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What’s the Difference Between a Latte and Cappuccino

What’s the Difference Between a Latte and Cappuccino?

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Last Updated on January 27, 2023 by Lauren Beck

Cappuccino and latte are both popular coffee drinks that are often mistaken for one another. While they share some similarities, they have distinct differences in their preparation, ingredients, and taste. 

In this article, we will explore the differences between cappuccino and latte and how they are made, as well as their nutritional value and caffeine content.

What is a Cappuccino?

A cappuccino is a traditional Italian coffee drink made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. It is typically served in a small cup and is characterised by its thick, creamy foam on top. The foam is usually sprinkled with cocoa or cinnamon powder.

What is a Latte?

A latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, with a small amount of foam on top. It is typically served in a larger cup than a cappuccino and is characterised by its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor.

What’s the Difference Between Cappuccino vs Latte?

  • The main difference between cappuccino and latte is the proportion of ingredients used. A cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, while a latte is made with more steamed milk and less foam.
  • Cappuccino has a stronger coffee flavor and a thicker foam, while latte has a milder coffee flavor and a thinner foam.
  • Cappuccino is typically served in a smaller cup than a latte.

Is a Cappuccino or Latte Healthier?

Both cappuccino and latte are made with espresso and steamed milk, which means they have similar nutritional values. A cappuccino made with whole milk and without added syrups or flavors will have fewer calories and less sugar than a latte made with whole milk and added syrups or flavors.

Which Is Stronger, Cappuccino or Latte?

Cappuccino is stronger than latte because it contains equal parts of espresso, steamed milk and foam, while a latte contains more steamed milk and less foam.

Cappuccino vs. Latte: Which Is Sweeter?

a cup of latte and a cup of cappucino

Latte is sweeter than cappuccino because it contains more steamed milk which makes it a milder coffee drink. Cappuccinos are more bitter because of the equal parts of espresso and foam.

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How To Make a Latte?

Ingredients:

  • 1 shot of espresso
  • 1 cup of steamed milk
  • 1-2 tablespoons of foam

Instructions:

  1. Start by making a shot of espresso using an espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker.
  2. While the espresso is brewing, heat milk in a milk frother or a small saucepan until it starts to steam.
  3. Pour the espresso into a large cup.
  4. Hold the steamed milk jug at a slight angle and pour the milk into the cup with the espresso, creating a layered effect.
  5. Use a spoon to hold back the foam and pour 1-2 tablespoons of foam on top of the latte.
  6. You can add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for garnish if desired.
  7. Enjoy your homemade latte!

Note: If you don’t have a milk frother or a stovetop espresso maker, you can make a latte with instant coffee or coffee from a drip coffee maker. Simply brew a cup of coffee, heat milk in a small saucepan until it starts to steam, add it to the coffee and top it with a tablespoon of foam.

How To Make a Cappuccino?

Ingredients:

  • 1 shot of espresso
  • 1/3 cup of steamed milk
  • 1/3 cup of foam
  • cocoa or cinnamon powder (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Start by making a shot of espresso using an espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker.
  2. While the espresso is brewing, heat milk in a milk frother or a small saucepan until it starts to steam.
  3. Pour the espresso into a small cup.
  4. Hold the steamed milk jug at a slight angle and pour 1/3 cup of steamed milk into the cup with the espresso.
  5. Using a milk frother or a whisk, create 1/3 cup of foam.
  6. Hold the foam back with a spoon, and pour it on top of the steamed milk.
  7. If desired, sprinkle cocoa or cinnamon powder on top.
  8. Enjoy your homemade cappuccino!

Note: If you don’t have a milk frother or a stovetop espresso maker, you can make a cappuccino with instant coffee or coffee from a drip coffee maker. Simply brew a cup of coffee, heat milk in a small saucepan until it starts to steam, create foam with a whisk or an electric milk frother and layer the foam, steamed milk and coffee in a cup.

Does a Latte or Cappuccino Have More Caffeine?

Cappuccino and latte typically have the same amount of caffeine, which is about 60-100mg per 8 oz cup. The amount of caffeine in the coffee depends on the type of coffee beans and the brewing method used [1].

Conclusion

Cappuccino and latte are both popular coffee drinks, but they have distinct differences in their preparation, ingredients, and taste. Cappuccino is made with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk and foam, while latte is made with more steamed milk and less foam. Cappuccino is stronger in coffee flavor and has a thicker foam, while latte is milder in flavor and has a thinner foam. Both cappuccinos and lattes have similar nutritional values, and they both contain around 60-100mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup. The main difference between the two is the proportion of ingredients and the serving size. It all comes down to personal preference and taste which one you would pick between the two.

Reference:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cappuccino-vs-latte-vs-macchiato#recipes
Lauren Beck
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