If you’ve ever stood in line at a coffee shop feeling overwhelmed by the menu, you’re not alone.
Among the most popular espresso-based white coffee — the latte, cappuccino, and flat white — the differences can seem subtle. However, there can be quite a huge difference in the taste and texture of the different coffees.
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a casual drinker, understanding these distinctions can help you find your perfect cup of white coffee.
- What is a Latte?
- What is a Cappuccino?
- What is a Flat White?
- Which One Should You Choose?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Can I use more or fewer espresso shots in a latte, cappuccino, or flat white?
- 2. What’s the difference between foam, milk foam, and microfoam?
- 3. Does cup size matter for these drinks?
- 4. What’s the best drink if I want a strong coffee flavour but still want milk?
- 5. Is there a “better” drink among the three, or is it just personal taste?
- 6. Can “latte art” be done on cappuccino or flat white, or is it only for lattes?
- 7. Does the origin of espresso (Arabica vs Robusta) change how these drinks taste?
What is a Latte?
A latte (short for caffè latte, meaning “milk coffee” in Italian) is made with one shot of espresso and a generous amount of steamed milk, topped with a light layer of milk foam.
The ratio is typically 1/3 espresso to 2/3 steamed milk, creating a creamy, mellow flavor that’s less intense than other espresso drinks.
Key features of a latte:
- Smooth and creamy texture
- Mild coffee flavour
- Often served in a large cup (8–16 oz)
- Great canvas for latte art
Best for: Those who enjoy a milder coffee experience with lots of creamy milk.
What is a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is a classic Italian coffee drink known for its balanced structure.
Traditionally, it consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
The foam is thicker and more voluminous than that of a latte, giving the cappuccino its signature light and airy top.
Key features of a cappuccino:
- Stronger coffee flavour compared to a latte
- Thick, frothy milk foam
- Usually served in a smaller cup (around 6 oz)
- Based on your preference, can have a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top
Best for: Those who enjoy a bold coffee taste with a rich, fluffy milk topping.
What is a Flat White?
Originating from Australia or New Zealand (depending on who you ask), the flat white falls between a latte and a cappuccino.
It features a double shot of espresso (ristretto is often used) and a thin layer of microfoam, which is steamed milk with tiny, velvety bubbles. Unlike a latte, a flat white has a stronger espresso flavour and a silkier texture.
Key features of a flat white:
- Strong, bold coffee flavour
- Smooth, velvety milk with minimal foam
- Typically served in a smaller cup (5–6 oz)
- Emphasis on coffee over milk
Best for: Those who want a rich espresso taste with just a touch of silky milk.
Which One Should You Choose?
Craving something mellow and milky? Go for a latte.
Want something balanced with a fluffy top? A cappuccino is perfect.
Looking for strong coffee with a silky texture? The flat white is your match.
While a latte, cappuccino, and flat white all start with espresso and milk, their proportions, textures, and flavours create distinctly different experiences.
Next time you’re at your favourite coffee shop, you can order with confidence — and maybe even impress the barista with your knowledge!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use more or fewer espresso shots in a latte, cappuccino, or flat white?
Yes — you absolutely can. While the traditional recipes call for one shot in a latte, one in a cappuccino, and two shots (often ristretto) in a flat white, many cafés let you adjust. If you want more kick, ask for an extra shot. If you want it milder, you can go lighter. Just know that changing the number of shots alters the flavour balance between the milk and espresso.
2. What’s the difference between foam, milk foam, and microfoam?
- Milk foam (cappuccino): thick, airy, bubbly foam that sits on top of the steamed milk.
- Microfoam (flat white): very fine, velvety foam with tiny bubbles that blends more smoothly into the liquid milk. It gives a silky mouthfeel without the cup being topped with thick foam.
- Latte micro-foam tends to be lighter and thinner, mainly used for latte art.
Each drink uses a different texture of steamed milk, which is key to how they feel on the palate.
3. Does cup size matter for these drinks?
Yes, it does. Generally, cappuccinos and flat whites are served in smaller cups (around 5-6 oz for flat white; ~6 oz for cappuccino), while lattes are larger (8-12 oz, sometimes up to 16 oz). The size affects how diluted or strong the espresso flavour comes through. A larger latte with more milk will feel milder compared to a small flat white where the espresso stands out more.
4. What’s the best drink if I want a strong coffee flavour but still want milk?
If you like strong espresso flavour but still want the creaminess of milk, a flat white is your best bet. It’s designed to strike that balance: bold espresso + silky, but not frothy, microfoam milk so the coffee remains front and center. A cappuccino is also strong, but since it has more foam, it can feel slightly lighter in espresso taste.
5. Is there a “better” drink among the three, or is it just personal taste?
There’s no right or wrong — it really comes down to personal preference. If I’m not in the mood for something foamy, I pick a flat white. When I want comfort and fluff, a cappuccino does the trick. If I want something mellow, milky, and gentle, I go for a latte. What’s most important is choosing what feels best for your flavour preferences, mood, and time of day.
6. Can “latte art” be done on cappuccino or flat white, or is it only for lattes?
You definitely can do latte art on both flat whites and lattes — in fact, flat whites are often ideal for latte art because of their smooth, velvety microfoam. Capuccinos have thicker foam, which makes detailed designs more difficult, but simpler art (like hearts or rosettas) is still possible. The milk texture and how well-steamed it is makes a big difference.
7. Does the origin of espresso (Arabica vs Robusta) change how these drinks taste?
Yes — the beans used play an important role. Arabica beans tend to have more subtle flavour notes (fruity, floral, sweet), while Robusta is stronger, more bitter, and often more earthy. A flat white or cappuccino made with Arabica might taste smoother and more nuanced, whereas with Robusta drinks you’ll feel more punch. The roast level also matters: darker roasts mask bean origin more, lighter roasts highlight it.
Suggested read: What Does It Mean to Dream About Coffee? Dream Interpretation & Symbolism
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