If you’ve ever stood in line at the coffee shop and been confused about the difference between a flat white and a latte, you’re not alone.
While both are made with espresso coffee and steamed milk, there are also plenty of differences, especially when it comes to taste, texture, and the overall experience.
This guide takes a closer look at both beverages, covering their main differences, caffeine content, flavors, and more. By the end of this guide, you'll know whether you want a flat white or a latte.
Quick Summary: Differences Between A Flat White & A Latte
While both drinks have very similar ingredients (such as espresso and milk), they differ in terms of the ratio of the ingredients, as well as the texture and strength of each beverage. A flat white is generally a smaller drink with a bolder and more intense flavor. It also uses less milk than a latte, and has a thin layer of microfoam for a smooth and velvety texture.
On the other hand, a latte is normally a larger drink with a mild and creamy flavor. It has more milk in it than a flat white and has a slightly thicker layer of foam on top.
Taste & Texture Comparison
One of the biggest factors in deciding between a flat white and a latte is the taste and texture experience that each provides. A flat white provides an intense espresso flavor, thanks to having less milk to balance it out. In terms of the texture and mouth feel, flat whites are smooth and silky.
Lattes have a milk-forward flavor profile, and while they still retain some of the espresso taste, it’s noticeably less intense than a flat white. They also contain a thicker and fluffier foam for texture and a rich mouthfeel.
How Do They Differ in Size & Milk Ratio?
Which One Has More Caffeine?
The amount of caffeine in flat whites and lattes depends on how many shots of espresso are in each drink. While it varies slightly, a shot of espresso generally has about 60 to 65 mg of caffeine in it.
Flat whites are often made with two espresso shots, for a concentrated jolt of caffeine. Lattes typically contain one or two shots, but the addition of more milk makes them feel and taste like there's less coffee, and thus, less caffeine.
So while a flat white may taste stronger with every sip, the total caffeine content in each beverage is actually relatively close in many cases.
Customizations: Which Is More Flexible?
If you like to customize the flavor of your coffee with easy-to-make coffee syrups, milk alternatives, and other additives, which is the right choice? While you can technically add flavorings to either beverage, lattes are much more common to add additional flavors to. In fact, many coffee shops offer a variety of flavored latte options right on the menu.
On the contrary, flat whites are normally left plain to really showcase the espresso flavor, though you can certainly add flavorings if you prefer.
Which Should You Choose?
So if you’re new to drinking coffee, which espresso-based beverage should you try? If you like incredibly strong coffee and want a bold taste, a flat white is a solid choice. Flat whites are also good for people who want a smooth texture, without too much milk, cream, or foam.
If you’re someone who wants a creamier and mellow flavor when you drink coffee, a latte is right up your alley. Lattes also come in many different flavors for those who like to mask the intense coffee flavor, and are generally larger if you want more bang for your buck.
You may also want to try both of them out and see which you prefer, as you may be surprised to learn you like one more than you thought you would.
How to Make a Flat White & Latte at Home
While getting these delicious drinks at a cafe is convenient, it’s also possible to make them at home. Of course, you’ll need a few things like an espresso machine, a steam wand or similar tool, the coffee itself, milk or cream, and your choice of sweetener or flavoring, if you want to add them.
Making a Flat White
- Begin by brewing a double espresso using your favorite dark roast grounds and making sure to tamp them properly.
- Steam your milk using a steam wand or another tool. Ensure it’s a microfoam and doesn’t contain any thick bubbles.
- Carefully pour the milk into the espresso slowly, which should result in a smooth finish and texture. A flat white generally has a 2:1 ratio of two parts milk to one part espresso.
Making a Latte
- Start by brewing your espresso with best coffee, much like you did for the flat white. However, depending on how intense you want the flavor (or how much caffeine you want), brew either a single or a double shot.
- Steam or heat the milk, but ensure you’re using more milk than with a flat white. The exact amount depends on your preferences.
- Combine the steamed milk and the espresso into one mug or cup. A latte often has a 3:1 ratio, and is three parts milk to one part espresso.
- Add some flavored syrup or sweetener (optional), followed by a light layer of foam on top to finish the latte.
Whether you want to make a latte or a flat white at home, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
- If you don’t have a steam wand to inject steam into your drink to give it a frothy texture, you may be able to use a handheld milk frother or a French press instead.
- If you want the best texture, consider using whole milk in your recipe. However, an oat milk latte is also delicious, and oat milk also works perfectly fine for flat whites, as well.
- Be careful when pouring the beverages, as you don’t want to splash or spill.
- Try to consume the beverage soon after making it, as both are generally best enjoyed while they’re hot and fresh.
FAQs: Flat White vs. Latte
Still curious about some of the differences between a flat white and a latte? If so, don’t hesitate to read through these frequently asked questions to learn more.
1. Is a Flat White Stronger than a Latte?
Yes, a flat white has a bolder taste than a latte, and also a higher espresso-to-milk ratio that makes it much stronger in general.
2. Why is a Flat White More Expensive?
A flat white is generally more expensive than a latte because it could have more espresso in it (though some lattes also have two shots), and is made using more premium microfoam.
3. What is the Weakest Coffee to Drink?
Drinking a latte or a café au lait is often among the weakest types of coffee to drink, as they’re diluted with plenty of milk to reduce the bold and strong flavor that coffee often has.
4. Which Coffee Has the Most Caffeine?
It depends. On a pure caffeine content basis, drip coffee generally offers the most. However, if you consider the caffeine vs. the size of the beverage, espresso is generally stronger as it offers the most caffeine per ounce.
5. Is a Flat White Stronger Than an Americano?
In terms of the flavor, a flat white is normally much stronger than a standard cup of Americano. However, whether or not it has higher caffeine content depends on the espresso used in the beverages.
6. What is the Healthiest Coffee to Drink?
If you want to consume coffee with health in mind, a plain black coffee or a flat white with unsweetened milk are solid choices to consider.
7. What are the Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Coffee?
If you drink too much coffee, you may experience insomnia, the jitters, and an upset stomach.
8. How Much Caffeine is in a Latte?
While the exact amount depends on how much espresso is in it, a latte often has around 60 to 120 mg per serving.
9. Can You Add Flavor to a Flat White?
Yes, you can certainly add additional flavors to a flat white. However, it’s commonly enjoyed plain to really highlight the flavor of the espresso.
10. Which Coffee Will Keep Me Awake?
Any coffee with enough caffeine in it might keep you awake, and espresso-based drinks like flat whites and lattes are useful for a quick and easy jolt of energy.
