Use our simple tool below to get an easy comparison between any two different types of coffee. We’ve also included more detailed comparisons below to address some of the more common questions.
Cappuccino vs. Latte
Originating in Italy, both the Cappuccino and Latte have become coffee shop staples around the world.
The Cappuccino boasts a balance between espresso, steamed milk, and froth, leading to a medium-bodied drink with a velvety texture. Its strong coffee flavor contrasts with the Latte’s milder, creamy taste, which results from a higher ratio of steamed milk to espresso.
Lattes often come in larger sizes, and the minimal froth on top makes them smoother than the frothy cappuccinos. Both drinks offer variations, with baristas crafting intricate latte art or adding flavor syrups for an extra kick.
Whether you prefer the strength of a cappuccino or the creaminess of a latte, each has its unique charm to satisfy different coffee cravings.
Criteria | Cappuccino | Latte |
---|---|---|
Origin | Italy | Italy |
Base Coffee | Espresso | Espresso |
Flavor Profile | Strong coffee with textured milk | Mild coffee with creamy milk |
Acidity | Depends on the espresso | Depends on the espresso |
Body | Medium (due to froth) | Creamy (due to steamed milk) |
Milk Ratio | 1:1:1 (espresso, steamed milk, froth) | 1:3 (espresso to steamed milk), with a small amount of froth on top |
Caffeine Content | Depends on the espresso | Depends on the espresso |
Cup Size | Typically 5-6 oz (150-180 ml) | Typically 10-20 oz (300-590 ml) |
Texture | Frothy and velvety | Smooth and creamy |
Price Range | $$ (varies by location) | $$ (varies by location) |
Macchiato vs. Latte
While both the Macchiato and the Latte hail from Italy and utilize espresso as their base, their preparation and resultant flavors are distinctly different. “Macchiato” in Italian means “stained” or “spotted,” which accurately describes the beverage: an espresso that’s “stained” with just a dollop of frothy milk. This method retains the robust flavor of the espresso, making it a drink for those who prefer a stronger coffee hit with just a hint of creaminess.
On the other hand, the Latte, as previously described, is a milder, milk-forward drink. It boasts a creamy texture and a coffee flavor that is noticeable but not overwhelming, courtesy of the high ratio of steamed milk to espresso. The latte is often chosen by those who appreciate a gentler, creamier coffee experience. When selecting between the two, it comes down to a matter of personal preference: the robust intensity of a macchiato or the smooth mellowness of a latte.
Criteria | Macchiato | Latte |
---|---|---|
Origin | Italy | Italy |
Base Coffee | Espresso | Espresso |
Flavor Profile | Strong coffee with a dash of milk | Mild coffee with creamy milk |
Acidity | Depends on the espresso | Depends on the espresso |
Body | Medium to light | Creamy (due to steamed milk) |
Milk Ratio | Espresso with a spot of milk or foam | 1:3 (espresso to steamed milk), with a small amount of froth on top |
Caffeine Content | Depends on the espresso | Depends on the espresso |
Cup Size | Typically 1-2 oz (30-60 ml) | Typically 10-20 oz (300-590 ml) |
Texture | Strong with minimal milk | Smooth and creamy |
Price Range | $ (varies by location) | $$ (varies by location) |
Flat White vs. Latte
The Flat White, often claimed by both Australians and New Zealanders as their own, is a coffee drink that offers a different take on the espresso-and-milk combo. What sets the Flat White apart is its velvety texture, achieved by steaming milk to produce a fine microfoam that’s consistently mixed throughout the drink. This results in a stronger coffee flavor than a latte, despite its similar appearance.
The Latte, with its Italian roots, is characterized by a larger proportion of steamed milk, which gives it a creamier texture and a milder coffee flavor. Its top layer of foam is also usually thicker than the fine microfoam of a flat white.
When choosing between the two, the Flat White is ideal for those seeking a more concentrated coffee taste with a velvety texture, while the Latte is perfect for those in the mood for a creamier, milder coffee drink. The distinction, though subtle, can significantly influence one’s coffee experience.
Criteria | Flat White | Latte |
---|---|---|
Origin | Australia/New Zealand | Italy |
Base Coffee | Espresso | Espresso |
Flavor Profile | Rich coffee with velvety milk | Mild coffee with creamy milk |
Acidity | Depends on the espresso | Depends on the espresso |
Body | Velvety | Creamy (due to steamed milk) |
Milk Ratio | 1:2 (espresso to microfoam) | 1:3 (espresso to steamed milk), with a small amount of froth on top |
Caffeine Content | Depends on the espresso | Depends on the espresso |
Cup Size | Typically 5-6 oz (150-180 ml) | Typically 10-20 oz (300-590 ml) |
Texture | Smooth with fine microfoam | Smooth and creamy |
Price Range | $$ (varies by location) | $$ (varies by location) |
Mocha vs. Latte
The luxurious Mocha is a treat for both coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts. The Mocha differentiates itself from the latte primarily through the addition of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder, combined seamlessly with the espresso before adding milk.
This inclusion imparts a rich and sweet profile to the drink, making it reminiscent of hot cocoa with a caffeine kick. In contrast, the Latte focuses solely on the harmonious blend of espresso and milk, offering a purer coffee experience without the chocolatey influence.
When you opt for a Mocha, you’re essentially craving that delightful merge of coffee and chocolate. The Latte, on the other hand, keeps things simpler, allowing the natural flavors of the coffee to shine through. It’s a choice between indulgence and tradition, between a dessert-like drink and a classic coffee preparation.
Criteria | Mocha | Latte |
---|---|---|
Origin | Yemen (historically), with modern variations inspired by Italy | Italy |
Base Coffee | Espresso | Espresso |
Flavor Profile | Coffee with a rich chocolate undertone | Mild coffee with creamy milk |
Acidity | Depends on the espresso and chocolate used | Depends on the espresso |
Body | Creamy with chocolate richness | Creamy (due to steamed milk) |
Milk Ratio | 1:1:1 (espresso, chocolate, steamed milk), with whipped cream on top often | 1:3 (espresso to steamed milk), with a small amount of froth on top |
Caffeine Content | Depends on the espresso | Depends on the espresso |
Cup Size | Typically 6-8 oz (180-240 ml) | Typically 10-20 oz (300-590 ml) |
Texture | Smooth, chocolatey, often topped with whipped cream | Smooth and creamy |
Price Range | $$$ (due to added ingredients) | $$ (varies by location) |
Cortado vs Latte
The Cortado, with its roots in Spain, is a delightful drink that offers a balanced blend of coffee and milk without veering too much in either direction. The word “Cortado” originates from the Spanish verb “cortar,” which means “to cut.” The essence of this drink is to “cut” the espresso with a small amount of steamed milk, reducing its acidity and creating a more harmonized flavor profile. The Cortado showcases the strength and profile of the espresso more prominently, with just enough milk to soften its edges without overpowering it.
In comparison, the Latte leans heavily towards the milkier side of the spectrum, providing a creamier mouthfeel and more subdued coffee flavor. While the Cortado is typically served in smaller glasses, emphasizing its no-nonsense approach to coffee enjoyment, the Latte’s larger size showcases its focus on the richness and comfort of steamed milk.
Choosing between the two might come down to how you’re feeling on a particular day. If you desire a straightforward, balanced coffee drink where the espresso’s taste is at the forefront but softened slightly, the Cortado is your pick. However, if you’re in the mood for something creamier, with a more subdued coffee note, then the comforting embrace of a Latte awaits.
Criteria | Cortado | Latte |
---|---|---|
Origin | Spain | Italy |
Base Coffee | Espresso | Espresso |
Flavor Profile | Balanced coffee with a touch of milk | Mild coffee with creamy milk |
Acidity | Softened by the milk | Depends on the espresso |
Body | Medium, with a hint of milkiness | Creamy (due to steamed milk) |
Milk Ratio | 1:1 (espresso to steamed milk) | 1:3 (espresso to steamed milk), with a small amount of froth on top |
Caffeine Content | Depends on the espresso | Depends on the espresso |
Cup Size | Typically 3-4 oz (90-120 ml) | Typically 10-20 oz (300-590 ml) |
Texture | Smooth and harmonious | Smooth and creamy |
Price Range | $$ (varies by location) | $$ (varies by location) |
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