Flat white day: as Google Doodle celebrates the coffee, what are its origins?

Google celebrates the flat white, that has been referred to as the ‘quintessential Kiwi coffee’
Google's animated doodle celebrates the essence of the flat white
Google
Lola Christina Alao11 March 2024

On March 11, Google Doodle celebrates the flat white. Stronger than its cousins, the latte and cappuccino, the flat white has become a staple in cafes worldwide. 

Head to the search engine’s homepage and you’ll see an animated Doodle, recreating how the coffee is made.

Where does the flat white come from?

The flat white's origin story is slightly hazy, but, according to coffee historian Ian Bersten, the drink could have originated in England in the 1950s. 

When did it first start?

There are also suggestions that the flat white was invented in Australia or New Zealand in the 1980s. A review of the Sydney café Miller's Treat in May 1983 refers to its "flat white coffee", while another Sydney newspaper article in April 1984 satirised a vogue for caffè latte. "Cafe latte translates as flat white," it said.

It has also been referred to as the “quintessential Kiwi coffee”.

When did it come to the UK?

Andrew Knight, founder of independent coffee roaster Andronicas, told the Independent: “Since its arrival into the UK, the popularity of this now king-of-coffees has skyrocketed. This can be put down to the fact that the public’s interest in coffee in general has seen unprecedented growth.

“People now understand the difference between a really great coffee and a substandard one.”

Starbucks started offering flat whites to customers in the UK in 2010, while Costa Coffee was the first high-street chain to launch the flat white nationally, a few weeks later. 

Why is Google Doodle celebrating the flat white?

March 11 marks a very important date for flat white lovers as it commemorates the addition of the term "flat white" to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2011. 

Google's animated doodle celebrates the essence of the flat white, a drink that is “flatter” than a cappuccino or latte, popular with coffee connoisseurs who are looking for less foam". 

"Coffee culture has changed a lot over the years and so have ways to make the flat white. Made with whole milk back in the day, today it’s common to see Aussies and Kiwis ordering it with plant-based milk – oat milk is a rising favourite!

“The flat white has since spread far across the world, delighting and becoming a staple in many nations. No matter the origins, coffee lovers worldwide agree it’s a favourite morning or arvo (afternoon) pick-me-up." it says. 

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