Broccoli lattes have hit the headlines in recent days, paraded as the latest and greatest in health trends. But what exactly is it you ask? Essentially the drink is the new take on the turmeric latte; an alternative to the typical caffeine that promises a multitude of health benefits.

Much like the turmeric latte, the broccoli latte is created from a powdered version of the vegetable. Developed by the CSIRO, the powder has the same health benefits of fresh broccoli (including high amounts of protein and fibre), it’s just devoid of the water that the vegetable typically holds. It was designed as a way to encourage Australians to increase their daily intake of vegetables, and could be used in everything from soups to smoothies.

Understanding Australians penchant for a daily coffee, a latte was deemed the best way to introduce the powder to market. CSIRO have promised an impressive amount of nutrition with each sip of broccoli latte; they say that every two tablespoons of broccoli powder is equal to approximately one serve of the vegetable. As an added bonus, broccoli powder is also making its mark on landfill. The concoction isn’t formed from fresh, edible broccoli, but rather ‘ugly’ older vegetables that would otherwise be tossed in the bin.

While broccoli lattes may not have hit menus nation-wide just yet, they have proven their potential with a trial at Commonfolk Coffee Company on the Mornington Peninsula. The coffee space even worked with CSIRO developers to shape it into its current form and flavour. It was at Commonfolk that the broccoli latte also underwent extensive experimentation to discover how best to brew it; discovering that adding the powder to the milk during the steaming process proved most effective.

The only downside to the broccoli latte is that it is said to taste of broccoli, which can hardly compare to the traditional chocolate that tops a cappuccino. But while it may not be able to surpass the sweetness of the former, it’s undoubtedly a far more healthy frothing option, and one that could see you achieve your nine a day one sip at a time.