Cappuccino and Latte

– What’s The Difference –

Coffee is literally all around the world these days.

There is hardly any place to go out that does not offer coffee.

If you enter a coffee shop or open a restaurant menu. You can usually choose from many different coffee versions.

Two of the most favorite choices would be the cappuccino and latte.

Both seem very similar at first sight. Yet, this changes when you are taking a closer look. They seem rather very different then.

But how can you tell the difference between a cappuccino and latte?

Just by the outside look of both, it is very difficult.

That is the reason why a lot of confusion around this topic is coming up again and again.

In order to get our answer, we need to sharpen our thoughts. And, we literally need tip our tongues into both of them.

Let’s investigate together.

A First Look

In general, a big difference is the amount of steamed milk.

Additionally, the amount of milk foam also differs between both of them.

They might look similar when ordering, but their recipes are actually quite different.

In short, the cappuccino uses more milk foam than a latte. Whereas, the latte comes with more steamed milk instead.

In essence, it is all about the overall liquid texture and recipe ratio of each particular drink.

Nevertheless, both coffee versions use the same basic ingredients.

Similarities Between Cappuccino and Latte

Espresso

As you probably already know, both the cappuccino and latte use espresso as a base.

Its strength will depend on your own preferences actually. Both drinks can either come with 1 or 2 shots of espresso.

In some countries, the standard is 2 shots. If you would not particularly order any different, first.

Typically, the beans for an espresso are of a medium-dark to dark roast.

Dark roast coffee beans are usually most suitable for the wanted full body and rich flavor in an espresso. In addition, they are typically low in acidity as well.

And on top, you can experience a chocolaty and nutty taste. Overall, this flavor profile blends very well with the milk, too then.

In essence, espresso and milk are the two main ingredients for a cappuccino and latte.

Milk

As we already learned, both coffee versions use milk or occasionally milk alternatives instead.

Usually, coffee experts recommend whole milk, mainly due to its practical preparation process advantages.

Firstly, it is easier to froth. And secondly, whole milk has a richer taste to it.

In the beginning, it takes some time to master the proper frothing of milk. But after a few attempts, the work method will get easier and easier.

Quite commonly, many baristas use chilled stainless milk frothing pitchers.

They are really useful to keep the milk active while not sticking on any walls.

Equipment

The usual device for making a cappuccino and latte is the espresso machine. Typically, this very capable machine comes with a milk steam wand and a milk-frother already.

Of course, both features would be essential to use.

What about making it at home?

If either your budget is extremely tight or you just don’t have an espresso machine in reach. Alternatively, you could use an AeroPress.

However, you would still have to find a way how to froth your milk. Something like a common, commercial electric milk-frother can help here.

Cappuccino vs. Latte

Here are the key differences in short summary.

• A typical cappuccino has an even distribution of three thirds. It consists of espresso, stained milk and foamed milk. In contrast, a latte has a lot more steamed milk but a lighter top layer of foam instead.
• Commonly, the cappuccino is distinctly layered. You are supposed to be able to separately taste and experience each distinct ingredient layer.
• In opposite, the espresso and steamed milk blend into each other in a latte. Here, it is more about a balanced-out overall flavor.

What is a Cappuccino

• 1/3 Espresso
• 1/3 Steamed Milk
• 1/3 Milk Foam

The today’s version of a cappuccino emerged during the time of both World Wars.

It traditionally starts with a bottom layer of one or two shots of espresso. After, you would add a second layer of steamed milk on top.

This would be followed by a thick and airy layer of foam. Eventually, the drink’s texture will become luxuriously smooth.

In general, a cappuccino brings out a much stronger espresso flavor than a latte. The main reason is having less milk and more foam.

Quite interestingly, baristas and real cappuccino enthusiasts can determine the craft of a perfect cappuccino based on the drink’s weight.

If you make it correctly, the cappuccino will have a 1 to 1 ratio of liquid to its foam. A professional can assess and weigh this balance out in his own hands.

What is a Latte

• 1/3 Espresso
• 2/3 Steamed Milk
• A THIN layer of foam

The term ‘café latte’ literally translates to ‘coffee milk’.

A typical late begins with the same base as a cappuccino does. The first layer in your cup is a single or double shot of espresso.

Next, you will combine the espresso with several ounces (ml) of steamed milk. As a result, you will achieve a rich and creamy beverage.

Overall, the drink’s outcome will have a characteristically more subtle espresso taste.

Compared to the cappuccino, lattes have a milder, slightly sweet flavor. This is because they contain a greater portion of steamed milk.

The typical ratio for espresso to steamed milk is roughly 1 to 2. To finish it off, you then top the latte with a thin layer of foam.

Exact preparation methods of both the cappuccino and latte can vary widely. Many countries and communities added their own individual flavor notes.

In the last 20 years, both coffee versions became more and more popular around the world.

Indeed, many sweet versions of a latte do exist these days. Favorite sweeteners or flavor add-ons are vanilla and hazelnuts, for example.

Which One is Healthier

This distinction actually mostly depends on your own definition of ‘healthy’. What are your dietary preferences in particular?

In general, a cappuccino will likely have fewer calories. Because the drink basically has less milk. It is as simple as that.

For example, a 12-ounce (350 ml) cup of cappuccino made with whole milk has around 130 calories per serving.

Whereas, the 12-ounce (350 ml) latte has almost the double, namely 210 calories per cup.

Furthermore, non-fat milk or other milk alternatives like almond, coconut or oat milk are also great options. They would positively decrease the typical calorie intake for both drinks.

Let’s have a closer look at both coffee versions.

Caffeine Content in Cappuccino and Latte

Besides the common health benefits of coffee, many regular consumers seem to especially value one ingredient of this empowering drink.

Each day, billions or people rely and count on caffeine for a wake-up boost.

But, what is caffeine?

Traditionally, caffeine is popular and well-known to help revive our body and mind with new energy.

In fact, this stimulant is one of the most commonly used ingredients in the world.

Overall, the cappuccino and latte contain similar amounts of caffeine per serving. Both are typically made with either 1 or 2 shots of espresso.

As long as they have the same amount of espresso shots. It will basically also be the same caffeine volume in both then.

In detail, a medium 16-ounce (475 ml) cup of cappuccino has about 173 mg of caffeine. The latte’s caffeine amount is also exactly the same.

So, there is no noticeable difference here at all.

Nutritional Value

As we learned already, a cappuccino and latte contain differing amounts of milk and foam.

This is influencing their respective nutritional profiles quite a bit.

Furthermore, the nutritional profile of both drinks will further be characterized by the type of milk being used. And, if the coffee maker potentially added any sugar of other sweetener.

Lattes contain the most milk. In addition, they are highest in calories, fat and protein.

Cappuccinos typically consist of a bit less milk. However, they still provide a good amount of calories, protein and fat as well.

Here is quick breakdown of both nutritional profiles.

Cappuccino per 16-ounce (475 ml)

• Calories 130
• Protein 8 grams
• Total fat 5 grams
• Carbs 13 grams

Latte per 16-ounce (475 ml)

• Calories 206
• Protein 13 grams
• Total fat 8 grams
• Carbs5 grams

Iced Cappuccino and Latte

How about a cooling refreshment maybe?

Both the cappuccino and latte can also alternatively be prepared as a cold drink.

Iced coffee drinks are becoming increasingly popular. Especially during hot summer days or in tropical regions, people appreciate a caffeinated refresher a lot.

Fortunately, you can also prepare iced versions of both of them on such a hot day. Just keep in mind that they will taste quite different from the hot versions though.

Of course, also a cold cappuccino and latte does contain the mandatory espresso.

However, you will typically not make these drinks with foamed or steamed milk.  Instead, they are mainly a combination of espresso, cold milk and ice.

Maybe you already tried iced coffee drinks at your nearby coffee shop before. An especially very popular coffee trend is the cold brew, now, for example. It is definitely worth a try.

Besides these options, maybe you did not know, yet, that there are iced cappuccino and latte versions available as well.

More and more places are starting to offer them, too.

As secret ingredient, some of these coffee shops will even still add some hot milk. They will just froth it for a very short period of time. It will be barely warm in the end when they pour it over the ice.

But this trick adds a very creamy flavor note to your drink. Eventually, your drink will seem more like a latte or cappuccino again then.

Please give it a try!

The Bottom Line on Cappuccino and Latte

I hope that this article was able to answer some of your questions.

To summarize, both the cappuccino and latte do have the same ingredients. But coffee makers will prepare them in different ways and with varying ratios.

This eventually results in different textures. Overall, both drinks will highlight their own characteristic flavor notes then.

Furthermore, their caffeine content can be very much similar. But their nutritional value will differ quite a lot, due to the amount of milk in each drink.

Of course and in the end, it is up to us and our own preferences. We can choose ourselves how many shots of espresso we prefer, for example.

In general, the cappuccino and latte are very popular espresso-based coffee drinks nowadays. Many coffee lovers appreciate them for their very own makings and flavor profiles.

What are your thoughts on both drinks and their similarities or differences?

Do you maybe favor any of them over the other?

Feel free to share your experiences and thoughts with us.

Until then, stay safe, healthy and properly caffeinated.

Cheers!