Here’s a comparison of two creamy, smooth coffee flavors. Both use steamed and foamed milk, but one includes espresso while the other uses brewed coffee. Caffe Misto vs latte—understanding these differences can help you better appreciate these flavors.
If you love brewed coffee with milk, the Caffe Misto should be your top choice. But if you prefer espresso and milk, a latte would be your go-to.
Caffe Misto vs latte: what are the differences?
Latte and Caffe Misto differ in ingredients, brewing process, taste, and texture.
It is basically a difference between two types of brewed coffee and espresso. Also, there is a slight variation in how milk is added.
Let’s discuss the difference in detail.
Also check the difference between caffe misto and cappuccino.
What are the differences in ingredients?
These flavors significantly differ in ingredients.
- Caffe Misto ingredients
Unlike a latte, this flavor is made with one cup of brewed coffee and a similar amount of steamed milk. You can brew it with either regular or strong roast coffee beans.
Optionally, you can add a sweetener or honey to make it sweeter.
- Latte ingredients
A latte is made with one shot of espresso and three times the amount of steamed and foamed milk. Additionally, you can make it sweeter by adding vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup for extra flavor.
In a latte, the usual ratio of espresso to milk is 1:3; however, some prefer a ratio of 1:4.
The difference in the brewing process
An obvious difference is that one brew is made with espresso and the other is made with brewed coffee.
- Caffe Misto brewing method
It requires brewing a cup of strong coffee, preferably with fresh medium roast beans. You can use any method to brew drip coffee, French press, or pour-over.
Now steam the milk using a steam wand or any other method, ensuring you create a thin layer of microfoam.
Pour steamed milk into the cup of brewed coffee. In the last step, add sugar or honey to make Caffe Misto sweeter and milder.
This process is different from when we brew a latte.
- Latte brewing process
Unlike Caffe Misto, a latte requires an espresso shot and a high amount of milk.
First, brew one shot of espresso using an espresso machine or any other brewing machine.
Steam the milk in a milk frother and ensure you get some foamed milk. Add steamed milk to the glass of espresso and pour foamed milk to get a thick creamy layer on top.
Additionally, you can add sugar syrup or any other flavored syrup.
Caffe Misto vs latte: which flavor tastes better?
Latte is more creamy and sweet compared to Caffe Misto.
If you love thick, creamy, sweet flavor with a slightly bold taste of espresso, a latte should be your first choice.
However, if you like traditional brewed coffee with some milk, Caffe Misto is the way to go.
Why does Latte contain more calories than Caffe Misto?
Adding sugar or any other flavored syrup increases the calorie count. However, milk is also naturally sweet, and it contains calories.
On the other hand, espresso and brewed coffee contain virtually no calories.
A latte glass with more milk has more calories, while a Caffe Misto with less milk has fewer calories.
A latte (8oz) made with whole milk and no added sugar or syrup contains approximately 120 to 140 calories. A Café Misto with whole milk has about 60 to 70 calories.
Why does Caffe Misto have more caffeine than a latte?
A single cup of brewed coffee contains 95 mg of caffeine, while a single shot of espresso has 63 mg of caffeine.
A Caffe Misto with a cup of brewed coffee has more caffeine than a latte. However, if you brew a latte with two shots of espresso, it will contain twice the amount of caffeine.
| Feature | Caffè Misto | Latte |
| Base | Brewed coffee + steamed milk | Espresso + steamed milk + foam |
| Calories (8 oz) | 30–70 kcal (depends on milk type) | 70–130 kcal (depends on milk type) |
| Calories (12 oz / Tall) | 60–110 kcal | 120–190 kcal |
| Caffeine (8 oz) | 90–130 mg | 60–80 mg |
| Caffeine (12 oz / Tall) | 130–170 mg | 75–100 mg |
| Typical Cup Sizes | 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz | 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz |
| Flavor Profile | Stronger coffee taste, lighter texture | Creamier, smoother, milk-forward |
| Healthier Option | Lower calories, higher caffeine | Richer taste, more filling |
What is the origin of latte and Caffe Misto?
- Caffe Misto Origin
The idea of combining brewed coffee with warm milk started in France. In France, the Caffe Misto is known as Café au lait.
Caffe Misto is an Italian term for milk with coffee, originally used by Starbucks to describe coffee with milk.
- Latte Origin
On the other hand, latte is an Italian word that means milk. Later, as the latte drink became famous worldwide, the combination of milk and espresso has dominated all the coffee brands.
In the 1980s, the latte was introduced in America and soon gained recognition.
Macchiato vs latte vs cappuccino vs Americano: Comparison
Final Thoughts: Which flavor is better and healthier?
Both flavors have certain qualities that make them worth trying. A Latte is milk-based with an espresso shot, and a Caffe Misto is brewed coffee with a similar amount of milk.
I believe Caffe Misto is healthier and better because it contains less milk and one cup of brewed coffee. However, if you prefer more milk and love espresso over brewed coffee, the latte should be your top choice.
Latte contains more calories, making it less healthy but more flavorful than a Caffe Misto. However, you can enjoy a Latte occasionally to savor a rich, creamy drink with strong espresso.