Differences between Cappuccino, Latte and Macchiato

Local coffee shops have menus that can be a little tricky to understand. Even for the most passionate coffee enthusiast, comprehending how popular drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos differ in terms of ingredients, caffeine content, and nutritional value can be complicated. Not certain if there is even a difference? Ever wonder how these three well-known espresso-based coffee beverages differ from one another and which one is perfect for you?

Popular beverages offered in cafés and coffee shops all around the world include the cappuccino, latte, and macchiato. Despite the fact that these three espresso beverages are somewhat dissimilar from one another, they all have something in common. They are all milk-based hot beverages. 

The main distinctions between cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos are examined in more detail in this blog. And before going to a café or coffee shop, you should be aware of the following differences:

How they are created

How these three caffeinated beverages are created is one of their main distinctions.

Cappuccino

Popular coffee drinks like cappuccinos are produced by adding steamed milk and milk foam to an espresso shot. This imparts a creamy, rich, and smooth flavor and texture to the finished product. Typically, it is made up of around 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foamed milk, with equal amounts of each.

Latte

Coffee milk is the direct translation of the term "café latte." Lattes include a higher percentage of steamed milk than the other beverages, giving them a milder, somewhat sweeter flavor. Despite the lack of a set recipe, making a latte usually entails mixing steamed milk with one shot of espresso. It may occasionally additionally have a thin layer of froth on top, and sugars or other sweeteners may even be added.

Macchiato

The macchiato is often served with very little milk, which gives it a much stronger flavor than other coffee drinks. A shot of espresso and a little amount of milk are traditionally combined to make a macchiato. The standard serving size is also much smaller than that of comparable beverages, measuring only 1 1/4 ounces (37 ml). There are also further varieties, such as the latte macchiato, which is created by combining a shot of espresso with a glass of hot milk.

The Amount of Caffeine

In terms of caffeine per serving, all three drinks are comparable.

For instance, since both cappuccinos and lattes contain the same amount of caffeine because a shot of espresso is required to prepare each beverage, they are equivalent. The actual amount of caffeine in a medium 16-ounce (475 ml) cappuccino and medium 16-ounce (475 ml) latte is around 173 mg. A 2-ounce (60 ml) macchiato, however, offers just over 85 mg of caffeine per serving, which is nearly half as much as the larger beverage.

The Conclusion

Because they are prepared differently, cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos each have a distinct flavor and texture. They differ from one another in terms of caffeine level and nutritional value because they each include a unique combination of components. Therefore, the beverage you choose to order on your next trip to the coffee shop will depend entirely on your unique preferences and taste.