Cappuccino VS Latte

Other than a simple cup of coffee or tea, cappuccino and latte are the most common and traditional beverages. Who doesn’t crave a cappuccino or latte every day? Yes, no one. You’ll probably never say no to a cup of latte or cappuccino, may it be hot or cold.

These two drinks sound to be a little the same because of the common ingredients they both contain. But the real lovers know they are different in taste, texture, and finishing.

Let us discuss what makes Cappuccino and Latte different from each other.

Cappuccino involves the use of cream rather than milk. Cinnamon and chocolate powder further add flavor to the drink and the foamy texture is then prepared by using steamed milk.

Latte basically involves a mixture of coffee and milk. A hot latte contains steamed milk that adds a foamy texture to the drink while the cold latte contains ice and chilled milk poured over it.

What’s the Difference?

The very first thing that makes cappuccino different from a latte is the thickness of the drink. Cappuccinos are thicker because the espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk are equally added. Each of these ingredients is distinctly layered and contributes to the thickness of the drink.

While lattes are light drinks. It contains more amount of steamed milk than the foamed milk and that the reason it has a thin layer of foamy texture. Also, espresso and steamed milk are blended together for latte rather than having different layers.

	CAPPUCCINO	LATTE
Ingredients	Cream, Foam, Additional Flavors	Milk, Foam, Additional Flavors
Milk and Coffee Ratio	1/3 espresso 1/3 Steamed Milk 1/3 Frothed Milk or Micro Foam	1/3 Espresso 2/3 steamed milk 1cm foam
Nutritional Value	For 475 ml drink: Calories: 130 Protein: 8 grams Total Fat: 5 grams Carbs: 13 grams	For 475 ml drink: Calories: 206 Protein: 13 grams Total Fat: 8 grams Carbs: 20.5 grams
Caffeine Contents	For a 475 ml drink: 173 mg	For a 475 ml drink: 173 mg
Serving	150 – 180 ml of glass/cup	240 ml of glass/cup
Origin	Italy	America

What’s Special About Cappuccino?

To prepare a cappuccino, one or two shots of espresso are layered in the bottom. In the U.S, there is a double layering of espresso. Then, on top of the steamed milk, a thick layer of thick and fluffy foam is added for a luxurious velvety texture.

The stronger flavor of cappuccino is because of the lesser milk quantity and more of foamed milk. All the ingredients are added equally to the drink which results in a 1 to 1 ratio of foam to liquid.

What’s Special About Latte?

The base of the latte is the same as that of a cappuccino; a single or double layer of espresso. The ingredient that makes it a rich and creamy beverage is the addition of steamed milk. Typically, espresso is mixed with steamed milk in a 1:2 ratio. A layer of foam is then added to the latte.

The preparation of both the cappuccino and latte is different for different countries and places. Vanilla and hazelnut are often added for a sweeter version of the latte.

Cappuccino or Latte – Which One’s Tastier?

A good foam texture and formation ensures a pleasing taste in your mouth, as well as how it blends and creates your drink’s unique taste. You need an espresso machine or milk frother to froth or steam milk properly, so it is velvety foamed (microfoam).

So, to decide which one’s tastier is actually difficult. Because it totally depends on how well the drink has been prepared. If you keep the right proportions in mind for your latte and cappuccino, you will create the perfect drink.

Summing It Up

Cappuccinos and Lattes, both are prepared differently but contain almost the same ingredients. The number of ingredients added and the way they are prepared to make a huge difference and the texture and taste appear accordingly.

They also vary largely in the amount of caffeine added and their nutritional value. Therefore, to decide which one’s better totally depends on your type of taste, the-moment-craving and how it’s prepared.

FAQ’s

What has more milk cappuccino or latte?

The steamed milk in cappuccinos is half that of lattes, but the espresso is the same, so they are stronger. While you can still taste the natural flavors of coffee, the drinks are smooth – milk and espresso are well mixed. Coffee is more mellow than lattes, which are perfect for when you want warm milk.

Is Cappuccino bitter than latte?

Latte contains chilled milk poured over ice which gives a creamy taste with the addition of espresso. However, cappuccinos are pretty strong in flavor and include lesser milk so they are a little bitter as compared to the latter.

Is Latte weaker than cappuccino?

Latte isn’t actually weaker than a cappuccino. It is rather thin in its texture as compared to that of cappuccino. This is because the ingredients in the latte are blended together while the ingredients in cappuccino are evenly distributed in the form of layers. A cappuccino definitely results in stronger flavors than a latte.

What is healthier latte or cappuccino?

Well, this depends on what is actually healthier for your health. Cappuccino contains less amount of milk and hence, has lesser calories. While a greater quantity of milk is added to the latte which means more calories. According to your need for a “healthy drink”, you may also add non-fat milks, almond milk, or coconut milk.

Which milk is best for cappuccino?

You should use whole milk to make a rich, velvety cappuccino. Low-fat milk can be substituted, but some smoothness will be lost. Skim milk produces a light and fluffy foam that quickly dissolves.