Lattes are a popular coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of foam. While the traditional latte is unsweetened, many people prefer their lattes to be on the sweeter side. So, how do you know how much sweetness to add to your latte?
Lattes get most their sweetness from added sweetener (not the coffee or milk itself). Sugar and honey are great go-tos, but to push the taste in the direction of a more rich flavor, sweetened syrups like French Vanilla, Hazelnut, etc., can be added. It’s easier to overdue it with flavored syrups.
So whether you want it super sweetened or unsweetened, you should know how much to have in your lattes. So let’s learn more about the sweeteners you can add to lattes, how to adjust the sweetness, and how to order your perfect latte based on your taste.
How is a Latte Made?

A latte is made by pouring steamed milk into a cup of espresso. The milk is frothed to create a thin layer of foam on top. Flavoring or sweeteners are typically added to the espresso before the frothed milk.
Lattes are traditionally made with whole cow’s milk, though some prefer a latte made with half and half, called a breve latte. Alternative milk like soy, almond, oat, and coconut are also popular.
- Soy milk is used in lattes because it has a neutral taste that does not overpower the espresso.
- Almond milk is creamy and has a nutty flavor that goes well with espresso.
- Oat milk is a good choice if you want a creamy and frothy latte.
- Coconut milk is a good option for those who want a dairy-free latte with high nutrient levels, but it does not foam as well.
The taste of the latte will differ depending on the type of alternative milk used.
How Sweet is a Latte Supposed to Be?
The answer to this question is entirely based on preference; some prefer very sweet lattes, while others like a more subtle sweetness.
Experimenting is the best way to determine how sweet you like your latte. Start with a small amount and increase it until you find the perfect balance of sweetness for you. Remember that you can always add more sweetener, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
Common Latte Sweeteners
There are several common latte sweeteners that you can use to create a deliciously sweet drink. Here are some of the most popular options:
Sugar/Honey
Sugar is a common sweetener in lattes. It is easy to measure and dissolve and provides a consistent level of sweetness. Sugar also has a clean taste that doesn’t overpower the other flavors in the latte.
Honey is part of this category too since, chemically, it falls into that category of pure sweeteners that aren’t processed near as much as the other options on our list. Simple, pure honey (on Amazon) or sugar (also on Amazon) are the best go-tos for sweetening a latte, though many of the flavored syrups below add an extra punch, namely a flavor!
Flavored Syrups
There are many flavored syrups to choose from, so you can find one that suits your taste. Some syrups are sweeter than others, so you may need to use more or less, depending on the flavor. Sugar-free syrups are also available for those who are watching their sugar intake.
Options like Torani’s French Vanilla Syrup (on Amazon) can really add some punch to a latte, making it feel like a much nicer drink due to that extra hint of rich flavor.
Alternative Sweeteners
Alternative sweeteners include agave nectar, stevia, and monk fruit extract. People looking for a healthier alternative to sugar often use these sweeteners. However, they offer a different flavor profile than sugar, so they may not be suitable for everyone.
Is Milk in Lattes Sweetened or Unsweetened?
Cow’s milk contains lactose, a natural sugar, so it will make your latte slightly sweet. Milk alternatives are available in sweetened and unsweetened varieties, so if you want to avoid added sugar, choose an unsweetened milk alternative.
Are Lattes Sweeter than Cappuccinos?
Lattes are sweeter than cappuccinos because of the higher milk-to-espresso ratio. Cappuccinos are made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, while lattes have more steamed milk than espresso. Milk is naturally sweet, so it can balance the espresso bitterness in a latte.
Ordering Tips for the Perfect Latte

Now that you know a little more about lattes, it’s time to learn how to order one!
Choose Your Milk
Whole milk will make your latte richer and creamier, while skim milk will make it lighter. In addition, coffee shops often provide other milk options like almond or soy milk.
Pick a Sweetener
If you like your coffee on the sweeter side, ask for syrups to be added. For sweetness without flavoring, you can also ask for your latte to be made with sugar, honey, agave, or even a sugar-free alternative like Splenda.
If you are unsure how sweet you prefer it, ask the barista to start with one pump or even half a pump of syrup or half a packet of other sweeteners. Of course, you can always request more to taste.
Single or Double Shot
A single shot of espresso will give you a more traditional latte flavor, while a double shot will make it more potent. Keep in mind that more espresso will also make your latte more caffeinated. Decaffeinated espresso is also available for those who want to avoid caffeine.
Size Matters
Coffee shops typically offer small, medium, and large options. A small latte is usually around 8 ounces, while a large can be up to 20 ounces. If you’re unsure how much coffee you can handle, start with a small and work your way up.
As you can see, when ordering a latte, you have many options to choose from. But don’t worry; the barista will be happy to help you customize your drink to perfection. If you prefer to make your own latte, there are plenty of delicious recipes to choose from!
So remember, when ordering your latte, specify your milk choice, sweetener preference, espresso shot selection, and size. With these tips in mind, you’ll get the perfect latte every time!