A flat white contains less milk and a thinner layer of microfoam than a latte, so it tastes more like coffee. Both drinks are made with espresso and foamed milk, but a flat white is served in a smaller cup, usually with a double shot of espresso, while a latte is served in a larger cup, with more milk and thicker foam.
To sum it up
- Proportions: A flat white has more coffee and milk, a latte has more milk.
- Foam: A latte has a thin, smooth, and shiny microfoam, while a latte has a thicker layer of foam.
- Volume: Flat white is a smaller serving (usually around 150–200 ml), latte is a larger serving (usually around 220–300 ml or more).
- Taste: Flat white has a richer flavor, while latte has a softer and more delicate flavor.
What is a flat white?
Flat white — is an espresso-based coffee (usually a double shot) topped with a small amount of milk, frothed to a consistency microfoams . Microfoam is milk with very small, invisible air bubbles: smooth, velvety, and shiny. Only a thin, "flat" layer of foam forms on top—hence the name ( flat ).
This drink has its roots in the coffee cultures of Australia and New Zealand. Both countries claim credit for its invention. Mentions of "flat whites" in Sydney coffee shops date back to the early 1980s, while stories of the drink from Auckland and Wellington became popular in New Zealand in the latter half of the decade. The coffee later gained worldwide popularity, including after Starbucks introduced it to its menu in the US in 2015.
What is a latte?
Latte Caffè latte (meaning "coffee with milk") is an espresso with a generous amount of steamed milk and a distinct layer of foam on top. It's served in a large cup, mug, or tall glass. The generous amount of milk makes it smooth, creamy, and slightly sweet, allowing the coffee flavor to take a backseat.
Latte is also the most popular base for flavored coffee drinks – with syrups, spices, or as a cold version (iced latte).
Flat white and latte are the most important differences.
Ratio of coffee and milk. This is the fundamental difference. A flat white has less milk than an espresso, so the coffee flavor is clearly noticeable. In a latte, milk plays a dominant role.
Milk texture. In a flat white, milk is frothed wet, creating a smooth microfoam that blends with the coffee to create a smooth drink. In a latte, the milk is more aerated, leaving a thicker layer of foam on top. Both types of coffee are suitable for latte art, but in a flat white, the design is applied to a very thin layer.
Serving size: A flat white is served in a smaller cup. In New Zealand, it's typically about 175 ml. In Australia, the cup may be similar to a latte, but with less milk. Lattes are typically larger, often exceeding 300 ml in chain coffee shops.
Taste. A flat white is richer and more coffee-like, while a latte is smoother and has more milk. It's worth remembering that there's no single, universally accepted recipe: the amount of espresso, the size of the cup, and the thickness of the foam vary from cafe to cafe.
Comparison Chart: Flat White vs. Latte
| Characteristic | Flat white | Latte |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee base | It's usually a double espresso. | Single or double espresso |
| Amount of milk | Less | Big |
| Soap | Fine, smooth microfoam | Thicker foam layer |
| Typical serving | A smaller cup (usually around 150-200 ml) | A large cup, mug or glass |
| Taste | Intense, with a distinct coffee flavor. | Delicate, milky, creamy |
| Source | Australia / New Zealand | The Italian tradition of making coffee with milk |
| Variations in different flavors | Rarely | Regular (syrups, iced lattes) |
Flat white or latte – which to choose?
- If you like the taste of espresso but want to soften it by adding milk, choose a flat white . This is a good choice for those who find latte too weak and cappuccino too foamy.
- Choose latte, If you prefer a mild coffee with milk, want a large serving to sip slowly, or like coffee with additives.
- Want less caffeine? Ask the barista how many shots of espresso are in the drink. The amount of caffeine is determined by the number of shots, not the coffee name – a latte doesn't necessarily have to be stronger than a flat white.
- Do you make coffee at home? For a flat white, lightly froth the milk until it expands slightly and retains its shine. For a latte, you can froth it more vigorously.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What's stronger: flat white or latte?
Flat white coffee has a richer flavor because it contains less milk than espresso. However, the amount of caffeine depends on the number of shots of espresso served at a particular cafe—a latte made with a double shot of espresso can contain the same amount of caffeine.
What is the difference between a flat white and a cappuccino?
Cappuccino has a noticeably thicker, fluffier layer of foam. Flat whites have only a thin layer of smooth microfoam, giving them a more uniform and velvety consistency.
Where does the name "flat white" come from?
From the flat, thin layer of milky microfoam on the surface of the coffee. "White" coffee in slang means coffee with milk.
Is it possible to make a flat white in an automatic coffee machine?
Many automatic coffee machines have a preset flat white setting. The effectiveness depends on the frother—the key is to create a soft, smooth foam, not a thick, hard one.
Does a flat white really have fewer calories than a latte?
Typically yes, because it contains less milk, and milk accounts for the majority of calories in both drinks. The final value depends on serving size, type of milk, and additives such as syrups.
See also
- What is the difference between a latte and a latte macchiato?
- What is the difference between coffee beans and instant coffee?
- What is the difference between broth and decoction?
- What is the difference between pudding and jelly?