Cappuccino Vs. Latte: What’s The Difference?

Coffee has a way of making itself at home in any culture, whether it’s your breakfast ritual, an afternoon pick-me-up, or something you sip while strolling down the street. But step into any café, and you’re confronted with a dizzying array of options: espresso, Americano, flat white, macchiato, cappuccino, latte…the list goes on. Just when you think you’ve got it down, someone orders a cappuccino or a latte, and you might wonder—aren’t they just the same thing? Not quite. These two beloved drinks may share ingredients, but they’re more different than you might think.

What Is a Latte, and What Is a Cappuccino?

Let’s start with the basics. A latte, or “caffè latte,” is a creamy, smooth drink made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk, topped with just a hint of foam. Lattes are all about that milkiness, creating a gentle coffee flavor that appeals to those who enjoy a milder taste.

A cappuccino, on the other hand, is more balanced between milk and espresso, with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk. This structure gives the cappuccino a bolder coffee flavor, thanks to a thicker layer of foam that gives the drink more body and texture.

Latte Vs. Cappuccino: What do They Taste Like?

While both drinks start with espresso, their preparation methods set them apart. Lattes are crafted with more steamed milk and a thin layer of foam on top, resulting in a smoother, more velvety experience. Cappuccinos, meanwhile, have a thicker layer of foam, giving them a fuller, slightly creamier mouthfeel with a robust coffee kick. This foam layer also means cappuccinos tend to be a bit less sweet than lattes, with a richer flavor that some coffee lovers crave. So, if you’re after something silky and sweet, the latte may be your go-to. If you want a bit more coffee bite, the cappuccino’s got you covered.

Which One is Stronger?

When it comes to caffeine, both drinks usually start with a single shot of espresso, meaning they’re fairly similar in strength. However, since a latte has more milk, the coffee flavor is softened, which might give the impression it’s weaker. In reality, the caffeine content is the same—though some coffee shops may offer larger lattes with extra shots, upping the caffeine dose. So, if you’re choosing between a latte and a cappuccino for strength, the difference lies more in taste than in actual caffeine content.

Where Does the Macchiato Fit In?

Now, just to throw a little twist in, let’s talk about the macchiato. This drink adds milk to espresso but in a much smaller amount—usually just a “mark” or “stain” of steamed milk on top of the shot, giving it its name. Macchiatos are stronger and bolder than both lattes and cappuccinos, with a minimal amount of milk that lets the espresso shine. If a latte is the creamy cousin and a cappuccino the balanced sibling, the macchiato is the bold, espresso-forward member of the family, offering the taste of coffee with just a touch of smoothness.