Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato

Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato

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Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato any difference?

I was in the middle of brewing my morning flat white when Nicola made me stop dead in my tracks.  She said that a ‘flat white wasn’t coffee’, and he wondered why I even bothered to drink it.

I couldn’t believe my ears; my regular double shot flat white with oat milk was my favourite coffee that powered me throughout the day. And I’m telling you, it was a damn good cup of coffee bursting with delicious notes of chocolate!

Flat White
Did I mention it was healthy too? Tested for mould, mycotoxins and pesticides, it left me feeling  focused because of the clean energy boost it gave me..

Nicola had moved to London from Paris a few years ago, and I’d always seen her drink an Americano. Sure, I love Americano too. But that doesn’t mean that a flat white, latte or cappuccino doesn’t pack the punch of good coffee. 

Honestly, Nicola’s comment got me thinking, do people really don’t care about milk-based coffee? To my utter surprise, a quick conversation with some of my friends confirmed the dreaded answer.

Lattes and flat whites aren’t really coffee James; it’s milk. In addition, whenever I grab a coffee from Starbucks, It always tastes like a cup of milk. That’s what some of them had to say.

‘That explains it all,’ I thought to myself….Ahem, Starbucks! But do you know what the real problem was? Nicola and my other friends didn’t know much about the different variations of milk-based coffee.

Recommended For You: How To Make An Americano Coffee At Home

And because I’ve been trying, brewing and selling coffee for over a decade, I thought, who’d be a better fit than me to develop a guide to clear up this topic once and for all? 

So sit back, relax and raise your cup of coffee. Because I will give you the ultimate guide on Flat white vs cappuccino vs latte vs americano vs macchiato.

Coffee Beans That Pair Well With Each Recipe

I know that Nicola and most of my friends haven’t tried all of the coffee types, but even those who did, didn’t make the most out of it.

Before you can choose your favourite between Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato, the first step is to brew each of them right by getting the perfect coffee beans and brew recipe.

 Flat White

In this guide, I will take you through everything you need to know about Flat white vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato.

So bid farewell to the pain of trial and error. And feel free to use my tips and tricks to get yourself a perfect cup of coffee each time!

These coffee beans in the table below pair well with each drink type--- you can thank me later.

Coffee Drinks Coffee Beans That Pair Well Reasons For The Perfect Fit
Flat White The Stability Blend Gives a chocolatey, nutty, full-bodied flavour
Cappuccino The Level Up Blend Tasting notes of chocolate pairs well with red fruits
Latte The Rotate Espresso Gives rich, dark chocolate and cranberry notes with a sweet, punchy mouthfeel perfect for cutting through a tad more milk
Americano The Espresso Taster Pack Has our three best-selling, healthy and delicious coffee beans
Macchiato The Rotate Espresso Gives a delicious and strong cup of coffee with an incredible arom

When comparing Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato, I considered each drink’s unique characteristics and chose beans accordingly. 

Then I tested coffee beans and brewed each drink to taste-test and analyse which beans pair well with each coffee. 

Coffee Beans That Pair Well With Flat Whites 

The Stability Blend at Balance Coffee is the best coffee bean to pair with your flat white. I know what you’re thinking; how come? 

First and foremost, like all coffee at Balance, The Stability Blend is completely optimised for your health.

How? It is rigorously tested for nasties to ensure you’re drinking a naturally clean cup.

One that’s free from mould, mycotoxins and pesticides. Because it's essential for preventing disease and protecting your health for the long term.

Flat White
What’s even better? Every cup contains over 1000 antioxidants vital for your daily immune support and well-being.

Did you know that antioxidants remove free radicals from the body’s cells, helping prevent or reduce damage caused by oxidation? Additionally, antioxidants are helpful in maintaining your health. 

The Stability Blend also contains Vitamin B3, is rich in polyphenols and is freshly roasted in small batches for coffee freshness for the preservation of every single flavour. The coffee beans are speciality-grade and 100% Arabica, so there’s no compromise on quality. 

The blend is made from two single-origin coffee beans from Mexico and Uganda. And is medium-roasted to give you a mouthwatering cup in your morning flat white.

After trying out various blends and beans for flat whites, I found the Stability Blend to produce the most balanced yet flavourful flat white. 

The blend will give you a robust, full-bodied flavour that complements the steamed milk without being too overpowering.

I would call it perfection, but how about I let you judge that one? Why don’t you check out some of our verified customer reviews below? 

So are you ready to taste the most incredible flat white of your life? Then follow my quick instructions!

Once you get your hands on the Stability Blend, grind the fresh beans using a coffee grinder unless you’re ordering ground coffee from us instead (we offer full grinding options). If you don’t have one or aren’t sure which one to get, jump into my guide on the best coffee grinders for Espresso UK.

After grinding the beans, pull a double shot of espresso (around 36g). Next, steam milk (around 150ml) to a temperature of 140-150°F (60-65°C), ensuring it achieves a silky, velvety texture with only a small amount of microfoam. 

 Flat White  4

Then, pour the steamed milk over the espresso in a steady stream. Allowing the milk to mix with the crema and create a uniform, smooth consistency. Voila! 

Your creamy, succulent flat white is ready. And I'll tell you a secret; this recipe converted Nicola from an espresso lover to a flat white evangelist.

Find out more about the Stability Blend by Balance Coffee 

Coffee Beans That Pair Well With Cappuccino. 

I’m pretty sure that if you’re a coffee lover, you must have tried a Cappuccino at least once.

But if you want to taste a Cappuccino that beats all others… One that gives you a flavour while keeping things healthy, you need to brew it using our Level Up Blend.

The Level Up Blend is the best coffee bean to pair with your cappuccino because of many factors. Let’s dive in, shall we?

In addition to being optimised for your health, speciality-grade and 100% Arabica, the Level Up Blend is a gorgeous, chocolatey coffee with red fruit components. 

In my opinion, when you pair red fruit notes in coffee with a chocolate base (this is all achieved with our expert roasting process), you achieve a truly sublime taste that sparks your taste buds.

Recommended For You: Espresso vs Filter vs French Press vs Drip Coffee

Picture brewing your morning cappuccinos and the Level Up coffee blending harmoniously with the milk's natural sweetness. This makes the Level Up Blend a perfect partner for your delicious cappuccino. 

Since I am giving you all my in-depth knowledge of the difference between a Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato, let me share my secret recipe for smashing cappuccino.

To brew your next incredible cup of cappuccino, grind the Level Up Blends to a fine consistency.

Next, pull a single or double shot of espresso (approximately 30-49) using an espresso machine. 

Simultaneously, steam milk (around equal parts to the espresso volume) to a temperature of approximately 150-160°F (65-70°C), ensuring it reaches a creamy texture with a good amount of microfoam. More than a latte and a flat white. 

In order to achieve this, you’ll need to inject a little more air into the milk at the beginning of the steaming process.

How will you know if you got it right? The foam will rise up in the jug faster than steaming for a latte or flat white. It should still be creamy and silky, but without doubt a bit thicker than the other milky drinks. 

Cappuccino 3

Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, allowing a small amount of microfoam to sit on top, forming a distinct layer.

If you like your cappuccino with an extra finish, you can dust the top with cocoa powder or cinnamon - it's totally up to you. 

Find out more about the Level Up Blend by Balance Coffee. 

Coffee Beans That Pair Well With Latte 

The famous Latte is one of the most popular coffee beverages in the UK. So I was quite surprised after listening to Nicola's and my other friends’ opinions. Maybe they just didn’t taste the same drinks as I had?

Nonetheless, everyone’s experience differs, and I appreciate that; However, If you take my advice, honestly, the coffee beans you buy and the recipe you use greatly impact the end product.

So to help you see the beauty of a creamy latte, let me recommend the best beans: the Rotate Espresso by Balance Coffee. Although my Stability and Level Up Blend also make a smashing latte, I love pairing it with the Rotate Espresso for one simple reason. 

A latte uses more liquid milk than a cappuccino and a flat white. This means, as a bi-product, less of a reduction in coffee strength occurs. The Rotate packs a punch which is why it works well with a latte. Because it still holds a strong but sweet flavour profile through the milk.  

By now, you know our coffee is extremely healthy, so if you care about what ingredients you put into your body, you’ve come to the right place.

These healthy coffee beans have rich, dark chocolate and cranberry notes with a sweet, punchy mouthfeel. These beans are perfect if you like your coffee with a kick up the backside!

To brew a latte, pull a double espresso shot (approximately 36g). Meanwhile, steam milk (around 200-300ml) to a temperature of about 140-150°F (60-65°C) to create a creamy, silky texture with only a small amount of microfoam compared to a cappuccino. 

Pour the steamed milk over the espresso in a steady motion. If you’ve steamed the milk correctly, you won’t need to use a traditional method of using a spoon to hold back the milk; it should flow out of the jug like liquid gold.

Coffee beans for Latte Art

Your smooth and creamy latte with my fresh roasted coffee beans will now be ready to be savoured. But before you and I dive in even further, I wrote a complete guide on how to make latte macchiato at home. It's a must read.

Want to kick start your day with a cup full of health, flavour and productivity? 

Add a bag or two of Rotate to the cart now whilst stocks last. 

Coffee Beans That Pair Well With Americano

Ah, the classic Americano. People think this is the easiest coffee to make, but if you choose the wrong beans or get your water temperature wrong, your Americano can be a total disaster, especially since there is no milk to save face. 

And after trying out tonnes of coffee beans, I found the Espresso Taster Pack to be the best coffee beans in the UK to brew rich Americanos! It includes three of my best-selling coffees in one taster selection pack. Sounds amazing, right?

Well, it tastes even better when brewed as an Americano. All the coffee beans in the taster pack are sourced from high-altitude farms and exceptional coffee-growing regions, optimised for health and with sustainability and ethics in mind. 

The taster pack contains rare, speciality-grade and 100% ethically sourced coffee that tastes incredible and is also excellent for your health. 

To brew your Americano fix, grind the freshly roasted beans, pull a double Espresso shot, and brew from your espresso machine. 

Want an expert recipe to brew your Americano in a home barista way?

Water Temperature

A hugely important factor to consider when brewing the perfect recipe for Americano is the water temperature. Your machine needs to brew at a temperature between 195-205°F (90-96°C) so as not to burn the espresso during extraction.

Method

This is an expert tip that not everyone knows….

First, you must pour the hot water (typically around 120-180ml, depending on the strength of the coffee that you like) into the cup. Why?

Americano 3

Well, hot water boils at 100 degrees Celsius, so adding this on top of an espresso brewed to 90-96 °C kills all the work to brew the espresso perfectly.

To summarise, hot water first, then brew or pour the espresso shot on top of the hot water. This will protect the flavour for the best result.

Find out more about the Espresso Taster Pack 

Coffee Beans That Pair Well With Macchiato. 

I kid you not; the Rotate Espresso pairs perfectly with Macchiatos! Since my Rotate Espresso is a medium to dark roast, it brings out a bold, full-bodied flavour that can stand up to the touch of milk for the perfect Macchiato. 

The bean’s tasting notes of punchy dark chocolate contrast the milk's subtle sweetness. And you already know that all my coffee at Balance is of top-notch quality and excellent for your health!

 

To brew your macchiato, grind the coffee beans and pull a double shot of espresso.

Then, steam a small amount of milk (around 10-15ml) to create a thick and creamy froth. 

Lastly, gently spoon a dollop of the frothed milk on top of the espresso to get a bold and flavourful macchiato with a contrasting touch of creaminess.

Find out more about the Rotate Espresso by Balance Coffee UK.

Flat White vs Cappuccino What Is The Difference?

The main difference between a Flat White vs Cappuccino is the milk-to-espresso ratio and the texture of the steamed milk.

A flat white is made of a double shot of espresso combined with steamed milk, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture with minimal foam.

 Flat White 5

On the other hand, a cappuccino consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothy milk foam. This creates a layered, more textured beverage with a distinct foam layer. 

What is Flat White? 

Simply put, the flat white is a milk-based coffee beverage made of espresso and hot steamed milk. But it doesn’t have so much of a frothy texture as the cappuccino.

Since the milk-to-espresso ratio in a flat white is higher than your traditional espresso, it’s well-balanced and creamy with a strong, punchy coffee flavour. 

This is one of the reasons why I drink it in the morning. It adds the perfect bounce to my day whilst remaining smooth, creamy and enjoyable!

Flat White Recipes

Like all other beverages, nailing the recipe is your first step to enjoying a delectable, creamy flat white. So here, I’ll share a recipe that I use to spruce up my flat white experience. 

Ingredients:

  • Double shot of espresso made from the Stability Blend beans (18g of coffee to approximately 36gl of liquid espresso in around 25-32 seconds)
  • Steamed milk (around 150ml)

Instructions:

  • Grind the Stability Blend beans to a fine consistency.
  • Using an espresso machine, pull a double shot of espresso (approximately 60ml) and pour it into a pre-warmed 6-8oz cup.
  • Steam milk (around 150ml) to a temperature of 140-150°F (60-65°C), ensuring it achieves a silky, velvety texture with minimal microfoam. Don’t go above 70°C or so; otherwise, the milk begins to burn, which in turn changes the flavour negatively and impacts texture and consistency. 
  • Pour the steamed milk over the espresso in a steady stream and let the milk mix with the crema to create a uniform, smooth consistency without a thick layer of foam on top.

Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy your creamy, well-balanced flat white coffee! My friends love my flat whites, so you should definitely give this a shot. 

Where Did Flat White Originate?

If you’re anything like me, you’d want to know how the flat white came around to be, right? After all, knowing coffee’s history always helps to shape your beverage experience. 

So the flat white is thought to have originated in Australia and New Zealand during the 1980s.

Blog posts Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato 1

And while the exact origin is still debatable, both countries claim to have created it. It gained widespread popularity in these regions before eventually reaching the global coffee scene.

What Is The Taste Of Flat White?

A flat white combines strong, rich espresso and creamy, velvety steamed milk when brewed to perfection. The double shot of espresso gives your flat white a robust coffee flavour. While the steamed milk adds a subtle sweetness and smooth texture.

Flat White At A Glance

Flat White Explanation
Origin Australia and New Zealand
Ratio Double shot of espresso to steamed milk (1:2)
Taste Well-balanced, rich espresso and creamy, velvety milk
Strength Medium to strong coffee flavour with a balanced creaminess
Service Served in a pre-warmed cup, typically without foam on top

What is Cappuccino?

A cappuccino is made from equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothy foam. The way I see it, it is more of a textured and layered coffee beverage.

There is no easy way to settle the flat white vs cappuccino debate, as it all boils down to your preference. 

Blog posts Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato 2

And I will help you decide which coffee variation you’d like with this guide on flat white vs cappuccino vs latte vs americano vs macchiato

Cappuccino Recipes

Ready to brew an amazing cappuccino to impress your crush? Steal my quick recipe below; it’ll do the trick for you. But don’t forget; I use my Level Up Blend beans for this recipe. 

Ingredients:

  • Double shot of espresso made from the Level Up Blend (18g of coffee to approximately 36g of liquid espresso)
  • Steamed milk (equal to the volume of espresso)
  • Milk foam (equal to the volume of espresso)

Instructions:

  • Grind the Level Up beans to a fine consistency.
  • Using your espresso machine, pull a single or double shot of espresso (approximately 36g) and pour it into a pre-warmed cup.
  • Steam milk (equal to the volume of espresso) to a temperature of 150-160°F (65-70°C) to create a creamy texture with a good amount of microfoam.
  • Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, and let the small amount of microfoam sit on top to form a distinct layer.
  • And if you really want to impress your crush, dust the foam's top with cocoa powder. Enjoy your freshly brewed cappuccino!

Where Did Cappuccino Originate?

Did I hear you murmur, Italy? Yes, that’s correct! The much-loved and hyped Cappuccino originated in Italy in the 20th century when espresso machines and steam wands became widely available. 

What Is The Taste Of Cappuccino?

A cappuccino tastes like a delightful combination of bold espresso, creamy steamed milk, and light, airy milk foam.

The espresso usually gives the beverage a rich, strong coffee flavour, and the steamed milk adds a smooth creaminess.

Blog posts Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato 3

The frothy milk foam gives a delicate, airy texture that melts in your mouth for a  satisfying coffee experience.

Cappuccino At A Glance

Cappuccino Explanation
Origin Italy
Ratio Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam
Taste Bold espresso, creamy steamed milk, and light, airy foam
Strength Medium to strong coffee flavour with a balanced creaminess
Service Usually served in a pre-warmed cup with foam on top

Flat White vs Latte: What Is The Difference?

Again, the main difference between a Flat White vs Latte is the milk-to-espresso ratio and the texture of the steamed milk on top.

The flat white is also stronger than a latte because of its higher proportion of coffee-to-milk.

Blog posts Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato 4
In other words, the latte uses more milk, and the flat white has less, making it stronger.

Also, a latte is usually served with steamed milk and has a layer of foamed milk on top of it. The flat white also has a layer of steamed milk, but it’s usually much thinner, which is the main difference between a flat white and a latte

So if you enjoy an intense coffee flavour with steamed milk, you should choose a flat white when deciding between Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato.

What is Latte?

Everyone knows what a latte is in terms of its taste and aroma. But the literal meaning of a latte is an espresso-based coffee drink with a creamy, milky taste and smooth texture.

During my decade of coffee experience, I’ve seen lattes evolve massively. You can enjoy a latte in myriad flavours, including hazelnut, caramel, and Spanish latte!

Blog posts Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato 5
Latte has become a nuanced beverage, although I personally find naturally flavoured latte deeply flavourful and satisfying, especially in the morning to kick-start my day. 

And if you want to opt for the most balanced and creamiest coffee when choosing between Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato, you should opt for a latte.

Latte Recipe 

As I said, there’s a whole host of flavoured lattes you can choose from nowadays and brew a flavour you love. But if you’re looking for an unmatched recipe to brew the traditional latte, let me spill the beans!

This is the recipe I use to brew a latte with my Rotate Espresso coffee beans. 

Ingredients:

  • Double shot of espresso (approximately 36g)
  • Steamed milk (about 150 ml)
  • A small amount of milk foam (optional, but I always add it)

Instructions:

  • Grind the beans from the Rotate Espresso to a fine consistency.
  • Using your espresso machine, pull a double shot of espresso (approximately 30-60ml) and pour it into a pre-warmed cup.
  • Steam milk (about 150 ml) to a temperature of 140-150°F (60-65°C), 
  • Pour the steamed milk over the espresso in a steady stream and hold back the foam with a spoon to allow the milk to mix with the espresso (this is my secret trick).
  • Finish by gently adding a dollop of microfoam on top for a velvety mouthfeel. You can also add flavoured syrups if you’d like. 

Where Did Latte Originate?

Yes, we owe the invention of both the cappuccino and latte to good, old Italy. The latte, as we know it today, originated in Italy, where it is called "caffè latte" or "cafe latte," which means "milk coffee." The Italian caffè latte was traditionally a breakfast drink with espresso and warm milk.

But it became mainstream in the United States as more speciality coffee shops began serving it.

Latte At A Glance 

Latte Explanation
Origin Italy (popularised in the United States)
Ratio Single or double shot of espresso to steamed milk (1:3 to 1:5)
Taste Creamy, milky taste with a smooth texture and mild coffee flavour
Strength Mild to medium
Service Served in a pre-warmed cup, often with a small amount of milk foam on top

Flat White vs Americano: What Is The Difference? 

The main difference between Flat White and Americano is that the former is a milk-based beverage while Americano is purely espresso-based.

The ingredients of both coffee-based drinks are vastly different, which makes their tastes distinct too. 

Blog posts Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato 6

Since the flat white combines steamed milk with espresso, it has a velvety and creamy taste and feel.

An Americano is made by diluting espresso with hot water so it has a subtle coffee flavour minus the creamy feel, which is the main difference between flat white vs Americano.

I’ve seen Nikola and most friends opt for an Americano for a more diluted coffee flavour when choosing from a Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato.

Americano Recipes

It might seem like brewing an Americano is a walk in the park; all you have to do is mix espresso with hot water. But it requires precision, and if you get that wrong, it can ruin your entire Americano experience. 

I’ve always brewed Americanos using top-tier quality coffee beans, and if you’re wondering what those are, dive into my guide on the best coffee beans UK. 

Blog posts Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato 8

I use the Espresso Taster Pack from my brand, Balance Coffee, for the recipe below.

And it never disappoints! Since it’s a medium to dark roast, these beans produce an Americano that rolls off your tongue. 

Ingredients: 

  • Double shot of espresso made from the Espresso Taster Pack beans (approximately 36gl)
  • Hot water (about 120-240ml)

Instructions:

  • Grind the Espresso Taster Pack beans to a fine grind consistency. 
  • Using your espresso coffee machine, pull a single or double shot of espresso (approximately 36g) and pour it into a pre-warmed cup.
  • Boil water and let it cool slightly to a temperature of around 195-205°F (90-96°C).
  • Carefully pour the hot water first and then add your espresso to it. 
  • Gently stir the Americano to ensure an even mix of the espresso and hot water.

Where Did Americano Originate?

You probably wouldn’t believe this, but the Americano was founded during World War II! The American soldiers stationed in Italy found the local espresso too strong for their taste and requested Italian baristas to dilute it with hot water.

The Italians then named this drink ‘Americano’ After all, we all need our perfect cup of joe to face a regular day or even a world war head-on, right? 

What Is The Taste Of Americano?

An Americano has the tasting notes of rich and nuanced espresso flavours but with a more diluted and milder profile due to the addition of hot water. 

An Americano shares similarities with drip coffee in strength and taste but retains an espresso's boldness and distinctive aroma and crema.

Americano At A Glance

Americano Explanation
Origin Italy (developed by American soldiers during WWII)
Ratio Single or double shot of espresso to hot water (1:4 to 1:6)
Taste Rich, nuanced flavours of espresso, but milder
Strength Moderate coffee intensity, similar to drip coffee with espresso characteristics
Service Served in a pre-warmed cup, and you can add milk or sugar to taste.

Flat White vs Macchiato: What Is The Difference? 

And now for the last coffee variation of my guide, Flat White vs Macchiato. Like all others, the milk-to-espresso ratio is the main difference between a flat white and a macchiato. 

A Flat White is made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk, but the Macchiato is more concentrated and contains a single or double shot of Espresso with a dollop of milk foam or steamed milk. 

Blog posts Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato 9

Within the Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato options, a Macchiato stands out for its strong coffee taste with just a touch of milk.

I’ve had the honour to drink the finest Macchiato using some of the best coffee beans in the world, so let’s jump into my recipe. 

Macchiato Recipes

Ingredients:

  • A tall glass
  • Steamed milk (approximately 150 ml)
  • A small amount of milk foam
  • Double shot of espresso made from my Rotate Espresso beans (approximately 36g)

Instructions:

  • Steam milk (approximately 150-200ml) to a temperature of 140-150°F (60-65°C) to create a creamy and silky texture with a good amount of microfoam.
  • Pour the steamed milk into a tall glass, filling about two-thirds. Gently spoon a small amount of milk foam into the steamed milk.
  • Slowly pour a double espresso shot (approximately 36g) over the milk foam and let the espresso create a distinct layer in the glass.
  • Serve immediately with a long spoon, allowing the recipient to enjoy the contrast between the rich espresso and the creamy milk layers. 

Where Did Macchiato Originate?

Okay, Italy takes the winning spot for inventing most coffee variations we enjoy today. And I think you know where I’m going with this. 

Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato 10

The Macchiato also originated in Italy as a variation of the traditional espresso.

Macchiato was invented as the sweet spot between a straight espresso and a cappuccino, with a more intense coffee flavour than a cappuccino but with a slight softening from milk.

Macchiato At A Glance

Americano Explanation
Origin Italy
Ratio Single or double shot of espresso with a small dollop of milk foam or a splash of steamed milk
Taste Bold and intense coffee flavour with a subtle hint of creaminess from the milk
Strength Strong coffee intensity
Service Served in an espresso cup or small coffee cup, often with milk foam or steamed milk with the espresso

Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato FAQ

Let me answer some more questions that I didn't have the time to answer within the upper body.

Is a Flat White Stronger than a Macchiato?

No, a Macchiato is stronger than a Flat White. A Macchiato consists of a single or double shot of espresso with only a small dollop of milk foam or steamed milk, resulting in a more concentrated and robust coffee flavour. The Flat White has espresso mixed with more milk, making it less strong. 

Is Macchiato the Strongest?

In the competition between Flat White, Cappuccino, Latte, Americano, and Macchiato, the Macchiato is the strongest. It has a single or double shot of espresso with only a dollop of milk foam or steamed milk, which keeps it quite strong. All other drinks are milder in taste and strength. 

Is a Flat White Stronger than a Cappuccino?

Yes, a Flat White is typically stronger than a Cappuccino. A Flat White combines a double shot of espresso with steamed milk. On the other hand, a Cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, which keeps it less strong than the flat white. 

Which is Stronger Flat White or Latte?

A Flat White and a Latte are quite similar in terms of coffee intensity, as both drinks combine espresso with steamed milk. However, Flat White typically has a slightly stronger coffee flavour due to its higher espresso-to-milk ratio, and it is more intense. 

Which is Healthier Flat white or Latte?

How healthy a Flat White and Latte are largely dependent on individual preferences and how you make it. Both drinks consist of espresso and steamed milk, with Lattes having a higher milk-to-espresso ratio. As a result, a Latte usually contains more calories and slightly more fat due to the larger milk content.

How is Flat White Different from Latte?

The primary difference between a Flat White and a Latte is the milk-to-espresso ratio and the texture of the milk. Both drinks are made with espresso and steamed milk, but they have distinct characteristics because of the different milk and espresso proportions. 

What Tastes Better Flat White or Latte?

The preference between a Flat White and a Latte is subjective and depends on individual taste. A Flat White offers a stronger, more concentrated coffee flavour with a velvety and smooth mouthfeel. A Latte, on the other hand, is a milder coffee taste with a creamier texture. 

Does a Flat White Have Less Milk than a Latte?

Yes, a Flat White usually has less milk than a Latte. The key difference between the two drinks is the milk-to-espresso ratio. A Flat White uses a double shot of espresso with a smaller amount of steamed milk as compared to the quantity of milk in a latte. 

Conclusion

As a coffee enthusiast, exploring the realm of Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato for this guide gave me endless enjoyment and discovery.

I made Nicola and some of my other friends try these coffee variations and read my guide. And they agreed; all of them are coffee and have a unique and distinctive appeal. Sometimes, you just feel like grabbing an Americano on the go for a punch, but on other winter days, you’ll long for a creamy, flat white. 

My guide on Flat white vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato is perfect for you to start your journey into the nuanced versions of coffee. 

And no matter what variation you choose, you’ll only be able to nail each coffee variation if you get your hands on the freshest and beans coffee beans. So if you want hassle-free, top-notch coffee to be delivered to your home regularly, sign up for Balance Coffee’s incredible coffee subscription.