Since then, the caffeinated options at the restaurant have evolved significantly.
They are also available iced, but I focused on hot only for the sake of this taste test.
One such latte that takes up residence at the chain full-time is thecaramel variety.
Photo: Panera. Design: Eat This, Not That!
The regular caramel latte came out to $5.39.
The look:It was disheartening to see such a large gap at the crown of the cup.
I felt as though there should have been a note that read, “Insert whipped cream here”.
Megan Hageman/Eat This Not That
The taste:I think I’ll leave this one to the Frappuccino, dessert-in-a-cup kind of coffee consumers.
The sweetness marches well beyond subtle, infringing upon the cloying range.
Thus, the Italians coined the drink the Americano.
Megan Hageman/Eat This Not That
A regular-sized cup set me back $3.89.
The look:When they say hot, they mean hot.
With no milk or cream relief to cool this one off, the near-pitch-black liquid was practically boiling.
Megan Hageman/Eat This Not That
However, Panera simplifies its iteration even further by including just two shots of espresso and foamed milk.
The standard is reduced-fat milk, but skim and almond are also available if you’re so inclined.
It cost me $4.99.
Megan Hageman/Eat This Not That
The look:The frothiest thus far, but that’s not saying much.
A thin foamy film appeared at the top of the tan liquid but quickly dissipated after a few swigs.
The taste:It’s ready to drink from the jump.
Megan Hageman/Eat This Not That
No waiting or cooling is required thanks to its primarily milky composition.
However, this skewed ratio is also what knocks it down a few notches in my book.
Panera vs. Einstein Bros: Which Has the Better Bagels?
Megan Hageman/Eat This Not That
I won’t get into the minutiae of this naming.
But, I will explain its hairsplitting differences compared to the aforementioned latte.
Like the latte, it consists mostly of steamed milk and espresso.
The lightness of this cup also gave away its identity long before I peeked under the lid.
After passing through this airy top layer, I also took note of the more established coffee essence.
This year’s current installment happens to be theChai Tea Latte, which is available hot or iced.
But, I resolved to not let it distract from the milk and spice-infused tea underneath.
The taste:Fall flavors and Christmastime nostalgia all baked into one cup.
Somehow this distinct blend of chai spices summons feelings anchored in both cozy, colder-weather seasons.
Each sip is earthy yet light with just enough milk and honeyed sweetness to offset the full-bodied black tea.
It’s a chai tea latte done right.
And, there you have it.
The look:A bit more filled to the brim than the caramel.
Otherwise, the two lattes are indistinguishable, each in a pale oatmeal shade.
The taste:A great compromise kind of coffee.
I will admit, vanilla lattes are my coffee shop go-tos.
But, even after plenty of flavor exploration and contemplation, this classic beverage still came out on top.
Why TrustEat This, Not That!
