Cappuccino vs. Latte vs. Macchiato — What’s the Difference? (2024)

A latte, cappuccino, and macchiato are all made with espresso. The difference lies in the amount of added steamed or foamed milk, as well as the amount of caffeine in each drink.

Even for the biggest coffee connoisseur, understanding how popular drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos differ in terms of ingredients, caffeine content, and nutritional value can be confusing.

This article takes a closer look at some of the key differences and similarities between cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos.

One of the key differences between these three caffeinated beverages is how they are made.

Cappuccino

A cappuccino is a popular coffee drink that’s made by topping a shot of espresso with steamed milk and milk foam.

Typically, it contains equal parts of each and is made up of about 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foamed milk.

This gives the final product a creamy, rich, and smooth taste and texture.

Latte

The term “café latte” literally translates to “coffee milk.”

Although there is no standard recipe for making a latte, it generally involves adding steamed milk to a single shot of espresso.

In some cases, it’s also topped with a light layer of foam, and sugars or sweeteners may be mixed in as well.

Compared with the other beverages, lattes have a more mild, slightly sweet flavor, as they contain a greater proportion of steamed milk.

Macchiato

Traditionally, the macchiato is made by combining a shot of espresso with a small splash of milk.

However, many other variations are available, including the latte macchiato, which is made by adding a shot of espresso to a glass of hot milk.

Because the macchiato is usually made using just a small amount of milk, it has a much stronger flavor than other coffee drinks.

It’s also much smaller than other drinks, with a standard serving clocking in at just 1 1/4 ounces (37 ml).

Summary

Cappuccinos are made using equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, while lattes involve adding steamed milk to an espresso. Meanwhile, macchiatos are made by adding a splash of milk to a shot of espresso.

All three beverages contain similar amounts of caffeine per serving.

Cappuccinos and lattes, for example, are each made using a shot of espresso and thus contain the same amount of caffeine.

In fact, a medium 16-ounce (475-ml) cappuccino and medium 16-ounce (475-ml) latte each contain about 173 mg of caffeine (1, 2).

Meanwhile, a 2-ounce (60-ml) macchiato has about half as much caffeine, with just over 85 mg per serving (3).

Summary

Cappuccinos and lattes each contain around 173 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce (480-gram) serving, while macchiatos contain just 85 grams of caffeine in a 2-ounce (60-gram) serving.

Cappuccinos, macchiatos, and lattes contain varying amounts of milk and foam, which can alter their respective nutritional profiles quite a bit.

Their nutrient contents are further influenced by the type of milk used, as well as if any sugar or sweeteners are added.

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

Cappuccinos contain a bit less milk, but still provide a good amount of calories, protein, and fat in each serving.

On the other hand, macchiatos contain only a splash of milk and are significantly lower in calories, fat, and protein.

Here’s a comparison of the three drinks (1, 2, 3):

Type of drinkCaloriesProteinTotal fatCarbs
16-ounce (475-ml) latte20613 grams8 grams20.5 grams
16-ounce (475-ml) cappuccino1308 grams5 grams13 grams
2-ounce (60-ml) macchiato130.7 grams0.5 grams1.6 grams
Summary

Lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos each contain varying amounts of calories, carbs, protein, and fat.

Cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos are all made differently, which gives them their own unique taste and texture.

Because they each contain a different set of ingredients, they also vary in terms of caffeine content and nutritional value.

Therefore, whichever drink you decide to order on your next trip to the coffee shop all comes down to your personal taste and preferences.

Cappuccino vs. Latte vs. Macchiato — What’s the Difference? (2024)

FAQs

Cappuccino vs. Latte vs. Macchiato — What’s the Difference? ›

In a latte, the ratio of espresso to steamed milk is approximately 1:3, making it the mildest of the three. A cappuccino has a more balanced ratio of 1:1:1, with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Macchiato, on the other hand, has the highest ratio of espresso to milk, usually ranging from 4:1 to 9:1.

Which is stronger, latte or cappuccino or macchiato? ›

Comparing Cappuccino, Latte, and Macchiato

Cappuccino has a more intense flavor than latte due to its original form incorporating less milk. Latte macchiato is made by “staining” the milk with espresso, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor than latte but milder than cappuccino.

Which is stronger, cappuccino or latte? ›

Latte vs. cappuccino: Which is stronger? The cappuccino uses less milk in the coffee, as the majority of it sits on top of the drink, in a foam-like state. Therefore, leaving the cappuccino tasting stronger than a latte.

Is A cappuccino sweeter than a latte macchiato? ›

Each individual type differs from the other in terms of taste, so for example lattes and cappuccinos will be much sweeter than macchiatos and flat whites. However, not only the taste is different, but also the consistency and appearance of the drink itself.

What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino and a mocha? ›

Latte is also an espresso-based drink, but it's a little different from cappuccino. It consists of espresso, hot milk and a little skimmed milk, and is creamy and slightly sweeter than cappuccino. Mocha is another espresso-based drink that consists of espresso, hot milk, chocolate and sometimes a little skimmed milk.

What is the weakest coffee drink? ›

What's the weakest coffee drink? In terms of caffeine content, an Espresso is actually the weakest coffee drink. Though that may come as a surprise to some, an average Espresso contains anything from 60-90mg of Caffeine compared to most other drinks that start around 100mg and upwards.

Is macchiato or latte healthier? ›

Consuming a macchiato without sugar is healthier vs latte. The calorie content of an 8 oz. shot of coffee is just 13 or 18 depending on whether you use almond milk or whole milk. Add a tsp of sugar and count 15 calories in.

What is the strongest type of coffee? ›

A Ristretto is the strongest coffee type! It's similar to an espresso in the way that it's made. Water is still pulled through coffee beans to create the coffee but a Ristretto uses less water. This makes the coffee shorter and stronger because the concentration of coffee and caffeine is higher.

What is the sweetest kind of coffee? ›

Mocha. It is one of the sweetest kinds among all different types of coffee. A Mocha consists in a shot of espresso mixed with a spoon of chocolate powder, on top you have to add steamed milk and 2-3 cm of foam, finally some sprinkles of chocolate powder.

Is flat white stronger than latte? ›

What is the difference between a flat white and a latte? The flat white is stronger due to its coffee-to-milk proportion. A latte is served with steamed milk, as well as a layer of foamed milk on top. The flat white does have a layer of steamed milk on the top too, however, this is a much thinner, 'flat', layer.

Is a caramel macchiato a latte or cappuccino? ›

Both drinks share a foundation of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, but the caramel macchiato introduces vanilla syrup and caramel drizzle for a unique taste experience, while a latte, especially a caramel latte, highlights the natural sweetness and creaminess of steamed milk and caramel.

What's the difference between a cappuccino and a frappe? ›

A Cappuccino is a hot espresso based drink made with steam milk and micro-foam. It is typically served in a coffee cup as a hot drink. A Frappuccino is a cold coffee based dessert drink, trademarked and sold exclusively by Starbucks. The base is made by blending coffee, milk and ice.

How do the Swiss take their coffee? ›

The Swiss drink a lot of espresso based milk drinks. Filter coffee is shunned as a weak drink. They also drink a lot of 'kaffee-crème', a long coffee pulled from the espresso machine. They drink between 2-5 cups a day and spend around $25-50 a week on coffee in cafés.

What is better for you latte or cappuccino? ›

Cappuccinos are generally healthier than lattes, as they have fewer calories and less fat due to its lower ratio of milk. Nonetheless, there are different factors that affect how many calories your beverage contains, such as the type of milk you use and whether you add any extra flavors or sweeteners.

What's the difference between a latte and a frappe? ›

What is the difference between a latte and a frappe? A latte is a coffee-based beverage made with espresso, steamed milk, and a small layer of foam on top. A frappe, on the other hand, is a blended drink made with espresso or coffee, milk, and ice.

Why is a mocha not a latte? ›

The difference between these two drinks primarily comes from their ingredients: a mocha consists of espresso, chocolate syrup or powder, and steamed milk, while a latte is made with espresso and steamed milk. Mocha has a strong chocolate flavor with a hint of coffee, while latte offers a milder coffee flavor.

Does a cappuccino or macchiato have more caffeine? ›

This creates a stronger coffee taste and a higher caffeine content. For example, a 16-ounce (480-gram) latte or cappuccino contains about 173 mg of caffeine, while a 2-ounce (60-gram) macchiato has approximately 85 mg of caffeine.

Is macchiato the strongest coffee? ›

It's not as strong as an espresso shot, but it's certainly more powerful than a regular Cappuccino. Hence, if you prefer a little creaminess in your coffee, a Macchiato is an excellent alternative to espresso.

Why does a macchiato taste different than a latte? ›

When comparing a latte vs a macchiato, the main difference lies in the ratio of espresso to milk. A macchiato has a higher proportion of espresso, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor. Conversely, a latte has a higher proportion of steamed milk, which gives it a creamier and milder taste.

Which is stronger caramel macchiato or cappuccino? ›

Unlike a latte or cappuccino, the amount of milk used in a macchiato is minimal, resulting in a much stronger and more pronounced espresso flavor.

Top Articles
Facing hair loss? Healthy nuts may help
KETO DIET: RAW Butter, Cheese, and Cream are Some of the Best Foods to Eat — RAW FARM usa
Ogre From Halloweentown
Four Brothers 123Movies
Melissababyxo Cam
Cbs Week 10 Trade Value Chart
6 Underground movie review & film summary (2019) | Roger Ebert
Wowhead Filling The Cages
Cornell University Course Catalog
Uptown Cheapskate Fort Lauderdale
Job Shop Hearthside Schedule
Magma Lozenge Location
Pulitzer And Tony Winning Play About A Mathematical Genius Crossword
Cookie Clicker The Advanced Method
Does Cvs Sell Ulta Gift Cards
Humongousbazonkers
Offsale Roblox Items are Going Limited… What’s Next? | Rolimon's
Zees Soles
Warren P. on SoundBetter
The Creator Showtimes Near Baxter Avenue Theatres
Fk Jones Obituary
Movies123.Pick
Elanco Rebates.com 2022
Gestalt psychology | Definition, Founder, Principles, & Examples
Omaha Steaks Molten Lava Cake Instructions
Does Publix Have Sephora Gift Cards
Pennys Department Store Near Me
25+ Twitter Header Templates & Design Tips - Venngage
Ryan Conner Telegram
Sams Gas Price Garland Tx
The Parking Point Jfk Photos
Liberty Prime Poster
O'reilly's Los Banos
Super Restore Vs Prayer Potion
Codex - Chaos Space Marines 9th Ed (Solo Reglas) - PDFCOFFEE.COM
No Good Dirty Scoundrel Crossword
Hood County Buy Sell And Trade
Ece 2300 Osu
Crime Times Louisville Ky Mugshots
Splunk Stats Count By Hour
EnP. Karl Sam Maquiling on LinkedIn: #anniversary #localgovernment #urbanplanning #goodgovernance…
Craigslist Farm And Garden Reading Pa
Johnnie Robinson Auto Sales
The Little Mermaid (2023) | Rotten Tomatoes
Old Navy Student Discount Unidays
Csgo Xray Command
Google Halloween Game 2018 Unblocked
Backrooms Level 478
Wiley Rein Vault
Only Partly Forgotten Wotlk
Local artist makes award-winning reflection of his home, Duluth
Gulfstream Park Entries And Results
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 6029

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.