The world of espresso beverages can get complex with dozens of choices that each use some combination of espresso and milk. A cappuccino is one of my personal favorites and a go-to order, consisting of a balanced ratio of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam for a drink that’s just the right blend of creaminess and espresso for my flavor preferences.
On the other hand, a flat white is also a great choice, offering a creamier taste from the steamed microfroam that sits on top of the beverage. When faced with the question of what to order, how do you choose between the cappuccino and the flat white? This guide will break down everything about the cappuccino vs. flat white, from taste to caffeine content.
The basic differences between a cappuccino vs. flat white
“The main difference between a flat white and a cappuccino lies in the texture and preparation of the milk,” says Bryan Quoc Le, food scientist, food industry consultant, and author of the book 150 Food Science Questions Answered.
A flat white combines about one-third espresso with two-thirds smooth, velvety textured milk and a very thin layer of microfoam. Because less air is incorporated during steaming, the milk is creamier, and the drink tastes slightly sweeter due to the higher milk content.
“In contrast, a cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, textured milk, and firm, dense microfoam, which is typically one-third each. The milk foam in a cappuccino is light, airy, and fluffy, created by incorporating more air during steaming. This firm foam layer allows you to sip espresso and milk through it. A classic cappuccino usually uses a double espresso with roughly 2 oz each of espresso, textured milk, and foam, totaling about 6 oz, similar in size to a flat white,” he shares.
When you order a cappuccino, the dense microfoam on the top of the drink creates a very light and fluffy texture (that is also why I crave this delicious espresso drink). For some people, this fluffy texture is crave-worthy, yet others find the foam to be overpowering. In these cases, the flat white has a more velvety taste and a thinner layer of foam, creating an entirely different texture for your beverage. Ultimately, there’s no “right or wrong” coffee order — it’s entirely dependent on your taste preferences (or your mood for the day).
Is a cappuccino stronger than a flat white?
Comparing the cappuccino vs. flat white in strength can be broken down into two categories: Strength in terms of caffeine content and strength in terms of taste. Unlike some comparisons, which have a black-and-white answer, the comparison between cappuccinos and flat whites can sometimes have a grey area depending on personal taste preferences and preparation.
Caffeine content
The caffeine content of a cappuccino vs. a flat white depends on how many shots of espresso are used. According to Le, both the cappuccino and a flat white share the same caffeine content, as both typically use a double espresso as their base. However, others disagree, stating that a cappuccino is sometimes made with only one shot of espresso.
Maestro Eric Dorval, Chef & Owner at V Gelato & Cafe in Miami, says he makes a cappuccino with one shot of espresso. In many chain coffee shops, how many shots of espresso you get in a cappuccino depends on the size you order. For example, a tall cappuccino at Starbucks contains one shot of espresso, whereas a grande contains two. It’s always a good idea to ask how many shots are used when ordering this drink, giving you a better idea of exactly how much caffeine you’re consuming.
Taste
“Both drinks are pretty strong in taste, but the cappuccino can seem strong because it has less milk, so even though it has less espresso, it has a strong coffee flavor,” Dorval says. “But, the flat white is stronger overall because it has two shots of espresso, but then gets diluted with more milk.”
Dorval describes the cappuccino as light and airy with a bolder coffee flavor, compared to a flat white that has a creamier, milkier, and more delicate coffee flavor. The choice of what to order ultimately comes down to personal preference.
How the cappuccino, flat white, and latte differ
In the U.S., the cappuccino is one of the most commonly ordered espresso-based beverages, alongside the latte. The flat white, on the other hand, is a bit harder to find, as this drink tends to be more popular in Australia and New Zealand. According to Dorval, the “difference between a cappuccino vs. flat white and latte is pretty clear, however, between flat white vs latte is much more subtle. The difference is the amount served. A flat white is served smaller size than a latte, normally 6-8 ounces vs a latte, which is closer to 12-16 ounces,” he shares.
