Caffe Misto vs Cappuccino: Battle of coffee and espresso

Caffe Misto vs cappuccino

If you are searching for Caffe Misto vs Cappuccino, it means you are comparing two high-quality, balanced coffee flavors. Many people get confused with these, which look quite similar to each other. If you love coffee with milk but get confused between a Caffè Misto and a Cappuccino, you’re not alone.

While both drinks combine espresso or coffee with milk, they are very different in taste, texture, and preparation.

However, one significant difference is that Cappuccino is prepared with espresso and milk, while Caffe Misto adds drip coffee and steamed milk.

Espresso and drip make all the difference in taste and aroma. Even though the volume of drinks is the same, both add a ratio of 1:1, one part coffee and the other part steamed milk.

caffe misto vs cappuccino: caffeine, calories, taste infographic

Also, check the recipe and learn more about Caffe Misto.

Let’s check all the differences in detail.

What are the differences between Cappuccino and Caffe Misto?

If you want a smoother, creamier coffee, Caffe Misto has a slight edge over Cappuccino. Drip coffee is milder than espresso.

Caffe Misto adds drip coffee and steamed milk, making it a comparatively less severe drink.

Cappuccino vs Caffe Misto: Difference in ingredients?

The exact volume of ingredients is essential to get the desired taste when making coffee. Cappuccino and Caffe Misto have the same cup size.

  • Caffe Misto ingredients

Caffe Misto brews with the same volume of drip coffee and steamed milk. It is usually prepared in a 160 ml cup. The typical ratio is 50% brewed coffee and 50% steamed milk, with little to no foam.

  • Cappuccino ingredients

However, Cappuccino has espresso, steamed, and slightly foamed milk on top. With the addition of foamed milk, Cappuccino’s texture differs from Caffe Misto.

The traditional Cappuccino ratio is 1:1:1 (espresso: steamed milk: foam).

Another essential aspect to remember when making Caffe Misto is that you need a coffee maker, but you need an espresso machine for Cappuccino.

Otherwise, there are very similar brewing processes for both drinks.

Caffe Misto cup

Cappuccino vs Caffe Misto: Do they have different tastes?

An espresso is a more robust coffee than brewed coffee. When we add espresso to a cappuccino, it has a much more robust flavor than Caffe Misto.

Drip coffee is always less intense and more bitter than a cappuccino.

Check the difference between dry and wet cappuccino.

  • Cappuccino Taste

A Cappuccino adds some foam at the top, making it different in texture. And when you drink, you feel it foamy and more flavorful.

It has a robust espresso flavor, with thick, airy foam and a rich, bold taste.

  • Caffe Misto Taste

Caffe Misto is for those who want a less intense and bitter drink. You can make it easy and enjoy the milder taste any time of the day.

It has a smooth, mild flavor with a prominent coffee taste and a creamy appearance.

Does adding espresso or drip coffee make any difference to caffeine content?

Caffe Misto: Higher caffeine due to brewed coffee (120–180 mg)

Cappuccino: Lower caffeine (60–80 mg from espresso)

These days, everyone is conscious of the caffeine content in their drinks. So, discussing caffeine in these drinks is an essential factor. All caffeine is added with the type of coffee beans used.

Here, one drink is prepared with espresso, and the other uses brewed coffee. A brewed coffee has slightly more caffeine than espresso.

A cappuccino with one espresso shot has 63 mg of caffeine. And Caffe Misto, with one cup of drip coffee, has 95 caffeine.

However, sometimes you prefer to add two espresso shots or double-volume drip coffee; in that case, the caffeine content will double in one drink.

Do you know there is some difference between cappuccino and frappuccino?

cappuccino cup

Caffe Misto calories vs Cappuccino calories

Caffe Misto 6 oz 60 to 70 calories.

Cappuccino 6oz 70 to 100 calories.

It depends on different factors like the type of milk, the size of the cup, and which ingredients are added. Both these drinks are usually prepared in 6-ounce glasses.

And both have similar milk volumes, even though Cappuccino adds foamed milk at the top.

Caffe Misto has comparatively fewer calories. A 6-ounce cup of caffe Misto has 50 to 60 calories, and a Cappuccino has around 60 to 70 calories.

Also, check the difference: Americano vs espresso vs cappuccino

Caffe Misto vs Cappuccino: Which drink is healthier and better?

Both drinks are a delight to make and enjoy. It is unfair to pick one drink over the other since there is not much difference in taste and ingredients.

However, you choose Caffe Misto if you prefer lighter drip coffee. Espresso fans will pick a Cappuccino any day.

Also, there is not much difference in the caffeine and calorie content of these two drinks. Similarly, Cappuccino has foamed milk, which gives a different texture and taste.

I find both delicious and mouthwatering. I can drink both of these flavors the whole day. However, I am always wary of these drinks’ calories, so I replace them with an espresso shot.

Also, check the differences between Americano and cappuccino.

Caffe Misto vs Cappuccino vs Latte: Which flavor should be preferred?

All three are high-quality milky drinks. You can pick any drink based on the milk you prefer. A latte has more milk than the other two drinks. Also, it adds slightly more milk foam than a cappuccino.

A latte has 2/3 of the cup containing milk, while the other two drinks have a ratio of milk to coffee of 1:1. Unlike the other two, the Caffe Misto has no foamed milk.

Caffe Misto

What makes Caffee Misto unique when compared to a latte or Cappuccino is the use of drip coffee. So, it has a different taste and is less robust than espresso-based drinks.

You can pick a latte if you love more milk in your coffee; otherwise, both caffe misto and Cappuccino are balanced drinks.

Do you know the difference between Cappuccino and Espresso?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Caffè Misto the same as a latte?

No, they are different; a latte uses espresso, while a Caffè Misto uses brewed coffee.

Which drink has more milk: Caffe Misto or Cappuccino?

A Caffe Misto contains more liquid milk, while a cappuccino has less milk but more foam.

Which is better for beginners: Caffe Misto or Cappuccino?

A Caffe Misto is better for beginners because it has a smoother taste and less intense coffee flavor.

Can you order Caffe Misto at Starbucks?

Yes, Starbucks offers Caffe Misto, often made with Pike Place brewed coffee and steamed milk.

Final thoughts: Which flavor is better?

Choose Caffe Misto if you:

  • Prefer a smooth, less intense coffee
  • Like larger cups
  • Want higher caffeine
  • Enjoy creamy drinks without foam

Pick Cappuccino if you:

  • Love bold espresso flavor
  • Enjoy thick foam
  • Prefer smaller, stronger drinks
  • Like traditional Italian coffee

Although I have discussed all the differences, in reality, they are pretty much similar drinks. If you brew it with espresso, it is called a cappuccino; if you make it with brewed coffee, it will be called Caffe Misto.

You can easily brew both drinks at home. Only if you have a coffee and an espresso machine at home.

Without an espresso machine, the espresso intensity will not be the same. Keeping these points in mind while deciding on any drink.