Let’s be honest: most of us can’t tell the difference between a cappuccino and a latte. They’re both coffee, they’re both milk, and they’re both delicious. But what if we told you that there is a difference?
Don’t worry, we’re not about to launch into a full-blown coffee tutorial. (Although, if you’re interested in learning more about the different types of coffee drinks, we’ve got you covered.) Today, we want to focus on the two most popular espresso-based drinks: cappuccino and latte.
We’ll break down the key differences between these two drinks, so next time you’re at your favourite coffee shop, you can order with confidence. Let’s get started!
What is Cappuccino?
Cappuccino is a coffee-based drink that is made up of espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk. The milk is added to the espresso and frothed to create a thick foam on top.
Cappuccino is typically served with a layer of foam on top, and it has a strong coffee flavour that is balanced by the sweetness of the milk. It’s a popular morning drink because it’s a great way to start the day with a caffeine boost.
What is Latte?
Latte is an espresso with added steamed milk, typically half and half. The result is a coffee with a layer of foam on the top, which is why it’s often called a “latte” (from the Italian word for “foam”).
Latte is a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s not too strong, but still has a lot of flavours. It’s also one of the more popular coffee drinks, so you’re sure to find it at most coffee shops.
History of latte and cappuccino:
Latte, cappuccino — they’re both coffee, right? Not exactly. While they may share some similarities, there are a few key differences between the two.
Latte is an American coffee that was first made popular in the early 20th century. It’s a milk-based coffee that’s made with espresso and steamed milk, typically with a thin layer of foam on top.
Cappuccino, on the other hand, is an Italian coffee that was created in the 17th century. It’s made with espresso, steamed milk and foam, which is why it’s often referred to as a “foam coffee.”
How to make cappuccino?
Ready to learn how to make a cappuccino? This creamy, foamy treat calls for espresso, steamed milk and frothed milk. Start with one shot of espresso and pour it into the cup. Pour steamed milk into the cup (roughly 30ml). And then on top, you can add creamy frothed milk with a spoon.
But before you get too excited, something to keep in mind is that cappuccinos contain significantly less milk compared to lattes. That’s why it has a higher caffeine content so if you’re looking for your morning pick-me-up OR if you’re looking for something lighter or stronger than your normal latte—this could be the perfect beverage of choice.
So let your taste buds roam free as you explore all that the deliciously contrasting flavours of this classic Italian drink have to offer!
How to make a latte?
Making your own latte is easy and fun. Start by frothing a cup of milk. For an intense, velvety foam, try using premium milk like almond or oat milk as they tend to create the best foam. Then add one or two shots of espresso into your mug and pour the frothed milk slowly over the top of your espresso shots. To complete your masterpiece, use a spoon to create small ripples on the surface of your drink.
For some extra fun, you can also sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder over the top of the latte for a sweet and aromatic finish. Now you have an authentic latte that you can enjoy with friends or family.
How to choose the right coffee?
Wondering how you can make the right choice when it comes to coffee? The first step is understanding the difference between cappuccino vs latte.
Cappuccino has a stronger espresso base, while lattes tend to be lighter and sweeter. So if you’re looking for something potent and bracing, a cappuccino is likely the right choice. But if you prefer something more mellow and nuanced, try a latte.
When it comes to choosing the right coffee for your taste buds, texture plays an important role too. Cappuccinos are typically dense and creamy, whereas lattes have more of a smooth and silky texture.
It all comes down to personal preference – you might like one more than the other, or you might find that you drink both! Experiment with different combinations of coffee and find what works best for you.
Difference between Cappuccino and Latte:
Ingredients:
When it comes to ingredients, cappuccinos and lattes differ significantly. Cappuccinos are comprised of espresso shots, steamed milk and frothy foam. The ratio of espresso to milk is traditionally one-third espresso and two-thirds steamed milk. The frothy foam is formed by steaming the dairy or non-dairy milk until it’s creamy and thick, then pouring a portion into the espresso shot.
On the other hand, lattes are made with an equal ratio of espresso shots and steamed milk. A generous amount of velvety foam is poured on top for presentation purposes. Latte art is usually composed of intricate patterns formed from pouring the steamed milk in circular motions over the espresso shot.
So as you can see, cappuccinos and lattes serve up different levels of boldness—it’s all a matter of personal preference!
Milk Foam Types:
When it comes to the milk foam of each coffee drink, there are key differences. A creamy foam for cappuccino takes longer to prepare, as the barista has to use a particular technique to produce the desired result. With latte, however, the foam is made more quickly because the liquid doesn’t have to be aerated as much.
The difference in terms of texture is evident when we compare steamed versus frothed milk. The cappuccino uses a smaller bubble that creates a thicker texture, resulting in a denser foam than what you find in a latte. Cappuccino has stiff peaks that leave behind delicate art; whereas with latte art you’re able to pour shapes and designs into your cup due to its looser consistency.
Now that you know how each foam is produced, it’s up for you to decide which one you like best.
Variations & Flavored:
And of course, we can’t talk about cappuccino vs latte without talking about the variations. If you’re looking for something a bit more exciting, why not try a flavored cappuccino or latte?
From caramel to hazelnut, from vanilla to mocha, you can find just about any flavor you desire in either one of the drinks. And if you want to go the extra mile, you can even top it off with some whipped cream.
But here’s a warning — flavored coffees often come with added sugar and cream that are high in calories and fat. So if you’re monitoring your sugar and fat intake, stick with the plain versions. They may not as exciting, but they are definitely healthier.
Calories:
A 16 oz caramel cappuccino from Starbucks, for instance, has 280 calories and 12 grams of fat. On the other hand, a 16 oz vanilla latte has 190 calories and 8 grams of fat.
As you can see, latte has fewer calories and fat. So if you’re watching your weight, you might want to go with the latte.
But if you’re not too concerned about calories, then go ahead and enjoy whichever drink you fancy. After all, both cappuccino and latte are delicious and refreshing.
Caffeine:
If you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up, you might be wondering — which has more caffeine, cappuccino or latte?
A 12 oz cappuccino from Starbucks has about 75 mg of caffeine, while a 12 oz latte has about 155 mg of caffeine. So if you’re looking for a strong dose of caffeine, latte is the way to go.
But if you’re sensitive to caffeine or you’re trying to cut down on your caffeine intake, cappuccino is a better choice.
We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between cappuccino and latte. So the next time you order one of these drinks, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
Expert tips for perfect shot Cappuccinos and Lattes:
We’ve gone over the differences and similarities between cappuccino and latte, but now it’s time to look at how to make a stellar cup. After all, the way you make your coffee says a lot about your taste, skills and even creativity.
For a perfect cappuccino, one must add the foam correctly—it should rest gently on the surface of the espresso, instead of being totally absorbed by it. In order to achieve this, you need an espresso machine that can produce very thick and consistent foam for maximum flavour and texture.
When it comes to making a latte, there’s more room for creativity. Try experimenting with various types of milk like oat milk or almond milk for unique flavors. Also pay close attention to the texture of your espresso shot — the better its texture, the better results you’ll get! And finally, don’t forget to garnish with either cocoa powder or cinnamon before serving.
FAQs
Which one is stronger?
People are often confused is the difference between a cappuccino and a latte in terms of strength. A cappuccino is a stronger drink because it has less milk than a latte. So if you’re looking for a strong coffee, cappuccino is the way to go.
Which one is healthier?
When it comes to health, both cappuccino and latte are relatively healthy drinks. They are both low in calories and fat, and they both have some health benefits. Cappuccino is a good source of antioxidants, while latte is a good source of calcium.
Which one is sweeter?
In general, cappuccino is a sweeter drink because it has more milk than a latte. However, this can vary depending on how the drink is made. If you order a cappuccino with less milk, it will be less sweet.
Which one is more expensive?
In general, cappuccino is more expensive than a latte because it is a more complicated drink to make. Cappuccino requires an espresso machine, while a latte can be made with a regular coffee maker.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it’s clear that while cappuccinos and lattes may seem similar, there are some distinct differences between the two drinks. For one, lattes are more milk-based than coffee-based, and as a result they’re often creamier and less bitter than cappuccinos. Additionally, lattes are generally weaker in terms of caffeine levels.
So which one should you choose? It depends on what you’re looking for in a coffee drink. If you’re looking for a strong and bitter coffee flavor, go for a cappuccino. If you’re after a creamy, mellow drink, a latte is the way to go.
