I LOVE a Turmeric Latte, I’m not going to lie, but recently I was shocked to find not one, but four different kinds of lattes (aside from the traditional cafe latte) on the menu. What in the world are they and more importantly, what do they taste like? Read on to find out.

TURMERIC LATTE 

Turmeric’s active ingredient Curcumin, is known for it’s anti-inflammatory effects, believed to have positive effects on both depression and cancer. Whilst the quantity of Curcumin in each Turmeric latte is up for debate, eating real food is what we’re all about over here at AAAD HQ, hence we sip them regularly. What do they taste like? It depends on the cafe, but usually a standard turmeric latte tastes like a slight twist on coconut milk (or whatever milk you opt for). I love additional flavour, so I opt for extra cinnamon to help manage blood sugars, chilli for extra metabolism boosting effects and black pepper to help with Curcumin absorption. 

MATCHA LATTE 

Recently I wrote a blog post asking the popular question, Why is my green tea brown? This post discussed the benefits of drinking Matcha Green Tea (high in antioxidants, amino acids and chlorophyll) and very soon after the Matcha Latte world exploded. A Matcha Latte is essentially Matcha powder, milk and a sweetener. What does it taste like? Personally I think it tastes like grass and milk mixed together, but don’t stress, I’m an anomaly and my girlfriends love it. It does contain a subtle hint of caffeine, but no where near as much as a coffee.

BEETROOT LATTE 

I used to think this was a Byron Bay thing, but I’ve since seen the ole’ Beetroot Latte gain a lot of traction over the past month. What is it? It depends on the cafe, but it can include beetroot powder mixed with coconut milk and other spices, OR it can include beetroot juice infused coffee. Beetroot is used for it’s ability to boost liver detoxification, but if you’re pairing it with coffee, it kind of cancels itself out. Again, the taste behind these lattes depends on the cafe, with some adding additional herbs and spices to give it more flavour. I’ve only tried one (of the straight pressed beetroot juice variety) and if I’m honest, I didn’t love it, but there are a number of cafe’s getting a little creative, of which I’d be happy to try.

CHARCOAL LATTE 

The new kid on the block. Activated charcoal is considered a digestive cleanser, known to improve skin health. On it’s own, it tastes a little chalky, however in a latte I’m not entirely sure – I’m yet to try this one. If anyone has given it a go, please let me know!

Word of warning: Whilst I am all for the consumption of these tasty new lattes, you need to be wary of not only the type, but quantity of sweetener used to make these lattes taste delicious. If in doubt, ask for sweetener on the side, that way you’re in control 😉

What’s your favourite latte alternative? Let me know in the comments below.