What Is A Latte? Your Nutritious And Delicious Breakfast Complement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- There's good news for the millions of Americans who start each day with a cup of coffee.  Making a latte at home for breakfast is not only a delicious start to the day, but it can provide much-needed nutrients including calcium, vitamin D and potassium, that most Americans are lacking. Your morning latte delivers a full serving of milk's nine essential nutrients, including eight grams of high quality protein – even more than an egg.

"Breakfast with milk – whether in a latte, your cereal or straight from a glass – can help you feel satisfied, focused and energized, so you can make the most of your day...every day," said Carolyn O'Neil, MS, RD., co-author of The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous! "I love making a latte at home to make sure I start the day right with key nutrients we all need – including calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, protein for lean muscle and B vitamins for energy."

At a time when specialty coffeehouse prices can be high, being your own barista at home could also help save you money. For only a quarter a serving, coffee's latte counterpart – milk – adds nutrients without breaking the bank.

Whatever your personal latte order, the National Milk Mustache "got milk?"® Campaign has at-home recipes for easy ways to make your morning latte the way you like it. Whether it's a simple two parts milk, one part espresso drink or a triple shot with extra foam, caramel drizzle and cinnamon, being your own barista is as easy as:

1. Espress-o Yourself: Thinking about getting an espresso machine? Great! If not, no problem... just brew your coffee beans stronger than usual.
2. Get Frothy with It: Milk frothers are a great gift. But you can also heat the milk on the stove or in the microwave, then whisk for extra foam.
3. Have Fun with Flavor: Check your spice cabinet to add great flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg.  You can also buy your favorite syrups for a coffee shop-worthy flavor boost.

"Like" Us If You Love Lattes
The "got milk?" campaign loves a good latte too, so through October 8 they're giving away new Keurig brewing systems daily, and a "Latte Lovers Essentials Kit" prize-pack every hour on Facebook.com/MilkMustache. The kit contains everything you need to kick-start and personalize your at-home latte routine, including a milk frother, coffee, a latte mug and more.

Need more before becoming your own barista? Visit Facebook.com/MilkMustache to enter the Latte Love Sweepstakes and find tips, recipes and ideas for making lattes or other coffee drinks at home.

About the National Milk Mustache "got milk?"^® Campaign
The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation's milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The MilkPEP Board runs the National Milk Mustache "got milk?"® Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk. For more information, go to www.TheBreakfastProject.com or Facebook.com/MilkMustache. Deutsch, A Lowe and Partners Company, is the creative agency for the National Milk Mustache "got milk?®" Campaign.

SOURCE Milk Processor Education Program