Latte vs Macchiato: Which one should be ordered?

In a world full of coffee, it is easy enough to think that they all taste the same. Although some may appear the same, they do not all taste the same. The latte was the most popular drink in the United Kingdom in 2020. The macchiato has also become increasingly popular in recent years. Many latte drinkers are perplexed as to how the two coffee drinks differ, but they do. Continue reading to learn the differences between a latte and a macchiato.

What is the difference between a latte and a macchiato?

Both coffee drinks are Italian creations. The name macchiato means “marked coffee” which is a nod toward its lower milk content. The latte, or “café latte” in Italian, means “milk coffee”. This is due to its higher content of milk, steamed, and an additional layer of frothed milk on top.

The only milk found in a macchiato is steamed milk. Whereas a latte has a combination of steamed milk and a layer of foamed milk on top. It often comes with a bit of added cream on top too. Macchiatos are more common among the two in Italy. The latte is favoured in France, where it will always be made up of a double shot of espresso.

Latte vs. Macchiato: Is one stronger than the other?

The macchiato is known as the stronger drink of the two because it has bolder flavours and a stronger caffeine taste. Traditional macchiatos are made with a single shot of espresso and steamed milk. One part milk to two parts espresso is the traditional proportion. Macchiatos have recently been served with sugars and syrups to make them sweeter, but this is not the traditional way of serving the coffee drink.

One espresso shot, steamed milk, and a layer of milk foam on top make up the latte. This makes the latte taste much weaker than the macchiato and is best suited to those who prefer milky coffee. A latte is traditionally made with two parts milk and one part espresso.

Is there any difference in size at Kiosk Kaffee?

The size of the two coffee drinks is noticeably different. As a quick, warming drink, the macchiato is served in an espresso cup and is usually around 2-3 oz. The latte, on the other hand, is typically served in tall coffee cups that hold around 240 ml to fit the amount of milk in the drink.

Latte vs Macchiato: Which one should be ordered?

A lot of thought goes into selecting the best drink for you. Especially when it comes to choosing which coffee to start your day with or which coffee to end it with. However, there is no one coffee that is superior to another; it is simply a matter of personal preference and taste.

Lattes, because they are served in larger quantities, are better for sipping for longer periods of time. The macchiato, on the other hand, is a shorter drink that tends to get colder much faster, but it is a great choice for a quick and sharp refreshment.

That’s all there is to it. Hopefully, now that you understand the distinction between a latte and a macchiato, you won’t have an epiphany on your next coffee run. 

FAQ’s

• Is a latte stronger than macchiato?

There isn’t much of a difference between a macchiato and a latte in America. Although an American macchiato has less flavouring, it contains the same amount of milk as a latte because it is poured into the same size cup.

• Which is sweeter latte or macchiato?

There is also more milk froth and less steamed milk in the latte macchiato. Latte has a milder and sweeter flavour than espresso because it contains more milk for the same amount of espresso.

• Does latte have more caffeine than macchiato?

A latte has more caffeine than a macchiato as it is 80 mg of caffeine Vs 150 mg respectively. The stronger coffee flavour comes from the macchiato due to being a stronger, bolder coffee drink in terms of flavour.

• Which is better, latte or macchiato?

Lattes contain the most milk and are the highest in calories, fat, and protein. Cappuccinos contain a bit less milk, but still provide a good amount of calories, protein, and fat in each serving. On the other hand, macchiatos contain only a splash of milk and are significantly lower in calories, fat, and protein.

• Is a macchiato sweet?

The small amount of milk that is used in the macchiato gives this coffee drink a slight sweetness. However, the combination of sweetness and creaminess of the milk isn’t enough to dilute the strength of the espresso, so some may argue that a macchiato can taste slightly bitter.