The Difference between Latte and Flat White

The difference between a latte and a flat white is that a flat white is prepared with less milk, which makes the coffee taste stronger, while a latte contains more milk and has a sweeter taste. Lattes may be made with one or two espresso shots, but a flat white is always prepared with a double shot, has a lighter foam, and has fewer calories.

Lattes and flat whites are among the most popular drinks in coffee shops around the world. Both hold a prominent place on specialty coffee shop menus—even though they are so similar that it's hard to tell them apart in most coffee shops! Although the differences between a latte and a flat white may be subtle, for coffee lovers, these differences are very significant. They have a significant impact on the flavor.

• The most significant difference between a latte and a flat white is the size. A flat white is very similar to a latte, but it's prepared with less milk, giving it a stronger flavor. A flat white is a latte, but smaller in size and stronger in flavor.
• The other major difference is that a latte is always made with espresso. A flat white, on the other hand, is made with a double shot or a ristretto instead of espresso. A ristretto is a stronger shot of espresso, giving the coffee a different flavor.

 In this article, we'll explore the origins of these two popular drinks, explain their differences, and how to prepare them. We'll also help you decide which one is better for your health!

Latte meaning and Origins

Latte is a coffee drink that originated in 17th-century Italy. At the time, it was used as an alternative to Turkish coffee, which was popular in Europe. Latte consists of a combination of coffee, espresso, and milk, making it a rich and delicious drink. Today, latte is a popular drink worldwide and is served in cafes and restaurants everywhere.

The origin of the term latte is the Italian "caffè latte," meaning "coffee with milk." When American coffee chains began serving lattes, they shortened the term "caffè latte" to simply "latte," a term that has since become widespread in most parts of the world. However, if you order a latte in Italy, all you'll get is a glass of milk! The traditional caffè latte in Italy is made with espresso mixed with steamed milk and served in a tall, thin glass. The barista may pour the milk first and then add the espresso, creating layers in the drink.

The traditional latte is served in a tall glass. Photo: Valeria Lazareva

The tall glass indicates that the caffè latte is a delicate, milky coffee—perfect for breakfast. If you want to make your own caffè latte at home and are looking for a modern selection of clear glass cups, check out Mibru's beautiful double-framed glasses—perfect for showcasing your delicious latte.

Specialty coffee shops have mostly abandoned tall glasses, serving lattes in large cups instead. But the basic principle remains the same: a latte is made from espresso mixed with plenty of milk.

How to Make a Latte

Latte is made by combining coffee, espresso, and milk. Steamed milk is preferred for a creamy texture and smooth foam. A coffee machine can be used to easily prepare a latte at home. It's best to use a tall glass to serve the latte, and a layer of foam can be added to the top for an added touch of beauty and flavor. 

What does flat white mean and where it originated?

Flat white is a term that literally translates to "plain white" or "single white." The name refers to a coffee serving method that includes espresso with steamed milk. The flat white was created for customers who desired the strong flavor of a cappuccino, rather than the milky flavor of a latte—but didn't like the thick foam on top. Baristas began steaming milk differently for these customers to create a drink with a much lighter layer of foam on top—hence the name flat.

The thinner layer of foam gives the flat white a smooth texture and makes pouring intricate latte art easier than pouring it over a traditional cappuccino.

The flat white originated in Australia or New Zealand, depending on who you ask. There are many theories about how the flat white was invented, but very few facts about it. The only thing we know for sure is that the flat white has existed in Australia and New Zealand since at least the 1980s.

The thin layer of foam on the flat white allows for beautiful latte art. Photo: Chevanon - Photographer

The flat white is served in a cappuccino cup—a small ceramic cup, about 150-180 ml in size. For the enthusiastic home barista, these cups from Australian company Acme are the perfect choice for serving a hot flat white.

Milk in Coffee

The milk used for a hot flat white is exactly the same as that used for a latte, and the method of steaming the milk is the same for both drinks. Both flat whites and lattes are made with steamed milk with a fine froth on top—a thin, smooth layer of milk foam, with tiny bubbles that are barely visible. It's important to steam the milk correctly to achieve the perfect foam for a flat white. These tiny bubbles give the milk a deliciously creamy texture that often lasts until the last sip.

The milk should be hot for both flat whites and lattes, but not scalding hot. The ideal temperature is around 60°C. It should be hot to the touch, but not so hot that it burns your tongue. If milk is steamed above 65°C, it will burn and lose its sweetness.

Flat white ingredients and latte ingredients are the same

Flat white ingredients:

• Espresso double shot or ristretto
• Steamed milk

Latte ingredients:

• Espresso single or double shot
• Steamed milk

The ingredients for a latte and a flat white are the same! Espresso and steamed milk—nothing else. It's important to use the steamer correctly to achieve a silky, smooth texture that enhances the espresso flavor. However, there is one important difference that can have a significant impact on the flavor of the drink: a flat white is sometimes made with a ristretto.

A ristretto is prepared in exactly the same way as an espresso, but with less water. This results in a less intense, yet very strong coffee syrup. Using less water brings out the delightful fruity flavors in the coffee. Ristretto is typically less bitter, meaning it requires less sweetness from milk to achieve a balanced taste.

Ristretto is less common in specialty coffee shops today. Ristretto tastes best with a darker roast; lighter roasts require the full amount of water to extract all the flavor from the coffee. Therefore, flat whites are prepared with the same espresso as lattes in most specialty coffee shops these days.

A flat white is smaller than a latte.

The biggest difference between a flat white and a latte is the size. A flat white is typically between 150ml and 180ml, while a latte can range from 240ml to 480ml.

Both flat whites and lattes contain the same amount of espresso: a double shot. The only difference is the amount of milk added. This means that a 'large flat white' is exactly the same as a 'small latte' in many cafes.

Some cafes maintain the distinction between latte and flat white by adding an extra shot of espresso to larger flat whites. This way, the ratio of coffee to milk is the same even in a large flat white. So, if you normally prefer a flat white but want a larger coffee, try asking your barista for an extra shot.

A Flat White Is Stronger Than a Latte

As mentioned earlier, the ingredients of a flat white and a latte are similar, but their tastes are different. Since a flat white contains less milk, it has a higher coffee content. Meanwhile, a latte contains more milk, making it sweeter and creamier.

Both flat whites and lattes are popular drinks, but the stronger flavor of a flat white makes it the preferred choice for many coffee connoisseurs. Because a flat white contains less milk, it's easier to identify the distinct flavors of the coffee. On the other hand, the sweet taste of milk often masks any mistakes a barista makes when preparing a large, milky latte.

Does a flat white have more caffeine than a latte?

A flat white may taste stronger than a latte, but that doesn't necessarily mean it has more caffeine. In fact, a flat white and a latte contain exactly the same amount of caffeine.

In most specialty coffee shops, both flat whites and lattes are prepared with the same amount of espresso: a double shot. This means they contain exactly the same amount of caffeine—the only difference is the amount of milk.

Other coffee shops prefer to serve lattes with a single shot of espresso, in which case the latte will contain half the caffeine of a flat white. If you want to avoid overdoing it with caffeine, ask your barista to make your drink a single shot instead of a double—or you can simply choose decaf. For more information about the amount of caffeine in your coffee, check out our helpful guide to the amount of caffeine in different coffee drinks.

Flat White Calories vs. Latte Calories

A flat white contains less milk than a latte, which means it has slightly fewer calories. Therefore, if you want to avoid drinking too much milk, a flat white is a better choice than a latte. The calories in a flat white range from 120-150 calories, while a latte ranges from 150-200 calories.

However, milk is healthy. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. The fat in milk also helps you feel full for longer. At the same time, espresso has many health benefits. Therefore, both flat whites and lattes can be healthy drinks when consumed in moderation.

Now that you know the differences between lattes and flat whites, is it time to try making them yourself? Get your espresso machine, your favorite coffee beans, a milk pitcher, and browse our guide on how to make a flat white.

If you don't have an espresso machine yet, you'll be surprised at how inexpensive and easy it is to make espresso at home. Explore our comprehensive range of espresso machines, or check out our guide to the ten best home-friendly espresso machines.

Plant-based Flat Whites

Vegans can enjoy lattes using plant-based milk instead of animal milk. Soy milk is a popular choice for vegans, adding a creamy texture and delicious flavor. Almond milk is another option that adds a distinctive flavor to lattes. Coconut milk or oat milk can also be used in lattes, giving vegans a variety of options for enjoying this popular drink. Even non-vegans can use milk alternatives to reduce calories and avoid lactose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a flat white be made cold?

Yes, it's easy to prepare an iced flat white. It's a double shot of espresso with cold milk and ice.

What is a flat white?

A flat white is a double shot of espresso with finely ground steamed milk and no thick foam. It's served in a smaller cup than a latte.

How many shots are in a flat white?

A flat white is prepared using a double shot of espresso.

How to make Starbucks flat white?

A Starbucks flat white is a double shot of espresso poured over steamed milk and features very light (microfoam) foam, less than that of a cappuccino or latte.

How to make Dunkin' Flat White?

The barista prepares a double shot of espresso and pours it over steamed milk in a larger cup than a latte (approximately 150-180 ml).

What is the caffeine content of a flat white?

A flat white typically contains about 150-200 mg of caffeine when using two espresso shots.

What is the difference between a flat white and a Spanish latte?

A flat white contains espresso and steamed milk, while a Spanish latte contains condensed milk or sweetened milk and is higher in calories.

What is the difference between a cappuccino and a flat white?

The difference between a cappuccino and a flat white is that a cappuccino has a thicker layer of foam, while a flat white has a thinner layer of microfoam.

What is the difference between a flat white and a cortado?

The difference between a flat white and a cortado is that a flat white contains more milk and is served in a larger cup than a cortado, which is stronger and smaller.

What is the difference between a macchiato and a flat white?

The difference between a macchiato and a flat white is that a macchiato is espresso with a slight hint of milk, while a flat white contains a larger amount of milk mixed entirely with the espresso.

What is the difference between a cappuccino, a latte, and a flat white?

The difference between a cappuccino, a latte, and a flat white is the proportions of milk and foam: a cappuccino contains one-third espresso, one-third milk, and one-third foam, while a latte has more milk and a thicker foam. A flat white contains thinner microfoam and a higher percentage of espresso.

What is the difference between a Spanish latte and a latte?

The difference between a Spanish latte and a traditional latte is that a Spanish latte contains sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk, making it sweeter.

Is latte sweet?

Lattes are not sweet by nature, but they tend to be slightly sweet due to the high milk content. They can be sweetened further by adding sugar or flavored syrup.

What are the calories in a flat white without sugar?

A traditional flat white ranges from 120 to 150 calories when using whole milk.