08/09/2026
Is latte art really a waste of time? ☕️
I was watching .kitchen this weekend when mentioned that he owns a coffee shop and has made coffee there before.tebbutt asked whether he could pour latte art, before joking about why anyone would bother making a pattern that’s only going to be ruined when you drink it.
It was only a bit of fun—but it got me thinking.
I have heard people say this type of thing before, but I sort of expected Matt to get it? Chefs care about how food looks on a plate, so why should coffee be any different?
Latte art isn’t just decoration. To pour it consistently, a barista needs properly textured milk, good technique and plenty of practice. It doesn’t guarantee that the espresso underneath will be delicious, but it does show a level of care.
The latte art is the part of that work the customer can see.
A beautifully presented plate of food is temporary too. That doesn’t make it pointless.
Latte art creates expectation, adds to the pleasure of the drink and says: I cared about making this for you.
I think that’s reason enough.
I’ve written more about it in the latest Notes From Freda—follow the link in our bio to read it.
What do you think: lovely finishing touch or complete waste of time?
