Latte Histamine Information

Latte, a coffee-based drink that includes steamed milk, has potential to impact histamine levels based on its ingredients. The item of central focus here is coffee, which although not high in histamine itself, has been found to inhibit the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine, potentially leading to increased histamine levels (1). This is particularly true when consumed in large quantities. On the other hand, milk employed in lattes is typically lower in histamine and does not actively liberate histamine. It is worth noting that aged, fermented, or spoiled dairy products may have higher histamine contents (2). It's therefore advisable to ensure fresh milk is being used in the latte preparation. Another point to consider is the potential presence of other ingredients in the latte such as cocoa, nutmeg, or alcohol in flavored lattes. These substances can act as histamine liberators or delay histamine breakdown, as mentioned above, and can therefore potentially escalate histamine levels if included (3). A latte is unlikely to have a comparable histamine impact to high-histamine foods like aged cheeses, smoked meats, or fermented products. However, individual sensitivity can vary greatly, so anyone with known histamine intolerance should monitor their symptoms and potentially consult a healthcare professional. So, while a single latte is unlikely to significantly elevate histamine levels, repeated consumption or consumption alongside other histamine-rich or histamine liberating foods, could potentially contribute to a rise in histamine levels. References: 1. Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(5), 1185-1196. 2. Kusche, D., & Kuhne, S. (2018). Low-histamine diet. Food Intolerance Network. 3. San Mauro Martin, I., Brachero, S., & Garicano Vilar, E. (2016). Histamine intolerance and dietary management: A complete review. Allergologia Et Immunopathologia.