Latte vs cappuccino vs flat white: what is the actual difference?

The quick answer: size and milk ratio

The primary latte vs cappuccino vs flat white difference is the volume of milk and the texture of the foam. A latte is the largest and milkiest, while a cappuccino and flat white are smaller, with the cappuccino using foamier milk.

All three drinks typically begin with a double shot of espresso. This means the caffeine content is often identical across all three beverages. The variation in flavor comes from how the milk is steamed and how much of it is added to the cup.

What is a latte?

A latte is the largest of the three drinks, served in a cup that holds eight to 12 ounces, with some lattes as large as 20. It consists of a double shot of espresso followed by a large volume of liquid steamed milk. The milk is steamed to create a microfoam, which is integrated first into the milk and then into the espresso.

Because of the high milk-to-espresso ratio, the latte is the mildest option. It is an excellent choice for those who want a long, creamy drink where the intensity of the espresso is softened.

What is a cappuccino?

A cappuccino is a six-ounce drink once defined by its distinct, equal layers. A traditional cappuccino consists of one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third airy milk foam. While modern cappuccinos do contain milk that is foamier than that of a latte, most skip the distinct, separate layers in favor of integrating the foam into the milk.

The extra foam in a cappuccino allows the drinker to experience the espresso through a cushion of milk. You can learn more about these ratios in our complete glossary of espresso and milk drinks.

What is a flat white?

A flat white is a smaller espresso drink, usually five to six ounces, that originated in Australia and New Zealand. It uses a double shot of espresso topped with milk, which is steamed to create a little microfoam. 

The flat white is, size-wise, usually very similar to a cappuccino, but tends to feature milk that is more similar to a latte. Per Alex Bernson’s deep dive in Sprudge, there isn’t actually that much agreement on milk and size, but if you’re drinking a 16oz drink it’s probably not a flat white.

Side-by-side comparison

When choosing between these café classics, it helps to see how the technical specifications stack up:

• Latte: 8–16 ounces, high milk-to-foam ratio, mild flavor.

• Cappuccino: 6 ounces, relatively foamy, strong flavor.

• Flat white: 5–6 ounces, high milk-to-foam ratio, balanced flavor.

How to choose the best coffee drink for your palate

Choosing which to order depends on how much you want to taste the coffee. If you prefer a large, sweet, and milky beverage, the latte is the best fit. If you enjoy the sensation of thick foam and a strong coffee profile, the cappuccino is the standard choice. For those who want a drink that feels similar to a latte but with the strength of a concentrated espresso, the flat white is the ideal middle ground.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte is larger and has more liquid milk, while a cappuccino is smaller. The cappuccino has a thicker, airier foam compared to the thinner foam on a latte.

Is a flat white stronger than a latte?

Yes, a flat white tastes stronger than a latte. While both use a double shot of espresso, the flat white uses much less milk, which means the espresso flavor is more prominent.

What is the milk ratio in a cappuccino vs a latte?

A cappuccino usually has two to three times as much milk by volume as espresso. A latte uses a much higher ratio of milk, often reaching five-or-six-parts milk for every one-part espresso.

Which espresso drink has the most caffeine?

Most cafés use a double shot of espresso as the foundation for all three drinks. Therefore, a latte, cappuccino, and flat white usually have the same amount of caffeine. The perceived strength changes based on the amount of milk added.

How to choose the best espresso for milk drinks

The difference between a latte, cappuccino, and flat white is mostly milk ratio and foam texture — not the coffee. All three are better when the espresso underneath is worth tasting. Trade's espresso collection is selected with knowledge and care, and every bag is roasted to order. No matter how much milk you add, the best drink starts with fresh, quality beans. To find your specific profile, take the taste quiz to receive a personalized match.