Most people think an iced latte and an iced macchiato are almost the same drink. Both use espresso, ice, and milk. But they taste very different — and they are built in completely different ways.
If you’ve ever ordered a Starbucks iced caramel macchiato and wondered why it tasted stronger and sweeter than a regular iced latte, this guide will clear everything up.
If you love the hot version of iced Macchiato and iced latte, the cold drink will not disappoint you in taste and aroma. Peak summer is the best time to enjoy a cold drink.
Don’t miss the difference between iced latte and iced coffee.
Iced Latte:
An iced latte is made with two espresso shots, adding and mixing steamed milk, and pouring iced cubes.
Iced Macchiato:
An iced Macchiato is prepared with two espresso shots with a splash of milk poured on top, and iced cubes.
It seems both drinks use similar ingredients, so why are they different? Basically, both drinks are prepared with entirely different methods, and the volumes of milk and espresso are dissimilar.
In this article, I will discuss all the differences between the two drinks and how you can make these drinks at home.
What are the differences between an iced latte and an iced macchiato?
When comparing these drinks, you should expect a slight difference in ingredients. However, you can only differentiate them by using different volumes.
Iced Macchiato vs iced latte: How does the brewing method differentiate these drinks?
Yes, every coffee flavor has its unique way of brewing. No two flavors are made the same way.
What is more astonishing is when two flavors have the same ingredients, but the brewing method is different, so they taste different.
Here is a good example of the brewing process of an Iced macchiato. Unlike an iced latte and many other flavors, an iced Macchiato is made by pouring whole milk into a cup.
In the second step, add ice cubes. Finally, pour two espresso shots into the cup.
When we pour two espresso shots into the cup of milk and ice, it gives a unique texture and taste.
Do you know the difference between iced americano and cold brew?
On the other hand, an iced latte adds ingredients in a different order. It is how most flavors brew first; an espresso shot is made in a large cup.
Then, the milk pours into the cup of espresso. And lastly, ice cubes are added to the glass.
The difference in milk volume
An iced Macchiato adds less milk compared to an iced latte.
Both drinks have an espresso shot and milk. The difference is the volume of milk; a latte always has three parts of milk in a glass. For a macchiato, add a quarter of milk to a glass.
Milk adds creaminess, sweetness, and mellowness to the espresso shot. When we add more milk, the espresso intensity reduces significantly.
However, if we add a splash of milk, the espresso shot’s bitterness will remain, and it will have a strong taste.
A latte coffee usually has steamed milk and a splash of foam at the top to make it creamier. The Macchiato coffee has only a small volume of steamed milk.
Iced latte vs ice macchiato: what is the difference in serving size?
An iced macchiato is usually served in a smaller cup, and an iced latte is served in a large glass.
Iced Latte — Larger Serving
- Typical size: 12–24 oz (most commonly 16 oz)
- Why larger?
It’s mostly milk + ice, with espresso mixed throughout. - Result: A fuller glass and a lighter, milk-forward drink.
Iced Macchiato: Slightly Smaller / More Concentrated
- Typical size: 8–16 oz
- Why smaller?
It has more espresso relative to milk, and espresso is poured on top. - Result: Less total volume but a stronger coffee presence.
Iced latte vs iced Macchiato: Which drink has a stronger flavor?
Iced macchiato is the clear winner when you choose an intense coffee flavor. It adds more espresso shots and uses less milk.
Iced Macchiato uses two espresso shots, making it a more potent coffee. Also, it uses whole milk, creating a more textured coffee.
In contrast, an iced latte is a milder flavor. It uses more milk and one espresso shot. It adds whole milk to make it creamier and sweeter.
If you are not a fan of solid espresso, an iced latte should be your choice. Because high volume steamed milk reduces the robust espresso flavor.
Which drink tastes better?
A latte coffee is a sweeter and creamier drink than a macchiato. It uses the double volume of milk in one espresso shot. An iced latte has a sweeter, creamier, and lighter taste.
In contrast, an iced Macchiato uses two espresso shots and a small volume of milk. It has a more robust and bitter taste.
It depends on what type of taste you prefer; if you love intensely bitter coffee, iced macchiato has no competition, while looking for something creamy and sweet, iced latte should be preferred.
Check the difference between cold brew and nitro cold brew.
Iced latte vs Macchiato: which drink has fewer calories?
An iced latte has more calories than an iced Macchiato.
Milk contains high calories, so a drink with more milk will contain more calories. If you add other flavors or sugar syrup, the calorie content will increase
Also, the type of milk determines the calorie content. If you add whole milk, it has around 100 calories per drink. The low-fat milk has 60 to 80 calories per drink.
However, almond milk contains around 30 calories, even though it may not have the same taste and aroma as whole milk.
A glass of iced macchiato has around 50 to 100 calories.
A glass of iced latte has around 130 to 180 calories.
Comparison table: Calories and Caffeine
| Feature | Iced Latte (16 oz / Grande) | Iced Macchiato (16 oz / Grande) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130–190 kcal (with whole milk) | 190–250 kcal (with whole milk, syrup) |
| Caffeine | 120 to 130 mg (2 shots of espresso) | 120 to 130 mg (2 shots of espresso) |
| Espresso Shots | 2 shots (mixed in milk) | 2 shots |
| Milk Content | More milk (60–70%) | Less milk (20 – 30%) |
| Added Syrup | Optional | Usually includes vanilla syrup |
| Taste Profile | Smooth, creamy, balanced | Bold, layered, sweeter (if flavored) |
The difference in caffeine content
Robusta coffee beans contain more caffeine than Arabica coffee beans. It depends on which coffee beans you use and how much they are roasted.
Espresso contains all the caffeine in any coffee drink. So if you use more espresso, the caffeine content will increase.
So an iced Macchiato contains more caffeine than an iced latte.
Iced Macchiato with two espresso shots, including 136 mg of caffeine per serving.
An iced latte with one shot of espresso comprises only 68 mg of caffeine.
Let’s check these drinks in detail.
What is an iced latte?
We know a latte drink uses a high volume of milk with one shot of espresso. Similarly, an iced latte is prepared with one shot of espresso and three parts of milk, added with iced cubes.
For anyone who likes a high volume of milk in coffee, the iced latte has the capacity to attract you. But anyone who doesn’t want high milk should look for an iced Macchiato.
An iced latte is a milder, creamier, and sweeter coffee. It uses a high volume of milk, differentiating it from many other coffees. However, like a hot latte, the iced version contains high calories.
Also, check the difference between caramel macchiato and caramel latte.
What is an iced Macchiato?
A macchiato comes with espresso and foamed milk. When we add iced cubes, it becomes an iced macchiato. An iced Macchiato is an Italian coffee. It has become a success due to its delicious and refreshing taste.
An iced Macchiato uses two espresso shots with milk and iced cubes. This drink has a high caffeine content and fewer calories.
Two espresso shots add more caffeine to an iced macchiato. You can add foamed milk instead of steamed milk.
Macchiato is different to other milky drinks. It adds less volume of milk. In fact, it includes only a splash of milk. That means it is much stronger and bitter.
Similarly, an iced macchiato is stronger than an iced latte or cappuccino.
You brew iced macchiato when you crave something intense with the visible white color of milk. But milk doesn’t impact the taste.
What are the similarities between an iced latte and an iced Macchiato?
Interestingly these drinks use the same ingredients: espresso, milk, and iced cubes. However, they use different volumes.
And as a coffee connoisseur, we know that slight change in volume makes a big difference. The iced latte has one espresso shot, and the iced Macchiato has two espresso shots.
Similarly, an iced latte has a double volume of milk compared to an Iced macchiato. So, the difference is the volume, but the ingredients are the same.
Iced Macchiato vs iced latte: Which drink is better?
It depends on which cold coffee taste you like. An iced Macchiato is much stronger and biter than an iced latte. With two espresso shots and less milk, the iced Macchiato tastes bitter.
It also has double the amount of caffeine per serving. Moreover, an iced Macchiato has fewer calories than an iced latte.
If you don’t have any issue with calories, you can frequently use an iced latte. On the other hand, an iced Macchiato has more caffeine than a latte.
So keep all these points, drinking an iced coffee regularly.
Now, let’s check how we can make these drinks at home.
How to make an iced latte at home?
It needs the following ingredients to make an iced latte. Also, pick a larger cup as it uses more milk.
Ingredients
- ¾ Milk
- One espresso shot
- Iced cubes
Instructions
- Make an espresso shot and pour it into a cup. You can make espresso with an espresso machine or a French press.
- Pour milk slowly into the espresso cup.
- Add the iced cubes to make the latte cold.
A refreshing and delicious iced latte is ready. Also, check how to make an iced doppio espresso.
How to make an iced Macchiato?
Use whole milk and two espresso shots to get the solid iced macchiato drink.
Furthermore, It uses a smaller cup than an iced latte since it adds less volume of milk.
It needs the following ingredients.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of whole milk
- Two espresso shots
- Iced cubes
Instructions
- Pour the whole milk into the cup.
- Now add iced cubes to make it cold.
- Last, pour two espresso shots into the cup.
While adding espresso in the last gives a unique texture with espresso whirling in milk.
Which coffee beans are good for espresso?
Since espresso is the base drink for both iced latte and iced Macchiato, it is essential to know which coffee beans make a perfect espresso shot.
You can pick either Robusta coffee beans or Arabica coffee beans. Robusta coffee beans are stronger than Arabica.
While selecting coffee beans, keep the following points in mind.
- Always prefer fresh quality coffee beans.
- Make sure coffee beans are not blended.
- You can make it with different coffee beans and select the one you like most.
- Arabica beans are primarily used to make espresso; they have a milder taste.
Do you know the difference between iced Americano vs. cold brew?
Starbucks Iced Latte vs Iced Macchiato
This is where most people get confused. The taste and aroma at Starbucks are always worth trying, especially cold coffees.
At Starbucks, an Iced Caramel Macchiato is not a traditional macchiato. It is actually a layered vanilla latte with caramel drizzle.
Starbucks iced latte
At Starbucks, the iced latte has a fantastic taste, with a high ratio of steamed milk and foamed milk at the top.
A perfect iced coffee flavor for those who prefer milk-dominated, creamier, and sweeter drinks.
Starbucks iced Macchiato
Starbucks’s Iced Macchiato is primarily available in iced caramel.
However, if you want a bold, strong iced Macchiato, you can order a customized version without adding caramel.
Starbucks version:
- Vanilla syrup
- Milk
- Ice
- Espresso on top
- Caramel drizzle
This makes Starbucks’ iced macchiato sweeter and stronger than a normal iced latte, which is why many people prefer it.
A Starbucks iced latte, on the other hand, is simply:
- Milk
- Ice
- Espresso
- Optional syrup
No layering. No caramel drizzle.
Dunkin’ Iced latte vs iced Macchiato
Dunkin makes an iced Macchiato with a great balance of milk and espresso. It reduces the bitterness of the espresso.
Also, a Dunkin’ iced latte is more of a milk drink with one shot of espresso. It has a slight bitterness, but it is a sweeter drink.
It uses simple milk without steamed or foamed milk for an iced latte. An iced latte is the most expensive iced drink at Dunkin’.
However, you can ask a barista with specific changes to your favorite coffee to make it with two espresso shots.
Another interesting iced coffee article.
Cortado vs Macchiato vs latte: check the differences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An iced latte uses espresso, milk, and iced cubes. While a hot latte uses an espresso shot with steamed and foamed milk.
Iced coffee contains more caffeine than an iced latte. If you want a drink with low caffeine, go for an iced latte.
A Starbucks latte is prepared with steamed milk and espresso. While a Macchiato is made with espresso shots, steamed and foamed milk.
At Starbucks, yes — because it includes vanilla syrup and caramel drizzle. A regular iced macchiato made without syrup is not sweeter than an iced latte.
Final thoughts: which flavor to pick?
Choose an iced latte if you:
- Like creamy, balanced coffee
- Want less bitterness
- Drink coffee slowly
Choose an iced macchiato if you:
- Like bold coffee flavor
- Enjoy layered drinks
- Love Starbucks caramel macchiato
I have mentioned the differences, including using milk and espresso, and how they use different brewing methods.
Now you should be clear about these, and you can pick one according to your priorities.
Even though choosing one drink over another is a challenging job.
Especially when you are comparing two quality flavors, I would prefer an iced latte any day, but you can’t use high volume every day, so alternatively, iced Macchiato is a better choice.
I suggest you make both drinks at home and taste the difference.