Difference Between Cappuccino And Latte – [All You Need To Know]

Learning the difference between cappuccino and latte will help you to avoid disappointment and get the drink that you want, and what is best suited to how you enjoy your coffee.

With great respect to readers that are in a rush and need the quick answer, here is the quick answer:

The difference between a cappuccino and a latte is the ratio of the espresso, milk and milk foam used to make them.

For the more detailed answer, keep reading!

Difference Between Cappuccino And Latte

On the surface of it and to the untrained eye and mind both a cappuccino and a latte appear to be very similar, almost the same as both drinks are made with the same ingredients and use the same cup to serve the coffee beverages.

Both a cappuccino and a latte are made with the following ingredients:

• Espresso.
• Steamed milk.
• Milk foam.

The type of steamed milk, unless requested, is whole milk. If you so wish, you can use any milk, with coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk and cashew milk being popular choices.

It is how these ingredients are used that makes the drinks different. Let’s talk about the difference between cappuccino and latte.

Read: Latte Vs Cappuccino

The Espresso To Milk Ratio

One of the key differences between these two coffee beverages is the espresso to steamed milk ratio as a latte is made using more milk than what is used to make a cappuccino.

As a result, one of the coffee beverages is stronger than the other while the other has a richer, creamier taste.

This is how the vast majority of all espresso based coffee drinks are different from each other with the principle difference being their espresso to milk ratios and the ratio of milk foam.

The Espresso To Milk Ratio Of A Latte

A latte is the milkier of the two coffee beverages as the espresso to milk ratio of 1:2 indicates how much milk is used in relation to the espresso shot.

By using twice as much milk as there is espresso, it means that the milk dominates the coffee beverage.

The amount of foamed milk, the froth that is used is a fine layer typically 1 cm to 2 cm depending on the coffee shop and the barista that is serving you.

A latte is of course famed for its latte art on top.

Espresso To Milk Ratio Of A Cappuccino

A cappuccino is made with an equal amount of all three ingredients, espresso, milk and milk foam, all in a 1:1:1 ratio.

The milk froth on top is sprinkled with chocolate powder.

The more focused espresso to milk ratio produces a stronger and more prominent coffee flavor. The larger amount of milk foam on top negates the possibility of latte art n a cappuccino.

Read: Cappuccino Vs Latte

Layering

When you, or a barista, are in the process of elaborating a great cup of coffee, a large part of the process is down to the layering of milk and the espresso and, depending on the beverage, the milk foam.

A cappuccino and a latte are made with steamed milk, espresso and milk foam. How they are layered is different from each other.

The Layering Of A Caffe Latte

A caffe latte does not layer or stack the milk as the espresso; it mixes the steamed milk into the espresso shot and then layers a fine layer of foam on top of the latte while at the same time creating the latte art.

The Layering Of A Traditional Cappuccino

The layering of a cappuccino is what defines this rather tasty and enjoyable coffee beverage.

The espresso shot is poured first and at the bottom of the beverage. The steamed milk, an equal amount as there is espresso, is poured on top of the shot of espresso.

The milk froth, the foam is the final and third layer of this drink has a sprinkle of chocolate on top.

Flavors

A caffe latte stands out for what seems to be an infinite myriad of flavors that the drink can be available in, ranging from the seasonal pumpkin spice latte and gingerbread to Nutella and the standard and popular flavors like a caramel latte and vanilla latte.

The flavoring is from the flavored simple syrups used.

A cappuccino is rarely flavored, even though it can be, it is best enjoyed naturally and best with espresso flavor.

The Myriad Of Flavors Of A Latte

Due to what seems like an infinite range of flavored coffee syrups which can be combined to create some very unique latte flavors.

The most popular flavors are:

• Caramel.
• Coconut.
• Hazelnut.
• Mocha.
• Vanilla.
• White Chocolate.

There are a series of popular seasonal flavors too with fall being nicknamed pumpkin spice latte season.

Due to the additional sugar from the flavored simple syrups I suggest that if you are making a flavored latte at home that you use a sugar-free syrup from DaVinci gourmet or make your own.

Read: What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

The Flavors Of A Cappuccino

A cappuccino doesn’t really go so well with flavored syrups at all. It is much better to use the different types of milk and sugar that are available to create a different flavor.

What ever you change, like the type of milk or the type of sugar used, will alter how a coffee drink tastes.

It is more common for a cappuccino to be flavored with spices like cinnamon, cardamon and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

The Serving Temperature

What makes a coffee enjoyable or not and the variations that it can come in and the customizations that you can make to get it exactly as you want it.

The serving temperature is also very important and in some cases it can make or break a drink.

Some coffee drinks are much better enjoyed hot, while others are great, refreshing iced coffee drinks.

Serving Temperature Of A Caffe Latte

A caffe latte is very flexible and can be enjoyed equally as well be it iced or as a hot drink.

As a matter of fact it is more of a question of matching the climate with the temperature of the drink.

A hot latte is fantastic for warming you up on a cold day while an ice-cold iced latte is very, very refreshing on a hot summer day.

Serving Temperature Of A Traditional Cappuccino

A cappuccino is best enjoyed as a hot drink as the microfoam layer of the milk foam and the light airy mouthfeel can only be enjoyed as a hot drink.

While a cappuccino can be enjoyed as an iced drink, there is an important alteration made to make it possible. The foamy milk froth is replaced with whipped cream.

What Is In A Latte?

A latte is made with three simple and basic ingredients, and they are:

• A well brewed espresso shot.
• Steamed milk.
• Milk foam.

The espresso shot and the steamed milk are used in a ratio of 1:2.

What is An Iced Latte?

An iced latte is the cold version of a regular latte. The espresso shot is still brewed hot while the milk used is cold milk.

In my opinion, the best milk to use is to steam the milk and then let it cool down as it has a much better texture.

What Is In A Cappuccino?

A cappuccino is a great tasting coffee drink that, like a latte, is made with espresso milk and steamed milk.

Each of the three ingredients are used in equal amounts:

• ⅓ espresso.
• ⅓ steamed milk.
• ⅓ milk foam.

The drink is often topped with cocoa powder or cinnamon.

What is An Iced Cappuccino?

An iced cappuccino is the cold version of a cappuccino and is made slightly differently from a regular cappuccino as the milk foam is replaced with whipped cream.

The reason for changing the ingredient is due to the microfoam not holding up well with the presence of the ice cube.

The whipped cream created a different texture and mouthfeel and slightly sweeter taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Difference Between Cappuccino And Latte

Does Cappuccino Have More Caffeine Than A Latte?

While a cappuccino does have a notably stronger and more dominant espresso flavor than a latte, it does not have more caffeine as both are made with a single shot of espresso.

Do You Stir A Cappuccino?

No, a cappuccino is intended to be stirred because of the layering of the espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Each sip that you take has the right amount of each of the three layers.

While some coffee lovers and coffee enthusiasts may see that a spoon is served with a cappuccino in Italy and make the false assumption that this means that a cappuccino should be stirred.

It is served with a spoon to give the coffee drinker the option of scooping the foam and beverage without the necessity of slurping the drink or the inconvenience of a white mustache.

Why Is Cappuccino Served With A Spoon?

A spoon is served with a cappuccino as it allows you to get all the flavors of the coffee, milk, and milk foam without slurping.

Is A Cappuccino Just A Latte With Chocolate?

No, there are more important differences between a latte and a cappuccino.

The main difference is the ratios. A latte is made with an espresso-to-milk ratio of 1:2 while a cappuccino is made with an equal amount of espresso and steamed milk and has a pillow of milk foam on top with a sprinkle of chocolate powder.

Why Do We Put Chocolate On Cappuccino?

Chocolate is added to a cappuccino to bring out the sweetness of the milk and the chocolate notes from the dark-roasted coffee. It brings out a balance between the textured milk and the espresso shot.

Which Is More Creamy Latte Or Cappuccino?

A latte is creamier due to using twice as much steamed milk as a cappuccino.

Does Milk Go First In A Cappuccino?

No, when you make your cappuccino the espresso shot should be poured directly from your home espresso machine. Then your steamed milk followed by the layer of frothed milk.

Why Do Most People Like Lattes?

Most people love a latte due to the coffee beverage being the perfect balance between the bold flavor of the espresso and the rich creaminess of the milk.

It creates a great, silky texture and mouthfeel.

Final Thoughts – Difference Between Cappuccino And Latte

The difference between cappuccino and latte is subtle, but makes a significant difference, completely changing the flavor and texture of both drinks, with one being rich and creamy with a silky velvet-like texture while the other has bold coffee taste and a light and fluffy mouthfeel. 

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Derek Marshall

Derek Marshall, a certified barista by the Specialty Coffee Association possesses over two decades of experience in specialty coffee shops. He holds professional certifications for coffee brewing and barista skills. Derek is also an author with authoritative books covering various coffee topics including specialty coffee, sustainability and coffee, coffee brewing, coffee recipes, coffee cocktails and books focusing on Brazilian coffee, Vietnamese coffee, Indonesian coffee and Malaysian coffee. As a barista for over two decades, Derek Marshall has worked in specialty coffee shops across the United Kingdom, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. His expertise extends to the distinct coffee cultures, specialty beverages, and brewing techniques of each nation. Functioning as a coffee consultant, Derek charges US$50 per hour. To learn more about Derek Marshall and Latte Love Brew, visit his About Me Page. For coffee inquiries, contact him at +34-639-410-375 or Derek@LatteLoveBrew.com, mentioning your name and location