What is the difference between a cappuccino and a flat white? These two drinks have been on coffee shop menus worldwide for a while. But do you know what they are? Let me take this slow and break it down for you, starting with flat white.
What exactly is a flat white?
While there is no clearly defined standard for a flat white, it is simply an espresso-based drink containing steamed milk. Below are some fascinating stats revealing what New Zealanders and Australians consider authentic flat white.
- 70% of people say it’s a 5.5oz to 6oz drink
- 65% say there should be “just a bit” or “barely any” foam
- 59% say the espresso should be a normal double shot
- 51% say that a cappuccino-size ceramic mug is a right way to drink it
Bonus! A traditional flat white is a 5 – 6-ounce brew with 2 shots of espresso and just a small bit of foam. Most coffee shops today will serve a flat white slightly like this.
The taste and texture of flat white
The espresso counts for roughly 25% of the drink (1.5oz), so the coffee flavor is stronger than a normal American latte. 4-5oz of the drink is steamed milk and 0.5oz microfoam. The added steamed milk (sweet and smooth) makes this brew different from a cappuccino, though it lacks the velvety creaminess you get with the foam. It is served in a ceramic cappuccino mug.
How to make a flat white?
Here is what you need to do:
Prepare an espresso and pour the steamed milk into your cup (1/3 espresso and 2/3 milk). Note that the steamed milk must have a microfoam layer. This layer must not have a stiff foam layer as you use for cappuccinos or lattes.
What is a cappuccino?
Cappuccino is an Italian drink loved by many in the US and across Europe. It evolved before the espresso machine, and the cappuccino we know today is a recent invention – formed around the mind 20th century. This brew is normally 33% espresso, 33% microfoam, and 33% steamed milk. Even coffee shops still serve cappuccino in its traditional 5 -6 ounces.
The taste and texture of a cappuccino
Because a cappuccino is one-third foam, there is less liquid milk to dilute the intensity of the espresso; hence it is noticeably stronger. Normally, a cappuccino is 2oz espresso, 2oz steamed milk, and 2oz microfoam.
The texture of a cappuccino is also different from that of flat white. This is because a cappuccino microfoam is thick and dense. It is fluffy and creamy and gives you a good milk stash.
How to make a cappuccino
How do you make a cappuccino at home?
- Pour espresso at the bottom of your cup
- Carefully pour steamed milk into the cup
- Finish with the milk froth
Difference between flat white vs cappuccino
History of Cappuccino and Flat White
The history of cappuccino and flat white coffee dates back to the early 19th century. The cappuccino was first introduced in Italy, where its name was derived from the similarity of the colors of the coffee beverage and the robes of Capuchin monks. It was made with espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of foam on top.
There is some debate about whether the flat white originated in New Zealand or Australia. New Zealanders say Derek Townsend invented the brew at DKF Cafe in 1984. On the other hand, Australia has a different story, and says Fraser McInnes coined the drink in 1989 in Wellington. Either way, it has been around since the 1980s and has popped up on the menus of various coffee shops across the globe.
Difference in taste
The main difference in taste between a cappuccino and a flat white is the proportion of espresso to steamed milk. A cappuccino typically uses a 1/3 espresso to 2/3 steamed milk ratio, which results in a stronger coffee taste. On the other hand, a flat white has a 1/2 espresso to 1/2 steamed milk ratio, which results in a more balanced taste.
Additionally, flat white uses micro-foam, which further softens the coffee flavor. Like the flat white, Cortado is prepared with less foam, allowing for denser milk that tones down the coffee flavor compared to a cappuccino. Therefore, it can be concluded that a cappuccino usually has a stronger coffee flavor than a flat white or cortado.
The difference in caffeine content
The main difference in caffeine content between a cappuccino and a flat white is that it typically has more caffeine due to its higher espresso-to-milk ratio. A standard cappuccino is typically made with one or two shots of espresso and 120-140mg of caffeine, while a flat white is usually made with one shot of espresso and around 60mg of caffeine.
However, skilled baristas may be able to make a flat white just as strong (or even stronger) than cappuccino by using a higher ratio of espresso shots. Additionally, the size of the cup may also affect the overall caffeine content; larger sizes may have two shots of espresso and a total of 154 mg of caffeine for a flat white.
Serving size variations for each drink
Cappuccino: A traditional cappuccino is 5-6 oz, but many coffee shops offer a large cappuccino of up to 12 oz. A large cappuccino may have more espresso shots, but they are served in a 4-oz cup.
Flat White: A flat white is 5-6 oz and doesn’t usually vary in size. Every professional barista should make it the same. It is typically served in a larger cup than a 4-oz cup.
Cost differences between the two drinks
Cappuccinos are generally more expensive than Flat Whites due to their larger size and the addition of more foam. A typical Cappuccino costs anywhere from $2 to $4, while a Flat White typically costs around $2.50 to $3.50. Even though Flat Whites are smaller, the shot of espresso used is double the amount for the Cappuccino, which will add to the cost. Additionally, some cafes may charge more for a Flat White than a Cappuccino due to its smaller size.
Reasons to choose one over the other
Cappuccino:
- Cappuccinos typically have more foam than Flat Whites, providing a creamy and airy texture.
- The espresso-to-milk ratio in a Cappuccino is usually 1:1, making it a bit more balanced and less intense than the Flat White.
- Cappuccinos are also topped with a dusting of cocoa powder, which adds a hint of sweetness to the drink.
Flat White:
- Flat Whites have less foam than Cappuccinos and are made with steamed milk, giving them a thicker and smoother texture.
- The espresso-to-milk ratio in a Flat White is usually 2:1, making it more intense and flavorful than the Cappuccino.
- Flat Whites are not typically topped with additional ingredients, leaving them with a pure coffee taste.
Which is healthier?
According to Susie Burrell, a dietitian and author, a cappuccino is slightly lower in calories than a flat white or latte at 110 calories and 6 grams of fat with full cream milk. Still, it contains somewhat lower calcium because of the froth/milk ratio.
And as for the choccie powder on top – that won’t hurt you either, nor will adding a couple of grams of sugar which is, as she puts it, “hardly negligible.”
Common misconceptions about cappuccino and flat white
Common Misconceptions About Cappuccino and Flat White:
- A cappuccino is a breakfast drink because it is stronger than a Latte or a Flat White. This is untrue; Cappuccino is not a breakfast drink and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
- A Flat White is the same as a Latte. This is false; while both drinks contain frothed milk, the milk foam for a Flat White is more fine-pored than for a Latte.
- Both Cappuccino and Flat White are made with one shot of espresso. This is incorrect; while one shot of espresso is used for a Flat White, a Cappuccino typically requires two shots.
- The Flat White is some sort of breakfast drink because it’s stronger than a Latte or a Cappuccino. This is false; the Flat White originated as a less foamy – or flatter – alternative to the cappuccino and has since become popular with coffee drinkers all over the world.
Which should you pick?
It all depends on whether you prefer a stronger drink or not. If you want a stronger drink, go for a cappuccino. The perfect balance of milk and coffee makes it stronger. Flat white, however, has more steamed milk and is less strong. Give it a shot if you are craving a smoother, lighter brew.
Prefer the thick, fluffy microfoam?
If yes, you are better off with a cappuccino containing 2oz Microfoam. Compared to 0.5oz Microfoam in flat white, no doubt, a cappuccino has that thick and fluffy microfoam. Flat whites are designed to be a milky brew.
Conclusion
The key difference between a cappuccino and a flat white is that a cappuccino has more foam and a lighter body due to the use of one shot of espresso compared to the two shots of espresso used in a flat white. Furthermore, the milk used in a flat white is steamed to a thinner consistency than that used in a cappuccino, resulting in a smoother and creamier drink. Ultimately, it is up to personal preference as to which type of coffee drink one prefers, as both provide an enjoyable coffee experience.
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
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