Guide · Beans and ground coffee
The best coffee beans for lattes in the UK
Coffee beans whose makers pitch them at lattes and cappuccinos, from Kimbo, Lavazza and the supermarkets, with what to look for on the pack and prices checked on 3 Oct 2026.
The best coffee beans for latte drinkers in the UK are the ones built to stay noticeable under a lot of milk, and several makers now say on the pack which of their beans they intend for milk drinks. This guide rounds up beans that Kimbo and Lavazza pitch at lattes and cappuccinos, adds a cheaper supermarket option, and covers what to look for on a bag. We haven’t tested this in person. Picks are based on the makers’ own descriptions and prices checked on 3 Oct 2026. Read how we compare.
Best coffee beans for latte UK: what to look for
A latte is mostly milk, around a single or double espresso topped with steamed milk. That means a delicate, light-roasted coffee can disappear. Things that help a coffee hold its own:
- A darker or “intense” roast. Roast notes such as chocolate, caramel and toasted nuts tend to come through milk better than bright, fruity notes.
- A blend with some robusta. Many Italian espresso blends include robusta for body and crema. Not all do, so check the pack.
- The maker’s own pairing advice. Kimbo, for example, lists “Ideal for” drinks on every bean bag, and several list caffè latte and cappuccino.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who drinks black coffee most of the time. A milk-focused blend can taste heavy on its own.
The picks
Kimbo Napoletano, 1kg: for a strong, dark latte
Kimbo describes Napoletano as dark-roasted and full-bodied, intensity 10 of 13, and lists it as ideal for espresso, caffè latte, cappuccino and latte macchiato. It was £18.66 at Kimbo at Home, checked 3 Oct 2026. Delivery is £7 unless you spend over £50.
If you want to try the same profile in a smaller bag first, Kimbo’s Espresso Napoli 250g carries the same dark roast, 10/13 intensity and drink list, at £5.91 at Kimbo at Home, checked 3 Oct 2026.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who wants a mild cup. This is Kimbo’s dark Neapolitan style.
Kimbo Intenso, 1kg: the cheapest kilo in Kimbo’s latte list
Intenso is Kimbo’s 12/13-intensity blend, medium roast, and Kimbo lists it for black coffee, caffè crema and latte. £17.54 at Kimbo at Home, checked 3 Oct 2026, plus delivery under £50.
Who it isn’t for: cappuccino drinkers specifically. Kimbo lists latte, but not cappuccino, for this one.
Kimbo Espresso Barista 100% Arabica, 1kg: an all-arabica option
Kimbo calls it a medium roast, intensity 9/13, ideal for espresso, caffè latte, cappuccino and latte macchiato. It’s the dearest kilo here at £21.37 at Kimbo at Home, checked 3 Oct 2026. Kimbo’s smaller Aroma Gold 100% Arabica beans carry the same drink list, at £6.17 for 250g, checked 3 Oct 2026.
Who it isn’t for: anyone after a punchy, robusta-style latte. All-arabica blends are usually smoother.
Lavazza Crema e Gusto Classico, 1kg: the supermarket choice
Lavazza describes Crema e Gusto Classico beans as a versatile blend for “a bold espresso or a milky latte”, and says the Crema e Gusto range is ideal for milk-based drinks. The 1kg bag of beans was £18.50 at Morrisons and £18.50 at Lavazza UK, checked 3 Oct 2026. See our Lavazza Crema e Gusto review for the wider range.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who gets through coffee slowly. A 1kg bag takes a while to finish once opened.
Budget option: Morrisons Espresso Blend, 1kg
At £14.25 at Morrisons, checked 3 Oct 2026, this was the cheapest 1kg espresso bag on our checks. The pack calls it smooth, dark and creamy, strength 5 (strong). It doesn’t mention milk drinks, so it isn’t a maker-endorsed latte pick, but a dark, strong blend is the profile the makers above recommend for milk.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who wants the maker’s word that it suits milk. Morrisons doesn’t say so.
Kimbo or Lavazza for lattes?
Both makers pitch blends at milk drinks. Kimbo gives the clearest guidance, with an intensity number, roast level and drink list on every bag. Lavazza’s Crema e Gusto is easier to find in a supermarket. Our Kimbo vs Lavazza comparison goes further.
Who it isn’t for: anyone happy with any espresso blend. The differences are small next to how you steam the milk.
Milk and frothing tips
The beans are only half a latte. A few basics:
- Pull a full espresso. A weak shot gets lost faster than the wrong bean does.
- Steam to a silky, not stiff, foam. A latte wants a thin layer of microfoam, less than a cappuccino.
- Use fresh, cold milk. It’s easier to texture.
Our how to make a latte at home guide walks through it, and our best milk frother guide covers the kit if your machine doesn’t have a steam wand.
Who it isn’t for: pod machine users. These beans need a grinder or bean-to-cup machine.
Downsides
- Delivery on Kimbo. Kimbo at Home adds £7 under £50.
- Maker claims, not our tasting. Suitability here is what the makers say.
- We couldn’t check Tesco, Asda or Ocado, so their own-label options aren’t included.
FAQ
Which roast is best for a latte? Makers mostly pitch darker or more intense blends at milk drinks. Kimbo’s Napoletano, which Kimbo lists for latte and cappuccino, is dark-roasted.
Are 100% arabica beans good for lattes? They can be. Kimbo lists its all-arabica Espresso Barista and Aroma Gold for caffè latte and cappuccino.
Can you use latte beans for espresso too? Yes. Every pick here is also described by its maker as suitable for espresso.
What are the cheapest coffee beans for lattes? Of the beans makers pitch at milk drinks, Kimbo Intenso 1kg was £17.54, checked 3 Oct 2026, before delivery. Morrisons Espresso Blend 1kg was £14.25 but doesn’t mention milk on the pack.