Flat White VS Cappuccino Full Difference, Choose The Best One

Flat White VS Cappuccino is mostly used in Coffee. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve probably heard of flat whites and cappuccinos. Both are espresso-based drinks that are popular around the world. However, there are some key differences between these two beverages that can be confusing to some. 

Here we’ll explore the differences between flat whites and cappuccinos, and provide more information on each drink, so you can make an informed decision the next time you order at your favorite coffee shop.

Flat White VS Cappuccino

In the section below you can find the complete difference between Cappuccino and Flat White. And you are able to choose the best one that you need.

Feature	Flat white	Cappuccino
Milk ratio	1:3	1:2
Foam	Thin layer of microfoam	Thick layer of textured foam
Taste	Stronger coffee flavor	More balanced coffee and milk flavor
Espresso	Ristretto shot	Single or double shot
Origin	New Zealand	Italy
Calories	110-160	140-180
Caffeine	75-100 mg	75-100 mg

What Is A Flat White?

A flat white is a coffee drink that originated in Australia or New Zealand in the 1980s. It’s made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk. The milk is “microfoamed,” which means it’s heated and aerated to create a velvety texture. A flat white has less milk than a latte, and it has a stronger espresso flavor.

What Is A Cappuccino?

It’s made with a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of milk foam on top. The milk foam on top is usually thicker and dryer than the microfoam used in a flat white. A cappuccino has a balanced flavor, with equal parts espresso, milk, and foam.

Flat White Vs Cappuccino Differences

The main difference between Flat White & Cappuccino is, flat white has a stronger coffee flavor and less milk than a cappuccino, which has a more balanced coffee and milk flavor.

Coffee lovers know that there are countless ways to enjoy their favorite beverage, and two popular options are the flat white and the cappuccino. These two drinks may appear to be similar, but they actually differ significantly in some important ways. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between a flat white and a cappuccino in steps that are easy to understand.

The Espresso

The base of both a flat white and a cappuccino is a shot or two of espresso. The espresso is the foundation of the drink, and it’s what provides the strong, concentrated coffee flavor that people love. The espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans, resulting in a small but powerful shot of coffee.

Milk Difference

The next component of both drinks is the milk. However, the way the milk is prepared is where the main difference lies. A cappuccino is typically made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk. The frothed milk is what gives the cappuccino its signature fluffy texture and foamy top layer. In contrast, a flat white is made with steamed milk that has very little foam. This results in a smooth and velvety texture that complements the strong espresso flavor.

The Ratio

Another key difference between the two drinks is the ratio of espresso to milk. A cappuccino typically has a 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk, while a flat white has a higher ratio of espresso to milk. The ratio of espresso to milk in a flat white is around 1:3, which results in a stronger coffee flavor.

Size Difference

The size of the two drinks is also worth mentioning. A cappuccino is typically served in a small, 6-ounce cup, while a flat white is served in a larger, 8-ounce cup. The larger cup for the flat white allows for a higher ratio of milk to espresso, resulting in a smoother texture.

The Taste

Finally, the taste of the two drinks is distinct. A cappuccino has a more balanced flavor, with the espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk all contributing to the taste. In contrast, a flat white has a stronger coffee flavor, with the steamed milk complementing the espresso without overpowering it.

Flat White Vs Cappuccino Calories

Drink Size	Milk Type	Calories in Flat White	Calories in Cappuccino
8 oz (240 ml)	Whole Milk	120	120-140
8 oz (240 ml)	Skimmed or Low-fat Milk	70-80	60-80

It’s important to note that the calorie count may vary based on the size of the cup, the amount of milk used, and any added syrups. If you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, it’s best to go for smaller sizes and less milk. Additionally, both Flat White and Cappuccino can be relatively low in calories, but it’s always best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Flat White Vs Cappuccino Which One Is Stronger

Flat White is a stronger coffee drink than a Cappuccino because it has a higher ratio of espresso to milk. A typical Flat White is made with a double shot of espresso and a small amount of steamed milk, while a Cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk.

The higher ratio of espresso in a Flat White gives it a stronger, bolder flavor with a more intense coffee taste. On the other hand, a Cappuccino has a lighter, creamier flavor due to the added frothed milk.

In summary, if you prefer a stronger coffee taste, go for a Flat White, but if you prefer a milder, creamier taste, a Cappuccino may be the better choice.

How To Make A Flat White

Here are the steps to make a classic flat white:

Heat Your Milk 

Start by heating your milk. For a flat white, you’ll need to steam your milk until it reaches around 65-70°C (149-158°F). Be sure to use fresh, cold milk, and make sure to only fill your milk jug about a third full to allow room for the milk to expand as it heats up.

Brew Your Espresso 

While your milk is heating up, prepare your espresso shots. Use a double shot of espresso for a classic flat white.

Texture Your Milk

 Once your milk has reached the correct temperature, it’s time to texture it. Start by giving the milk jug a couple of taps on the counter to remove any large bubbles, then swirl it around to mix the milk. Position your steam wand just below the surface of the milk and angle the jug to create a whirlpool effect. This will help evenly distribute the foam and texture the milk. Aim to create a smooth, velvety microfoam with no large bubbles.

Pour Your Milk 

Give the milk jug a final swirl to mix the milk and foam, then pour the textured milk over your espresso shots. Aim to create a layered effect, with the microfoam on top and the espresso on the bottom.

Finish And Serve 

Give your flat white a final swirl to mix the espresso and milk, then serve immediately.

How To Make A Cappuccino

Here are the steps to make a classic cappuccino:

Heat Your Milk 

Start by heating your milk. For a cappuccino, you’ll need to steam your milk until it reaches around 60-65°C (140-149°F). Like with the flat white, be sure to use fresh, cold milk and only fill your milk jug about a third full to allow room for the milk to expand.

Brew Your Espresso

While your milk is heating up, prepare your espresso shots. Use a double shot of espresso for a classic cappuccino.

Texture Your Milk

Once your milk has reached the correct temperature, it’s time to texture it. Start by giving the milk jug a couple of taps on the counter to remove any large bubbles, then swirl it around to mix the milk. Position your steam wand just below the surface of the milk and angle the jug to create a whirlpool effect, just like with the flat white. However, for a cappuccino, you’ll need to create more foam than for a flat white. Aim to create a thick, creamy foam with a light, velvety texture.

Pour Your Milk

Give the milk jug a final swirl to mix the milk and foam, then pour the textured milk over your espresso shots. Aim to create a layered effect, with the foam on top, followed by the steamed milk, and the espresso on the bottom.

Finish And Serve

Dust your cappuccino with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon, if desired, then serve immediately.

Which One to Choose?

1. Choosing between a flat white and a cappuccino is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a stronger espresso flavor and a smoother milk texture, go for a flat white. If you prefer a balanced flavor with a frothy texture, go for a cappuccino. It’s also worth noting that a flat white has less milk, so it’s a good option if you’re watching your calorie intake.

Other Espresso-Based Drinks to Try

If you’re a coffee lover, there are many other espresso-based drinks to try. Some popular options include lattes, macchiatos, and Americanos. A latte is similar to a flat white, but it has more milk and less espresso. 

Conclusion

Flat White and Cappuccino are two popular espresso-based drinks that are enjoyed by coffee lovers all over the world. While they have some similarities in terms of their ingredients, there are distinct differences in their preparation, taste, and strength.

Flat White has a higher ratio of espresso to milk, which gives it a stronger, bolder flavor with a more intense coffee taste. On the other hand, Cappuccino has a lighter, creamier taste due to the added frothed milk.

If you prefer a stronger, bolder coffee taste, then the Flat White is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a milder, creamier taste, then the Cappuccino may be the better option.

Finally, it’s important to remember that there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to coffee preferences, and the best way to find your favorite is to experiment and try new things.