Flat White vs Latte: What is the Difference? (& Which is Better?)

What do you get when you combine espresso with milk? The answer is very confusing because it can be multiple coffee beverages. Two of them are the flat white and the latte.

If you had asked people just a few years ago what a flat white was, they would have given you a confused look. However, it has become a very popular coffee choice recently. It is a smooth and strong coffee beverage.

So, how is it different from a latte? This is the question that we are going to discuss in this article. We will talk about the origins of each one, describe what each one is, talk about how they are different, and finally decide which one is better for you. Let’s get right down to it.

Origins of the Flat White:

The origin of the flat white seems to be up for debate. Some say it started in Australia in 1989 at the Wellington Café Bodega, while others claim that it was created in New Zealand in 1984 at the DKF Cafe. So, which story is true? Who knows!

What we do know is that the flat white has been around since the 80’s. However, it didn’t really take off in popularity in the US until more recently. It quickly become a favorite and can be found on coffee shop menus around the world. You know the flat white has become a staple for many people when you see it on the Starbucks menu.

What is a Flat White?

So, what is a flat white? A flat white is an espresso-based beverage that is made with steamed milk. Sounds like a million other coffee drinks, right? This one is strong and smooth and has a very thin layer of micro-foam. If you want a strong espresso drink that has a little creamy texture to it, then this is a great choice for you.

A traditional flat white is a small coffee with two shots of espresso and a thin layer of foam on top. However, there seems to be some debate about exactly how to make this drink. So, depending on where you order it, you may get something slightly different. It seems like when it comes to the flat white, nothing is simple.

Origins of the Latte:

The latte, or caffe latte, was created in the mid 1800’s in Italy. It was a way to offer American coffee drinkers a beverage that was not as strong and bitter as an espresso. They added some warm milk to the coffee to give it a milder and creamier taste.

This is where the name, caffe latte, comes from. In Italian, latte means milk and caffe means coffee. Put them together and, voila, you get the caffe latte. The drink seemed to work and has been one of the most popular coffee beverages among Americans ever since. 

What is a Latte?

So, what exactly is a latte? A latte is a coffee beverage that features two shots of espresso and then steamed milk is added in. It also features a thin, about 1cm, layer of foam on top. Traditionally, it is served in an 8-ounce mug. However, in America it can come in even larger glasses. This is a very milky and creamy coffee beverage.

Another unique feature of the latte is that many times you will find art on top. This is created during the foam pouring process. You will find the latte in pretty much every coffee shop around the world. However, the espresso to milk ratio may change depending on the destination you are visiting.

What’s the difference between a flat white and a latte?

While both coffee drinks are made with espresso and steamed milk, there are several differences between the two. Some of these differences are:

1. Size:

The latte comes in a larger coffee cup than the flat white. This is why many people believe that the flat white is just a small latte. However, this is not true. There are a few other things which make them very different coffee beverages.

2. Amount of Milk

While both drinks usually contain the same amount of espresso, 1-2 shots, they contain a different amount of steamed milk. The flat white has less milk in it. It has a stronger taste profile to it because it is espresso-heavy with minimal milk.

The drink has just enough milk added to it to create the micro-foam on top. The latte on the other hand has a lot of steamed milk added to it. It also has a thicker layer of milk foam on top. The latte is a milder and creamier beverage for coffee drinkers who don’t like the strong, bitter taste of espresso but still want the caffeine jolt that it gives you.

3. Milk Foam Art

The latte is a more basic coffee drink that features a lighter flavor and creamier texture. The milk foam on top of the latte is thicker and allows the barista to create cool foam art as they pour it. This adds a fun and unique touch to your coffee drink.

Some coffee shops have even gone as far as to allow you to personalize the foam art. You choose what you want and then they use a special printing machine to add it to your latte. The flat white is a much more serious coffee drink that has a very thin layer of milk foam on top and does not feature any artwork on it.

Flat White vs Latte: Which is better?

Now that you know what each coffee drink is and the differences between them it is time to decide which one is the better drink for you. So, which is better the flat white or the latte?

In order to answer this question, you need to look at the differences between them and decide which one fits your personal preference better. Let’s look at each difference and decide which one is best for you.

1. Strong or Mild Espresso Drink

The flat white is a smaller, strong coffee beverage. Do you like a drink that has a strong, rich coffee taste, or would you rather have a mild and creamy coffee? If you want a mild coffee drink, then you should choose the latte.

If you like the strong taste of espresso than the flat white would be better for you. The flat white is a more concentrated coffee beverage so it will have a stronger and more complex flavor profile to it. A latte, on the other hand, features more milk which helps to tone down the espresso flavor.

You can also choose different flavored syrups to change it up. Overall, there is no wrong choice. It just depends on which one meets your needs better.

2. Micro-foam or Thick Milk Foam

Flat whites have a very thin, micro layer of foam on them. They are mostly steamed milk with hardly any foam at all. Lattes have steamed milk and a thick layer of milk foam on them.

You have to decide if you like creamy foam or would rather not have any on your coffee drink. If you love milk foam, choose the latte. If you hate foam, then choose the flat white.

3. Small Boost of Caffeine or Large Coffee Drink

Flat whites are strong espresso drinks that are small in size, 6-8 ounces. If you are looking for a quick shot of caffeine to wake you up in the morning, then choose the flat white.

However, if you like to enjoy a large coffee to start your day then the latte is for you. They come in various sizes, up to 20 ounces, so you can relax and sip on your coffee all morning long.

Final Thoughts:

Now that you know what both the flat white and latte are and the differences between them you will know which one is the right one for you to order. However, there is no reason not to enjoy them both. They are both delicious coffee drinks.

So, depending on what your mood is you may enjoy one over the other. I personally prefer a latte over a flat white. However, sometimes I want that quick shot of caffeine and prefer a strong flavor, so I order a flat white.

Just make sure you ask your server or barista how they make their flat white as each place does it a little differently. No matter which you choose you will get a creamy and delicious espresso drink. You really can’t go wrong with either one because both the flat white and the latte are amazing coffee drinks.

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