Latte Vs Coffee: What are the Differences?

Before making an in-depth comparison of the two drinks, we need to understand their concepts. 

What is Latte? 

A cup of latte usually has a lot of milk

A cafe latte is a combination of espresso and milk. Its main ingredients are similar to other espresso-based drinks like macchiato or cappuccino.

The term latte is derived from the Italian word meaning “caffè e latte” or, more easily understood, as “milk with coffee.” You can find this specialty in almost every coffee shop in Italy.

However, you can find versions of this coffee in some other countries. A few good examples are the German "Milchkaffee" and the French "Café au lait."

The golden ratio for a latte is usually ⅓ espresso and ⅔ steamed milk. Then, the barista will finish with a layer of foam on top.

The milk in the latte makes the taste of this drink delicious and creamy. And because a latte has more milk in it when compared to a cappuccino, it is a heavier beverage.

One great thing about latte cups is the beautiful latte art by talented bartenders. From the heart shape to the adorable cat, I bet you can't take your eyes off your cup.

What is Coffee?

There are many types of coffee around the world

The term “coffee” is so universal that it can describe any caffeinated drink, but we most commonly think of espresso.

By forcing pressurized hot water through finely-ground coffee beans with an espresso machine, you can create your very own espresso. Some of the most popular types of coffee beans today are arabica and robusta.

However, depending on the brewing method, we can get different results.

The most significant difference between latte and coffee probably lies in their preparation. By checking the recipe and ingredients of the drink, you can get the basic taste and texture.

The following section will give you an overview of how to prepare latte and coffee.

How to Prepare a Latte

How to make a cup of latte

If you've never had a latte before, consider ordering one at your favorite coffee shop. Either way, you need to have an accurate grasp of their taste so you can practice yourself at home.

With a few devices, you can make yourself a delicious latte.

Step 1: First, pour some milk into the bottle. Continue pouring until the amount of milk is equal to the spout of the bottle.

Step 2: Heat the milk with your coffee maker using a wand steamer.

Step 3: At the same time, you should prepare your espresso with your coffee machine.

Step 4: Continue heating the hot milk for 30 to 45 seconds until the milk temperature reaches 130 - 140 ℉.

Step 5: Let the milk settle and focus on making the espresso. It will also give the milk a chance to thicken.

Step 6: After pulling the espresso, add a little milk to prevent the bitter taste. Alternatively, you can pour milk into your espresso cup.

Step 7: Start adding whipped milk to your espresso. However, do it slowly so as not to break the texture.

Step 8: The last part of leaving the jar will be the foam part. If you find it difficult, you can use a spoon to remove the foam more easily.

And that's it! The result you get is a caffeinated drink with lots of milk and some coffee. In addition, there will be a thin layer of foam on the rim of the glass. Remember that this foam will not be as hard or thick as the foam on a cappuccino.

If you're committed to a plant-based diet or are allergic to dairy, try a latte with a milk alternative. A few good examples are almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.

How to Brew Coffee

There are three ways to brew your coffee at home.

How to make drip coffee

Drip Coffee

Drip coffee is probably one of the most popular types of coffee today.

Originating from Germany, this coffee first appeared between 1908 and the 1950s. Today, it is mainly loved by Americans.

Unlike other types of coffee where one has to compress or soak the beans in hot water, you can make drip coffee by running hot water over ground coffee in a filter. Drip coffee is so popular because it's cheap, easy to make, and reproducible.

You can also make drip coffee without a filter. All thing you need to do is directly pour water into the coffee grounds.

Or you can also use an electric coffee maker to save time and effort. These machines incorporate a larger blower, carafe, and a larger coffee basket. As a result, you can brew multiple cups of coffee at once.

The term "drip" both describes how drip coffee is made and distinguishes it from other types of coffee. In the US, the word coffee refers to drip coffee. If you go to other countries, this term will probably be an espresso.

Moka Pot

In fully equipped kitchens, you will quickly recognize the presence of Moka pot. They are beautiful and convenient!

The way to use this little tool is to add cold water to the bottom chamber. You will then add 15 to 17 grams of finely ground coffee to its upper filter. Screw everything together but don't be too tight.

Bring the Moka pot to medium heat and open the lid. When the stream turns golden, carefully remove the pot from the heat and close the lid.

The coffee you get from the Moka pot will have a much higher concentration than the drip coffee. So you can add a little milk or dilute it with hot water for easy drinking.

Moka pots will come in different sizes. Depending on your needs, they can serve from one to eighteen 50 ml coffee servings.

Please consider the need reasonably. You don't want to constantly repeat the preparation if you accidentally buy a small Moka pot.

French Press

Like the Moka pot, the French press, also known as the Cafetiére, is a trendy coffee maker.

Using this machine is also very easy and convenient.

First, you need to put the desired amount of coffee grounds into the empty cup. Next, pour in hot water from 93–96°C. The recommended ratio for this recipe would be 17 US fl oz (500ml) of water for 30 grams of coffee grounds.

You need to incubate this mixture for two to four minutes. Then you can lower the plunger slowly.

It is best to enjoy your cup of coffee immediately after making it. Leaving brewed coffee in the chamber for too long will make it bitter.

Depending on your taste, add milk and water!

Comparison of Latte and Coffee 

Sometimes, we choose our drinks according to our mood. You can have a latte the day before but go with espresso the next day. There are several flavors or character factors that will influence your decision.

So, latte vs. coffee, what are the differences?

Latte and coffee comparisons

Strength 

As we all know, the latte is a combination of black coffee and milk. This recipe also holds for some other caffeinated drinks like cappuccino or macchiato.

Typically, coffee shops will only use one or two shots of espresso in your latte. So, there is a limit to the number of coffee grounds in a coffee bed. You won't have much choice in terms of density. Anyway, that's the recipe.

In addition, the main ingredient being steamed milk will dilute the strength of the caffeine.

In contrast, you have more freedom when making drip coffee or using Moka pot or French press devices. They will have coffee volume limits depending on the size. Usually, with a small amount, you can ultimately add or reduce coffee to suit personal preferences.

Taste 

An excellent standard cup of coffee will have a balance between sweetness and sourness. Flavors and aromas range from chocolate and nuts to fruit and flowers. It would help if you chose ripe and quality coffee beans to bring about results like this.

Bitterness, of course, is always present in a cup of coffee. However, do not let it overwhelm the taste of the entire drink.

In contrast, a latte usually tastes quite milky. The main reason is that it has two times more milk than other types of coffee. And usually, the latte is much colder.

You will still spot a subtle espresso flavor. However, the acidic bite will be tough to detect. As a result, the drink has become one of the most accessible on the market.

A latte will taste much better if you add a little syrup that tastes like caramel, vanilla, or chocolate. The creamy milk combined with the light espresso flavor will enhance the other flavors.

Convenience

While ordering a latte may seem convenient, there's nothing quite like making your coffee at home. Usually, you will need a lot of tools to be able to make a standard latte. So, most people's choice is to drink it at the shop.

In contrast, making coffee at home seems too simple for any of us. Another advantage is that it is a lot cheaper.

However, in the end, the decision is still yours. There are times when you will want to go for a walk and rest at a coffee shop. Here, a sweet latte will make your afternoon more comfortable than ever.

But there will be times when you don't want to go anywhere but stay home and enjoy. After that, you can sip a cup of coffee brewed to your liking.

Both ways are great. They all depend on you!

Is there anything else you would like to know more about latte and coffee? Let's learn more in this section.

You should take some notes when preparing for a latte

Is latte bad for your health?

Because a latte contains more sugar and fat than regular coffee, it will also have more calories. The main reason is that the main ingredient of latte is milk.

If you want to cut down on fat or animal milk, use dairy alternatives.

How much caffeine is in a cup of latte?

Compared to regular coffees, such as drip coffees, lattes contain less caffeine.

People estimate that each shot of espresso will include about 75 milligrams of caffeine. If you want to know how many shots are in your latte, ask the bartender.

Generally, golden or light roasted coffees will contain less caffeine than dark roasted coffees. Be aware of this and let the staff know in advance if you have special requests.

Can you use regular coffee when preparing a latte?

Usually, you will need one or two shots of espresso for a standard good latte. However, if you replace it with regular strong coffee, some people will not notice the difference.

The consistency of milk is also an essential factor for a good latte. So, if you want to make a latte at home, get a device that can make steamed milk.

Iced latte and coffee, what is the difference?

The disparity between an iced latte and iced coffee lies in the type of coffee you use. While iced latte uses espresso, iced coffee uses drip coffee.

One note for you is that the iced latte will not retain the soft foam like a regular latte.

So, latte vs. coffee, which will you choose?
Drip coffee will be a good choice for its strong taste and convenience. But, there are times when you will love the sweet scent and soft foam of the latte.
To be able to make the best coffee, we recommend that you equip the right equipment. You can look in our directory to find helpful articles.
Thank you for reading!