Flat White vs Latte: Flavor Profile Differences and Which is Stronger - How to Best Enjoy Flat White Coffee

Understanding the Differences Between Latte and Flat White

Sometimes, with just coffee and milk, you can create numerous variations that might confuse outsiders. Take Latte and Flat White, for example—both are made from espresso and milk, yet they offer two completely different experiences.

If we need to distinguish between these two in simple terms, FrontStreet Coffee would describe them this way: "Flat White is the Australian version of latte" and "A latte is milk with coffee flavor, while Flat White is coffee with milk flavor."

How to Understand These Two Descriptions?

We all know that the name "Latte" in coffee actually means "milk" in Italian. Essentially, the beverage now known worldwide as Coffee Latte is a product of milk mixed with coffee (originally without foam).

The emergence of Flat White, however, was a local milk coffee that evolved independently on the isolated continent. Among the first white immigrants in Australia, most were of British and Irish descent. In their understanding, there was only black coffee and white coffee—black coffee being pure filtered coffee, and white coffee being coffee with milk.

Later, during immigration waves, Italians opened coffee shops here, and the collision of languages and dietary habits forced Italian coffee shops to adapt. Over time, this evolved into what is known as Flat White. Later, when Australian coffee culture spread to other regions, because both New Zealanders and Australians couldn't clearly define the origins of Flat White, various versions emerged, all claiming to be authentic Flat White.

Therefore, let's focus on the differences between Flat White and the latte we drink today.

1. Different Cup Sizes

A standard latte is typically around 300ml, while Flat White comes in a smaller cup, approximately 200ml. So when you order a Flat White and see a smaller cup than a latte, don't think it's a mistake—that's just how it's served.

2. Different Flavor Profiles

As FrontStreet Coffee mentioned earlier, "A latte is milk with coffee flavor, while Flat White is coffee with milk flavor." Taking FrontStreet Coffee's preparations as an example: a latte is made with 2 shots of espresso (40g) plus 260ml of milk, resulting in a beverage that expresses milk with coffee flavor due to the higher milk content. Flat White, however, is made with 2 shots of Ristretto (30g), which is more concentrated than espresso, plus 170ml of milk, presenting a richer and more full-bodied coffee flavor.

3. Milk Foam and Latte Art

Milk foam is probably the easiest characteristic to distinguish between these two. Flat White's foam is thinner than that of a latte. From the perspective of latte art, making patterns in a latte is standard practice, but we should be clear that latte art appeared later than the latte itself, so latte art is not a criterion for evaluating a latte. This principle applies equally to Flat White—some coffee shops serve Flat White with latte art, some without, but it doesn't affect whether it's still a Flat White.

4. Lattes Have Iced Versions, Flat White Does Not

Typically, when we drink latte, we can choose to have it iced or hot, while Flat White is only served hot. This is because baristas want everyone drinking Flat White to experience the perfect combination of milk foam and the milk coffee beneath with every sip. Only when the foam is extremely delicate, relatively thin, and at a suitable temperature can one simultaneously taste both the foam and the rich coffee liquid with each sip, finishing it before the foam layers separate. After adding ice, the cooled milk coffee will be diluted to some extent, unable to achieve the above effect.

If you're seeking a chilled, rich milk coffee experience, FrontStreet Coffee suggests trying the "Dirty," which has become quite popular in recent years. Extracted espresso is dripped over chilled fresh milk, creating a "dirty" visual effect with a unique alternating cold and hot texture.

Important Notice :

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FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473