Difference between Cappuccino and Latte

Key difference: Cappuccino and Latte are two types of popular coffee beverages consumed by people all over the world. The main difference between cappuccino and latte is based on their individual components and the preparation.

Cappuccino and latte are the two most popular Italian coffee drinks. They both are prepared using milk, sugar and coffee beans. However, there are quite a few differences between the two coffees.

Cappuccino is an aromatic coffee made by mixing milk, milk foam and espresso. It is widely consumed by Italians after breakfast. A common cappuccino is made in 1/3 proportions, which means a proper ‘cappuccino’ is made of 1/3 part espresso, 1/3 part steamed milk, and 1/3 part frothed milk. The espresso and steamed milk are poured together and the frothed milk is scooped on top; which sure makes the drink subjective and can be ordered in several different ways.

To make the cup of ‘Cappuccino’ different or tastier, a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder can be added on the top of the foam. It enhances the taste; one can also consider using low fat, skimmed or soy milk as an alternative. Also, flavored syrups like orange, vanilla, etc. are added to the coffee to get a different taste; one can use chocolate syrup or powder to make a more delicious combination of cappuccino. Skilled coffee makers make small designs on the froth at the top of the cup.

Latte ‘Cafe au lait’ or more commonly known as ‘Latte’ is a popular coffee drink, which originated in Italy, and literally means ‘coffee with milk’. In Italy, latte was often prepared at home for breakfast; however it was made popular by the Americans.

A latte is prepared with coffee and hot steamed milk. It is prepared using 1/3 espresso, 2/3 steamed milk and a layer of foamed milk of 5 mm thick on top. It is milkier and sweeter in taste as compared to other coffees.

Latte is a combination of espresso and steamed milk, where the milk is frothed. It uses a coffee or espresso base, which can be replaced with other bases like tea, mate or matcha, etc. depending on the taste. The coffee is brewed on a stovetop Moka or caffettiera, and poured into a cup containing heated milk. There are variety of flavors of the latte available such as vanilla, hazelnut, amaretto, peppermint, butter rum, English toffee, caramel, butterscotch, Irish crème, cinnamon and almond. A shot of syrup can also be added to a latte for extra flavor.

Comparison between Cappuccino and Latte:

	Cappuccino	Latte
Derived from	Coffea Plant	Coffea Plant
Originated in	It originated in Italy.	It originated in Italy, but was made popular by Americans.
Method of preparation	It is made by pouring milk froth over espresso.	It is made by poring milk froth or steamed milk and espresso together.
Milk	It contains less steamed or textured milk.	It contains more steamed or textured milk
Foam	It has tons of foam.	It has less foam.
Ingredients	It contains 1/3 part espresso, 1/3 part steamed milk and 1/3 part frothed milk.	It contains 1/3 part espresso and 2/3 part steamed milk.
Base	It uses espresso as base to make coffee.	It uses espresso, tea, mate or matcha as base to make coffee.
Flavor	It has a strong coffee flavor.	It is more mild and milkier as compared to others.
Flavor types	Dark brown, beige, black, light brown, white	Vanilla, hazelnut, amaretto, peppermint, butter rum, English toffee, caramel, butterscotch, Irish crème, cinnamon and almond
Serving style	It is served in a glass on a saucer with a napkin.	It is served in porcelain cups with better heat retention properties.