FLAT WHITE VS CAPPUCCINO: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Let me explain the difference between flat white and cappuccino, from their origin stories to their ingredient ratios.

You’re probably familiar with the cappuccino, one of the oldest espresso-based drinks. But what about the more modern flat white? It contains the same two ingredients – espresso and milk – yet offers an entirely different coffee experience.

Read on for everything you need to know to decide which drink to order next time you visit the coffee shop.

What Is A Cappuccino?

A cappuccino is a coffee drink made from espresso, steamed milk, and milk froth. Traditionally, it contains equal amounts of each component – usually a double shot, 2 ounces of steamed milk, and 2 ounces of milk foam served in a 6-ounce coffee cup.

You can customize a traditional cappuccino by varying the ratio of steamed milk to frothed milk. A dry or bone-dry cappuccino contains more froth, while a wet cappuccino has a higher proportion of steamed milk.

I have spoken with many baristas who say the cappuccino is one of the most challenging espresso-based drinks to master. It takes skill and experience to get just the right milk texture and pour the steamed milk properly to preserve the foam.

• Country of Origin: Austria
• Ratio: 1:1:1 (Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam)
• Coffee Flavor: Stronger than flat white
• Texture: Fluffier

History

The origin of the cappuccino dates back to 18th-century Vienna and a drink named the Kapuziner – so called because the color of the drink matched the robes worn by local capuchin friars (1). The first instance of the Italian name cappuccino comes from the 19th century. Both of these drinks predate the espresso machine, making them a far cry from the modern cappuccino.

The drink in its current form – espresso with steamed and frothed milk – evolved in Europe around the mid-20th century. Its popularity increased dramatically after WWII as espresso machines became more widespread.

What Is A Flat White?

A flat white is a fairly new coffee drink consisting of a single or double shot of espresso topped with velvety microfoam milk and a very thin milk foam layer – hence the name “flat.” It can be made with one or two shots of espresso, but double shots are more common in modern cafes.

Many coffee shops make a flat white with ristretto shots rather than espresso to give it a bolder coffee flavor.

• Country of Origin: New Zealand or Australia
• Ratio: 1:4:1 (1 part espresso, 4 parts milk, 1 part microfoam)
• Coffee Flavor: Milder than cappuccino
• Texture: Smooth and creamy

History

The flat white coffee has a much shorter history than the cappuccino. The drink first appeared in coffee shops in Australia and New Zealand in the 80s, with both countries laying claim to its invention.

Australia seems to have a stronger case. An Australian newspaper article mentioned a ‘flat white’ in 1983, whereas a Wellington, New Zealand, cafe claims it was the result of a ‘failed cappuccino’ in 1989 (2).

Regardless, the flat white quickly spread to Britain and soon became popular in the United States and Canada. Starbucks added a flat white to its U.S. menu in 2015, solidifying its place in the modern coffee drink canon.

You can watch Steven from Home Brews Coffee explain all espresso-based drinks in a video below:

What Is The Difference Between A Flat White And A Cappuccino?

The difference between a cappuccino and a flat white is the amount of steamed milk, which dramatically changes the texture of the final drink.

• Cappuccino: The cappuccino contains equal parts steamed milk and milk froth. The ample topping of frothed milk gives it a light and airy texture. Professional baristas usually advise against latte art on a cappuccino.
• Flat White: The flat white uses only steamed milk, which is capped by a thin layer of milk foam. This silky microfoam gives it a far creamier mouthfeel compared to the cappuccino and allows for the pouring of latte art. 

Is A Flat White Stronger Than A Cappuccino?

Flavor

A cappuccino actually has a stronger coffee taste than a flat white, despite having roughly the same amounts of coffee and milk. This is because the ratio of coffee to steamed milk is different. The extra steamed milk of the flat white dilutes the espresso taste more than the froth topping of the cappuccino.

Caffeine

These two popular coffee drinks have the same caffeine content, assuming you make both with the same amount of espresso. A flat white or cappuccino made with a double espresso has about 80 mg of caffeine; a single shot version has 40 mg.

Cappuccino vs Flat White Caffeine Contents

Calories and Nutrition: Is A Flat White Or A Cappuccino Healthier?

The cappuccino and flat white are identical nutritionally, as both contain 2 ounces of espresso and 4 ounces of milk. 

There is one possible caveat. In many regions of the world, a cappuccino is served with an extra topping of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon or cocoa. This can increase the fat, sugar, and calories relative to an unadorned flat white.

Traditional flat whites and cappuccinos measure 6 ounces and are made with whole milk and no added sugar. This results in a drink with 83 calories, 4 g of fat, 6 g of sugar, and 4 g of protein.

The Verdict

The flat white and the cappuccino are both relatively strong specialty coffee drinks. Either one is a great choice for a coffee lover who appreciates bold coffee flavors but still wants a milky drink. Which one should you order?

Choose the cappuccino if…

• You enjoy the fluffy texture of milk froth
• You want a slightly stronger coffee flavor
• You want the option of a whipped cream topping

Choose the flat white if…

• You prefer a smooth, creamy drink
• You want the barista to pour latte art
• You want the flavor of a ristretto shot