Whole Foods’ Berry Chantilly Cake has garnered a cult-like following for a reason: It’s that good. If you’ve tried it even once over the last few decades, you don’t need me to tell you that. However, the chain faced major backlash in 2024 over (ultimately true) rumors that the bakery was removing fresh fruit from individual slices, delivering the cakes frozen instead of fresh, hiking up prices, and only offering full cakes.
Though the market righted its wrongs and brought back the single slices, Whole Foods’ apology tour is apparently not over yet—and we’re not complaining. The coffee bar has officially dropped a Berry Chantilly Latte inspired by the viral cake.
“Since Berry Chantilly is a well-loved flavor with a loyal following in our stores, we saw an opportunity,” Whole Foods product development specialist Beth Kilpatrick said. “We wanted to incorporate the signature taste into a drinkable experience—one that would resonate with fans of the cake while offering something fresh and exciting on the menu.”
Obvi, this required that I ran straight to the store to try it. And, for anyone concerned, I tracked the cake down while I was at it.
How do you recreate the light, almond-scented mascarpone, and chantilly cream frosting and fresh berries in latte form? The team uses a variety of syrups. I watched them pump raspberry, vanilla, and a mixed berry compote into my to-go cup. I won’t lie: I was apprehensive. Could a latte really live up to the fame and glory of the OG cake?
The short answer is no. In my humble opinion, it doesn’t do the cake justice—but hey, we can’t all be A-listers. That doesn’t mean the coffee bevvy wasn’t good or didn’t taste similar to the real thing, but let me just explain. The blend of berry flavors was the star of the show, with a slight tang and notes of vanilla and espresso, too—though the latter was more of a side character than a main. It was creamy like the cake and a little too sweet for my liking, but I suppose that might be the point of a cake-inspired latte. I’d get it again, only with an extra espresso shot and half the sweetener.
Reviews on the drink are pretty mixed. While some customers similarly found the berry flavoring a little too strong, others said the latte is “1000000/10 worth the hype!!” and “very good and very refreshing.” Guess you’ll have to be the judge for yourself. Grab a slice of the cake while you’re at it.
Megan Schaltegger is an NYC-based writer. She loves strong coffee, eating her way through the Manhattan food scene, and her dog, Murray. She promises not to talk about herself in third person IRL.
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