Flat White vs Latte are two of the most popular and in demand in the coffee industry. Even though they are both espresso-based drinks, they are completely different. But what are exactly the differences between the two? How can you tell the difference between a Flat White and a Latte? Let us compare and find out!
Definition of Flat White
A flat white is a popular type of espresso-based drink that is usually strong in coffee but has a creamy and dairy texture in the mouth. It is made with an average of two espressos, a small amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam making it flat hence the drink name. A flat white is stronger than a latte in terms of espressos making it have a strong coffee taste.
Where did Flat Whites originate from?
This well-liked drink has been debated on where it was actually from. People have said that it was originally from Australia. However, many others think otherwise. Some people have said that they originated from New Zealand. Yet, this drink has been created and popularised for decades now. Since the 1980s, it has been ordered and drunk by people all around the world including the UK, US, and other parts of the world.
Why do People order a Flat White?
Flat white lovers have chosen flat white as their favourite coffee drink because it is the thinner version of a cappuccino. A cappuccino is usually a coffee with high amounts of thick foam covering the top of the drink. Consumers who prefer a thinner amount of foam (or also called micro-foam) but still want the same contents as a cappuccino, order a flat white instead.
Definition of Latte
A latte starts off with a shot of espresso, similar to making a cappuccino. They then add steamed milk usually in a 1:2 ratio of espresso and milk. It also has a thin layer of foam just like a flat white. However, flat whites are slightly thinner in foam by 0,5cm.
The Origin of a Latte
The latte was created all the way back in the 17th century and is still popular today. Even though they started off as a breakfast type of coffee, they are now ordered during almost any time of the day. A latte was first invented in Italy but has been popularised in mainland Europe, Britain, and the United States of America. There have been a lot of commercials promoting this type of espresso-based coffee and has been loved by people all over the world just like the flat white. The Italian word for a latte was called “café au lait” in French and “cafe con leche” in Spanish, which translates to “coffee with milk.”
What makes a Flat White and a Latte different?
Yes, they do have a lot of similarities in terms of foam, style of coffee art, and even use the same ingredients! But how do we tell them apart? How do we pick which type of espresso type of drink we want more? A flat white? Or a latte?
I would say, if you prefer a less strong taste in coffee then a latte is the way to go. They both may have the same amounts of coffee (around two shots as the standard), but a latte usually has more milk than a flat white. A latte, therefore, ends up being a lot more in terms of oz and ml. A usual cup of flat white is served within a glass but using a small mug is also pretty common. Flat whites are served at around 200ml while a latte is served in a 350ml cup for the same amount of coffee.
Traditionally a cup of latte is served with one shot but you can definitely request another shot if you wanted to. A cup of latte served with one shot of espresso ends up being around only 250ml of the coffee mixture.
Conclusion on Flat Whites vs Lattes
It is all up to the consumer’s preference. If you want a strong coffee with a creamy and rich texture, go for a flat white. If you want a less strong coffee but still have that creamy rich milk texture, go for a latte instead. Both coffees are loved and popularised equally and deciding which coffee is better is up to you!
