CAFE AU LAIT VS LATTE: KEY DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED BY AN EXPERT

There’s nothing worse than splurging on a drink at a fancy coffee shop only to find it’s not what you expected. We’re here to save you from that fate with this guide to the café au lait and latte.

Both drinks have the same ingredients – coffee and milk – but they’re very different in flavor, texture, and preparation. Let’s explore the two so you can order with confidence or brew your favorite at home.

What Is A Latte?

A traditional café latte is one-third espresso and two-thirds steamed milk with a thin layer of foam on top. It usually measures between 6 and 8 ounces and is often served in a tall and narrow glass so that the distinct coffee, milk, and foam layers are visible. 

They are commonly topped with latte art, stylized images made by the barista skillfully pouring steamed milk and froth. 

Learn how to pour your own latte art in this video with Steven from Home Brews Coffee:

In many modern coffee chains like Starbucks, particularly in North America, lattes have strayed far from tradition. They are larger and milkier and often flavored and sweetened with syrups. Popular orders like chai tea and matcha lattes may not even contain coffee!

Related: What’s the difference between a latte and a mocha?

What is the difference between a cafe latte and a latte?

In North America, there is no difference. A latte is simply shorthand for caffé latte, which is Italian for “coffee with milk.” In Italy and many European countries, however, ordering a latte will simply get you a glass of milk; after all, latte is the Italian word for “milk” (1).

What Is Cafe Au Lait?

Café au lait also means “coffee with milk” in its native France, but it’s quite different from its Italian counterpart. And like the latte, this coffee drink also varies regionally. 

In French coffee shops, a cafe au lait is typically a one-to-one mix of espresso and steamed milk. It’s traditionally served in a small, wide glass bowl, making it easy to dunk pastries. 

Elsewhere, it’s more often made with strong brewed coffee in place of a shot of espresso and served in a cappuccino cup for better heat retention. The milk can either be steamed or simply warmed. The latter version is referred to in many places as a white coffee.

This makes the café au lait an ideal drink to enjoy at home because you don’t need an espresso machine. A French press is the perfect coffee maker for the strong coffee required.

The most famous regional variation of the café au lait is found in New Orleans. It combines chicory coffee and scalded milk (2).

Café Au Lait Vs Latte: What’s The Difference?

The key differences between a cafe au lait and a cafe latte are the ratio of coffee to milk and the texture of the milk. 

Depending on the regional variation, the type of coffee and method of preparation may also be different. A latte is always made with espresso and requires a latte machine, whereas the cafe au lait can be made with regular coffee.

Comparing the non-traditional versions of the two drinks is much more complicated. After all, there is little commonality between a chicory coffee with hot milk and a matcha latte.

Is café au lait sweeter than latte?

No, a latte is sweeter than a cafe au lait because it contains more milk, which contains natural sugars. In fact, warming milk actually enhances our tongue’s perception of its sweetness (3). It’s also much more common to find lattes that have been sweetened with flavored syrups.

Does café au lait or latte have more caffeine?

The cafe au lait and the caffe latte have equal amounts of caffeine, provided both are made with a standard double shot of espresso using the same coffee beans. You can expect about 60 to 100 mg of caffeine in either drink. 

Final Thoughts

So, which milky coffee drink should you order on your next coffee shop visit? If you want a stronger coffee flavor and creamier texture, go for the cafe au lait. If you prefer a milder, milkier flavor with a frothier texture, choose the latte. Either way, you’re in for a good coffee treat!