Definition
A caramel macchiato is a layered coffeehouse drink of vanilla, steamed milk and espresso topped with caramel, and a popular coffee-caramel flavor.
A caramel macchiato is a layered coffeehouse drink made with vanilla syrup, steamed milk and espresso poured on top, finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce. As a flavor, it means sweet caramel and vanilla wrapped around roasted coffee.
What "macchiato" means
Macchiato is Italian for "stained" or "marked." A traditional Italian espresso macchiato is a small shot of espresso marked with a spoonful of milk foam. The American caramel macchiato turns that idea around: the milk comes first and the espresso "marks" it from above, leaving visible layers. The drink was popularized by US coffeehouse chains in the 1990s and became one of the most recognizable café orders.
The taste profile
- Caramel: buttery, toasty sweetness.
- Vanilla: soft, creamy aroma.
- Espresso: roasted, slightly bitter depth that keeps the sweetness in check.
Caramel Macchiato at Polkadot
The Polkadot Caramel Macchiato Chocolate bar blends coffee and caramel flavors into creamy Belgian white chocolate. White chocolate plays the role of the steamed milk and vanilla, while coffee and caramel supply the layers on top. The bar is described as gluten-free, priced at $25, and sits in the white chocolate bars collection.
Good to know
Coffee-flavored sweets can contain some caffeine from real coffee, so check the label if you are sensitive to it.
More café-inspired flavors
- Polkadot Sicko Vanilla Frappuccino Chocolate, with caramel and coffee beans, from the Sicko Series.
- Matcha bars and gummies for green tea lovers.
- Thai Tea and Royal Milk Tea gummies for milk tea fans.
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