Why is today’s Google Doodle a flat white?
Today’s Google Doodle is confusing people – because it’s all about flat white coffees.
The world’s most popular search engine has seemingly just added a picture of an animated flat white – but why is this beloved drink sitting up front of the Google page today?
The popular hot drink originated in Australia and New Zealand, but it was on this day, March 11, in 2011 that the term flat white was added to the Oxford English Dictionary.
And that needs to be celebrated.
‘Many speculate the drink was first served in Australia and New Zealand during the 1980s when the drink popped up on menus in Sydney and Auckland around the same time,’ Google wrote.
Flat whites were traditionally served in a ceramic cup and were created using an espresso shot topped with steamed milk and a layer of microfoam.
This makes them ‘flatter’ than a cappuccino or latte, and the fan favourites of people looking for less foam on their hot coffee.
‘Often, baristas will show off their skills and create beautiful artwork with the pour, something that’s a common sight in many cafes across Australia and New Zealand,’ added Google.
‘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 Google Doodle has confused some people on social media, with Charles on X saying: ‘Bizarre take from @Google for today’s doodle – simply a flat white. Although my go to coffee order on the whole, have we run out of people to celebrate already?
‘Flat white was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2011. Oh.’
User Jack, on X, was happier to see the delightful animation: ‘Google celebrating a flat white coffee for no reason at all is exactly the kind of energy I need this morning’
But user Sophie was not feeling it: ‘Why has @GoogleUK chosen today to celebrate the flat white?! Not cool.’
The fun animated doodle can be seen across the world including Australia, New Zealand, South America, Asia and around Europe.
The Google Doodle has been used to celebrate a wide range of people, anniversaries and objects in the past, including Alan Rickman, Betty White, International Women’s Day and Eunice Newton Foote, a pioneering scientist who was the first person to theorise that increasing volumes of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would lead to a warming world.