Café au lait

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.

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🍽️ 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.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	120 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbs	10 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	10 g
Sodium	70 mg
Calcium	200 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Vitamin D	2.5 µg
Vitamin B12	1.1 µg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.3 mg
Magnesium	25 mg
Selenium	9 µg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 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.