'I tried Costa's new summer menu - but was confused by one item'

Costa Coffee is welcoming the summer season with a host of new menu items, including several vegan options.

The high street cafe's latest offerings may leave customers spoilt for choice during their lunchtime stop.

Among the new beverages are a Cookie Dough Frappe and a Golden Caramel Latte Macchiato, which can be enjoyed hot or iced.

For food, Costa has introduced a falafel and houmous wrap in partnership with BOSH!, a sweet chilli chicken wrap, and a mango and passionfruit bircher.

The dessert menu also sees some fresh additions, such as a triple chocolate brownie cheesecake, a vegan gingernut loaf cake, a bubble frappe gingerbread biscuit, and a sunny shortcake biscuit.

During a recent visit to sample these new items, I was keen to try the falafel and houmous wrap, but it was unfortunately sold out at my chosen location. Instead, I opted for a macaroni and cheese - not a new item, but still a tasty choice.

When it came to selecting a drink, I was torn between the two new options, but eventually settled on the iced Golden Caramel Latte Macchiato.

This new beverage is part of Costa's collaboration with the Paris 2024 Olympics Games, where the coffee chain will serve as the official coffee partner.

The drink, adorned with golden caramel syrup, is a delightful choice featuring a foam milk topping (vegan option available) and a sprinkle of bronze shimmer. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, it's an ideal beverage for any weather.

Next, I chose the vegan gingernut loaf cake, a collaboration with plant-based food company BOSH! Although the loaf cake was undeniably tasty, its inclusion in Costa's summer menu left me puzzled.

Typically, gingerbread flavour evokes memories of autumn and winter, not the sweltering summer months - especially when it's in the form of a loaf cake.

While I wouldn't opt for the gingernut during the warm summer season, it's certainly a treat I'd consider come September or October.