Anyone who loves coffee always has two options: one is coffee without milk, and the other is coffee with milk. Some people prefer a robust taste of coffee without adding anything. And the other would find adding milk coffee a better drink to enjoy. Here we have two great coffee flavors, flat white vs Americano. One is milk-dominant, and the other is espresso-dominant.
Flat white vs. Americano: two highly consumed drinks with subtle variations. Both are espresso-based drinks, while flat white adds milk and Americano adds hot water. Flat white has an espresso shot, steamed milk, and a thin layer of milk foam. It gives a rich, creamy, and bitter taste.
Also, check the difference between Americano and cappuccino.
Americano is an Italian-origin drink. It is made of espresso and hot water. The hot water pours into the espresso, which weakens the strong bitter taste of espresso and gives a marginally less strong coffee.
Let’s check all the differences between Americano and flat white in detail.
What are the differences between a flat white and Americano?
These drinks have certain features which make them unique and attractive. Anyone who loves strong taste should pick Americano, but others would like Flat white with milk and other flavors.
So, what are the precise differences between Flat White and Americano? Let’s dive in.
Meanwhile, you can also check the difference between flat white and cappuccino.
Differences in Ingredients and Brewing methods
Whenever you brew a coffee, the brewing method determines the taste and aroma of coffee. If you brew according to the given instructions, you could be serving the finest taste; however, slight negligence could spoil your coffee taste.
Americano and flat white need proper brewing methods to get the desired taste.
Americano is made with two parts hot water and one part espresso. First, we make espresso and add hot water to dilute the bitterness. If you want to add a splash of milk to Americano, you can make white Americano.
Also, you can use two espresso shots to get a strong coffee. But that will also increase the caffeine content in the coffee. Similarly, you can add more water to espresso with a ratio of 1:3.
Flat white has two ounces of espresso shot and 4 ounces of steamed milk. It is usually made with whole milk. Flat white serves in a 6 oz—size cup.
When adding steamed dairy, make sure it creates foam at the top because flat white gives the perfect taste and texture while adding some microfoam. Check comparison between Americano and latte.
Flat white vs. Americano: which drink has better Taste?
When you crave coffee, the first thing comes what should be taste. Do you want a strong coffee or something milder and sweeter? Flat white comes in the category of smoother creamy, and sweeter coffee and Americano has a much stronger taste and aroma.
Even though Adding hot water to espresso reduces intensity and bitterness, it is still a robust bitter coffee.
Flat white vs Americano: which drink has more Caffeine?
The caffeine content depends on which coffee beans are used and how they are roasted. Because all the caffeine comes from the coffee beans. So, choose the right coffee beans and make the right roasted. A balance caffeine should always be your priority.
No matter what flavors you add, the caffeine depends on how many espresso shots you add in Americano or flat white. A cup contains around 68 mg of caffeine, which is damn balance content in both drinks. So, we can safely say both drinks have similar caffeine content.
Another striking comparison between Americano and Macchiato.
Flat white vs. Americano: Which flavor has fewer calories?
In the caffeine battle, no drink is the winner, but when we talk about calories, a flat white is way ahead of Americano.
However, it mostly depends on what type of milk is used. If we use full-fat milk, it will contain a lot of calories. A flat white with skimmed milk will have around 60 calories per serving without adding other flavors.
Americano is a dream coffee if you want to avoid calories. You can drink as many shots as you like with minimal addition of calories. In fact, an Americano and espresso have almost no calories.
Why is Americano a healthier drink than flat white?
I have mentioned all the essential differences between the two drinks. It is now easier for you to pick one coffee. You should keep in mind the caffeine and calorie content while choosing a healthier coffee. Americano is the clear winner when you want to pick a more nutritious drink between the two.
Americano is a strong coffee with almost no calories and balanced caffeine. Also, you can make Americano with milk, but that increases the calories.
Undoubtedly, an Americano comes with the best combination of fewer calories and the finest taste. You can choose flat white while putting behind the healthier option.
Moreover, Americano Misto is another coffee where Americano is made with milk.
Related article.
Caramel Macchiato Vs Caramel Latte: How Are They Different?
Final thoughts
To be fair, you cannot compare a drink without added flavors to another with many additives. So, the only way you can compare is when you want certain ingredients in coffee.
If you plan a strong coffee but not as intense as espresso, you can pick Americano because adding how water reduces the intensity of espresso.
Also, Americano should be your choice if you want a good coffee with the least ingredients and should be a healthier drink.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if we add milk to Americano?
You can add milk to Americano to get a more balanced drink. It reduces the strong taste of espresso and makes a sweeter coffee.
What is the difference between a flat white and a latte?
Latte comes with more steamed and foamed milk than a flat white. A latte has 2/3 of steamed and foamed milk and 1/3 of espresso. Whereas flat white has 2/3 espresso and 1/3 steamed milk.
Can I add flavors to Flat white?
Yes, you can add flavors and sweeteners to a flat white. It is a highly flavorful drink.
Can I add flavors to Americano?
Americano coffee can be added with different flavors and sugar. You can also add steamed and foamed milk.
