Flat White VS Latte: When it comes to coffee, there are endless varieties and options to choose from. Two popular choices that often confuse people are the flat white and the latte. While they may look similar, there are some notable differences that set them apart.
Flat White VS Latte: Best Buy For 2023
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both drinks and explore their similarities and differences.
What is a Flat White?
A flat white is a popular coffee drink that originated in Australia and New Zealand. To make a flat white, baristas use a double shot of espresso and steam milk to create a smooth, velvety texture on top of the espresso.
They steam the milk to a temperature of around 140-150°F to produce a thin layer of microfoam. Typically, the barista serves the flat white in a small 5-6 oz cup, enabling the drinker to fully appreciate the taste and aroma of the espresso. The flat white has a stronger espresso flavor and is less sweet because the barista steams the milk to a lower temperature than in a latte.
What is a Latte?
To make a latte, baristas combine espresso and steamed milk, usually with a single shot of espresso but sometimes a double shot. They then top it with a layer of foamed milk created by burning the milk to a temperature of around 160-170°F. This creates a thick layer of foam that sits on top of the espresso.
The latte comes in a larger 8-12 oz cup, allowing for more milk and foam. Because the milk is steamed at a higher temperature than a flat white, the latte has a creamier and sweeter taste. Baristas may also add flavor syrups or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick of flavor.
Flat White vs Latte: Key Differences
Now that we have a basic understanding of what a flat white and a latte are, let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two drinks.
Size:
One of the most obvious differences between a flat white and a latte is the size of the drink. A flat white is typically served in a smaller 5-6 oz cup, while a latte is served in a larger 8-12 oz cup.
The smaller size of the flat white allows for a stronger espresso flavor and less milk, while the larger size of the latte allows for more milk and a creamier, sweeter taste.
Milk Texture:
Another key difference between a flat white and a latte is the texture of the milk. In a flat white, the milk is steamed to a temperature of around 140-150°F, which creates a thin layer of microfoam that sits on top of the espresso.
The microfoam gives the flat white a smooth, velvety texture and allows the drinker to taste the espresso more prominently. To create a latte, the barista steams the milk to a higher temperature of around 160-170°F, which results in a thick layer of foam sitting on top of the espresso. The foam gives the latte a creamy, frothy texture and adds sweetness to the drink.
Espresso to Milk Ratio:
The ratio of espresso to milk is another key difference between a flat white and a latte. In a flat white, the ratio is typically 1:3, meaning that there is one shot of espresso for every three parts of the milk. This gives the flat white a stronger espresso flavor and less milk.
In a latte, the ratio is typically 1:5 or 1:6, meaning that there is one shot of espresso for every five or six parts of milk. This results in a creamier and sweeter taste, with less emphasis on the espresso flavor.
Foam:
The foam in a flat white and a latte also differs in texture and thickness. As mentioned earlier, a flat white has a thin layer of microfoam on top of the espresso, while a latte has a thick layer of foam.
The foam in a flat white is created by introducing tiny air bubbles into the milk as it is being steamed. This creates a velvety texture that blends well with the espresso. The foam in a latte, on the other hand, is created by introducing more air into the milk, resulting in a thicker and creamier foam that sits on top of the milk.
Flavor:
Flat white and latte taste different because of the milk texture and espresso-to-milk ratio. Flat white has a strong espresso flavor due to its high concentration and microfoam. Latte is creamier and sweeter with higher milk content and thicker foam. It may have added flavor syrups or spices for a unique taste.
Which One to Choose?
Choosing between a flat white and a latte ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a stronger espresso flavor and a velvety texture, a flat white may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a creamier and sweeter taste with a thick layer of foam, a latte may be more your style.
It’s also worth considering the size of the drink you prefer. If you’re looking for a smaller, more concentrated drink, a flat white is the way to go. If you prefer a larger, more indulgent drink, a latte is the better choice.
FAQs
What is the difference between a flat white and a latte?
The main difference between a flat white and a latte is the amount of foam and milk used. A flat white has less foam and more coffee than a latte. A latte has more foam and more milk than a flat white. A flat white uses a ristretto shot, while a latte uses a standard shot of espresso.
Which one has more caffeine, a flat white or a latte?
Both a flat white and a latte contain the same amount of espresso, so they have the same amount of caffeine. However, a flat white may taste stronger because it has less milk, which can make the espresso taste more pronounced.
Can I add flavor syrups to a flat white or a latte?
Yes, you can add flavor syrups to both a flat white and a latte. However, keep in mind that the flavors may be more pronounced in a latte because it has more milk.
Which one is more popular, a flat white or a latte?
It depends on the region and personal preferences. In some areas, flat whites are more popular, while in others, lattes are more common. Ultimately, it comes down to individual taste.
Conclusion:
Flat whites and lattes are two popular coffee drinks that are often confused due to their similar appearance. However, as we’ve seen in this article, the two drinks have some notable differences. From the size of the cup to the texture of the milk and the ratio of espresso to milk, flat whites and lattes have their own unique characteristics that make them stand out.
Ultimately, the choice between a flat white and a latte comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer a stronger espresso flavor or a creamier, sweeter taste, both drinks have their own unique appeal. So next time you’re at your favorite coffee shop, give both drinks a try and see which one you prefer!
