Have you ever found yourself in a coffee shop trying to decide between a cappuccino and a latte? What’s the difference between the two? Though their similarities might lead some to believe theyre one and the same, there are actually a few key differences between the two.
In this article, well cover what a cappuccino and a latte are, the differences in ingredients, flavor differences, differences in serving sizes, topping differences, and comparisons of popular variations.
So whether youre a cappuccino or a latte fan, by the end of this article you’ll know exactly which one youre ordering the next time youre in a coffee shop!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
A cappuccino and a latte are both types of espresso drinks, but they have different proportions of espresso, steamed milk, and foam.
Cappuccinos typically have a stronger espresso flavor and are topped with a thick layer of foam, while lattes have a stronger milk flavor and are topped with a thin layer of foam.
Additionally, cappuccinos are usually served in smaller cups than lattes.
What is a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is a classic Italian espresso-based coffee drink that is created by combining one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third foam.
The espresso is brewed using finely ground espresso beans, and the steamed milk is made by combining heated milk and air to create a creamy texture.
The foam is made by frothing the milk, which is then added to the top of the drink.
Cappuccinos are usually served in a small cup, and the foam on top is usually thick and creamy.
Cappuccinos have a strong espresso flavor, and they are usually garnished with a dusting of cocoa or cinnamon powder.
Because of the espresso and foam, cappuccinos have a very unique and intense flavor that is often enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet treat.
What is a Latte?
A latte is a popular coffee drink that has its roots in Italy.
It is made with two-thirds steamed milk and one-third espresso, and is usually served in a larger cup than cappuccino.
It has a milder flavor than cappuccino and is usually topped with a thin layer of foam.
The steamed milk gives the drink a creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste.
It is typically served with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top.
Lattes are often enjoyed with a biscotti or other sweet treat on the side.
Lattes can also be made with various flavors like vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel.
They are a great way to enjoy the flavor of espresso without the strong taste of an espresso shot.
The Differences in Ingredients
Cappuccino and latte are two of the most popular coffee drinks served around the world, and while they may look the same, they do have some differences.
The main difference between the two drinks lies in the quantity of ingredients used.
A cappuccino is made with one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk and one-third foam.
This creates a strong espresso flavor that is topped with a thick layer of creamy foam.
On the other hand, a latte is made with two-thirds steamed milk and one-third espresso.
This creates a milder flavor that is topped with a thin layer of foam.
The espresso is still present, but it is not as strong as the cappuccino.
In addition, the cup size for a cappuccino is usually smaller than that of a latte, as a cappuccino has more foam.
This means that a cappuccino can be more concentrated and have a stronger espresso taste than a latte.
So, to summarize, the main difference between cappuccino and latte lies in the quantity of ingredients used.
A cappuccino is made with one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third foam, while a latte consists of two-thirds steamed milk and one-third espresso.
Cappuccino has a stronger espresso flavor and is topped with a thick layer of foam, while latte has a milder flavor and is topped with a thin layer of foam.
Cappuccino is also served in a smaller cup than latte.
Flavor Differences
When it comes to the flavors of cappuccino and latte, there are a few key differences.
A cappuccino has a stronger espresso flavor due to the ratio of espresso to steamed milk.
This ratio is one-third espresso to one-third steamed milk and one-third foam, making it a more robust flavor.
On the other hand, a latte consists of two-thirds steamed milk and one-third espresso, resulting in a milder flavor.
The foam of a cappuccino is also much thicker than that of a latte.
A cappuccino is topped with a thick layer of foam, while a latte is usually topped with a thin layer of foam.
This difference in foam amounts further contributes to the overall flavor difference between the two drinks.
Differences in Serving Sizes
When it comes to the differences between a cappuccino and a latte, one of the most noticeable differences is in the serving size.
Cappuccino is typically served in a smaller size cup than a latte.
This is because cappuccinos are made with one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third foam.
This combination of ingredients creates a more concentrated and intense drink than a latte, which consists of two-thirds steamed milk and one-third espresso.
The smaller serving size of a cappuccino allows you to enjoy the more intense flavor without needing to drink an overwhelming amount of liquid.
On the other hand, latte is served in a larger cup, which allows for more steamed milk to be added and creates a milder and creamier flavor.
Topping Differences
When it comes to the topping of a cappuccino and latte, there is one main difference between the two coffee drinks.
Cappuccino is topped with a thick layer of foam, while latte is topped with a thin layer of foam.
This difference in toppings is due to the different proportions of espresso and steamed milk used in each drink.
The thick layer of foam on a cappuccino is created by the combination of one-third espresso and one-third steamed milk.
This ratio allows for more air to be trapped in the foam, creating a thicker topping.
On the other hand, the thin layer of foam on a latte is created by the combination of two-thirds steamed milk and one-third espresso.
This ratio results in less air being trapped in the foam, creating a thinner topping.
The difference in topping thickness also affects the taste of the two drinks.
The thick layer of foam on a cappuccino gives it a stronger espresso flavor, while the thin layer of foam on a latte gives it a milder flavor.
Additionally, the thicker foam on a cappuccino helps to retain its heat for longer, making it a great option for those who want their coffee to stay hot for a longer period of time.
Comparisons of Popular Variations
When it comes to coffee, cappuccino and latte are two of the most popular variations.
Both drinks have a unique flavor and texture, and both are made with espresso as the base.
However, there are a few key differences between cappuccino and latte that help to set them apart.
The primary difference between the two is in the quantity of ingredients used.
A cappuccino is made with one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third foam.
This creates a strong, intense flavor and a thick layer of foam on top.
On the other hand, a latte is made with two-thirds steamed milk and one-third espresso.
This creates a milder flavor and a thinner layer of foam.
In addition, cappuccinos are usually served in a smaller cup than lattes.
This helps to highlight the espresso flavor and the thick layer of foam.
Lattes, on the other hand, are usually served in larger cups to better showcase the milder flavor and thinner layer of foam.
Both cappuccinos and lattes are delicious coffee drinks that have earned their place in coffee culture.
However, when it comes to flavor and texture, the differences between the two are distinct.
So the next time youre looking for a coffee fix, consider which type of coffee drink best suits your tastesa cappuccino or a latte.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, cappuccinos and lattes are two entirely different coffee drinks.
What sets them apart is not only the ingredients used, but also the flavor, size, and topping.
If you’re looking for something with a strong espresso flavor, a cappuccino is the way to go.
However, if you prefer a milder flavor, a latte is perfect for you.
So, the next time you order a coffee, you now know the difference between a cappuccino and a latte and can make an informed decision.