Flat White vs. Latte: Everything You Need to Know

Do you know the difference between flat white vs latte? Well, if you do not, you do not have to worry at all. We are here to tell you everything you need to know about these two delicious coffees. Just sit back, relax, and let us tell you everything that is important about flat white and latte.

If you are a coffee lover, then you are probably familiar with many coffee drinks. You probably even have a coffee machine in your house. Well, if you want to start making several different types of coffee drinks, then you need to know the basics.

Sure, you can just drink your coffee black. However, there are so many other different types of coffee drinks that you might end up loving. Flat white and lattes are popular coffee drinks that you have to try. However, what are they? How do you make them? What differentiates the two? Well, that is exactly what we are going to talk about next.

Flat White and Latte

If you want to be able to decide which one you might prefer, you have to know about both flat white and latte as an individual coffee style. That way, you will be able to have the best experience when you are sipping your coffee.

Differentiating a flat white and latte might be one of the trickiest things in the world. Why? Well, at a glance, these two coffees look the same. However, what you might not know is the fact that they have quite a different flavor and texture.

A lot of people are arguing about flat white vs latte because of how different the drinking experience is. So, a flat white is a sort of milky coffee that uses foam. A latte is also a milky coffee with foam. However, the main difference is the fact that flat whites have less foam than lattes.

Even though the difference is only slightly, it affects the whole drinking experience. It is the reason why a traditional flat white has such a smooth and velvety texture, which is different from a latte. However, if you want to understand the difference between the two a little bit better, let’s dive into this topic right away.

All About the Flat White

First of all, let’s talk about the original flat white. This kind of coffee drink was invented in 1984 by a café owner in New Zealand. Ever since then, the flat white has become very popular across the UK, the US, and Canada.

A flat white is a combination between espresso and micro-foam milk. The foam that you can find in a flat white gives a velvety texture to this drink, which is a unique feature.

The foam in flat whites is very delicate. It is made using a brewing technique that allows a flat white to get its name. You will find that the foam is very thin on the surface compared to other milky coffee drinks.

Flat White Flavor

The next thing that you need to know about flat white vs latte is its flavor. Because the milk content in flat white and latte is different, you will also find a difference in their flavor. A flat white has half as much milk as a latte. That is why you will be able to taste the strong espresso in a flat white.

A flat white uses steamed milk. This allows the drink to taste pretty sweet. However, you can still taste the rich bitterness of the espresso in this coffee drink.

The technique in Making a Flat White

So, how do you make a flat white? Well, you need to use a specific technique when you are steaming the milk. That way, you will be able to make the best micro-foam that has a delicate finish. A great flat white has a very smooth, velvety finish.

All About the Latte

The next type of milky coffee drink that we have is the latte. The latter is probably one of the most popular coffee styles that you will be able to find throughout the world. The word latte itself means milk, which is why this coffee drink uses milk.

Café Latte is a combination between coffee and milk. This coffee drink was invented in Italy around the 1800s. It is one of the most classic drinks that you can find.

You can make a latte by adding a double shot of espresso. After that, you should top it with steamed milk so you can create a thick foam. There are not right ratios of milk to coffee when you are making a latte.

Latte Flavor

Because a latte has a higher milk content than a flat white, you will be able to feel a milkier drinking experience. You can still taste the coffee in your latte. However, the flavor is tempered a little bit by the sweet milk that is in this drink.

You will be able to taste a slightly caramelized note to your latte. This is because a latte uses steamed milk that gives it a slightly sweet flavor. So, if you are wondering about flat white vs latte, then you must know that a latte has a rich, creamy, and smooth texture.

The technique in Making a Latte

You have to be very delicate when you are making a latte. Once you have poured hot espresso into your cup, you can add the milk. Make sure to do this while the espresso is still hot. After that, you can create the foam, which can be a work of art. You can even make patterns using foam, chocolate powder, or coffee.

Brewing Technique Difference

What a lot of people may not know is the fact that brewing coffee is a form of art. You need to use the correct technique if you want to be able to make a certain type of coffee drink. You can either stick with a traditional coffee drink or add a little bit of twist.

When you are trying to compare flat white and latte, then you have to take a look at the milk content. If you are making a latte, then you have to use straight steamed milk. This hot and frothy steamed milk should be poured directly into the espresso while both of them are still very hot.

With a flat white, you are going to use a micro-foam that you can place on top of the drink. The characteristic of this foam is the fact that it is velvety and creamy. That is why you will find a unique texture in your flat white.

You will be able to make either a flat white or a latte pretty easily. You can even make one in the comfort of your own home. You can use a lot of great coffee brewers such as the Sboly Espresso Machine with Milk Frother. You can also get the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine or the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine if you want something larger.

Flavor Test of Flat White and Latte

Now that you know the basic difference between a flat white and a latte, you need to know the specific difference in their flavors. To someone who is inexperienced at drinking coffee, a flat white and a latte will taste the same.

However, the flat white certainly has a stronger coffee flavor than a latte. Why? Well, simply because it contains less milk than a latte. So, if you want a stronger coffee flavor in your milky coffee, then you might want to stick with a flat white.

How to Decide Between Flat White vs. Latte

So, how do you decide between flat white vs latte? Well, this decision should be made based on several things. Do you want a stronger coffee? Do you want a chilled coffee?

If you want a coffee with a stronger taste, then a flat white should be your choice. However, if you just want a chilled drink that you can enjoy with your friends, then a latte is your answer. Other than that, if you want a lot of frothy foam, then you will enjoy a latte more than a flat white.

Conclusion

To the naked eye, flat whites and lattes might look the same. They might even taste the same to some people. However, what you need to know is that a flat white is very different from a latte.

There are several different points that you will be able to find in a flat white and a latte. The main difference is the milk content that you will find in each coffee drink. A flat white contains less milk than a latte, hence its unique velvety texture. And that is all you need to know about flat white vs latte.

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