What Is the Difference Between Coffee Latte and Cappuccino
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Latte vs Cappuccino: What’s the Difference Between These Popular Coffee Drinks?
If you’ve ever stood at a coffee shop counter wondering what is the difference between a coffee latte and a cappuccino, you’re not alone. Both are classic espresso based drinks enjoyed around the world, and while they share the same core ingredients — espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of foam — the milk ratio, texture, and overall coffee taste make them distinctly different.
Below, we break down everything you need to know about latte and cappuccino drinks, from ingredients to flavour profiles, plus how to make each one at home.
Latte vs Cappuccino: Ingredients Compared
Both drinks begin with a shot of espresso, often a double shot of espresso in larger cups. The main difference lies in how much steamed milk and foam is added.
Coffee Latte
A latte (short for caffè latte) is known for its creamy, smooth texture and mild coffee flavour.
Typical Latte Ratio:
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Espresso: 1 shot (or more depending on cup size)
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Steamed Milk: A large amount
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Foam: A very thin layer of foam on top
Texture & Taste:
Lattes deliver a gentle coffee flavour thanks to the higher amount of milk and less foam. The texture is silky, making them perfect for practising latte art or enjoying a slow sip.
If you enjoy a mellow, well-rounded latte, try it with our beautifully balanced House Blend Coffee or explore our full range of Coffee Blends.
Cappuccino
Cappuccinos are famous for their distinctive layers — espresso at the bottom, warm milk in the middle, and a thicker, airy foam on top.
Typical Cappuccino Ratio:
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Espresso: 1 shot
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Steamed Milk: Equal parts milk and espresso
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Foam: A thick layer of foam, around one-third of the cup
Texture & Taste:
Cappuccinos deliver a stronger coffee presence because of the smaller milk-to-espresso ratio. The foam gives it a light, frothy feel while still delivering a bold coffee taste.
For a richer, fuller cappuccino, try brewing it with our robust Italian Blend Coffee or explore premium medium-to-dark roasts in our South American Coffee Collection.
How to Make a Latte and Cappuccino at Home
Whether you’re using a home espresso machine or learning how to froth milk manually, the steps differ slightly for each drink.
How to Make a Latte
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Pull a fresh espresso shot into a cup.
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Steam your milk until it's smooth and silky, with minimal foam.
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Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, finishing with a thin layer of foam.
If you’re new to espresso brewing, you might find our guide on How to Make Black Coffee helpful.
How to Make a Cappuccino
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Brew your espresso and add it to a cup.
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Steam the milk until you create thick, velvety foam.
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Pour the warm milk over the espresso and spoon the foam on top.
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Optional: Dust with cocoa or cinnamon for a classic coffee shop finish.
Looking to refine your brewing technique? Take a look at How to Make Coffee in a Cafetière for more espresso-free brewing tips.
Latte vs Cappuccino: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Latte | Cappuccino |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | More milk, less foam | Equal parts milk and foam |
| Espresso Strength | Milder taste | Stronger coffee taste |
| Foam Texture | Thin layer | Thick and airy |
| Cup Size | Served in larger cups | Served in smaller cups |
Lattes are creamy, smooth, and perfect for easy drinking. Cappuccinos are bold, frothy, and ideal for those who enjoy more distinctive layers and a stronger kick of espresso.
Related Drinks You Might Enjoy
Understanding the difference between latte and cappuccino often makes people curious about similar espresso based drinks. Here are a few worth exploring:
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What Is a Macchiato Coffee? – an espresso topped with just a dab of foam.
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What Is an Americano Coffee Drink? – a great choice for those who prefer a longer, less creamy drink.
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What Is a Flat White Coffee? – similar to a latte but with a stronger espresso flavour and microfoam texture.
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What Is a Cortado Coffee? – equal parts espresso and warm milk, offering a more balanced cup.
Final Sip
So, what is the difference between latte and cappuccino coffee?
In simple terms: it all comes down to the milk ratio, level of foam, and how strong you want your coffee flavour to shine through.
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Choose a latte if you like creamy, smooth coffee drinks.
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Choose a cappuccino if you prefer bolder flavour with thick, frothy foam.
Whichever you enjoy, both drinks start with quality beans — explore our full All Products Collection to find the coffee that suits your taste.