Brew like a pro: difference between latte and cappuccino

What is latte all about?

It is not certain when latte was invented and by whom. Many like to believe that it originated in Berkeley, California. Some believe that Lino Meiorin, one of the owners of Cafe Mediterraneum, was an inventor of latte in the early 1980’s. However, according to Oxford English Dictionary, the term ‘caffe e latte’ was first used in English in 1867 by William Dean Howells in his essay, “Italian Journeys.”

Latte contains more milk than cappuccino

Lattes are coffee based drinks. With that, the difference between latte and cappuccino is that latte contains less coffee and more milk.

In fact, the word “latte” means “milk” in Italian. Therefore, it accurately describes what cafe latte really is: coffee-infused milk.

A latte is usually served in a tall glass, and is made by mixing 1/6 of espresso with 4/6 of milk and 1/6 of milk froth. However, don’t be surprised if you are served latte in 6oz coffee cups.

Latte contains less caffeine than cappuccino

Because of much lower espresso content in proportion to milk, the difference between latte and cappuccino is that lattes have a slightly lower caffeine content than cappuccinos:

Latte contains about 154 mg of caffeine in a 16 fl oz drink

However, if we are to compare a cappuccino and a latte that have been both prepared using one shot of espresso, the latte will be larger (about 16 fl oz). Therefore, it will contain just as much caffeine as the cappuccino.

How to brew a perfect cup of latte

✔️ Perfect coffee ingredients for a perfect cup of latte

For latte, espresso is the star of the show. To brew good espresso, quality, dark roasted and fine ground Arabica coffee beans are recommended.

✔️ Awesome espresso machine & quality coffee grinder

For value shoppers, a simple SOWTECH espresso maker might be a good choice.

For more advanced users, De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine might be a more appropriate selection.The espresso maker comes with a sensor grinder, dual heating system, advanced latte system & hot water spout. The machine looks good on the kitchen counter, brews excellent espresso, has some interesting technological characteristics.

If you already have a good espresso machine, a proper grinder might be warranted. Breville BCG600SIL grinder with dose control might be just what you need.

Who may love latte more than cappuccino?

Latte is a go-to beverage for people who don’t really like a strong or bitter flavor of coffee. Latte is closer to a cocoa drink than to a coffee drink. Some people like adding all kinds of syrups to their latte in an attempt to mask the coffee taste even more.

Latte is also a great drink for people with stomach problems. Specifically, some people, who typically feel negative effects of coffee in their stomachs, may otherwise love latte. Milk can soothe things quite a bit!

What is cappuccino all about?

The name for this famous coffee drink comes from the Capuchin friars. Cappuccino was inspired by the color of their robes, which looked exactly like the color of the espresso and milk froth mixture.

Interestingly, Austrians have a variant of cappuccino all of their own, called Kapuziner, that involves using whipped cream instead of milk froth.

Cappuccino contains equal amounts of milk, froth and espresso

Cappuccino is made with 3 equally measured components: espresso, milk and milk froth. Traditionally, cappuccino should come in a 6 oz. coffee cup, which would be filled with 2oz of espresso, 2oz of milk, and 2oz of milk froth. However, if you buy cappuccino from one of the modern days coffee shops, you’ll be asked to choose among different cup sizes.

As we have established, the cappuccino vs latte difference is that cappuccino is served with 3 equally-measured components of espresso, milk and milk froth. Latte, on the other hand, contains significantly more milk and milk froth than espresso.

When you are opting to buy cappuccino in a large cup, make sure that the correct doses are applied. Make sure that what you are buying is actually cappuccino. What often happens in some coffee shops is that a barista will give you one espresso shot (2oz) and will fill the rest of your grande cup with milk and milk froth. When that happens (that is, when the correct doses are not respected), the result is not cappuccino anymore.

Cappuccino is stronger than latte

One important thing that differentiates cappuccino from latte, is coffee strength. Cappuccino is supposed to have a stronger coffee taste than latte, and a higher caffeine content.

Cappuccino contains about 154 mg of caffeine in a 12 fl oz drink

How to brew a perfect cup of cappuccino?

✔️ Perfect coffee ingredients for a cup of cappuccino

Cappuccino requires a perfect shot of espresso. Therefore, we recommend Arabica coffee beans due to their more flavorful, richer taste. Coffee shops usually use Arabica beans to brew their coffee. The coffee beans will have to be dark roasted (which is the best roast for espresso), but a medium roast will work as well (and will increase the caffeine content of your cappuccino too).

✔️ Awesome espresso machine & quality coffee grinder

Espresso machines work best with fine grinds. Therefore, if you do not have a coffee grinder to fine grind coffee beans, you may want to consider buying a new coffee grinder, an espresso machine with integrated grinder, or ready ground coffee.

For value shoppers, Mr. Coffee Cafe Steam Automatic Espresso and Cappuccino Machine might be a great choice. It comes with 15 bars of pressure and a steam wand, and typically sells in a $$ price point.

Alternatively,  Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista can froth the milk for a user. It is typically 2X more expensive than the Mr. Coffee Cafe Steam (at a $$$$ price point), but it also comes with more features.

For most advanced users, Breville BES870XL Barista Express might be a good option. We reviewed this model earlier. It comes with an integrated burr grinder, brews fantastic espresso and has a professional frothing want. There are even more advanced super-automatic espresso machines, such as Breville Oracle Touch or Gaggia Academia Espresso Machine.

Whole milk or plant-based milk

The type of milk you use will influence a lot the taste of the cappuccino. It is recommended that you should use a whole fat milk if you want to get a fluffy froth. However, any other milk works fine too, including the plant based ones.

Espresso first, followed by heated milk and finished off with froth

If you have an automatic espresso machine that can also froth the milk for you (like De’Longhi Latissima Plus Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with Nespresso Capsule System), you will notice that, with the cappuccino option, it will first pour the milk and the froth in the cup, and then it will brew and pour the espresso shot. However, the way baristas make cappuccino is by first brewing the espresso, and then pouring the heated milk and the froth on top of it. This will ensure that your cappuccino will be beautifully layered and that the froth will remain fluffy and intact before you get to enjoy your cappuccino.

Who may love cappuccino more than latte?

I love cappuccino especially for its creamy consistency given by the frothy milk. I have always found cappuccino to be one of the classiest and most delicious coffee drinks.

Cappuccino is an attractive choice for individuals who do not necessarily like to have their coffee with milk. Cappuccino might be a great choice for those who want coffee to be interesting, fun and engaging.

Cappuccinos are also great for people who like a strong coffee, but need the milk to tone down the bitterness of coffee and to dilute the effects of caffeine on their bodies.

Bottom line

There are some differences between latte and cappuccino. Latte is more diluted with milk, and may contain less caffeine. Cappuccino is a bit stronger and can contain more caffeine.

However, both cappuccino and latte seem to have been born in Italy, where coffee is regarded with the utmost respect. But, both these coffee-based beverages became mainstream and have been super-sized once coffee shops like Starbucks started to become more popular.

More importantly, both cappuccino and latte remain among the most beloved coffee drinks out there.

Now, cappuccino is not what it traditionally was: a 6oz drink. It can now be a tall (12 oz), a grande (16 oz) or a venti (20 oz). The same goes for latte, a coffee drink that originally had a size of only 8-10 oz.

Personally, I enjoy drinking cappuccinos more than I enjoy lattes, but that is just my taste. A latte can give you the caffeine kick you need just as well as a cappuccino can (even double the kick if you get a latte made with a double shot).

What do you think the difference between latte and cappuccino is? Do you see any cappuccino vs latte difference? Which one do you like better, latte vs cappuccino? Which one is easier to brew?

Let us know in the comments! Share with your friends!