Choosing the right coffee flavor can be challenging because there are many high-quality options available, especially when selecting among Cappuccino, macchiato, and breve.
All three have unique ingredients, tastes, and brewing methods.
Before picking any flavor, check its intensity and creaminess.
Macchiato vs Cappuccino vs Breve: What are the specific differences?
It’s fascinating to compare and analyze all three flavors since each offers amazing taste, texture, and aroma. Choosing one over the others must be challenging.
I will discuss every aspect of these flavors in detail to help you make your choice. From ingredients and brewing process to taste, calories, and caffeine levels, everything will be explained thoroughly.
Macchiato vs Cappuccino vs Breve: The difference in ingredients
You can make a better choice by first looking at the ingredients of all drinks. It gives you a better idea of what to expect from this flavor.
Macchiato, cappuccino, and breve, all three drinks have espresso as the base drink, and have some differences in volume of milk and preparation.
- Macchiato
An espresso-dominated drink with only a splash of milk on top.
Typically, a Macchiato has one or two espresso shots and a small volume of milk.
The ratio of espresso to milk is 2:1.
- Cappuccino
Unlike a Macchiato, the cappuccino contains more steamed and foamed milk. It has one espresso shot with steamed and foamed milk.
Cappuccino has one part espresso, one part steamed milk, and one part foamed milk.
- Breve
Unlike Macchiato and cappuccino, the breve consists of half and half with one espresso shot. Half & half comprises half milk and half cream.
The ratio of espresso to milk is 1:1.
Espresso vs Americano vs Cappuccino vs Latte: Comparison
What is the difference in the brewing process?
All three have some differences in brewing methods. Since every flavor has a variation in ingredients.
- Cappuccino brewing process
It follows simple steps to make a cup. First, brew one espresso shot. One part steamed the milk and one part foamed the milk.
You can steam and foam the milk with any process.
Add steamed milk to the espresso and pour foamed milk on top.
- Macchiato brewing process
Unlike the other two, a Macchiato consists of only a splash of milk. It is an espresso-dominated flavor.
Brew a single or two cups of espresso and pour a dollop of steamed milk on top.
- Breve brewing process
A breve requires half& half with a single shot of espresso.
Pick half milk and half cream and mix them well. Now make a cup of espresso, and pour half& half on top.
Difference in Taste and texture
All three brew with a combination of espresso and milk. However, every flavor tastes exclusive and mouthwatering.
- Macchiato Taste and texture
It tastes bold and bitter with a slight creaminess on top. An espresso-forward flavor with a touch of milky taste.
A Macchiato predominates the espresso texture, and a small amount of milk adds a creamy feel.
Contrary to other flavors, it tastes robust and intense due to espresso dominance.
- Cappuccino taste and texture
A balanced, smooth flavor with some sweetness and creaminess. One espresso shot with steamed and foamed milk creates an excellent taste to enjoy.
A cappuccino appears light, creamy, and frothy on top.
A cappuccino is mildly sweet and creamy due to the use of steamed and foamed milk.
- Breve taste and texture
Unlike cappuccino and Macchiato, the Breve is rich, creamy, and sweet. Half and half gives it a rich, creamy flavor dominance. It appears velvety and creamy with some espresso hues.
Breve comes with a naturally sweet dessert-like taste due to the high milk and cream content.
Macchiato vs Cappuccino vs Breve: Which flavor has more calories?
It depends on how much milk is added to the coffee. A breve contains more calories than a cappuccino and macchiato. And a Macchiato has fewer calories among all three.
| Drink | Calories (8 oz) | Caffeine (approx.) | Notes |
| Breve | 150–250+ (varies by cream amount) | ~63–75 mg (1 shot) | High calories due to steamed half-and-half (milk + cream) |
| Cappuccino | 70–100 (depends on milk type) | ~63–75 mg (1 shot) | Balanced calories; equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam |
| Macchiato | 15–30 | ~63–75 mg (1 shot) | Very low calories — mostly espresso with just a small dollop of foam |
- Cappuccino Calories
A cup of cappuccino consists of balanced calories compared to the other two drinks. It has around 80 to 100, depending on the milk.
- Breve Calories
It has more calories with a high volume of milk and cream. A breve contains around 180 to 230 calories per serving.
- Macchiato Calories
If you want fewer calories macchiato is the best choice among the three drinks. A single cup of Macchiato comprises around 20 to 30 calories.
What is the caffeine level?
All three have a similar amount of cream since all three may add one or two espresso shots.
If a flavor adds one espresso shot, it will have 63 mg of caffeine. However, with espresso shots, the caffeine content will double.
Can we make cappuccino, breve, and macchiato cold drinks?
Yes, all three flavors can be brewed with ice cubes. The cold version makes drinks refreshing, tasty, and smoother.
It adds iced cubes to get a cold drink, with all other ingredients remaining the same.
- Iced Cappuccino
- Iced Macchiato
- Iced Breve
Shaken espresso vs latte vs cold brew: check differences
Final thoughts: Which flavor to choose?
It depends on what type of drink you prefer. All three have certain features.
If you love strong espresso, the Macchiato should be your first choice. A small volume of only milk adds some creaminess.
On the other hand, if you favor a heavy, creamy drink, Breve is the best choice. It adds a similar volume of milk and cream.
Whereas a Cappuccino creates a balanced drink with milk and espresso. It tastes amazingly great and perfect.