A taste test of lattes from four high street chains found Caffe Nero the clear favourite, with Starbucks the weakest despite being the most expensive.
The Test Setup
Lattes are a firm favourite for countless coffee lovers, and while I tend to gravitate towards a straightforward Americano, I do find myself indulging in a latte from time to time. Much like any coffee, however, the quality can differ enormously from one coffee shop to the next.
With that in mind, I set out to sample lattes from a handful of well-known chains to crown the ultimate winner. I paid a visit to my nearest branches of Pret a Manger, Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero, and Starbucks (or ordered via Uber Eats).
I stuck to a regular size at each establishment, making no substitutions or additions, despite my usual habit of throwing in a splash of vanilla syrup.
High Street Lattes from Worst to Best
Pret a Manger
With just 10 minutes to spare before I needed to be elsewhere, I joined an alarmingly lengthy queue at Pret. Despite its daunting size, I was served remarkably swiftly, with the drink itself arriving within a minute or so.
At £3.75, it was the most affordable of the bunch, though costs can mount up quickly at Pret should you be tempted by the food menu. While not my outright favourite, it represented solid value for money.
Slightly weaker than I'd have liked, and carrying a faint burnt undertone, it wasn't exactly a showstopper, but it's certainly one I'd order again, particularly if the queue keeps moving at such an impressive pace.
Rating: 3.5/5
Costa
The nearest coffee shop to my home, and consequently my most visited, Costa is my go-to destination when I fancy an iced coffee or a black coffee that's a notch above the instant variety I make at home.
Priced at £4.15, it was marginally pricier than Pret's version, though I preferred it enough to justify the less than 50p difference.
While still not as strong as I'd like, this latte was nonetheless enjoyable, and one I'll certainly be ordering again, perhaps with a splash of syrup next time rather than plain.
Rating: 3.75/5
Starbucks
I placed my Starbucks latte order via Uber Eats, that set me back £5, making it the priciest of the bunch. It arrived at a surprisingly decent temperature. Unfortunately, that's where the positives end.
Despite carrying the heftiest price tag, this latte was undoubtedly the weakest of the lot. Incredibly thin, it tasted more like hot milk with just an echo of coffee. It's safe to say I won't be revisiting that choice.
Rating: 2/5
Caffe Nero
Caffe Nero's latte came out on top as my clear favourite. Identically priced to Costa at £4.15, it packed noticeably more punch.
For those who prefer a milder brew, Costa is the one, but for fellow coffee enthusiasts craving something bolder, Caffe Nero is the place to head.
My sole gripe was that it was considerably hotter than the others, and I very nearly scalded my tongue on the first sip. After allowing it a couple of minutes to cool, however, it was virtually perfect.
Rating: 4.5/5
Conclusion
Of the four lattes sampled, the only one I'd steer you away from is Starbucks'. The remaining three all hold their own and each caters to a different preference.
If you're after a wallet-friendly option, Pret is the one to head for. Craving something with a bit more kick? Caffe Nero is your best bet. Prefer something a little lighter but still perfectly enjoyable? Costa Coffee has you covered.
