A cappuccino and a latte are two popular coffee drinks that have distinct characteristics that set them apart. While both beverages are espresso-based, they are made with different ingredients and proportions, varying from one another in both taste and texture. Understanding the difference between the two drinks will provide an informed decision to choose the beverage that best suits your taste preferences.
6 Differences Between Cappuccinos and Lattes
1. The Amount of Milk
The amount of milk used in cappuccinos and lattes is a main difference between the drinks. Cappuccinos are made with 50% less milk than lattes, sometimes containing very little milk at all. Lattes, on the other hand, are mostly milk, usually having a ratio of 2/3 milk to 1/3 espresso.
2. Flavor
Cappuccinos and lattes also differ in flavor. There isn’t much milk in cappuccinos, so they tend to taste more strongly of coffee.
Lattes are sweeter, and the flavor of the coffee is broken up by the large amount of milk. As a joke, some individuals refer to lattes as “coffee flavored milk” because the amount of milk is so significant.
3. The Amount of Foam
The foam content is different in cappuccinos and lattes. Although cappuccinos don’t contain a lot of milk, they do contain quite a bit of foam. The amount of foam changes the texture of a cappuccino, making it lighter and airier.
While lattes do contain foam, it is very little when compared to the milk content. Lattes are smoother and denser.
4. How They Should Be Served
The way cappuccinos and lattes are served is another difference between the two beverages. Lattes contain much more milk than coffee, and as a result, they grow cold quickly.
To keep lattes warm as long as possible, they should be served in a heat-retaining cup, like a mug. Cappuccinos are smaller and keep their heat longer, so they fare well in either a mug, a cup, or a glass.
5. Where They Originated
Another way cappuccinos and lattes differ is their place of origin. Cappuccinos were first consumed in Italy, while lattes were made in America.
Cappuccinos have been around a long time, since 1847. In contrast, lattes are a more recent invention, only becoming popular as a drink in the last 50 years.
6. What They Are Made With
What cappuccinos and lattes are made with is another difference. While lattes are primarily a coffee drink, they can also be made with tea, such as matcha or chai. Cappuccinos, however, are only ever made with coffee and should not be used to prepare any type of tea.
Can the Words Latte and Cappuccino Be Used Interchangeably?
Lattes and cappuccinos are two very different drinks, and the words are not interchangeable. It’s important to learn both words and what drink they refer to so you’ll always receive the drink you expect.
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