The latte and flat white are two of the most popular coffee shop franchise orders, and while they might seem pretty much the same on the surface, there are some key differences.
We break down how they differ to help you decide which drink is for you!
What is a Latte?
A latte, or a caffe latte (coffee and milk), to give it its proper name, is a smooth blend of espresso, steamed milk and milk foam. The typical ratio is one part espresso to three parts steamed milk, with a thin layer of micro foam. The resulting drink is silky and creamy with quite a mild coffee flavour.
Lattes are often seen as an entry-level coffee drink, ideal for people wary of the bold taste of coffee. It's also very popular to get a latte combined with syrups, which can dramatically affect the final flavour. Think of all those seasonal specials at your local coffee shop – those probably use a latte as the base.
What is a Flat White?
The flat white is another espresso-based drink combined with milk. It has a slightly higher coffee-to-milk ratio than a latte, meaning it provides a bolder coffee flavour, making it ideal for non-nonsense coffee lovers. The steamed milk gives the drink a velvety, indulgent texture.
So named for its very thin, flat layer of micro foam, the top of the drink isn't as frothy as a latte or cappuccino.
What's the Difference Between a Flat White & a Latte?
So flat whites and lattes are both just coffee with milk, right? Well, not quite. The main differences between the two drinks are:
- Milk Ratio
- Drink Size
- Flavour
- Texture
- Origin
Milk Ratio
Exact ratios can vary by cafe by you can usually expect something like:
- Latte - 1:3 espresso to steamed milk (with foam layer)
- Flat white: 1:2 espresso to steamed milk (with very small foam layer)
Size
While both drinks contain the same amount of coffee (either a single or double shot of espresso), the difference in milk ratio also means they end up being different sizes.
As they contain less milk, flat whites are served in smaller cups, usually around 160ml, while lattes are served in cups or mugs that hold around 240ml.
Flavour
As the coffee in a flat white is less diluted with milk, it has a slightly stronger coffee flavour. Although both drinks have that milky, creamy flavour, flat whites are typically richer and bolder than lattes.
Some flat white recipes may use ristretto rather than espresso, which is a stronger coffee shot using a 1:1 ratio to water (espresso is 1:2).
Texture
Because of its much thinner layer of micro foam and lower milk content, flat whites have a denser, silkier texture than lattes. The increased milk content and thicker foam layer mean that lattes are typically lighter and airier than a flat white.
Flat whites have a richer, heavier mouthfeel, while lattes are thinner.
Origin
The origins of the caffe latte as we know it can be traced back to Italy, achieving popularity in the early 20th century after the advent of the espresso machine.
On the other hand, the flat white is thought to have originated in Australia or New Zealand in the 1980s.
Latte Vs Flat White: Which Coffee Should I Choose?
One drink isn't necessarily better than the other; it comes down to a matter of personal preference. We think both are delicious!
For a bolder coffee flavour and richer texture, opt for a flat white. For the ultimate all-rounder with plenty of customisation options, choose a latte.
What About Cappuccinos?
Cappuccinos are yet another popular milky coffee drink you might consider. Cappuccinos contain more milk foam than lattes, making for an even foamier texture. You can find out more about the differences in our guide to cappuccinos versus lattes.
Craving a caffeine hit? Head to your local Esquires coffee shop to enjoy a perfectly-made latte, flat white or another drink of your choice.
