Nothing is more fascinating than comparing exquisite coffee flavors and trying to uncover the finest coffee varieties. Flat white, latte, and cappuccino are all espresso-based drinks with distinct differences in type and milk addition.
In this article, we will discuss and compare three high-quality flavors, attempting to discover which tastes better and why.
Flat white vs latte vs Cappuccino: What makes them different Flavors?
These flavors possess a unique, robust, and creamy taste, with slight variations in the ingredient quantities.
The milk and espresso are the two ingredients of these flavors. Also, espresso is the base drink for these flavors. The only difference is the ratio of milk to espresso.
A latte uses more milk compared to a cappuccino and a flat white. A flat white adds less milk than the other two beverages. So, it makes such a difference in taste, texture, and aroma in all three drinks.
Also, check the difference among shaken espresso, latte, and cold brew.
What’s the difference in ingredients?
Cappuccino, latte, and flat white have espresso as a key ingredient. However, the flat white can use ristretto shots instead of espresso to get a more concentrated, robust taste.
Latte
When it comes to milk, the latte fills three-quarters of the glass with milk and one part is espresso. The milk is steamed and foamed to make latte art at the top. The latte art is the unique feature of this drink.
Cappuccino
A more balanced flavor adds less steamed and foamed milk than a latte. However, it uses more steamed and foamed milk than a Flat white.
It comprises one part of espresso, one part steamed milk, and one part foamed milk.
Cappuccino looks like a smaller version of a latte.
Flat white
Another amazing flavor with espresso shots and steamed and foamed milk. Milk is steamed to create a microfoam with a bubbly texture.
It contains less milk than the other flavors, also it can include ristretto shots to get a smaller but more robust flavor.
Café au lait vs latte: check the differences in detail.
Infographic
What is the difference in serving size?
Since all three flavors come with similar ingredients, with slight differences in amount.
- Latte
A latte is the largest glass among all three drinks.
It typically comes in an 8-oz glass size. However, in some coffee bars you may have a larger size of up to 12 oz.
- Cappuccino
A balanced drink with a much smaller cup. You can pick a Cappuccino over a latte if you don’t like a large coffee size.
It brews in a 6-oz cup size, a slightly larger cup than Flat white.
- Flat white
Comparatively smallest cup with almost similar volume of milk to an espresso. Flat white is made in a 5-oz cup.
However, some brew this flavor with a similar cup size to that we use for a Cappuccino.
It can get smaller by adding ristretto shots with less steamed milk.
Is there any difference in Taste and texture?
The composition of milk makes a difference when it comes to the taste, texture, and aroma.
- Latte
A latte is a milk-dominated beverage that tastes milky, creamy, and mild. Two espresso shots add a slightly robust and bitter flavor.
Additionally, a latte is known for its latte art, featuring a beautiful texture of milk foam on top.
A great, scrumptious taste if you love high-volume drinks.
- Flat white
The combination of espresso and foamed milk provides a balanced, much stronger, and robust flavor. With its velvety, bubbly texture, it tastes creamy and has an intensity of espresso.
Compared to other flavors, a flat white is a much stronger coffee drink.
- Cappuccino
It comprises espresso and a combination of steamed and foamed milk, making it a robust, creamy coffee flavor.
It is a much stronger drink than a latte, though slightly less intense compared to a flat white.
With the help of foamed milk, it can create an aesthetically pleasing texture.
Why latte have more calories than a flat white and a cappuccino?
The calories in coffee depend on the amount of milk used for flavoring.
A latte typically contains more calories than both a flat white and a cappuccino.
A flat white has about 70 calories when made with full-cream milk.
Cappuccino has 60 to 80 calories per serving.
A latte comprises 140 to 160 calories per drink.
Which coffee has more Caffeine?
The caffeine in a coffee cup depends on the type and the size of the coffee beans used.
So there is no difference in the caffeine content of these flavors, since all three use a similar size of espresso shots. Flat white, cappuccino, and latte have 136 mg of caffeine per serving.
Flat white vs latte vs Cappuccino: Which coffee flavor is the strongest?
The strength of a flavor mostly depends on the type of coffee beans used. Arabica coffee beans are less intense and slightly sweeter than Robusta coffee beans.
Whatever the flavor, you make it depends on whether you add Robusta beans; the coffee will taste stronger and much bitter.
However, all three beverages add two espresso shots and different volumes of milk. So they have different levels of strength and intensity.
When comparing these flavors, a latte is a much smoother, milder, and sweeter drink than the other two.
Second in this list comes Cappuccino, with its larger volume of steamed and foamed milk, which tastes less robust and bitter.
The Flat white is the clear winner when it comes to picking the strongest flavor. It comes with two espresso shots, but a small volume of milk.
The robustness and strength are easily visible when you taste it.
Do you know the difference between a latte and a cortado?
Final thoughts: Which drink to choose?
It depends on an individual’s personal choice to pick one of these delicious coffee flavors.
If you enjoy a strong flavor with some creaminess, a Flat White is the right choice.
When you desire a fine balance of coffee and milk flavors, always choose a Cappuccino. Lastly, if you appreciate a creamy drink with espresso, a latte is unmatched.