Cappuccino Vs Latte: What is the Difference?

Cappuccino and latte share some ingredients in common. The fact that they are both Espresso drinks also makes us feel hard to tell their differences.

However, real coffee lovers make it at ease. If you’re on the way to become an Espresso aficionado, this article is what you should check. 

We include all the tips to distinguish cappuccino vs latte. Let’s read on to discover these famous drinks. 

Cappuccino Introduction

Cappuccinos are likewise made with espresso and whipped cream. Yet, instead of a thin coating of froth, these beverages contain 13 percent espresso, 13 percent steamed milk, and 13 percent milk foam. Cappuccinos are popular among those who love frothy or foaming espresso beverages.

You can enjoy cappuccinos without any syrup or flavoring. If you're having one, this is another important thing to consider. Cappuccinos are a good alternative to flavored coffee beverages if you want a more classic coffee flavor.

Latte Introduction

A latte is a wonderful espresso drink made with steamed milk. You'll notice a small coating of milk foam on top of your latte when you get it. Latte art is the practice of baristas creating designs in the froth.

The diversity of flavors that can go with latte also makes it popular. The most used flavors are vanilla and eggnog. These tastes provide a layer of complexity to the flavor and go well with espresso.

Ingredients

The primary difference between these beverages is the ingredient proportion.

The barista must establish a precise and pleasant milk-to-espresso ratio with these.

You may use one or two cups of espresso in both beverages. The second cup is more typical in America because they often utilize bigger mugs. 

A latte, on the other hand, will have extra heated milk blended with the espresso. In contrast, a cappuccino has more froth and less milk, and the milk is not blended, resulting in distinct layers.

As a result, a cappuccino will have a considerably stronger espresso flavor. This is because the espresso is less blended and diluted by the heated milk. Because of the distinct layers and thinner foam, it will be sharper.

Cappuccino has a stronger espresso flavor

A latte, on the other hand, will be creamier because of the thicker froth and larger amount of the steamed milk. As a result, you'll get a softer coffee flavor.

Barista importance

Your barista has to understand what they're doing to truly appreciate the differences between the two beverages. However, the preparation of these beverages in many high-volume coffee houses may be wildly uneven, leaving them even more challenging to distinguish.

If milk foams the same way in both beverages, this might be an issue. The froth for a cappuccino should be lighter and airier than that of a latte, which is thicker and creamier. If your cappuccino isn't obtaining that airy feel, have your barista make it drier.

In coffee terms, this means stretching and fluffing the milk a little more during the foaming process to get a more traditional cappuccino to feel.

Caffeine 

Latte and cappuccino, for example, both have the same volume of caffeine. This is because they both use shots of espresso. 

A medium 16-ounce cappuccino and a medium 16-ounce latte both have the amount of 173 mg caffeine in them.

Nutritional value

Cappuccinos and lattes include different quantities of milk and froth. It can significantly affect their nutritional profiles.

The type of milk you use has an impact on their nutritional content. The choice of adding sweeteners or not also matters.

Milk has an impact on coffee nutritional content (1)

Lattes are richer in protein, calories, and fat because they include more milk.

Cappuccinos have less milk than lattes. Yet, they still include a lot of those components per cup.

Artworks

A small distinction is in the artwork. Although latte art is extremely popular, chocolate designs on a cappuccino are fairly frequent. 

Latte art is famous

Of course, they are your beverages. There's nothing stopping you from adding chocolate to your latte if you want to.

Many coffee houses provide powdered tastes with sugar: vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate are common choices for something extra in your coffee. You can also order syrups for your coffee to modify the flavor even further. Different coffee shops may offer you more choices. 

Similarities Between Cappuccino vs Latte

It's intriguing to compare the similarities between a latte and cappuccino, especially as both drinks become more popular and diversified in terms of tastes and milk replacements. 

They both include foamed and heated milk. This is their most striking resemblance.

The proportions of steamed and foamed milk vary in each drink. However, milk is still an essential ingredient in both.

Both beverages can go well with other additions aside from milk. Soy lattes are extremely famous among the younger generation. 

The said combination makes both latte and cappuccino appealing to vegans and those with lactose allergies. This is because they may have a latte or a cappuccino made with nuts or plant-based dairy.

Soy latte is getting more and more popular

The Main Differences Between Cappuccino vs Latte

The key distinction is in texture. A cappuccino contains more froth per volume than an espresso. The froth on your latte, on the other hand, will most certainly vanish within a few sips. The term "latte" implies "milk" in English, which makes it easier to recall which one needs more milk.

Which is Healthier?

Because they both have the same components, there are no definitive health rules determining which is the healthier option.

At the same time, it is very dependent on how you describe a healthy beverage.

A cappuccino has fewer calories compared to a latte. However, it appears to be more acidic because of the stronger coffee.

Cappuccino has lower calories (2)

The latte, on the other hand, is sweeter and creamier. As a result, it is higher in calories, especially with the addition of different syrups to boost tastes. 

Which is Better?

This question varies according to your preference. Before deciding which is the better choice, let’s consider their benefits and drawbacks.

Cappuccino

Pros:

• It's perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, especially when combined with biscotti.
• The taste is rich and strong.
• If it's a summer day, a cup of iced Cappuccino must be a lifesaver.

Cons:

• If you aren't at a specialist coffee shop, it might be more difficult to find than a latte.
• They may be quite sweet. Sometimes the barista sprinkles some raw sugar on the top. 

Latte

Pros:

• A variety of taste syrups may be used to customize it.
• Latte painting is a lot of fun! Let your barista experiment with new techniques.
• Iced versions are frequently offered.
• It's a tall drink. Latte is perfect for heating up on chilly mornings, especially when paired with a muffin or a croissant.

Cons:

• Tastes milder compared to a cappuccino.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cappuccino better for you than a latte?

A latte contains more milk and hence contains more calories. ON the other hand, a cappuccino is somewhat healthier. It's a toss-up since the precise definition changes depending on the coffee shop. Both use full milk, so choose an Americano instead if you care for your health.

Cappuccino vs latte, which coffee is stronger?

Because a cappuccino contains less milk, it has a richer espresso taste.

Cappuccino vs latte, which is easier to make?

These beverages need some equipment, but you may make them with excellent results! To compare, the cappuccino is simpler. You want microfoam, steamed milk, a wet-paint texture in a latte, which is nearly difficult to achieve without the espresso machine. 

Does Cappuccino make you gain weight?

If you drink coffee without any addition, it may help you lose weight by increasing your metabolism and controlling your hunger. 

It can, however, have a detrimental impact on sleep, which can lead to weight gain. Furthermore, many popular coffee beverages and coffee combinations are rich in calories and sugar.

We have shared a comparison between cappuccino and latte. They have some ingredients in common. However, the ratio is different. It makes these two drinks differ in flavor and nutritional content.

Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. 

Thank you for reading!