4 key differences between a latte and a cappuccino

It seems simple, but not knowing how to differentiate between a latte and a cappuccino is more common than you think, as these two types of coffee can appear very similar at first glance and are made up of the same ingredients: a shot of espresso and frothed milk.These two coffee beverages are Italian and very popular, and when a barista puts love, art, and effort into them, they can have different flavors, textures, and finishes; thus, the main difference between a cappuccino and a latte is the proportion in which their ingredients are used.What is a latte?A latte is a creamy drink made from steamed milk. In Italian, latte means milk, so its own name gives us an idea of what is primary in this type of coffee. Specifically, a latte is composed of one-third espresso (one or two shots) and two-thirds steamed milk, topped with a layer of milk foam.There are variations of caffé latte that you may know, such as the mocha latte, which includes chocolate syrup, for example, but there are also drinks called “latte” that do not include coffee, but do include steamed milk, like chai latte.What is a cappuccino?The name cappuccino may be inspired by the Capuchin friars, an Italian order of Franciscan monks, who wore brown robes with long hoods called cappucios; this clothing resembled an espresso mixed with milk. Although it has an Italian name, the first to use the term were the Austrians, but in German, meaning “kapuziner,” which referred to a coffee drink with whipped cream that became so popular it reached Italian cafes, where it transformed with espresso and milk foam thanks to the invention of the espresso machine.A traditional cappuccino consists of 25 milliliters of espresso and 100 milliliters of steamed milk foam, but some cappuccino recipes are prepared with equal parts milk, coffee, and foam. Cappuccinos have more milk than other drinks, like a macchiato or cortado, but less milk than a latte.4 differences between a latte and a cappuccinoNext, we give you the key differences between a latte and a cappuccino:Milk content. The main difference between a latte and a cappuccino is that the former has more milk than the latter, meaning a cappuccino is made with less milk than a latte, but both beverages contain one or two shots of espresso.Flavor. Generally, a latte is creamier than a cappuccino and has a milder coffee flavor because the espresso is mixed with the milk before adding the milk foam. On the other hand, in a cappuccino, the milk does not mix with the espresso, but rather the shot of coffee, milk, and foam are poured one on top of the other in separate layers.Size. Usually, lattes are served in a much larger cup than cappuccinos, as they contain at least double the amount of milk, even when cappuccinos have a layer of foam.Visual result. A simple and current way to identify a cappuccino from a latte is that the latter often has figures made in the milk foam from the coffee, while cappuccinos tend to have their layers well defined and separated.