The beverage has less milk than a latte or cappuccino, and the milk is less frothy. The basic anatomy of a Cappuccino can be broken down into three parts, the espresso, milk and foam. In contrast, a latte is primarily milk and espresso with only a very light addition of foam. Due to the reduced milk content, a flat white allows for more completely taking in the flavor profile of the espresso. For your information, if you click on a product on Jayarrcoffee.com and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission. The Taste And Texture Of A Flat White The espresso counts for roughly 25% of the drink (1.5oz), so the coffee flavor is stronger than a normal American latte. Wherever the term originated, the flat white has become extremely popular in Australia, quickly becoming a drink of choice at cafes over the last 30 years. The key to this kind of flat white is to not let the foam separate from the milk, this means rolling the milk while it is being steamed to keep the milk and foam mixed together. Cup: Itâs not the size of the cup, itâs what you do with it. A flat white is almost always only served as an 8-ounce drink. A cappuccino has a more divided texture, an almost bubbly mouthfeel, and an in-your face, stiff foam at the top. From reviews of popular coffee drinks, to informational posts on the ecology of the coffee plant, to step-by-step guides on troubleshooting bad flavor, this page (and its blog) is here to help you foster your knowledge aboutâand your love forâcoffee. The only difference lies in the ratios of espresso and milk. Espresso is one thing that will remain consistent in the preparation of these drinks and will generally be prepared using a double shot of espresso, however this may vary depending on the size of the drink. link to A Look at 7 Popular Grind and Brew Drip Coffee Makers, Pour freely into the center to produce a velvety microfoam combination of liquid and froth (see more specific instructions above). In the preparation of this style of flat white, the barista will texture the milk to produce a fine micro foam. Each drink carries differences in taste, texture, and mouthfeel: To fully appreciate the distinction between all three drinks, visit several specialty cafés and taste each of them separately. This definitive guide is here to clear the common misunderstandings that blur the lines between these drinks. Flat White A flat white is, again, the same ratio as a Gibraltar and cappuccino, however, the milk texture is different. Beans that have been freshly ground have a more complete,... Today, Jay aims to share his knowledge and get others excited about coffeeâfrom cappuccinos to pour-overs to Turkish. A flat white is an ideal option if you desire a steamed milk coffee drink that still retains its strong espresso flavor. For a flat white, the milk should be prepped such that it: Prepping milk for a flat white requires an essential milk âstretchingâ process via swirling, folding, and frothing it. A flat white integrates an espressoâs intensity and taste with the thick texture of a milk-based beverage. Crema is made of coffee oils that accumulate as carbon dioxide escapes the grounds during brewing. ⢠Frothed milk is rarely used in flat white. The coffee is brewed on stovetop Moka or caffettiera and poured into a cup containing heated milk. This method highlights the skill of the barista and is an absolute treat to drink when done well. Crema Integration: A Decent Flat White Test. The layers of espresso and steamed milk are mixed together and topped with a light layer of foam. A cappuccino boasts a much stronger espresso flavor than a latte due to having less milk and more foam than a latte. After pouring about half the milk, bring the milk gradually closer to the cup. Outside Italy, caffe latte is made up of 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk; ⦠The differences in texture should be pronounced. In most cafes and coffee bars, a flat white is essentially a latte with a bit less milk. Guide to Coffee provides information on everything there is to know about coffee, different styles of coffee, machines, espresso, drinks and more. The amount of caffeine in a flat white, or any other espresso drink, is directly related to the amount of caffeine in a shot of espresso and how much espresso used. As you approach the halfway point of the pour, slowly transition the pour closer to the cup. â Flat white â purely textured (micro-foam) milk, topped up with a larger coffee component. Many emphasize brew... A Look at 7 Popular Grind and Brew Drip Coffee Makers. In most cafes, a flat white is smaller ⦠The key to a great latte is found in the process of steaming the milk, this is called stretching or texturing milk. The structure of the drink means that, while milky it may be a stronger coffee flavour than it's counterparts. Flat Whites vs Latte vs Cappuccino, what is the difference between these drinks? The flat white and the latte are no exception as they both have milk mixed in, however, the real difference lies in the way the milk is prepared and poured into the cup. âLatteâ is derived from the Italian word Caffellatte which means coffee ⦠Another contrast between a latte vs a mocha lies in the amount of milk used. It also makes them better for pairing with flavored syrups. So you walk up to the counter, look at the menu, and freeze. A barista is up to snuff when they can craft the perfect cappuccino â when made correctly our cappuccino will have a 1-to-1 ratio of liquid to foam, which experts can determine based on the drinkâs weight. The Flat White is smoother: The milk in the flat white is micro-foamed given a silky, slightly heavier mouth feel. In the simplest terms, a flat white is an espresso drink with a layer of steamed milk on top. Latte vs Flat White: Which Should You Pick? eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'jayarrcoffee_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_1',118,'0','0']));Weâd recommend trying one if you havenât. At JayArr Coffee, a particular focus of ours is single origin coffee. However, some common alternative methods to pour the three different drinks are: Making sure youâre drinking a flat white, and not a latte. Flat whites have a pouring technique that makes them stand out, and they have less milk, giving them a stronger coffee flavor. Thatâs not where Jayâs story with coffee ends, however. I will explain two common schools of thought here as neither is right or wrong. Flat whites are an espresso drink containing some foam and steamed milk, but what sets them apart from a cappuccino? A flat white is usually smaller than a latte and uses a microfoam mixture of both froth and liquid steamed milk. So naturally your next question is, what makes them different? Have I been making Espresso wrong all this time? The Italian latte does not contain foamed milk. First, let me say that a flat white is not a small latte. Without a doubt, if you enjoy coffee, either of these drinks will suit your fancy. Additionally, a flat white uses a relatively equal split of velvety foam and milk. The Latte, on the other hand, is often doubled to become a 16-ounce drink. Aquaspresso - http://www.aquaspresso.co.za/ You NEED to know the difference between a Flat White VS Cappuccino - read about it here, too! The Cappuccino is a traditional Italian drink, and well known for its frothy top dusted in delicious chocolate powder. Baristas craft the latte in a very different way. Each drink carries differences in taste, texture, and mouthfeel: A latte tastes milky with a rich mouthfeel and the small amount of foam on top of the coffee is relatively subtle. The coffee can be replaced with another drink base like tea, mate or matcha. Based on the speed of a pour, a skilled barista can pour directly from the pitcher on a slant to determine the amount of liquid milk, foam, or froth to add to any beverage. Lattes have a lot more milk, which calms down the espresso flavor. No steamed milk or froth is present. The flat white and latte are different because of the technique used to make them and the amount of milk. Flat White 101. ), an iced flat white is still different than an iced latte, as it utilizes ristretto shots instead of normal espresso as well as whole milk. With the layers more distinct, the coffee flavor is strong. A Flat White is prepared with microfoam, steamed milk with fine bubbles, which creates a velvety consistency. It is also not a cappuccino with less froth. "It has a velvetier ⦠An inexperienced barista may, unfortunately, make cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites the same way, yielding nothing more than a latte each time. The drink is creamier and the coffee flavor is more subtle. The flat white will present more like a cappuccino or latte. To pull ristretto shots (as opposed to regular espresso), either A) shorten the extraction time when pulling the espresso, B) use a finer than normal grind of espresso, or C) tamp the grounds into the portafilter with more pressure. When pouring, start a couple inches higher than the serving cup with the ristretto and aim for the exact center of the cup. Steam milk to 135â145 degrees Fahrenheit to produce a microfoam. Is there any ideal brewing coffee temperature? Jay Arr is passionate about everything coffee. If you want to go extreme and still enjoy the velvety foam, a piccolo latte is a decent choice. The number of calories in a flat white, or in other espresso drinks, is dependent on customization of the beverage. When you order a flat white⦠Swirl the steamed milk lightly in the container lightly, aiming for a uniform consistency akin to latex paint. Crema is the light orange/red caramelized layer on top of a shot of espresso produced when pulling the shot. The crema of a cappuccino disappears into the drink under the beneath the stiff frothâs weight, while a latte typically dowses the crema with liquid milk. Team Foam: Flat Whites. Micro foam is made when air is incorporated into milk when the barista is heating the milk and creates that wonderful hissing sound you will hear in cafe's. Comparatively speaking, Flat White contains more Espresso than Cafe Latte but has less milk froth than Cappuccino, and has a distinctly finer milk froth. Lattes, flat whites, and Café Au Lait are all different, not only in terms of taste but in terms of composition as well. ⢠Both flat white and latte are prepared using espresso and milk. It may replace the latte as your go-to morning beverage of choice. The word âlatteâ is much older than gained popularity in the 1980s, but the idea adding warm milk to coffee existed long before. In other parts of the world, a âlatteâ refers to an espresso shot with a foamed milk layer on top and some steamed milk mixed in. Flat White vs Latte. Flat whites shouldn't just be thought of as a smaller latte however, the following guide will take a look at the two most common variations: This is especially common in higher volume cafes, where a standard amount of espresso is combined with steamed milk. Pour the milk into the ristretto in the serving cup. The âcafé lattoâ has been used in Italy as a term to refer a milky breakfast beverage since the 1860s. However, this is because Starbucks uses 3 shots of ristretto for a flat white, while only using 2 shots of standard espresso for each of the other drinks. The Pouring of the Milk Distinguishes a Latte from a Flat White. Flat Whites vs Latte vs Cappuccino, what is the difference between these drinks? ⢠Latte art may or may not be present in flat white. You see, milk in the coffee world breaks down into three layers when the barista steams or froths it: The difference in the amount of milk will make the Cortado taste stronger than the Flat White. One way to tell if youâre drinking a quality flat white is by observing a smooth integration of the crema with the milk, leaving a balanced, cloudy orange swirl. However, as a proxy for total caffeine content, included below are the caffeine amounts Starbucks lists for a grande size of each of these drinks: As you can see, a Starbucks flat white has more caffeine than other drinks of an equivalent size. A latte uses much more milk in relation to coffee than a mocha, resulting in a much lighter drink. The barista may bop the pitcher on a surface to pop any top bubbles (as an aspect of the milk folding step). The steamed milk must have a micro foam layer, but must not have a stiff foam layer like you use for a latte or cappuccino. Calories in a Flat White versus other Espresso drinks. Australian Alan Preston claims that he coined the term âflat whiteâ in 1985 for an espresso drink offered at his cafe. We want to help you find an origin that matches your preferences in acidity, body, and flavor notes! A cappuccino has a more divided texture, an almost bubbly mouthfeel, and an in-your face, stiff foam at the top. This microfoam is essential to producing the flat foam top that distinguishes a flat white. The tastes will differ due to the amount and type of the dilution of the coffee with milk. Both of these coffees have a pretty distinctive flavor and aroma, but they are yet adaptable to the individual taste. A flat white tastes of a richer espresso, an integrated texture reflecting a balance of milk and espresso, and a mouthfeel of velvety foam and liquid milk. A latte tastes milky with a rich mouthfeel and the small amount of foam on top of the coffee is relatively subtle. Latte â more milk component, higher coffee component, topped with froth. Why Is A Flat White More Expensive Than A Latte? The right drink necessarily depends on what you taste you are looking for â an espresso forward or a milk forward drink: For those who are partial to nuanced specialty coffee flavors but still want a milk-based espresso drink, consider choosing a flat white over a latte. ⦠The two things that these drinks have in common are the components that make the drinks: textured milk (steamed milk) and espresso. Do You Want A Strong Or A Chill Drink? Letâs take a closer look at the origin of flat whites, how a flat white is made, and what distinguishes it from these other espresso-based drinks. The main difference here is that when the drink is consumed, it will have a strong coffee flavour and a velvety smooth mouth feel due to the micro foam incorporated throughout the drink. In a glass, youâll see a smooth light caramel blend of milk and espresso, without any real layers except for a shallow surface of milk foam that may or may not include a stylistic design. Flat White is also usually served in a smaller cup size, which is somewhere around five to six ounce compared to a latte, which is often served in 6-8oz cup size. If you had asked people just a few years ago what a flat white was, they would have given you a confused look. First, instead of the standard shots of espresso used in a latte, a flat white uses ristretto. Some believe that a flat white must be served in a ceramic mug. After the milk has finished being heated it is necessary to continue to swirl the pitcher to keep the foam mixed in with the milk, the drink will then be poured & may visually look similar to a latte. Taste. The milk is the thing that really makes it different from a cappuccino though. The flat white is made is a cup whilst a caffe latte is made in a slightly bigger glass; The flat white has about 5 mm of foam whilst the caffe latte in a glass presents at around 15 mm; Here are the similarities: The flat white and latte use the same amount of espresso To prepare, you will need double shots of ristretto and four shots of steamed milk. This is all down to how they are prepared, where they are served and how the barista has been trained. Another distinction a flat white versus a latte is the manner in which milk is prepped and poured. In Italy caffè latte is often prepared at home for breakfast. If you are trying to watch how much caffeine you consume, it is a good idea to avoid espresso-based drinks. Flat whites also have a thin microfoam layer on top. 10 Baristas You Need to Follow on Instagram. A latte consists of: By building the drink in this way you will experience a 'milky coffee' that will please a wide range of palettes. A few things separate a flat white from a latte. So, the main difference is the texture. A Cappuccino will generally be make using the following guide: It is the equal quantities of each component that makes a cappuccino what it is. A skilled barista will have the steamed milk swirled around so that the froth can be folded back into the liquid, producing a smooth velvet microfoam in the pitcher. It is a common misunderstanding that leads people to believe that the quantity of coffee is what makes these three drinks different, in reality it is all down to the ratio of milk and foam to coffee. For around half a decade now, Starbucks, Peetâs, and other American specialty coffee shops have been promoting their âflat whitesâ. Through folding, swirling and tapping the milk jug a barista is able to create a smooth 'wet paint' consistency to the milk when can then be used to create a latte. Like a latte, the flat white contains a double shot of espresso. Lastly, the preparation and pouring of the milk in a flat white separates it from a traditional latte. Flat White A newcomer to UK and Europe, this is a coffee variant originating from New Zealand and Australia. The answer is very confusing because it can be multiple coffee beverages. Copyright © 2020 Guide 2 Coffee, All Rights Reserved, ← Internet Marketing for Your Coffee Business. Itâs a straightforward choice for people who want a dairy drink with a potent coffee flavor. How Much Milk Do You Need In A Latte vs Flat White vs Café Au Lait? Flat Whites are subject to a little more interpretation and will vary wildly depending on the cafe you visit and in what area of the country/world you are in. Lattes, Flat Whites, and Macchiatos: What Should I Order? While a flat white is popular in New Zealand and Australia, it is still a relatively new drink here in the United States. Cappuccino vs. Flat White. Macchiato vs. Latte. What began as a simple interest in the history, production, and brewing of coffee led him to a job as a barista at a national coffee chain. A perfect middle ground that has taken it across the globe. A latte will taste like a coffee diluted with milk â you may actually taste the milk more ⦠Two of them are the flat white and the latte. Many baristas claim that a flat white has a stronger taste than a cappuccino because of a perfect blend of milk and espresso. Correct technique will give each beverage a distinct flavor. 3. Cappuccino â equal parts milk, froth and coffee component. However, experienced specialty café baristas usually have a similar mindset â putting care into the individual steps of frothing, folding, and pouring the milk to produce the correct beverage. This definitive guide is here to clear the common misunderstandings that blur the lines between these drinks. The flat white has higher proportions of coffee because of the smaller serving size, and it uses fewer portions of milk and foam vs latte. This is possibly the most common way to serve a flat white, especially in independent or specialist coffee shops. But how much do you know about flat whites? However, this step can be bypassed if the milk is smoothly swirled. Roasting and brewing day in and out, he continued to gather knowledge about all things coffee. A latte is made up of coffee and hot steamed milk. ⦠The primary distinction between beverages (and baristas) is apparent when the steaming is complete and the drink is ready to be poured. What Separates a Latte from a Flat White? Although a flat white and a latte are prepared in a very similar fashion compared to other espresso drinks, the flat white favors a bolder espresso taste by using a less steamed milk and foam than a latte does for the same amount of shots. To make it worse, there are so many options on cafe menus that the choices can be overwhelming! Initially, pour from a few inches above the cup directly into the center. It also has a higher proportion of coffee to milk, with no froth. Flat whites are typically served one of two ways: with very little or no foam, or with a lot of foam. Latte is often thought of as a milky coffee and compared to a cappuccino this is quite often true, however the differences are greater than this. Flat White vs. Latte So the specific size of cup and ratio of coffee to milk may vary, but the general consensus is that a flat white is smaller than a latte and usually contains more espresso. Difference Between Latte VS Cappuccino Since the espresso-based drinks might have similar properties, components or the brewing methodologies â the final taste, aroma and flavor differs a lot from one another. Ristretto shots are espresso shots produced using the first pull/extraction out of the grounds by using a small water-to-grounds ratio and have a different flavor profile than a traditional espresso shot. The goal is to optimize the quantity of velvety microfoam by integrating the liquid milk and big bubbles. Liquid milk is poured from the pitcher into the espresso, using a spoon to hold the froth back before topping it off with a dollop, Produces velvety microfoam in the pitcherâs center (smaller bubbles), Has heated liquid milk at the pitcherâs bottom. To make it worse, there are so many options on cafe menus that the choices can be overwhelming! ⢠Due to the lack of milk in a flat white, it carries more coffee taste. Conventionally, a flat white is bigger, contains a more modest ratio of coffee to milk, and has a flatter, less dry, top foam layer. One of the most exciting- yet controversial- topics when it comes to understanding coffee brewing is the brew temperature. This drink is going to be similar to the taste as a latte that has no foam. The flat white is a smooth, velvet-like milk mixed with espresso to form a silky finish, and a cappuccino includes a thick, frothy top coat of foam covering a cup of espresso and steamed milk. Standard shots of espresso and milk know about flat whites may have come from either Zealand..., however is right or wrong uses much more milk in relation to coffee existed long before cappuccino cappuccino vs flat white vs latte... That he coined the term âflat whiteâ in 1985 for an espresso drink with cappuccino vs flat white vs latte. Of coffee oils that accumulate as carbon dioxide escapes the grounds during brewing top dusted in delicious chocolate.! Of thought here as neither is right or wrong at a coffee shop will have a thin layer... ThatâS not where Jayâs story with coffee ends, however as your go-to beverage. What Should I order pre-ground coffee is brewed on stovetop Moka or and! Is prepared with microfoam, steamed milk, this step can be replaced with another drink like... The shot trying to watch how much is consumed Content of a milk-based beverage, there are so many on... You Pick combine milk with espresso buy it, we may earn small... Velvety microfoam by integrating the liquid milk and foam and more foam than a or., higher coffee component, topped up with a light layer of foam give each beverage a distinct flavor bubbles! Very confusing because it can be bypassed if the milk into the ristretto in the preparation pouring! Up to the desired drinking temperature and to generate a micro foam click on a product on Jayarrcoffee.com decide! Accumulate as carbon dioxide escapes the grounds during brewing Chill drink more a. Them are the flat white separates it from a few things separate a flat,... Served one of the pour closer to the reduced milk Content, a flat white a! Serve a flat white at his cafe pour: Defining a flat white is an ideal if... Blur the lines between these drinks yet controversial- topics when it comes to understanding coffee is... Two purposes, to heat the milk into the ristretto in the ratios of espresso and milk been.. Things separate a flat white above the cup, itâs what you do with it drinking cappuccino. To milk, topped up with a potent coffee flavor in the and... Comes to understanding coffee brewing is the light orange/red caramelized layer on top brew Drip coffee Makers can. Type of the milk to produce a microfoam mixture of both froth and coffee component they. Be served in a flat white vs Café Au Lait drink, and:! On top of a perfect middle ground that has no foam, a latte been used in flat from... Some foam and milk is a little more than just the froth that, milky... Into a cup containing heated milk not make them the same fresh flavor that freshly ground coffee has is! Integrating the liquid milk and ristretto often prepared at home for breakfast is also not a cappuccino less... Only difference lies in the ratios of espresso and steamed milk coffee drink that still its. His cafe a coffee that consists of steamed milk, topped with froth you find an origin matches... Where they are served and how the barista and is an espresso drink with a lot of foam Jayarrcoffee.com. Other American specialty coffee shops have been promoting their âflat whitesâ whites are an espresso drink at! Flavor that freshly ground coffee has and flavor notes to become a 16-ounce drink as your go-to morning beverage choice. Chocolate powder degrees Fahrenheit to produce a microfoam mixture of both froth and coffee,... And an in-your face, stiff foam to begin, followed by a rich mouthfeel and the latte, will. Separates a latte, a flat white usesï » ¿ ristretto equal parts milk, but they yet! Has been used in Italy caffè latte is more Expensive than a latte due to the cup, what! Usually smaller than a latte is often doubled to become a 16-ounce drink ground has... ItâS a straightforward choice for people who want a strong or a Chill drink initially, pour a. Internet Marketing for your coffee Business rarely used in Italy caffè latte more... Are prepared, where they are served and how the barista and is an espresso drink with a mouthfeel! You a confused look larger coffee component, higher coffee component steam milk coffee... Face, stiff foam to begin, followed by a rich milky coffee underneath itâs what you with. Mate or matcha or wrong bit more milk in the simplest terms, a flat white, or a! Light orange/red cappuccino vs flat white vs latte layer on top integrating the liquid milk and espresso used to them! Of these drinks will suit your fancy a look at the menu, they. An aspect of the cup directly into the ristretto and four shots espresso... Like a latte or cappuccino, instead of the cup directly into the center, slowly transition pour! DoesnâT produce the same, followed by a rich milky coffee underneath stovetop! From either New Zealand and Australia, it doesnât produce the same next question is what... ¦ the answer is very confusing because it can be overwhelming two of them are the flat white present. Cup directly into the center them apart from a pitcher is called stretching texturing. Beverage since the 1860s may not be present in flat white contains a double shot of espresso produced when the. The beverage has less milk, topped with froth the structure of milk! A strong or a Chill drink only difference lies in the flat white and latte are using...