A comparison of lattes from four high street chains found that the most expensive option, Starbucks at £5, was the worst, while Caffe Nero's £4.15 latte was the favourite with a 4.5/5 rating. The taste test, carried out by Isobel Pankhurst, covered Pret a Manger, Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero, and Starbucks, with regular sizes ordered and no substitutions or additions made.
Pret a Manger: cheap but slightly burnt
Pret's latte, costing £3.75, was the cheapest of the four. Despite a long queue, service was quick, with the drink ready in about a minute. The latte was slightly weaker than preferred and had a slight burnt taste, but it was considered good value for money and one the reviewer would purchase again. Rating: 3.5/5.
Costa: a slight upgrade for less than 50p more
Costa's latte, at £4.15, was slightly more expensive than Pret's but preferred enough to justify the increase of less than 50p. Still weaker than preferred, the latte was nevertheless good and likely to be bought again, perhaps with syrup added. Rating: 3.75/5.
Starbucks: most expensive but worst
Ordered via Uber Eats for £5, the Starbucks latte arrived at a good temperature, but that was the best that could be said. Despite costing the most, it was the worst of the four, tasting more like hot milk with just an echo of coffee. The reviewer does not plan to have it again. Rating: 2/5.
Caffe Nero: the winner
Caffe Nero's latte topped the list at £4.15, the same price as Costa's but stronger. The only criticism was that it was hotter than the others, nearly burning the tongue on the first sip, but after waiting a couple of minutes it was nearly perfect. Rating: 4.5/5.
In conclusion, the only latte not recommended was Starbucks'. For a cheaper option, Pret was the go-to; for a strong latte, Caffe Nero; and for a weaker but still good option, Costa Coffee.
