Café au lait vs cappuccino vs flat white may look similar, but they are made in very different ways. Cafe au lait uses brewed coffee with hot milk, while espresso is built on espresso and thick milk foam, and flat white adds two espresso shots with steamed milk.
These differences affect taste, strength, caffeine content, and even the sensation each drink provides in your mouth. If you’re unsure which one suits your taste or daily coffee routine, this comparison will make the choice easy.
All three drinks—cappuccino, café au lait, and flat white—have unique qualities that make them appealing flavors. Each one has a strong fan following because of its rich taste and aroma.
I will discuss the differences between these drinks in detail and make your choice easier.
Check the difference between a cappuccino vs flat white.
Cafe au lait vs Cappuccino vs flat white: difference in coffee?
Cappuccino: Adds one espresso shot
Cafe au lait: Adds one cup of brewed coffee
Flat white: two espresso shots
What I feel is the significant difference between these drinks is the use of coffee. Cappuccino and flat white use espresso as the base drink. While café au lait uses brewed coffee as a base ingredient.
Also flat white is usually made with two espresso shots, and a cappuccino is preferred with one espresso shot. And cafe au lait has one shot of brewed coffee.
However, all three drinks are highly flexible; you can add different amounts of coffee according to your preference, like adding one espresso shot instead of two in a flat white.
Also, add half a cup of brewed coffee instead of a full cup. Similarly, a Cappuccino can be brewed with two espresso shots.
Cortado vs macchiato vs latte: check the differences
Cappuccino vs cafe au lait vs flat white: Difference in type of milk?
Milk plays the key part in brewing these flavors. However, all three use different types of milk. The addition of milk makes coffee milder and slightly sweeter.
- Cafe au lait
Cafe au lait has an equal volume of milk to coffee. A cup of coffee means adding a cup of hot milk. Or you can add half a cup of hot milk with half a cup of brewed coffee.
- Cappuccino
Cappuccino has a different combination, it has one part espresso, one part steamed milk, and one part milk foamed at the top.
- Flat white
Unlike Cappuccino, it has usually two espresso shots with equal volume of steamed milk. The steamed milk has microfoam bubbles at the top. Microfoam bubbles perfectly set well with espresso.
Flat white vs cappuccino vs café au lait: What is the serving size?
The serving size depends on the volume of milk and coffee.
Cappuccino and flat white have a medium-sized cup, while cappuccino has a much bigger serving size. However, it can be different depending on how much milk and coffee are added to the cup.
The typical size of these drinks is mentioned below.
- Cappuccino serving size
Cappuccino is made with three equal parts, one is espresso, and two are steamed milk and third is foamed milk. It serves in a 6-oz cup size (160 ml).
- Cafe au lait serving size
It serves with an equal volume of milk to coffee. Compared to other drinks, it has a larger cup size. Cafe au lait has an 8-oz serving size (240 ml).
- Flat white serving size
It has double espresso shots and steamed milk with micro bubbles. Like cappuccino, it usually has a 6-oz cup size.
However, all these sizes can vary depending on the coffee shop and your preferred option.
Which flavor tastes better?
Each flavor has a unique taste, aroma, and texture. Everyone has their priorities, some like a more pungent bitter flavor, others prefer a milder sweeter flavor.
Any coffee flavor that brews with an espresso shot has a much stronger and bitter taste compared to brewed coffee.
Check the facts and brew your favorite coffee.
Cappuccino Taste
This drink has more milk in the form of steamed and foamed milk. It tastes rich and creamy with a hint of espresso bitterness.
In comparison to the other two beverages, Cappuccino has a balanced taste with a fluffier texture.
Cafe au lait Taste
A significantly creamier and smoother flavor. An equal volume of brewed coffee to milk gives a milky and less intense coffee flavor. Unlike the other two drinks, it adds hot milk instead of steaming or foaming the milk.
A great alternative if you dislike the strength and bitterness of espresso, café au lait has all the ingredients to enjoy the flavor.
Flat white Taste
It has a unique combination of robust, creamy, and bubbly. With two espresso shots, it induces more bitterness than a cappuccino.
However, a volume of steamed milk with microfoam adds creaminess and smoothness.
| Feature | Cafe au Lait | Cappuccino | Flat White |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee Base | Brewed coffee | Espresso | Espresso |
| Serving Size | 10–12 oz (300–355 ml) | 5–6 oz (150–180 ml) | 6–8 oz (180–240 ml) |
| Milk Type | Hot milk (no foam) | Steamed milk + thick foam | Steamed milk (thin microfoam) |
| Caffeine (approx.) | 80–120 mg | 60–90 mg (1 shot) | 120–160 mg (2 shots) |
| Calories (whole milk) | 70–100 kcal | 60–80 kcal | 100–130 kcal |
| Calories (low-fat milk) | 50–80 kcal | 45–65 kcal | 80–110 kcal |
| Strength (taste) | Mild | Strong | Very strong |
| Strength (caffeine) | Medium–High | Medium | High |
| Best For | Smooth, milky coffee lovers | Bold espresso with foam | Espresso-forward, creamy texture |
Flat white usually contains the most caffeine, café au lait is the mildest in taste, and cappuccino offers a balanced mix of espresso strength and milk foam.
Cafe au lait vs Cappuccino vs flat white: Which drink has the fewest calories?
Calories depend on the type and the volume of milk. Here, 2% milk is used to calculate calories without added sugar or flavored syrup.
Whole milk has more calories than skim or low-fat milk. Also, the large cup size has more calories than a small cup.
Cappuccino calories per cup
A 6-oz cup size cappuccino has around 55 to 60 calories.
Cafe au lait calories per cup
With 8-oz cup has around 70 to 75 calories.
Flat white calories per cup
This drink has around 60 to 65 calories.
Which flavor has more caffeine?
A brewed cup of coffee has more caffeine than an espresso shot.
However, a flat white has more caffeine with a double espresso shot.
Cappuccino is the clear choice if you want a less caffeinated drink.
Cafe au lait caffeine
It has around 90 to 110 mg of caffeine in one brewed coffee.
Flat white caffeine
With two espresso shots, it has around 136 mg of caffeine.
Cappuccino caffeine
Cappuccino is usually made with one espresso shot has 68 mg of caffeine.
What is the origin of these drinks?
All three of them have completely different origins from each other.
- Cappuccino
An espresso-based drink represents the true coffee culture of Italy. It was first introduced in the early 1900s in Italian coffee shops.
The combo of espresso and milk has become a part of daily life in Italy.
- Flat white
It originated in New Zealand and Australia around the 1980s.
People of Australian content prefer a drink stronger with milk. It is less creamy than a cappuccino but a bubblier beverage.
- Cafe au lait
Originating in France in the 17th century, it has a long history. It gained popularity when French people preferred coffee with milk.
A café au lait is actually a French term for coffee with milk.
Check the difference between a flat white vs Americano.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Cappuccino tastes stronger because it is espresso-based, but café au lait may contain more caffeine due to brewed coffee
No, Foam is an essential part of a traditional cappuccino.
No, A latte is made with espresso and high amount of milk, while café au lait uses brewed coffee and an equal amount of milk.
Neither drink is automatically healthier. Café au lait may feel lighter due to less foam, while a cappuccino can have fewer calories if made with less milk. Milk type and added sugar matter more.
Café au lait is traditionally served hot, but it can also be enjoyed iced in modern coffee shops.
Final thoughts: Which drink is the winner?
You can’t predict a winner when comparing these flavors. Every flavor has its own certain qualities that you won’t get in other drinks.
choose Café au Lait if you:
- Prefer mild, creamy coffee
- Want more caffeine per cup
- Like larger servings
Pick Cappuccino if you:
- Enjoy strong espresso flavor
- Like frothy milk texture
- Want a cafe-style experience
Prefer flat white if you:
- Strong coffee
- Australian coffee
- steamed milk with thin foam
If you like brewed coffee with milk, café au lait is one of the best options for you.
If you prefer a smoother milk drink, a cappuccino is the best drink.
However, anyone who wants a stronger espresso taste with steamed milk, a flat white with two espresso shots is the option.