carbs, sugar content, and other nutrients differ significantly when syrup and dairy is added.

Starbucks

For example, the smallest 8-ounce Short blonde vanilla latte includes 1 espresso shot and 2 pumps of vanilla syrup and 130 calories. By comparison, the large 20-ounce Venti cup, which is made with 2 espresso shots and 5 pumps of vanilla syrup, has 320 calories.

Dunkin’

In addition to the size and amount of syrup, the nutritional value will vary based on the selected dairy add-in.

Take a regular Latte from Dunkin’ Donuts as an example. A medium drink made with skim milk contains 100 calories. Total calories increase by 70% (to 170 calories) when made with whole milk.

Review the following table for the calories, fat, and total carbs in a medium-sized regular (darker roast) Dunkin’ Latte made with milk and alternative milks, including Oat Milk and Almond Milk.

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So, which latte drink do you prefer? Do you choose the light-roasted, nutty flavor of Starbucks’ Blonde Espresso or the bolder, dark roast with a slightly lower caffeine content?

We would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Why is one latte better than the next?

Until then, we hope your morning coffee is a delight!

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Ingredients, allergens, and nutrition facts are based on available information as of the date this article was published and/or updated. Restaurants and food manufacturers may change their recipes without notice. Check directly with the food provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information. NutritionandIngredients.com does not provide health or wellness advice or dietary recommendations. Our aim is to research commercially processed food and publish articles for informational purposes only. Unless otherwise stated, % Daily Value is based on 2,000 calories per day, but calorie needs vary by individual. Always consult your physician for any healthcare or dietary advice.