Cappuccino vs Latte: What's the Difference? (And Where Does a Flat White Fit In?)

The short answer: a cappuccino has an even mix of espresso, steamed milk, and a large cap of foamy milk. A latte is mainly steamed milk with a very thin layer of foam on top. So when you compare the taste of a cappuccino to a latte, you’ll notice the cappuccino will have a stronger flavor and feel lighter and airy, while a latte has more milk in it and therefore drinks smoothly and tastes milder.

If you’ve ever stood at a counter wondering what actually separates these two, you’re not alone. The cappuccino vs latte question trips people up because both start with the same shot of espresso and the same pitcher of milk, so it is easy to see why there is confusion. Where the distinction lies is in how much milk is added and also how the texture of the milk is manipulated. Once you understand that, you can make either one at home and know exactly what you’re getting.

Below is a quick reference, then the details on each drink, plus where the flat white slots in.

Cappuccino vs Latte vs Flat White: Quick Comparison

What Is A Cappuccino?

The structure of a cappuccino is much more formalized compared to a latte. Typically, the ratio of all three parts will be approximately ⅓ each: the base layer will be espresso; then comes the steamed milk; and finally, on top of that is the foamy cap. That foam is the giveaway. It’s thick and pillowy, the kind you can dust with cocoa powder and watch hold its shape.

As a result of having more room due to a lower total amount of milk, you get a clearer taste of the espresso. Although lattes and cappuccinos can contain the same number of “shots” of espresso, they are quite different in terms of their flavor profiles. The cappuccino milk-to-espresso ratio is about 1:1 for the liquid milk, with the foam layered on after. Cappuccinos are typically served in smaller sizes, generally around 5-6 oz., and this size helps keep all components of the beverage in harmony. Make it too big, and you’ve essentially watered down the whole point.

What Is A Latte?

A latte changes the proportions. Generally speaking, lattes have more steamed milk than a cappuccino does (three to four parts milk to one part espresso), but only a very small amount of microfoam on top as opposed to a thick layer of foam. The latte milk-to-espresso ratio is what makes it the mellowest of the bunch.

The creaminess from the steamed milk rounds out the bitter coffee flavor, so the taste will be smooth and not sharp. The latte is generally the drink that most people order when they want some coffee flavor in their cup but do not want too much. Because lattes are typically larger (10-12 oz or more), they provide a large amount of liquid that can easily carry syrup/other flavor combinations. For example, a vanilla latte would work well, whereas a vanilla cappuccino may be difficult to execute due to the lack of liquid that carries the flavor.

If the difference between a cappuccino and a latte still feels fuzzy, think of it this way: same espresso, way more milk, barely any foam. That’s a latte.

Where the Flat White Fits In

So what is the flat white’s place in the cappuccino vs latte vs flat white debate? It’s in the middle, but like all drinks, it has its own character.

A flat white has less milk than a latte. It also lacks the frothy foam of a cappuccino. But it does have microfoam, which is milk steamed to a glossy or paint-like finish, then folded directly into the espresso. This means there isn’t the distinct layered foam of a cappuccino. A flat white will generally be about six ounces and be very concentrated because of the microfoam.

Another oddity of the flat white is that a double shot of espresso is generally used to make one, sometimes a ristretto (a shorter, more intense pull). Even though milk is added to create a flat white, the rich coffee flavor always remains at the forefront. If you find a cappuccino too foamy and a latte too milky, the flat white is probably the drink you’ve been looking for.

The Role of Milk Texture, And How Each Is Made

Here’s the part that surprises home brewers: the espresso is rarely what separates these drinks. It’s the milk. When you steam the milk, you are doing two things at once: heating up the milk and also adding air. The amount of air you add to the milk determines everything about your drink.

If you put in a lot of air when you steam the milk, you get the stiff dry foam that works great for cappuccinos. If you use little or no air when steaming the milk, you can stretch the milk out into tiny uniform bubbles (microfoam), which defines a flat white and toppings for lattes. Same pitcher, same milk, different technique.

To make each drink, you need to pull your shot, heat the milk to the correct consistency, and then pour. A Cappuccino is made when you hold the foam back and then spoon it on thick. Latte is poured with the milk flowing freely, and will have a thin layer of foam. For a flat white, swirl your microfoam and pour it in tight, close to the surface. It takes practice to get milk texture consistent by hand, which is the main reason home results can be hit or miss.

Making All Three At Home

If you find manually pulling shots of coffee and steaming milk too much to be bothered with, then you’ll love that a quality super automatic espresso machine like the Cafe Bueno CB-3000 can pull the shot and texture the milk for a cappuccino, latte, or flat white at the touch of a button. It’s an easy way to get café-style drinks without learning to steam milk yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a cappuccino stronger than a latte?

A: Yes, from the standpoint of taste. A cappuccino has much less milk than a latte. As such, the flavor of the espresso will be able to come through with greater clarity (or “boldness”) because of the smaller amount of milk.

Q: Which has more caffeine, a cappuccino or a latte?

A: That comes down to the espresso, not the drink name. A cappuccino and a latte made with the same number of shots have roughly the same caffeine. A latte just hides it better behind all that milk.

Q: Is a flat white the same as a latte?

A: A flat white is similar to a latte; however, is usually a smaller drink (approx. 6 fl. oz.), uses less milk, and has a thin layer of velvety microfoam that is folded into the espresso.  A latte on the other hand is usually a larger drink (10-12 fl. oz.) and has a looser foam layer on top.  The result is that a flat white is smaller, more concentrated, coffee-forward drink.

Q: What’s the difference between a cappuccino and a latte in one sentence?

A: A cappuccino is equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick foam, while a latte is mostly steamed milk with just a thin layer of microfoam.

Q: Can I use the same espresso for all three?

A: Absolutely. The espresso base is the same. What changes is how much milk you add and how you texture it.