Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino: What’s the Difference?

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Flat white vs latte vs cappuccino: what’s the difference? Learn the key differences in milk texture, cup size and flavor so you can pick your favorite coffee drink.

If you’ve ever stood in line at coffee shops, staring at the menu and wondering whether to order a flat white, latte, or cappuccino, you’re not alone. Even seasoned coffee lovers can get confused when it comes to these popular espresso-based drinks.

At first glance, they all look like a similar coffee drink: a shot (or two) of espresso topped with steamed milk and some sort of foam layer. But the key differences come down to the milk-to-espresso ratio, the milk texture and the amount of foam.

In this post, I’ll break down flat white vs latte vs cappuccino in a way that feels like chatting with a friend, not sitting through a barista training session. We’ll look at the main differences, how they taste, and how to decide which one is your favorite coffee the next time you’re at your local coffee shop (or making one at home with your own espresso machine).

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A Quick Look: Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino

Here’s the notable difference when it comes to a flat white vs latte vs cappuccino in a nutshell:

• Flat White: A smaller drink with a double shot of espresso and a thin layer of microfoam, giving you a stronger espresso flavor.
• Latte (Caffè Latte): A larger, milkier drink with more steamed milk, less foam and often latte art on top.
• Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foam, with a thicker layer of foam that gives it a frothy milk foam topping.

That’s the short version, but let’s dive deeper into the nuances of each drink.

What is a Flat White?

A flat white coffee is said to have originated in either Australia or New Zealand (ask New Zealanders and they’ll claim it proudly!). It’s a smaller size drink, traditionally served in a 5–6 oz cup.

• Espresso Base: A double espresso shot or ristretto shots.
• Milk Texture: A small amount of creamy milk with a thin layer of milk foam—we’re talking a small amount of microfoam here, not much milk compared to a latte.
• Flavor Profile: Stronger coffee flavor, velvety texture, and a balance that leans more toward the espresso.

Think of the flat white as the “espresso-forward” cousin of the latte. The specialty coffee association describes it as having a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a creamy texture without too much froth.

What is a Latte (Caffè Latte)?

The word “latte” literally means “milk” in Italian, which tells you a lot. A caffè latte is basically an espresso-based beverage made with a double shot of espresso and a larger cup size (often 8–12 oz in the United States).

• Espresso Base: 1–2 shots of espresso.
• Milk Texture: A lot of steamed milk with just a thin layer of foam on top.
• Flavor Profile: Milder, creamier, with flavor profiles that lean toward the milk. It’s the most “approachable” of the three drinks, which is why it’s such a popular choice among American tourists and casual coffee enthusiasts.

You’ll often see latte art on a small latte at a specialty coffee shop (like hearts, swans, leaves etc) thanks to the silky milk texture. Lattes are also the base for fun different flavors like vanilla lattes, pumpkin spice lattes, or a latte macchiato.

What is a Cappuccino?

The cappuccino dates back to the mid-20th century, and it’s believed the name was inspired by the Capuchin friars and the color of their robes. It’s one of the most iconic espresso drinks worldwide.

• Espresso Base: Usually equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and foam.
• Milk Texture: A thicker layer of foam—traditionally one-third foam, one-third milk, and one-third espresso. Modern cappuccinos can vary depending on the specialty coffee shop.
• Flavor Profile: Balanced, but with a frothy milk foam cap that creates distinct layers of espresso, milk, and foam.

There are even fun variations like a dry cappuccino (extra foam, less milk) or a “wet cappuccino” (more steamed milk, less foam).

Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino: The Key Differences

When it comes to flat white vs cappuccino vs latte, the main difference comes down to ratio of coffee, cup size, and milk texture.

• Flat White = smaller, stronger, less foam.
• Latte = larger, creamier, much milk.
• Cappuccino = balanced, foamy, equal parts espresso to milk and foam.

Milk-to-Espresso Ratio

• Flat White: Higher coffee-to-milk ratio.
• Latte: Lower coffee-to-milk ratio, more milk.
• Cappuccino: Balanced ratio, typically 1:1:1.

Foam Layer

• Flat White: A thin layer of foam, smooth and silky.
• Latte: Just a thin layer of milk foam for decoration.
• Cappuccino: A thicker layer of foam (sometimes as much as one-third of the drink).

Cup Size

• Flat White: Small cups (5–6 oz).
• Latte: Larger cups (8–12 oz, sometimes bigger in the U.S.).
• Cappuccino: Traditionally small cups (6 oz), but modern cappuccinos can be larger.

Flavor Profiles

• Flat White: Bold, espresso-forward, velvety texture.
• Latte: Creamy, mild, milky coffee flavor.
• Cappuccino: Balanced, strong espresso flavor with airy foam.

How to Make These Drinks at Home

If you’re ready to try your hand at making these drinks in your own kitchen, here are some easy steps:

1. Get the Right Tools: You’ll need an espresso machine with a steam wand, good coffee beans, and ideally a coffee grinder to grind fresh.
2. Brew Espresso: Pull a double espresso shot (or single, depending on your drink).
3. Steam Milk: Use the steam wand to heat whole milk (or oat milk if you prefer dairy-free). Aim for creamy milk for a flat white, frothier milk for a cappuccino.
4. Assemble:
   • Flat White: Pour espresso into a cup, top with creamy milk and a small amount of microfoam.
   • Latte: Espresso + lots of steamed milk + thin foam layer.
   • Cappuccino: Espresso + equal parts milk + thick foam layer.

Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino: Which Should You Choose?

It really comes down to personal preference and what you’re in the mood for.

• Want something strong with a strong espresso flavor? Go for the traditional flat white.
• Craving a creamy texture and a larger, milkier cup? A caffè latte is your best bet.
• Love foam and a balanced coffee flavor? The modern cappuccino is your match.

Remember, there’s no “best” option—it’s about your taste and mood. Even coffee connoisseurs switch between these drinks depending on the time of the year, the beans, or whether they want a cozy milky coffee or a punchy long black.

Fun Facts about Flat Whites, Lattes and Cappuccinos

• Fraser McInnes is often credited with helping define the flat white in New Zealand.
• In South America and Southeast Asia, sweetened condensed milk versions of these espresso-based beverages are common.
• In the United States, lattes often come in oversized cups with syrups for different flavors.

Coffee enthusiasts argue endlessly about the nuances of each drink, but at the end of the day, it’s about what makes your taste buds happy, whether it’s an iced coffee with almond milk, espresso shot or a strawberry acai refresher.

Final Thoughts on Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino

When comparing flat white vs latte vs cappuccino, the key differences are actually pretty simple: the amount of espresso, the milk texture, and how much foam you like.

If you’re new to espresso drinks, start experimenting at home. Try pulling a double shot of espresso on your espresso machine, steaming milk to different textures, and playing with ratios. You’ll quickly discover your favorite coffee—and you’ll impress your friends with your knowledge the next time you’re standing in line at a specialty coffee shop.

No matter which one you choose, whether it’s a traditional method cappuccino, a flat white coffee, or a frothy caffè latte, these espresso-based beverages are all popular choices for a reason.

So grab some fresh coffee beans, fire up your steam wand, and start sipping your way through these different drinks. You might just find that the best part of your day is that first sip of coffee.