Flat white vs latte vs cappuccino - What’s the difference?
Coffee will always remain a topic of conversation. A lot of changes were done in classical coffee methods, from brewing coffee till technique and the aesthetics behind the whole experience of coffee. One of the most striking changes is the emergence of a lot of new coffee drinks. The golden combination is still coffee and milk. But what are the differences between these popular coffee drinks with milk?
Latte
What is the difference between a Flat White and a Latte?
Flat white vs latte: A flat white has less milk and a thinner layer of microfoam than a latte, giving it a stronger coffee flavour and creamier texture. Lattes are milkier and served in larger cups.
What is the difference between a Latte and a Cappuccino?
Latte vs cappuccino: A latte has more steamed milk and less foam, making it smoother and creamier. A cappuccino uses equal parts espresso, milk, and foam, resulting in a stronger, frothier drink.
What's a Latte?
A latte, or also called a caffè latte, is the big brother of the cappuccino, where everything revolves around the soft, silky foam. Usually the latte is made with a single or double shot of espresso (1/3 of your drink) and 2/3 of your drink is steamed milk with a small layer (around 1 cm) of frothed milk. The texture of a latte is very important and gives that lit bit of extra to the beautiful appearance of this drink.
How do you make your own Latte?
To make a latte at home, all you need is espresso and frothed milk. You need to layer the espresso and the frothed milk. Because latte only has a small layer of milk foam, you should pour the liquid, steamed milk on the espresso, while holding a spoon to prevent the frothed milk from being mixed. Once ready, add the milk foam (around 1 cm). When you get more experienced, try creating latte art like a true barista.
What's a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino contains equal parts of espresso, steamed and milk froth. The coffee cup for a cappuccino is smaller than a latte cup, usually between 150 and 180 ml. The size of your cup is very important to get the right flavour balance between your espresso and the right amount of milk.
The foam of a cappuccino and be dry or velvety. Dry foam has large, airy bubbles and lots of volume, while with velvety foam (or micro foam) the bubbles are barely visible.
How do you make your own Cappuccino?
Making a cappuccino at home is easier than you might think and a great way to enjoy a café favourite anytime. It starts with a rich shot of espresso, brewed fresh to capture that bold, intense flavour. The magic happens when you steam milk to create a creamy texture with a thick, velvety foam on top. By carefully pouring the steamed milk over the espresso and finishing with a generous layer of foam, you create the perfect balance of strong coffee and smooth creaminess. With just a little practice and the right tools, you can craft a delicious cappuccino that rivals your favourite coffee shop’s. Ready to get started? Try L’OR’s Espresso capsules for an easy, barista-quality brew right at home.
What is a Flat White?
In most cafés and coffee bars a flat white is in fact a small latte with a little less milk. Just like a caffè latte, you use a double shot of espresso. Flat whites are served in two ways: with very little to no foam or with a lot of foam. The foam is rarely dry and is usually velvety with few bubbles in the foam; it’s a mix of frothed foam and liquid steamed milk. The flat white is an all-time favourite of coffee drinkers who prefer a stronger espresso flavour. The milk in a flat white contributes or improves the taste of the drink, while espresso still dominates in the mouth.
How to make your own Flat White?
Prepare an espresso and pour the steamed milk into your cup. The proportions are about: 1/3 espresso and 2/3 milk. The steamed milk must have a micro foam layer, but must not have a stiff foam layer like you use for a latte or cappuccino. Many baristas claim that a flat white has a stronger taste than a cappuccino because of a perfect blend of milk and espresso. Others indicate that a cappuccino is the best drink to perfectly combine milk with espresso. For some it is only the differences between the servings in different cups. Perhaps you should try them both to choose your favourite and taste the difference.
What's a Latte Macchiato?
Last but not least: the latte macchiato. Known for its three distinctive layers of milk, espresso and milk foam, the latte macchiato is loved in many countries. The difference between a latte macchiato and a latte is the order of pouring the coffee into your cup or glass. With a latte macchiato you first steam your milk and then you add the espresso to the milk. With a latte you will add the milk to your coffee.
How to make your own Latte Macchiato?
Start by steaming and frothing milk until it’s hot with a light, airy foam. Pour the milk into a tall glass, holding back some foam to spoon on top. Then, gently pour a freshly brewed shot of espresso over the milk—the espresso will slowly settle between the milk and foam, creating the classic layered look of a latte macchiato. For best results, use whole milk and a strong espresso shot. Optional: top with a sprinkle of cocoa or flavoured syrup for an extra twist.
Is a Flat White stronger than a Latte?
Yes, a flat white is generally stronger than a latte. It has a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and less milk, resulting in a bolder espresso flavour.
Is a Cappuccino stronger than a Latte?
Yes, a cappuccino is typically stronger. It has less milk and more foam than a latte, which makes the espresso taste more intense.
Is a Flat White just a Latte without foam?
Not exactly. A flat white has microfoam—very fine, velvety foam—while a latte has more milk and a thicker layer of foam. The texture and strength differ.
Is a Cappuccino more bitter than a Latte?
A cappuccino can taste more bitter because it has less milk to soften the espresso’s flavour. A latte is creamier and smoother in comparison.
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