Reporter Lucy Marshall, who can’t resist a coffee shop trip, has reviewed the brand new purple and blue drinks launches at Pret A Manger and said to offer a ‘fresh twist’ on an iced latte
Standing in the queue at a coffee shop nowadays and deciding what drink to have can be a mind-boggling task. From choosing what kind of milk to get, the best blend of coffee, if you want syrup in it or whipped cream on top, or you might swap your coffee for a matcha. Coffee giants are constantly changing up their menus and introducing new flavours that make our coffees taste more like a milkshake thanks to their sweet flavourings.
Starbucks recently launched tiramisu flavoured coffees as well as pistachio lattes, while Caffe Nero have launched strawberry matcha drinks, and M&S have launched a white chocolate matcha latte. As temperatures warm up, many of us are swapping our hot cups of coffee for iced delights – and Pret A Manger has created a unique twist on the classic iced latte – and launched a purple latte and a blue one.
Inspired by wellness flavours and social media trends, the new lattes are as delicious as they are Instagrammable – and they are available now for a limited time across UK shops. You can now order the Ube Brûlée and Spirulina Macaron lattes, both priced at £4.45.
People online have been raving about the treats and sharing their reviews, so I decided to see if they are worth it or not. I went down to my local Pret A Manger, and as I stood in the queue, I noticed quite a few people ordering the new delights. The advertising of them around the store probably helped. There is something about a bright coloured drink that is hard to resist.
As a coffee superfan, who also loves adding a flavoured syrup into my drink, I could not wait to try them. I was most excited for the Spirulina Macaron Iced Latte as I love macarons. But that also meant my expectations were high.
The drinks were prepared at speed and presented beautifully. Of course I had to add the fun red and white straws that look like candy canes. I did notice that the drinks are not quite as vibrant in person, and the colourful part is just at the bottom part of the drink rather than the whole beverage being a different colour – as demonstrated in the marketing shots.
The purple one (Ube Brûlée)
The new Ube Brûlée Iced Latte features the subtly sweet, nutty flavour of purple yam blended with caramel syrup combined with Pret’s signature organic espresso served with milk and over ice.
Tucking in to the delight, I said ‘ooh’ after the first sip. It immediately tasted exciting and new, plus I thought that it resembled a dessert as it was sweet and smooth. I felt like the flavour went perfectly with coffee, however, I could not imagine it as a hot drink and can see why it is offered on ice.
I would advise not overly stirring in the flavour as it tastes better as you get the coffee first and then the exciting flavour; mixed in the flavouring is quite weak.
I would say this drink is definitely for those who typically order something like an iced vanilla latte, or a hazelnut latte, but are looking to change it up. It is sweet and easy to drink, and I would definitely head back to Pret to get my hands on it.
It is one of my favourite new menu items that the coffee giant has launched.
The blue one (Spirulina Macaron)
The new Spirulina Macaron Iced Latte combines blue spirulina with sweet macaron syrup over Pret’s organic espresso, milk and ice, giving a bold new twist in a striking blue hue.
This is not the first Spirulina product to hit Pret’s shelves. Following customer interest in Pret’s Blueberry Balance Bowl which first launched in January, the new Spirulina Iced Latte builds on the success of that product but now with a refreshing twist.
I did not stir the drink until after my first sip, and immediately found the taste powerful. It reminded me a lot of candy floss, and also had a slight coconut taste. Again, it is a drink for those with a sweet too, or those who don’t like their coffee super strong.
After a couple of sips, and stirring the drink more, the fun flavour quickly went away and it just tasted like a regular sweet iced coffee. While the drink was nice, I wouldn’t rush back for it and found it forgettable.
For more information on the new Pret A Manger products, visit the coffee giant’s website.
Will you be rushing to try these treats? Comment below…