The four key differences between a flat white and a latte:
- A flat white is smaller than a café latte and contains less froth and milk
- A latte is served in a larger glass
- A flat white is similar to a cappuccino but the milk is textured much more thinly
- A flat white tastes stronger than a latte
Put simply, a flat white is a smaller drink and contains less froth and milk than a latte. This results in a stronger tasting coffee.
When I first started drinking coffee, I always ordered a café latte. I loved the smooth creamy texture and the fact it wasn’t too strong. But as soon as I fell in love with the taste of real coffee, I found that too much milk spoilt the flavour. Now I’m a flat white girl through and through.
Let’s explore the differences in more detail.
Café Latte
Literally speaking, café latte means ‘coffee milk’. It’s a much more mellow drink, which is extremely popular in the afternoon. The milk used in a latte is thicker than the milk in a flat white. It’s often served in a larger glass and has 1-2cm of foamy milk on the top.
To make the perfect latte at home, simply pour a shot of espresso (or 1 x coffee pod) into a 220ml glass and pour warmed milk from a height of 5cm. As the glass fills, lower your jug and allow the lighter milk to skim out. Then add the remaining foam on top. A latte is one of the most popular coffee drinks that people buy in coffee shops.
What is a Flat White coffee?
The flat white is relatively new to the UK but has been popular in Australia since the late 80s. Essentially, it’s exactly the same as making a cappuccino, except the milk is textured much more thinly. It also contains less milk than a latte and is therefore served in a smaller cup and has a stronger richer flavour.
To make the perfect flat white at home, simply pour a shot of espresso (or 1 x coffee pod) into a 150ml cup and slowly pour warmed milk from a height of 5cm. When the cup is nearly full, lower your jug and add the remaining ½-1cm of foamy milk on top.
Can you make a flat white with a coffee pod?
Of course you can! We recommend using a Coffee & Kin coffee pod to create a cafe-style flat white in your own home.
Here’s how you do it:
STEP 1 – Pour a 30ml espresso shot into the bottom of your cup (we actually love two shots)
STEP 2 – Froth your milk using the steam wand of your coffee pod machine or your Aeroccino milk frother.
STEP 3 – Pour milk from a height of 5cm and when the cup is nearly full, add ½ – 1cm of frothy milk on top.
STEP 4 – Sit back, relax and enjoy your coffee.
If you own a coffee pod machine and would like to try our coffee capsules, check out our award-winning range here.
Do we prefer a flat white or a latte?
Mark is an espresso guy but I love milk in my coffee. When I first started drinking coffee, I fell head over heels in love with lattes! But after a while, I felt that the milk masked the real flavours of the coffee so I moved on to flat whites and I’ve never looked back.
My number 1 tip for making the perfect flat white with a coffee pod is to use two capsules. When you have a coffee in a cafe, you get a double shot so if you want to recreate a cafe-style coffee, try two coffee pods! You won’t regret it – it’s sublime!
So to sum up…….
It’s all about your personal preference.
The main difference between a flat white and a latte all comes down to taste. If you love a stronger cup of coffee, I would definitely recommend choosing a flat white. It’s full of flavour and has a velvety smooth texture, which is simply divine.
Having said that, the café latte remains one of the most popular choices in shops today so if you’re after a more mellow flavour, it’s the one for you.
If you want to become your very own kitchen barista and recreate the coffee shop experience at home, check out the brewing guides on our website. You can make amazing coffees with either our coffee pods or freshly roasted coffee beans. If you’ve got any questions, feel free to ask us on Facebook or email ruth@coffeeandkin.co.uk
Don’t forget, if you’d like to try our range of award-winning coffee pods, you can grab a starter pack in our shop and postage is free.
Do you need to top up your coffee stocks or buy a gift for someone who loves coffee?
Here’s a quick link to our most popular products:
Coffee Pods & Coffee Hampers
I hope you have a lovely day and thank you for reading my post.
All the best
Ruth
