Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino: What's the Difference?
The difference between a flat white, a latte and a cappuccino comes down to milk. A latte has the most milk and the lightest foam. A cappuccino is smaller with a thick, airy foam layer. A flat white sits in the middle: a smaller drink with silky, velvety milk and a stronger coffee taste.
Walk into any café in Perth and you will see all three on the menu. They all start with espresso, which is why they get mixed up. This guide explains how each one is made, how they taste and which one to order, whether you are at your regular spot in Gwelup or trying somewhere new.
Quick Comparison
| Drink | Typical Size | Milk | Foam | Taste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat white | Small (about 5 to 6 oz) | Silky, steamed | Thin microfoam | Bold, coffee-forward |
| Latte | Large | Lots of steamed milk | Light layer | Mild, creamy |
| Cappuccino | Small (about 5 to 6 oz) | Steamed | Thick, airy foam | Rich with a light, frothy top |
Sizes vary from café to café. Takeaway cups are often bigger than ceramic cups, which changes the balance of coffee to milk.
What Is a Flat White?
A flat white is an espresso drink topped with microfoam: steamed milk with tiny, fine bubbles that give a smooth, glossy finish. It is smaller than a latte, so the coffee tastes stronger.
The flat white is widely credited to Australia and New Zealand, and it is a staple of Aussie café culture. Which of the two invented it is still a friendly debate. Read more on why coffee matters so much here in our post on [INTERNAL LINK: /why-is-coffee-so-popular-in-australia/ “why coffee is so popular in Australia”].
Order a flat white if you want a smooth drink where you can still taste the espresso.
What Is a Latte?
A latte uses the same espresso base with a lot more steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of foam. It is usually served in a tall glass or a large cup.
The result is a creamy, mellow drink with a gentle coffee flavour. Lattes are also the easiest drink to customise with flavoured syrups or alternative milks.
Order a latte if you prefer a softer coffee taste or want something to sip slowly.
What Is a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is also small, but it has more foam than the other two. The foam is thick and airy, sitting on top of steamed milk and espresso. Many baristas finish it with a dusting of chocolate powder.
The Specialty Coffee Association describes a cappuccino as a 5 to 6 oz drink, and the foam layer is notably thicker than on a latte or flat white. That gives the cup a light, almost fluffy mouthfeel.
Order a cappuccino if you love texture and a rich, balanced coffee taste.
Is a Flat White Stronger Than a Latte?
In taste, yes. A flat white has less milk, so the coffee flavour comes through more. In caffeine, it depends on how many shots the café uses. Some sources say all three drinks usually use the same amount of espresso, while others say flat whites often use a double shot. Ask your barista how many shots go into each size.
How to Choose the Right Coffee for You
- Want a bold coffee taste? Flat white.
- Want something creamy and mellow? Latte.
- Want foam and texture? Cappuccino.
- Want it cold? Try one of our iced coffee drinks. See our guide to the best iced coffee in Gwelup .
- Prefer something sweeter? A frappe or milkshake is a better fit. Browse our “milkshakes“.
Tips for Ordering Like a Local
- Say your milk and size. “Large flat white, oat milk” saves a second question.
- Ask about extra shots. One extra shot makes any of the three stronger.
- Check the cup size. A takeaway flat white may taste milder than a ceramic one.
- Pair it with food. A cappuccino goes well with pastries, while a flat white suits a savoury brunch.
Coffee at Kaffeine Cafe, Gwelup
Kaffeine Cafe is a local café at 4/707 N Beach Rd, Gwelup, serving coffee, big breakfasts, burgers, smoothies, frappes and a pot of tea. We are open Monday to Sunday, 6am to 4pm.
- See our full coffee menu and the wider food and drink menu .
- Planning a brunch? Read what time to go for brunch .
- Coming with a group? Book a table online
FAQs:
1. What is the main difference between a flat white and a latte?
A latte has more milk and a lighter coffee taste. A flat white is smaller, with silky microfoam and a stronger coffee flavour.
2. Is a cappuccino stronger than a flat white?
Not necessarily. Both are small drinks. A cappuccino has more foam, which feels lighter, while a flat white has smoother milk and often tastes bolder.
3. Where did the flat white come from?
The flat white is generally credited to Australia and New Zealand. Both countries claim it, and the exact origin is debated
4. Which coffee has the most caffeine?
It depends on the number of espresso shots, not the drink name. Ask your barista how many shots are in each size.
5. Can I get these drinks with plant-based milk?
Most cafés offer alternative milks. . Ask when you order.
Come and Try Them Side by Side
Not sure which one is yours? Visit us in Gwelup and tell our baristas what you like. Find us and get in touch .
