Flat White vs Latte: What's The Difference?
Has this happened to you also? If you also don’t know the difference and are clueless about which one to order, then this article will help you. You will also learn about the differences, the making process, and other additional information related to flat white and latte.
What Is A Flat White?
Well, it probably can’t be guessed by the name that it’s a coffee drink. This drink is very famous to people from Australia and New Zealand. Some people believe that in one of those countries, flat white was invented.
It is also made from espresso and milk. However, the difference between a latte and a flat white is that a flat white has less milk than a latte. So it tastes a bit stronger. Also, the texture is silky and smooth with a microfoam layer.
What Is A Latte?
It’s a coffee drink, or, you can say, a milk coffee drink. This is because more milk is used in this drink than espresso. Which creates a different texture.
It’s not very strong but has a mild espresso flavor. This drink is even less strong than a cappuccino!
Origin Of Lattes
About the origin of lattes, the history is quite complex. The name “Cafe Latte” was first used by William Dean Howells(1867) in his essay “Italian Journeys”.
But some say that the latte was invented in America. And this latte was quite famous to the American tourist who would come to Italy for visits. These are the claims. But there is no straightforward theory that proves the origin of lattes.
Difference Between A Flat White and A Latte
Their difference is not negligible, though their ingredients are similar. In size, taste, and ratio – these two drinks are differentiable.
Taste
A flat white is stronger in taste. But not as strong as a mocha. You will feel the balanced taste of espresso and milk. And the texture is silky-smooth and creamy because of the steamed milk. This drink is not foamy but contains a layer of microfoam on top.
On the contrary, a latte has less espresso taste. It has more of a milk flavor with a slight coffee drink and gives a mild taste of espresso. To tell you about textures, a latte is quite frothy. It has a lot of foam in the drink and on the top. So you will feel a more velvety and frothy texture instead of a smooth texture.
Making process
A flat white contains ⅓ of espresso and ⅔ of steamed milk. So, the ratio stands at 1:2. In the latte, the ratio is 1 part espresso, and 3 part milk. So, the final ratio stands at 1:3.
Both drinks have the same amount of espresso, and milk is always used more than espresso.
But when these two are compared to each other, the flat white is stronger because of the milk to espresso ratio.
Variations
Latte has more varieties of flavors. There are pumpkin spice lattes, iced lattes, caramel lattes, hazelnut lattes, etc. Each has a unique flavor that many people enjoy.
In pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin pulps, some spices and different flavored syrups are added. In caramel latte, caramel syrup and vanilla essence are used. These syrups and essences create a very big difference in tastes.
On the other hand, the flat white doesn’t have any varieties in flavors. This drink is a classic one. But the taste depends on some factors like the type of coffee beans, the barista’s technique, the type of milk, etc.
Temperature Of The Milk
To prepare the milk for a flat white, the ideal temperature should be 140°F to 150°F (60°C to 65°C). It will give a creamy and silky texture to it. And the aeration should be minimal. This will help to create microfoam but not froth.
For the latte, the milk should be full of velvety foam. For this, the ideal temperature is 150°F/160°F (65°C/ 70°C). And to create froth, it is made sure to add more air to the milk. It will create froth.
Size
While serving the flat white, a cup is more favorable than a mug or a jar. This cup can hold about 160ml.
A latte is also served in a cup. But the amount of serving is different than a flat white. This amount is larger, that is around 240 ml.
What should you choose?
There are different types of coffee drinks. But a regular coffee drinker must have one type of selected drink. So, if you love stronger espresso flavors, you will enjoy the flat white than a latte.
But if you don’t want to get much taste of coffee in your drink but just want some essence, then a latte is ideal for you.
Calories
According to Starbucks flat white, a flat white has 170 calories per serving. Whereas cafe latte has 190 calories per serving. Now, it should be kept in mind that type of milk, using more or less sugar/syrup in drinks, will change calorie quantity.
FAQs
Why does my flat white have a burning taste?
It can happen if it has over-brewed. The grind size or over-roasting of the coffee beans also causes a burning taste.
Can I add syrup to flat white?
Yes, you can. But just be sure to use the syrup carefully. If it’s used excessively, then it might be overpowering compared to espresso.
Is latte sweeter than flat white?
Yes, a latte is sweeter. Because the milk proportion is larger, many kinds of syrup are used in lattes.
Conclusion
Enjoying coffee is best when you know what coffee drink you need. Understanding coffee and its varieties will help you in this term. If you wanna enjoy something a little bit strong, then a flat white is good for you; otherwise, you can enjoy a latte for a milder taste.
Now, from cafe to cafe, the taste varies. It can be a latte, flat white, or cappuccino. Every cafe has its own recipe, which can create a little difference. So, it is best to ask the barista at the cafe, and if it’s not your preference, then you can just tell him what you want.
Hi! I’m Semiul Bennett. After spending so many years in the coffee industry, I’ve developed a deep passion for all things coffee—from the beans to the brewing process. Now, I’m on a mission to help people have a better coffee experience at home and outdoors. Together with my team, we’re here to share expert tips, brewing techniques and the latest coffee trends, so you can enjoy your perfect cup every time.
