Café au lait
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Café au lait is a classic French coffee drink made by combining equal parts freshly brewed hot coffee and steamed, hot milk. It is a staple of French breakfast culture, often enjoyed with pastries like croissants or baguettes, and is known for its smooth, mellow flavor that is less intense than espresso-based drinks.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This drink is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the milk's natural lactose and provides some protein and calcium from the dairy component. A typical serving (about 8 ounces) contains roughly 60-80 calories, with minimal fat if using low-fat milk.
💡 What's interesting
The name literally translates from French as 'coffee with milk,' and it represents a cultural ritual in France, often served in a large bowl rather than a mug to allow for dipping bread. Nutritionally, the milk helps to mellow the acidity of coffee, making it a gentler option for those sensitive to stronger brews.