Flat White vs Cappuccino : Battle of the Espresso-Based Drinks

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If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve probably heard of flat white and cappuccino. These two popular coffee drinks are often compared and debated among coffee enthusiasts. While both drinks have similar ingredients, there are some key differences that set them apart.

Flat white and cappuccino are both espresso-based drinks that originated in Italy. However, they have different ratios of espresso, steamed milk, and foam.

  • A cappuccino typically has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam
  • A flat white has more espresso and less foam, with steamed milk poured over the top

Despite their similarities, flat white and cappuccino have their own unique characteristics that appeal to different tastes. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two popular coffee drinks and help you decide which one is right for you.

Flat White vs Cappuccino

Flat White vs Cappuccino

Taste Comparison

Both flat white and cappuccino are espresso-based drinks with steamed milk. The main difference between flat white and cappuccino is the milk texture and the ratio of espresso to milk.

A flat white has a higher proportion of milk to espresso, resulting in a smoother and creamier taste. The milk is steamed to a microfoam texture, which is velvety and silky.

On the other hand, a cappuccino has a thicker layer of frothed milk on top, giving it a more robust and airy texture. The espresso to milk ratio is usually equal, resulting in a stronger coffee taste.

Caffeine Content

Both flat white and cappuccino have the same amount of caffeine content, which is around 63-71 mg per shot of espresso.

However, since a flat white has more milk, it may have a slightly lower caffeine concentration per ounce than a cappuccino.

Calorie Count

When it comes to calorie count, a flat white is a better option than a cappuccino. A typical flat white has around 120-155 calories, while a cappuccino has around 165-210 calories. The calorie count will obviously vary depending on the type of milk used and the size of the cup.

Price Comparison

The price of a flat white and a cappuccino may vary depending on the location and the coffee shop.

In general, a flat white is slightly more expensive than a cappuccino due to the higher amount of milk used. The price difference may not be significant, but it’s worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.

What is a Flat White?

What is a Flat White

If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve probably heard of the flat white. It’s a popular espresso-based drink that originated in Australia and New Zealand, but has since gained popularity worldwide. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at what a flat white is, its ingredients, and how it’s prepared.

Ingredients

The flat white is made with two shots of espresso and steamed milk. The milk used in a flat white is different from that used in a latte or cappuccino. The milk is steamed to a velvety, silky texture, which creates a smooth and creamy texture that blends well with the espresso. The milk used in a flat white is also less frothy than that used in a cappuccino.

Another key ingredient in a flat white is the espresso. The espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. The result is a concentrated shot of coffee that is strong and flavorful. The quality of the espresso is crucial in making a good flat white.

Preparation

The preparation of a flat white involves a delicate balance of espresso and steamed milk. The two shots of espresso are poured into a small cup, and the steamed milk is added to the espresso. The milk is poured slowly and carefully, so as not to disturb the espresso. The barista will then create a small amount of foam on top of the milk, which is known as microfoam.

The microfoam is what gives the flat white its velvety texture. It’s created by steaming the milk to a specific temperature and texture, which takes practice and skill. The microfoam is then poured on top of the espresso and milk, creating a beautiful and delicious drink.

What is a Cappuccino?

What is a Cappuccino

Ingredients

A cappuccino is a classic Italian coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The traditional recipe calls for equal parts of each ingredient, but many coffee shops and baristas have their own variations. Here are the basic ingredients:

  • 1 shot of espresso (30 ml)
  • 1/3 cup of steamed milk (80 ml)
  • 1/3 cup of milk foam (80 ml)

The quality of the ingredients is crucial to making a great cappuccino. The espresso should be freshly brewed and have a good crema. The milk should be fresh and cold, and the foam should be airy and velvety.

Preparation

The preparation of a cappuccino is an art that requires skill and practice. Here are the basic steps:

  1. Brew a shot of espresso into a preheated cup.
  2. Steam the milk to about 60°C (140°F) and create a microfoam by introducing air into the milk while steaming.
  3. Pour the steamed milk into the cup, holding back the foam with a spoon.
  4. Spoon the milk foam on top of the milk, creating a layered effect.

The key to a good cappuccino is to achieve the right balance between the espresso, the steamed milk, and the milk foam. The espresso should be strong enough to cut through the milk, but not overpower it. The steamed milk should be smooth and velvety, with a sweet and creamy taste. The milk foam should be light and airy, with a delicate texture and a sweet aroma.

Find out about all the different types of coffee drinks in our complete guide.

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