What is the best coffee beans for latte? I strongly recommend the Stability Blend by Balance Coffee for a rich smooth daily cup. Please read on!
Ever sipped a delicious latte and found yourself wondering, "What makes this taste so good?" Well, the answer is simpler than you might think - it's all about the quality of the beans.
Whether you're a seasoned barista or a home brew enthusiast, we share a common goal: seeking that unforgettable coffee experience.
Note: Use the below SKIP LINKS to navigate to the section majority of the 2000 readers focus on.
So, I've rolled up my sleeves, fired up the grinder, and brewed countless lattes to bring you the 10 best coffee beans for a latte at home for creating the ultimate latte this year.
Are you as excited as I am? Then, let's jump in and discover these flavour-packed gems together.
What Coffee Is Best For Latte & Where To Buy It?
It's no secret that the UK is bustling with various coffee roasters, each bringing something unique. But, let's cut to the chase - which is the de la crème when crafting that perfect, creamy latte?
Our Stability Blend takes the crown. It packs a punch with a sweet flavour profile through the milk, making a delicious latte. And if you live in the city of Manchester, I compiled a list of the best coffee roasters in Manchester here for you.
I've got your back if you're busy or simply eager to get to the good stuff.
After countless lattes and serious caffeine-powered deliberations, here are the top 3 premium latte coffee beans.
Each brand in the table below have super FAST delivery to your doorstep and in some cases FREE SHIPPING.
Limited Time Offer: If you place an order with Balance Coffee, you will receive a £5 Discount to relish in latte coffee beans specially crafted to enhance your focus and productivity. Don't miss out!
| Product | Benefits | where to buy |
|---|---|---|
Stability Blend |
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Shop & Save £5! |
Fullsteam Espresso |
|
Shop Now! |
Espresso Blend |
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Shop Now! |
Balance Coffee Stability Blend
As the founder of Balance Coffee, I remember the countless hours spent perfecting our beans. Our goal? To create a coffee experience that brings the café right into your home.
When you sip a latte from our Stability Blend, you taste a world of careful selection and precision roasting.
You're tasting our commitment to a healthier, more balanced cup. I've seen faces light up at that first sip, and that's why Balance Coffee takes the top spot when it comes to quality coffee for latte.
Click here to try our Stability Blend.
Volcano Coffee
I remember the first time I brewed their Fullsteam Espresso Blend, the scent of the beans was intoxicating (in a good way), a testament to their commitment to freshness.
The folks at Volcano Coffee are experts in their field, roasting beans to precise specifications to bring out the best in each variety.
Their Fullsteam Espresso Blend stands out, transforming into a latte with deep chocolate notes and a zesty twist that's as surprising as it is delightful.
Click here to try the Fullsteam Espresso Blend.
Pact Coffee
Pact Coffee and I share a common bond: a love for convenience and quality.
When you think you're out of coffee, you find a packet of Pact's House Espresso Blend in your mailbox. That's the magic of Pact.
They roast their beans to perfection and then deliver them to your doorstep, so a delicious latte is never more than a few moments away.
Its House Espresso Blend promises a rich, nutty flavour profile with undertones of milk chocolate, making your homemade lattes an absolute treat. These guys offer one of the best coffee grounds for latte in the UK.
Click here to try the House Espresso Blend.
10 Brands That Sells The Best Coffee Beans For Lattes
I have given you my top 3 picks above, but let’s cover the entire top ten in-depth, shall we?
1. Balance Coffee
Balance coffee should be your first stop if you're looking for the best coffee beans you can get your hands on for a delicious latte.
As a brand, we're committed to providing sustainable and healthy coffee beans to coffee lovers in our beautiful country. Every bean is ethically sourced and expertly roasted in the UK, underscoring our dedication to quality and integrity.
Our brand isn't just about high-quality coffee beans; it's about promoting a healthier lifestyle through coffee. Each bean we produce, especially our Rotate Espresso, is crafted with intense care, devotion, and a deep-seated love for coffee.
With over 1000+ antioxidants, each cup brewed with our beans is a step towards better health. Furthermore, we rigorously test our beans for mould, mycotoxins, and pesticides, ensuring that the only thing you taste in every cup is pure, clean, and vibrant coffee.
It is a carefully curated speciality bean we've sourced from Mexico. It's a medium-dark roast with notes of cranberries that curdles your tongue. The result is a symphony of balanced yet bold flavours that perfectly complements a latte's creaminess.
Aside from our amazing latte coffee beans, you’ll also find excellent coffee brewing equipment in our online store if you don’t have the coffee equipment to whip up a smashing latte.
Click here to get our Stability Blend and tell me what you think.
2. Volcano Coffee Works
Like a beacon of warmth on a foggy morning, this brand delivers a coffee experience that's nothing short of exceptional. However, there's an exciting story behind Volcano Coffee Works. This roastery was born from a love for speciality coffee and a desire to bring unique coffee beans to us Brits.
Kurt is committed to producing ethically sourced and environmentally friendly coffee, and every sip of their Fullsteam Espresso shows the brand's commitment towards a more sustainable coffee industry.
The Fullsteam Espresso is a single-origin masterpiece, with beans sourced solely from Colombia. It's a testament to the South American nation's rich and diverse coffee culture.
Imagine the lush green mountain sides, the ripe coffee cherries, and the diligent hands that picked them - all this encapsulated in each cup of Fullsteam Espresso.
Each sip brought out new flavours, from the rich chocolate notes to the subtle hints of apricot and nectarine. And when mixed with frothy milk to create a latte, it was pure bliss.
Click here to get Volcano Coffee Works Fullsteam Espresso.
3. Pact Coffee
Pact is like the friendly neighbour on your block – always reliable and consistently good. They roast the beans in small batches, ensuring that every bag you receive is as fresh as can be. And who frowns at the smell of fresh coffee in the morning?
Talking about Pact Coffee takes me back to a bustling Saturday when I tasted my first cup of Pact Coffee. It was a sunny day, and the creamy latte was a refreshing delight. I remember savouring each sip, relishing the smooth harmony of flavours.
They have one of the best coffee blends for latte in the UK, the House Espresso Blend. This blend is a delightful mix of beans from Ethiopia and Colombia. Yet, the flavours are distinctly unique.
I have also tried some of pact coffee for cold brews and I can tell you they have some of the best coffee for cold brew.
The House Espresso Blend has a sumptuous chocolate undertone with a hint of sweet toffee, a perfect dance of flavours that lends itself brilliantly to the smooth creaminess of a latte.
It's a blend that works seamlessly with the milky richness of a latte, creating a drink that's both comforting and refreshing. The coffee makes your mornings a little brighter and your day smoother.
Click here to get Pact's House Espresso for that perfect latte.
4. Assembly Coffee
Assembly Coffee has an ethos that sets it apart. Founded by two coffee nerds, Nick Mabey and Michael Cleland, it's a brand that ensures quality is at the forefront of its operations.
The Assembly Espresso Blend is a remarkable fusion of beans from Brazil, Panama, and El Salvador.
Think about the journey these beans have made, from the sun-drenched plantations of Brazil, through the vibrant landscapes of Panama, to the high-altitude fields of El Salvador.
It's a blend with a tapestry of cultures, climates, and coffee traditions.
As you brew this blend, it unfolds like a well-told story. The flavour profile offers a delightful balance, with each origin contributing unique characteristics.
It's like when I found that old vinyl record in a flea market - as the music played, every track offered a new rhythm and emotion. Similarly, each sip of a latte made with the Assembly Espresso Blend reveals a new layer of taste.
Click here to get Assembly Espresso Blend.
5. Redemption Roasters
Redemption Roaster is a coffee brand with a heart for social change. It makes a real impact by training young offenders in coffee industry skills to aid their successful reintegration into society.
In case you didn't know, these guys are the first UK prison-based coffee roastery. Their best for a comforting latte is the La Serrania Decaf. But, of course, this isn't just any decaf.
It's one of the best single origin coffee beans for latte meticulously selected from the Huila regions of Colombia.
The process that these beans undergo to remove caffeine is unique. It uses a natural by-product of sugarcane and water, ensuring the beans retain their flavour characteristics. It's as if the caffeine simply vanished, leaving the taste untouched.
Savouring a latte with the La Serrania Decaf is like biting into a fresh red apple on a sunny autumn day or enjoying a juicy pear at its ripeness. The plummy sweetness lingers, a gentle reminder of the luscious fruit orchards of Huila.
Redemption Roasters' La Serrania Decaf isn't just a coffee; it's a cause. Each purchase supports the brand's commendable mission, making your latte delightful to the palate and meaningful.
Click here to get Redemption Roasters' La Serrania Decaf.
6. Rave Coffee
When you think about the word "rave," it might conjure up images of high energy, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of community. These are the very qualities that Rob and Vikki Hodge envisioned when they founded Rave Coffee in 2010.
Their Signature Blend stands out as an exceptional choice for a latte. It tastes like a love letter to the classic flavours of coffee, carefully crafted for those who appreciate the comforting familiarity of a well-made cup.
Rave Coffee's Signature Blend is a blend that promises a memorable latte, whether it's your morning pick-me-up or a relaxing afternoon treat.
Click here to get Rave Coffee's Signature Blend.
7. Origin Coffee
This brand, conceived in 2004 by Tom Sobey, is synonymous with quality and taste adventure. It's a voyage of coffee discovery aimed at unearthing premium coffee beans and formulating distinctive blends.
Its Pathfinder blend is best suited for a latte and testament to its commitment to excellence. It's a mix that traverses the globe, from the foothills of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to the verdant terrains of Kayanza in El Salvador.
When you take the first sip, you're greeted with a berry sweetness reminiscent of plump and wild berries freshly picked on a summer's day. This is swiftly followed by a hint of citrus fruit, providing a zesty twist to the flavour profile.
The finishing touch is a taste of chocolate, lending a comforting and familiar finish. The Pathfinder blend is an odyssey of flavours, and each sip is a new chapter in your coffee exploration.
Click here to get Origin's Coffee Pathfinder blend.
8. Batch Coffee
Batch Coffee is a brand that is the brainchild of Tom and Laura.
Their journey in the speciality coffee industry began in Australia, where they honed their skills in independent coffee shops, first as baristas and later delving into the art of coffee roasting.
Their decade-long global experience in the coffee industry has been poured into Batch Coffee, bringing exceptional expertise and quality to their products.
The standout choice for lattes at Batch Coffee is their aptly named Batch Espresso. This blend is a harmony of beans from three distinct coffee-producing regions: Nicaragua, Ethiopia, and Colombia.
The result is an espresso blend that perfectly balances its diverse origins, each contributing unique characteristics to the final product.
Click here to get Batch Espresso, and let me know what you think.
9. Kiss the Hippo
Kiss the Hippo is a London-based speciality coffee company nestled in the heart of Richmond. Can Eren, a visionary entrepreneur, laid the foundations of this brand in 2018.
The philosophy driving Kiss the Hippo is the belief that coffee transcends being a mere drink—it's a cultural phenomenon, a universal connector that bridges gaps across space and time.
Their premier offering for a sublime latte experience is the George Street Blend, a harmonious fusion of beans from Peru and Ethiopia.
The George Street Blend is characterized by the robust and velvety notes of chocolate, a flavour that forms the base of this blend. This rich taste is beautifully complemented by the fruity hints of berries, adding a layer of complexity to your latte.
The experience is then rounded off with the unexpected yet delightful notes of butterscotch, lending a sweet, buttery finish to your coffee.
Click here to get George Street Blend.
10. Presto Coffee
Our final stop on this latte journey is Presto Coffee. This brand emerged from founder James Haggerty's passion for fresh, quality coffee and his desire to challenge conventional industry practices.
Taking matters into his own hands, Haggerty launched Presto Coffee to make freshly roasted coffee beans readily accessible and straightforward for everyone, eliminating the usual coffee-drinking complications.
The Velvet Latte blend is a symphony of flavours that begins with the subtly sweet notes of almonds, evoking a sense of comfort and familiarity in every sip. The final note is a touch of citrusy orange, which adds a surprising yet pleasant twist to the mix, completing the sensory experience.
Click here to get Presto Coffee Velvet Latte blend.
Types of Coffee Beans for Lattes
The arabica coffee is usually the preference for a large number of people.
And with the rise of Speciality Coffee (highest grade of coffee) the trend is moving positively upwards.
Which is why I recommend the Stability Blend for latte which is 100% Arabica beans.
But let's look at the two most popular choices in depth, shall we?
Overview of Arabica and Robusta Beans
Can you remember the first time you sipped coffee? That initial encounter with its rich, complex flavour? I do. It was a humble cup of Arabica, and it sparked my journey into the world of coffee.
Regarding coffee beans, Arabica and Robusta are the two main contenders, each boasting a unique personality. Arabica, the aristocrat of coffee beans, is grown in high-altitude regions.
Its delicate nature requires careful nurturing, but the payoff? A smooth, nuanced cup of coffee with a hint of sugar and fruit.
On the other hand, Robusta is the sturdy, resilient cousin, thriving in diverse climates. It's like that friend who seems rough around the edges yet has a heart of gold. Robusta beans yield a bolder, stronger cup with a distinct, nutty aftertaste.
Their differences are profound, shaping the essence of every brew. But regardless of the type, every coffee bean has a story, a journey from a far-off farm to your cup. And understanding these stories starts with knowing your Arabica from your Robusta.
Differences in Taste, Acidity, and Caffeine Content
With that brief overview, let's dive into the nitty-gritty: the differences in taste, acidity, and caffeine content between Arabica and Robusta.
Imagine you're at your favourite café, a warm mug of latte cradled in your hands. If it's brewed with Arabica, you'll likely savour a smoother, sweeter cup with higher acidity. It's more subtle, a symphony of flavours playing in harmony - think berries, fruits, or even a hint of sugar.
Now, let's swap that mug with a Robusta brew. The first sip hits differently - it's stronger (hence the name). Robusta brings a punchier, heavier flavour to your latte. And the caffeine? It's nearly double that of Arabica, providing a more significant jolt to kickstart your day.
As for acidity, Robusta is lower, resulting in a less bright, more earthy brew. It starkly contrasts the light acidic note of Arabica, which gives your latte that lively, almost sparkling quality.
Understanding these differences is akin to reading a coffee bean's autobiography. It paints a picture of what you can expect when these beans enter your latte. But here's a spoiler: Arabica tends to outshine its cousin regarding lattes.
Why Arabica Beans Are Generally Better for Lattes
Why do Arabica beans often get the nod over Robusta for lattes? Let's rewind to a memory of mine. A few years ago, I attended a barista workshop where we were taught the art of latte making. It was then I discovered the secret star of the show - the Arabica bean.
You see, a good latte is all about balance. It's a delicate dance between the strong espresso and the creamy, frothed milk.
And Arabica beans, with their smooth, subtly sweet profile, are just the right partner.
They add the rich coffee flavour without overpowering the milk - a harmony that makes your taste buds sing.
And then there's the acidity. Arabica's higher acidity brings a pleasant brightness, a zing that cuts through the milk's creaminess. It's like a dash of lemon in a rich dessert, bringing out the flavours without stealing the show.
So, while Robusta has its merits and might be the go-to for a sturdy, punchy cup of black coffee, Arabica truly shines for a well-rounded, flavourful latte.
And that's the Arabica magic for you.
Choosing Coffee Beans for Lattes: Key Factors
Let's talk about the factors no one else is talking about, shall we?
Roast Level and Its Impact on Flavour
Have you ever wondered about the journey these beans take before they end up in your latte? Well, if you've ever watched beans tumbling in a roaster, changing from green to shades of brown, at that moment, you'll realise that the roast level is a crucial chapter in a bean's story.
The roast level of a coffee bean is akin to a character in a book. It can transform the plot entirely. Light roasts retain the bean's original flavours, accentuating the inherent characteristics. These beans give your latte a bright, fruity touch.
As the roast gets darker, the flavour notes begin to change. Medium roasts strike a balance, offering a pleasant mix of the bean's original profile and the taste of the roast itself.
Dark roasts? They're bold, with strong, smoky flavours reminiscent of a late-night campfire chat. Dark roasts are your pick if you're after a robust, full-bodied latte.
Origin of the Beans and How it Affects the Taste
Have you ever noticed how certain foods take you back to a specific place? Like how a certain cheese might remind you of a picnic in France or a spice blend transports you to a bustling Moroccan market?
Well, coffee beans have a similar story to tell.
The origin of coffee beans plays a defining role in their taste. For instance, African beans, like those from Ethiopia or Kenya, are known for their bright acidity and fruity, floral notes. As a result, they'll lend your latte a vibrant, lively character.
Latin American beans, on the other hand, tend to have a balanced acidity and a nutty, chocolatey flavour profile. Imagine a comforting, creamy latte on a lazy Sunday morning - that's the vibe.
Blends vs Single Origin Beans
Remember the thrill of opening a mixed bag of sweets as a kid, anticipating what you'd get with each handful? That's the kind of excitement coffee blends bring to your cup. These are a mix of beans from different regions, carefully chosen and balanced for a specific flavour profile.
On the flip side, single origin beans are like that one favourite sweet - a familiar comfort you can't get enough of.
A well-crafted blend coffee beans can lend complexity and balance to your latte, offering a flavourful journey with every sip.
But there's something to be said about single origin beans too. They're like a solo performance, allowing the unique characteristics of a specific region to shine.
If you're sipping a latte made from the best single origin coffee beans UK, you're tasting the essence of a particular place, unblended and unmasked.
How to Prepare Coffee Beans for a Latte
Let's dive into the steps required to prepare beans, shall we?
Grind Beans to Ideal Espresso Consistency
Thinking about this reminds me of my first time grinding coffee beans. When I was a teen, I had woken up early to prepare a surprise breakfast for my mum on her birthday.
In my attempt to make her favourite latte, I found myself face-to-face with our old coffee grinder. Following the steps I found in a coffee blog wasn't an easy task.
In the end, I somehow got it wrong, but one experience kickstarted my love for coffee.
So, what am I trying to say?
Grinding coffee beans for espresso, the base of a latte is a bit of an art. It's about finding the perfect consistency - not too coarse or fine. Imagine the texture of table salt, or perhaps a little finer. That's your sweet spot.
Why so specific, you ask? The grind size affects how quickly water can flow through the coffee. Too coarse, and the water rushes through, resulting in a weak, under-extracted espresso.
Too fine, and you'll have the opposite problem - the water will struggle to get through, leading to a bitter, over-extracted shot.
So, when you're grinding beans for your latte, remember that each adjustment to the grinder is a step towards perfection. It's like tuning a guitar - when you find the right note, the melody of your latte comes to life.
Measure Coffee Beans Accurately
Coffee is all about precision, and measuring your coffee beans accurately is crucial in that journey towards the perfect latte.
Flashback to my early barista days, I learned that making espresso was not as simple as tossing some beans into the grinder. Every gram mattered. For a standard shot of espresso, you're looking at 18 to 20 grams of coffee.
If you use too little coffee, your shot will be weak and underwhelming, robbing your latte of its delightful coffee punch. But when you use too much, you risk over-extraction, resulting in a bitter, harsh espresso that will overpower the milk.
Remember that measuring is not just a step when preparing your beans for a latte. Instead, it's the key to unlocking the full potential of your coffee. You could say it's like a magic spell - get the ingredients just right, and you're sure to conjure up a delicious latte.
Tamp Coffee for Optimal Extraction
Ever walked on a sandy beach, leaving footprints behind? If you have, you'll know how the sand gives way under pressure, creating a perfect imprint on your foot. That happens when you tamp coffee for espresso - it's all about applying the right pressure.
Tamping prepares your ground coffee for optimal extraction. It creates an even bed of coffee through which the hot water can flow uniformly, extracting all the delicious flavours along the way.
Too light, and the water will rush through the coffee too quickly. But apply too much pressure, and the water will struggle to get through.
You must treat the tamper like a paintbrush and the coffee like a canvas. A gentle, firm tamp can transform your espresso shot, adding the perfect touch of coffee excellence to your milky delight.
Tips for Making the Perfect Latte
Alright, let's go over a few key tips that can help ensure your latte is just as perfect as the one you'd get at your favourite coffee shop:
- Start with a double shot of espresso. This should be approximately 36g, forming your latte's strong, robust base.
- While your espresso is brewing, start steaming your milk. You'll need around 200-300ml, and the goal is to heat it to about 140-150°F (60-65°C) but maxing out at 68-70°C to protect the caramelisation of the milk. Trust me, any further and you’ll burn the milk and produce negative sour flavours in the process. When done right, this creates a creamy, silky texture with only a small amount of microfoam - remember, a latte has less foam than a cappuccino.
- Once your milk is perfectly steamed, it's time for the pour. This should be done in a steady, controlled motion. Then, pour this steamed milk over the espresso, creating that beautiful blend of coffee and milk that makes a latte delightful.
- If you've steamed the milk correctly, you won't need a spoon to hold back the milk as in traditional methods.
- The milk should flow out of the jug smoothly, like liquid gold, combined with the espresso to form your perfect latte.
In one of my previous posts, I wrote a blog on Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato. I strongly recommend you read it to know what goes into a great latte.
Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions? Well, I will answer the most recurring ones below.
Let's dive in, shall we?
How Many Spoons of Coffee for Latte?
For a latte, you'll typically want to use two tablespoons (around 20 grams) of coffee beans to pull a double shot of espresso. This forms the base of your latte, lending it its robust flavour.
Do Coffee Beans Matter for Latte?
The coffee beans you choose play a crucial role in the flavour profile of your latte. Opt for freshly roasted, high-quality filter beans for a delicious, full-bodied latte. Remember, each bean has a unique taste - explore and find your favourite.
What Milk Is Best for Latte?
Whole milk is often preferred for lattes due to its creamy texture and rich flavour. However, if you're dairy-free, oat milk is a great alternative as it froths well and has a naturally sweet taste that complements the coffee.
What Coffee To Use for Latte?
Espresso is the traditional choice for lattes, providing a strong, rich coffee flavour. Our Rotate espresso is the best option here. Nonetheless, you can use strongly brewed coffee as a substitute if you don't have an espresso machine. The key is choosing a coffee you enjoy for its flavour and strength.
Conclusion
As we journeyed together through the luscious world of coffee, savouring the stories and flavours of Balance, Pact, Volcano, Assembly, and others, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth.
Like the comforting hug of a well-brewed latte, we've explored a complex and simple world, diverse yet unified by a shared love for coffee.
I trust your excitement matches mine, and your palate is humming with the prospect of sampling each of these magnificent brands. However, our journey doesn't halt here. Quite the contrary, it's only just the beginning.
You can make all this easier by plugging into the best coffee subscription in the UK. It's like a new coffee adventure delivered to your doorstep each month.
I assure you, it's a joy like no other. So go on, take the plunge. Your perfect latte awaits!
