The Scientific Case for Latte Superiority

Lattes—and latte drinkers—are easy prey. John Oliver delivered an impassioned attack on the pumpkin spice latte in the fall of last year. And when Starbucks introduced its version of the "flat white" at the start of 2015, a hybrid latte made with micro foam, Time managed to both praise and curse it as "the drink of choice for hipsters everywhere." But while the media may be bent on trampling the latte's dignity, scientists are proving the beverage's worth.

A new study postulates that lattes—anchored by their foam—are less likely to spill than cups of regular coffee. Foam acts as a holding weight, buffering the liquid's movement if the mug is suddenly jolted. More foam seems to be more effective: According to the researchers, five layers of foam have can subdue a liquid tenfold. The research team, from Princeton University and elsewhere, made their conclusions based on a series of tests using a water-based liquid and various heights of foam generated from dawn dish detergent. They believe their findings will translate to other liquids, like coffee: