What’s the Difference Between a Flat White and a Latte? Key Comparisons Explained
A flat white and a latte differ mainly in size, milk texture, and coffee strength. A flat white uses less milk with a thin layer of microfoam, so the espresso tastes stronger, while a latte has more milk and a creamier foam layer, which softens the flavour. Both drinks start with espresso from an espresso machine, but the milk ratio changes how each one feels and tastes.
You notice the difference as soon as a barista prepares them. A latte usually comes in a larger cup, often 10–16 ounces, which means more steamed milk and a smoother, milder taste. A flat white, on the other hand, is smaller at around 5–6 ounces, so the espresso remains bold and more pronounced.
Choosing between the two depends on how much you want the coffee to stand out. If you prefer a stronger espresso flavour with silky milk, the flat white makes sense. If you want a longer drink with a creamier texture, the latte offers that balance.
Key Takeaways
- A flat white has less milk and a stronger espresso flavour
- A latte is larger with creamier milk and foam
- The choice depends on whether you want bold or smooth coffee
Flat White Vs Latte — The Key Difference
A flat white and a latte both use espresso coffee and steamed milk, but they differ in texture, proportions, and strength. These differences affect how each drink feels on your palate, how much milk softens the espresso, and how intense the flavour tastes.
Texture and Mouthfeel
According to Tank Coffee, texture defines how each drink feels as you sip it. A flat white uses micro-foamed milk, which creates a silky and velvety surface that blends seamlessly with the espresso shot. This method produces a smooth layer with very fine bubbles, so the milk integrates rather than sitting separately.
A latte, by contrast, has a thicker layer of foamed milk on top. The foam is more airy and bubbly, which gives the drink a lighter, creamier mouthfeel. The separation between steamed milk and foam also creates a distinct tiered structure.
Because of these contrasts, a flat white feels denser and more uniform, while a latte feels softer and more cushioned. This difference directly shapes how you perceive the espresso flavour beneath the milk.
Ratio of Coffee to Milk
The ratio of espresso to hot milk is the most defining factor. A flat white usually contains a double espresso shot with a smaller volume of milk, so coffee dominates the drink. The smaller serving size, often around 150–180 ml, ensures the espresso remains the focal point.
A latte uses more steamed milk, often reaching 200–250 ml or more. This higher milk content dilutes the espresso, which means the flavour tastes milder and less concentrated. The milk also adds sweetness that balances the natural bitterness of coffee.
The difference can be summarised:
| Drink | Espresso shots | Milk volume | Typical size |
| Flat White | 1–2 | Less milk | 150–180 ml |
| Latte | 1–2 | More milk | 200–250 ml |
This ratio directly determines whether you taste coffee first or milk first.
Overall Strength and Intensity
Strength depends on both caffeine concentration and flavour intensity. A flat white feels stronger because the higher coffee-to-milk ratio allows the espresso to stand out more clearly. The smaller cup size means each sip carries more concentrated flavour.
A latte feels gentler since the additional steamed milk softens the espresso. The larger serving size spreads the same espresso shot across more liquid, which lowers perceived intensity. The foam on top also adds a creamy layer that further reduces sharpness.
As a result, you will find a flat white more robust and direct, while a latte leans towards mildness and balance. The choice depends on whether you prefer bold espresso flavour or a smoother, milk-forward drink.
What Is a Flat White?
A flat white is a coffee drink that combines a concentrated base of espresso with steamed milk that has a smooth, silky texture. It is smaller than a latte, contains less milk, and allows the flavour of the coffee to remain more pronounced.
Origins of the Flat White
The flat white is widely associated with Australia and New Zealand, with both countries claiming its invention. Many accounts trace its popularity to Melbourne in the 1980s, where cafés sought to create a milk-based drink that highlighted espresso rather than masking it.
The drink developed as a response to cappuccinos, which often had thick foam and chocolate dusting. Coffee drinkers wanted something smoother and less frothy, so the flat white became a practical alternative.
Over time, the flat white spread internationally through café chains and independent shops. Its rise reflected the growing interest in espresso-based beverages that balance strength with texture.
Espresso-to-Milk Ratio
A flat white typically uses a double shot of espresso as its base, which means the coffee flavour is strong and concentrated. The ratio of coffee to milk is higher than in a latte, so the espresso remains the dominant taste.
In practice, this ratio usually looks like:
- 1 part espresso (double shot)
- 2 parts steamed milk
This balance ensures the milk softens the espresso’s sharpness without drowning it. As a result, the flat white appeals to people who prefer a stronger coffee taste but still want the creaminess of milk.
The ratio also makes the drink smaller than a latte, which is why it is often chosen by those who want a shorter, more focused coffee.
Microfoam Texture Explained
The defining feature of a flat white is its microfoam. This is created by steaming milk until it forms very small, fine bubbles that give a velvety texture. Unlike the thick foam in a cappuccino, microfoam is thin and blends seamlessly with the espresso.
The milk is poured in a way that integrates with the crema, so the drink has a smooth surface without a heavy layer of froth. This method creates a balance where the coffee flavour is preserved and the milk adds body.
Because of the microfoam, the flat white feels creamy without being overly airy. It also allows for latte art, which is common in cafés that serve this style of drink.
Typical Serving Size
A flat white is usually served in a smaller cup than a latte, often around 150–180 ml. By contrast, a latte is commonly 240 ml or more, which means it contains significantly more milk.
The smaller size ensures the espresso remains concentrated and does not get diluted. This is why a flat white is often considered stronger in taste even though it uses the same amount of coffee as a latte.
Serving size also affects how you drink it. A flat white cools more quickly, so it is often consumed faster, whereas a latte is designed for slower sipping. This difference is practical and shapes how each drink is enjoyed in cafés.
What Is a Latte?
A latte combines espresso with a generous amount of steamed milk, topped with a light layer of foamed milk. It is larger, creamier, and milder than many other espresso-based drinks, so it appeals to those who prefer a smoother taste with less emphasis on the sharpness of coffee.
Origins of the Latte
The word latte comes from the Italian phrase caffè latte, which means “coffee with milk.” In Italy, this drink was traditionally prepared at home with stovetop espresso and hot milk rather than ordered in cafés.
Outside Italy, the modern café latte developed as espresso culture spread, especially in the United States and the UK. Baristas began serving it in larger cups with more milk, so it became distinct from the smaller Italian version.
The latte also gained popularity because it allowed for latte art, where baristas pour steamed milk in patterns over the espresso. This visual element helped the drink become a staple in coffee shops worldwide, especially as café culture expanded in the late 20th century.
Espresso-to-Milk Ratio
A latte contains a single or double shot of espresso combined with a much larger portion of steamed milk. The ratio is usually about 1 part espresso to 3 parts milk, which softens the intensity of the coffee.
This ratio makes the latte less concentrated than a flat white or cappuccino. As a result, you taste more of the milk’s sweetness than the espresso’s bitterness.
Because of this balance, a latte is often chosen by those who prefer a milder flavour profile. It also works well with added syrups such as vanilla or caramel, which blend smoothly into the milk.
Milk Froth Vs Microfoam
The milk in a latte is steamed until it becomes smooth but with a noticeable layer of foamed milk on top. This foam is usually about 1 cm thick, which creates a soft cap that sits above the drink.
Microfoam, by contrast, is finer and silkier, and it is used in drinks like a flat white. A latte’s foam is more airy, so it provides a lighter texture.
This difference means latte art is possible but less dense than in drinks with microfoam. The foamed layer also insulates the drink slightly, so the milk below stays warm for longer.
Typical Serving Size
A latte is usually served in a larger cup or glass, often around 240 ml to 350 ml. This serving size makes it one of the most substantial espresso-based drinks.
The larger volume comes from the generous amount of steamed milk. As a result, you can sip it slowly, and it tends to stay warm longer than smaller drinks.
Coffee shops often serve lattes in ceramic cups for heat retention, though glass cups are also common. This size and presentation reinforce the latte’s reputation as a drink to enjoy at a relaxed pace.
Flat White Vs Latte — Side-by-Side Comparison [Table]
A flat white and a latte differ most clearly in their coffee-to-milk ratio, foam thickness, and serving size. These differences shape the flavour strength, texture, caffeine content, and nutritional value of each drink.
Strength of Coffee Flavour
A flat white delivers a bolder coffee flavour because it uses less milk and more concentrated espresso. The smaller serving size, usually 150–180 ml, means the espresso stands out more clearly. By contrast, a latte is larger, around 200–250 ml or more, which dilutes the espresso with extra milk.
This ratio matters since milk softens bitterness and reduces intensity. A flat white therefore feels stronger even if the caffeine is similar. A latte, with its creamier balance, tastes smoother and less sharp, which makes it more approachable if you dislike strong bitterness.
| Drink | Serving Size | Coffee-to-Milk Ratio | Flavour Strength |
| Flat White | 150–180 ml | Higher espresso, less milk | Strong and bold |
| Latte | 200–250 ml+ | Lower espresso, more milk | Mild and creamy |
Creaminess and Texture
The milk texture is the key difference in mouthfeel. A flat white uses micro-foamed milk with very fine bubbles, which creates a silky and smooth consistency. The foam layer is thin, usually around 5 mm, so the drink feels velvety without being airy.
A latte has a thicker foam cap, closer to 10 mm, which makes the drink creamier and more frothy. This layer gives a latte a lighter top texture but also separates slightly from the espresso beneath. A flat white blends more seamlessly, so each sip feels uniform and balanced.
Caffeine Levels
Caffeine varies by preparation but is influenced by the espresso shots used. A flat white often contains a double shot in a smaller cup, so the caffeine concentration per sip is higher. A latte may also use a double shot, but the larger milk volume spreads the caffeine across more liquid.
This means you may perceive a flat white as stronger because each sip delivers more concentrated espresso. However, the total caffeine can be nearly identical if both use the same number of shots. The difference lies in how the serving size changes the strength you taste.
Calories and Nutrition
Calories depend largely on milk volume and type. A flat white has fewer calories because it uses less milk overall. A latte, with nearly twice the milk in some cases, contains more calories, carbohydrates, and natural sugars.
If you choose whole milk, a latte can easily add 50–100 more calories than a flat white. Using semi-skimmed or plant-based milk reduces this difference, but the latte will still be higher due to its larger size. For a lower-calorie option, the flat white is generally the lighter choice.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on how much espresso flavour you want, how much milk texture you prefer, and whether you are considering calorie content or portion size. Each drink suits a different preference, so the decision often comes down to strength, creaminess, and dietary needs.
For Stronger Coffee Lovers
If you prefer a drink where the coffee dominates, the flat white is the better option. It uses less milk, so the espresso tastes more concentrated and direct. The smaller serving size also means the flavour stays consistent from the first sip to the last.
A flat white usually contains a double shot of espresso with about 120–150ml of milk. This ratio creates a medium-strength drink that highlights roasted and nutty notes. By contrast, a latte often doubles the milk volume, which softens the coffee character.
The flat white is also served in a smaller ceramic cup, so the drink feels compact and focused. This makes it ideal if you want a quick but flavour-forward choice rather than a long drink to sip slowly.
For Creamier and Lighter Coffee
If you prefer a smoother and more milk-forward drink, the latte is the better match. It uses far more steamed milk, which reduces the sharpness of espresso and creates a gentler taste. This makes it especially approachable if you are newer to espresso-based drinks.
A standard latte often comes in a 300–400ml mug, with a thin layer of microfoam on top. This foam adds creaminess and a slightly sweet finish, which balances the bitterness of the coffee. The larger size also makes it better for adding syrups or flavourings.
Because the latte is lighter in strength, you can sip it over a longer period without the flavour becoming overwhelming. It works well as a morning drink if you want something mild and comforting.
Health and Dietary Considerations
If you are thinking about calories and portion sizes, the latte usually contains more milk, so it has higher energy content. A flat white, by comparison, has less milk and is often smaller, so it generally provides fewer calories per serving.
The type of milk you choose also matters. Whole milk increases fat and calorie levels, while skimmed or plant-based options lower them. Oat and almond milks can add their own sweetness, which changes the flavour balance.
Caffeine content is another factor. Both drinks often use two espresso shots, but the smaller size of the flat white means you consume the caffeine more quickly. If you want a drink that feels lighter on digestion, the latte may be easier because of its diluted coffee-to-milk ratio.
Related Coffee Drinks You Might Like
Different espresso drinks vary mainly in their coffee-to-milk ratio, foam texture, and serving size. By comparing them side by side, you can better decide which drink matches your taste for strength, creaminess, or balance.
Cappuccino Vs Latte
A cappuccino uses equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, so it feels lighter and more aerated. A latte, by contrast, has more steamed milk and only a thin layer of foam, so it tastes creamier and less sharp.
The serving size also differs. Cappuccinos are usually 150–180 ml, while lattes are larger, around 200–250 ml or more. As a result, a cappuccino delivers a stronger espresso punch in a smaller cup.
| Drink | Coffee-to-Milk Ratio | Foam Thickness | Cup Size |
| Cappuccino | 1:1:1 espresso, milk, foam | Thick and airy | 150–180 ml |
| Latte | 1:3 espresso to milk | Thin layer | 200–250 ml |
If you want a bold yet balanced drink, cappuccino works well. If you prefer a smoother coffee softened by milk, a latte is the better option.
Macchiato Vs Flat White
A macchiato is an espresso with just a small amount of foamed milk, so the espresso taste dominates. A flat white, however, uses micro-foamed milk to create a smooth consistency, which softens but does not overwhelm the espresso.
The milk-to-coffee ratio is the key difference. A macchiato has minimal milk, so it is sharper and more concentrated. A flat white has more milk, so it feels silkier while still retaining strength.
- Macchiato: Espresso with a small “mark” of foam, so flavour is intense.
- Flat White: Espresso with textured milk, so flavour is strong but smoother.
If you want a short and powerful drink, the macchiato is ideal. If you prefer a strong but velvety cup, the flat white suits you better.
Cortado Vs Flat White
A cortado combines equal parts espresso and warm milk, so the milk softens the acidity without adding much foam. A flat white, by comparison, uses more milk and microfoam, so it has a creamier body and slightly less intensity.
Cortados are generally served in small glasses of 120 ml. Flat whites are slightly larger, usually 150–180 ml. This size difference means the cortado feels more concentrated, while the flat white feels smoother and more stretched.
| Drink | Ratio | Texture | Size |
| Cortado | 1:1 espresso to milk | Light, no foam | 120 ml |
| Flat White | 1:2 espresso to milk | Silky microfoam | 150–180 ml |
If you want a balanced and concise drink, the cortado gives clarity. If you want something slightly creamier while still strong, the flat white is the better choice.
Final Thoughts on Flat White Vs Latte
A flat white gives you a stronger coffee flavour because the ratio of espresso to milk is higher, so the taste of the beans stands out more. A latte uses more milk, which means the flavour is softer and the texture feels creamier.
Cup size also plays a role, since a flat white is usually served in a smaller cup, so the drink feels more concentrated. A latte is served in a larger glass, which spreads the flavour and makes it feel lighter.
Here is a simple comparison to help you decide:
| Drink | Coffee-to-Milk Ratio | Texture of Milk | Typical Size |
| Flat White | Higher espresso, less milk | Smooth, silky microfoam | 150–180 ml |
| Latte | More milk, less espresso | Frothy, creamy foam | 200–250 ml |
If you want a bold taste, the flat white is the better choice, as it keeps the espresso flavour more defined. If you prefer a gentle balance, the latte is more suitable, as the extra milk softens the sharpness of the coffee.
Both drinks depend on the barista’s method, so the flavour can vary slightly. Asking how they prepare each drink helps you choose the one that matches your taste.
