When it comes to the world of cappuccino vs latte or latte vs cappuccino for that matter, there has never been one correct answer. Whichever you decide, as long as you have reasons to support your decision, you are right. But why is there a dilemma? These two coffee drinks share many similarities, with slight differences.
So, let’s try to place a line between the two and find out which one is stronger: a latte or a cappuccino.
TL;DR
Regarding caffeine content, a latte and a cappuccino are the same. That’s because both drinks have a similar amount of espresso. However, a cappuccino has a stronger espresso flavor compared to a latte, because it contains less milk with extra foam.
- Compare: Americano Caffeine Content
What is a Latte?
A latte is an espresso-based drink with one or two shots of espresso. You combine the espresso with steamed milk to make a creamy drink, with a foam layer on top. A latte has more milk than all other coffee drinks.
Latte preparation procedures vary across the globe. That’s due to its popularity over the previous 20 years.
With that, coffee enthusiasts have developed a wide range of latte variations, using flavors like hazelnut and vanilla.
What is a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is a perfect coffee drink with a single or double shot of espresso at the bottom layer. Steamed milk makes the second layer of the coffee drink. At the top is an airy and thick foam layer that gives the drink a cozy, velvety texture.
When making your cappuccino, you use a ratio of 1:1:1. That means:
- 1/3 of the cup is espresso,
- 1/3 steamed milk,
- 1/3 foam layer.
Is a Cappuccino Stronger Than a Latte?
A latte is NOT stronger than a cappuccino. Instead, both drinks are similar and use the same ingredients: espresso, steamed milk, and foam.
However, what differentiates the two is the ratios of the ingredients used and the textures of the layers.
Regarding caffeine content, both latte and cappuccino have equal amounts of caffeine. That’s because they both contain a single or double shot of espresso.
Even so, you can still increase the caffeine level of each by adding an extra shot of espresso.
That said, the espresso flavor in a cappuccino is much stronger than in a latte. Why is that?
Compared to a latte, a cappuccino uses less milk with extra foam. The higher milk volume in lattes makes them mellow and milky in taste, resulting in a weaker coffee flavor.
Related: Black Coffee vs Americano
Cappuccino vs Latte: Which One Contains More Calories?
On calories, lattes take the lead. You use more milk in lattes than in cappuccinos. Even so, it depends on the type of milk you use.
In a 16-ounce serving size, you get around 190 calories in a latte with whole milk. When you use skim milk for the same amount, you consume about 130 calories.
Again, when you add syrups to sweeten your lattes, they increase the calorie count. The same applies when you add flavorings.
Contrastingly, in a cappuccino’s 16-ounce serving size made with whole milk, there are 140 calories. The same glass size with skim milk contains 80 calories.
All these drive us to one thing: lattes are higher-calorie beverages than cappuccinos. Yet still, you can cut on your calorie intake in both drinks by opting for skim milk instead of whole milk.
Cappuccino vs Latte: What Differentiates the Two?
Let’s now draw a line between the two to find out what makes the coffee drinks different.
Ingredient Ratio
As mentioned earlier, a cappuccino has 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam layer. In contrast, a latte contains 2/3 steamed milk and 1/3 espresso together with a thin microfoam layer on top.
Texture
Cappuccinos contain extra foam by volume compared to lattes. Mostly, you steam the latte milk gently to create a thin microfoam that disappears after a sip or two.
Milk Froth Thickness and Density
The milk froth for cappuccinos is compact, thick, and dense. It covers 1/3 of the cup. That’s why sugar remains on top after pouring into the coffee drink.
On the contrary, milk froth for lattes is less in volume, thinner, and occupies only a tiny section of your latte mug (pictured above).
Milk Quantity
Lattes use higher milk levels than cappuccinos. That makes them have a milky taste.
On the contrary, cappuccinos have less textured milk. As a result, there is a strong espresso flavor in them.
Serving
In most cases, you get your cappuccinos in small porcelain cups of 180 ml placed on a saucer. But lattes come in tall glasses of 240-360 ml.
Although there are places like Starbucks where you can find cappuccinos in large servings.
Flavorings
The tradition for cappuccinos is that they should be simple without flavors. The purpose is to show the perfect blend of espresso with creamy milk. With lattes, you can add flavors and syrups to suit your taste.
Right now, there are many latte variations with added syrups like vanilla.
Cappuccino vs Latte: Which is Healthier?
Cappuccinos and lattes have varied milk and foam amounts, which slightly alter the nutritional value of each.
Furthermore, the milk type you use and the added sweeteners also have an impact on the nutrient value.
With that, cappuccinos tend to be healthier than lattes. That’s because they have less milk, which reduces the number of calories you consume.
Also, they provide your body with safe quantities of proteins, fats, and calories in every serving.
Lattes are healthy drinks too. However, they contain high levels of protein, fats, and calories, which are not safe for your health. In addition, the added sweeteners and sugars also raise the calorie level.
Stay healthy through regular workouts to burn those extra calories you get from lattes. I recommend you do 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily and thank me later.
Final Thoughts
You can never go wrong with your coffee drink choice. I can assure you that both cappuccinos and lattes are delicious, with each having its unique texture and taste.
However, if you want to feel a bolder espresso flavor, go for a cappuccino. But for a tasty, milky coffee drink, don’t think twice about choosing a latte.
