I tried the banana bread lattes from Starbucks and Dutch Bros so you don't have to š
ā Starbucks Banana Bread Latte ($5.75) ā 6/10 It's okay ā not bad and not amazing. You definitely get the banana flavor, but it doesn't really taste like banana bread, more like artificial banana syrup mixed into coffee. It's not something I'd order again.
ā Dutch Bros Banana Bread Latte ($5.35) ā 2/10 The line here was INSANE, so I wanted to like this so bad. But it was SO watered down š It tasted like banana water with a splash of coffee. No richness, no cozy bakery vibes. Very disappointing!!!
š BONUS: Starbucks Banana Bread Matcha Latte ($5.75) ā 8.5/10 Wait because THIS is the sleeper hit. The banana flavor actually works so well with matcha?? It's creamy, slightly sweet, and gives more banana bread taste than the coffee version. I would 100% reorder this. Thank goodness I went for a bonus drink to try!!
My final verdict: If you're curious, skip the Dutch. Starbucks banana bread matcha > banana bread latte.
Would you try banana in coffee or is that illegal? š
3/4 Edited to
... Read moreAfter my initial dives into the world of banana bread lattes, I realized there's so much more to explore and so many ways to ensure you get the best possible sip! When I first heard about the Starbucks Banana Bread Matcha Latte, I was skeptical, but oh, how wrong I was! This "green iced drink" with its "green straw" is truly a game-changer. What makes it so good? I think it's the earthy notes of the matcha that perfectly complement the sweet, comforting banana flavor. It's not just banana syrup mixed with coffee; itās a harmonious blend that actually does taste reminiscent of a freshly baked banana bread, but in a refreshing, creamy, iced form. If you're looking for the "BEST BANANA BREAD LATTE," this one is a strong contender. My personal tip for ordering is to sometimes ask for an extra pump of banana syrup if you like it sweeter, or perhaps swap to oat milk for an even creamier texture. It really elevates the experience and makes it feel like a decadent treat.
Now, for those who are coffee purists and really want that banana bread coffee experience, the Starbucks Banana Bread Latte can be improved. While I initially found it just 'okay' because of the artificial banana taste, I've experimented a bit. If you're set on a coffee base, try requesting less banana syrup and adding a pump of brown sugar syrup or even a touch of cinnamon dolce. This can help round out the flavors and make it less one-note and more like the cozy bakery vibes we all crave. It's still an "iced coffee drink," so it's perfect for a sunny day, but with a few tweaks, you might find your ideal custom concoction.
My experience with the Dutch Bros Banana Bread Latte, unfortunately, left a lot to be desired. That "blue windmill logo" promised so much, but the drink itself felt incredibly watered down. It lacked the richness and depth that a good latte should have. If you're at Dutch Bros and craving something with a banana twist, I'd honestly suggest exploring their other menu items that feature fruit flavors, which they often do very well. Perhaps a custom blend with their banana syrup in a chai or even a smoothie base might yield better results, rather than the standard latte. Itās all about finding what works best for your taste buds!
Ultimately, exploring these drinks has been an adventure. It really highlights how a simple flavor concept like "banana bread" can be interpreted so differently across various coffee shops. Don't be afraid to customize your order; that's where the magic often happens. Whether it's adjusting sweetness, choosing alternative milks, or adding a different flavor shot, making a drink your own can turn an average experience into something truly delightful. So next time you're at Starbucks or Dutch Bros, armed with these insights, you can confidently navigate their menus and hopefully find your personal best banana bread drink!