Flat White vs Cappuccino – What’s the Difference?

Coffee, the ultimate buzz in a cup, is enjoyed universally in different ways, but which way to drink coffee suits you the best? To truly master the art of coffee, understanding the various ways to enjoy your perfect cup is the key to elevating your coffee experience. Two popular choices gracing cafe menus around the world are flat whites and cappuccinos but what is the actual difference between the two? Unpacking the differences between flat white vs cappuccino will help you navigate the world of coffee to exactly your liking, elevating your coffee experience to the max it deserves. 

What is a Flat White? 

A flat white is an espresso-based coffee drink with a smooth, velvety texture, offering a sleek, balanced experience for coffee lovers. It consists of a double shot of espresso topped with steamed milk and a signature layer of thin microfoam. This silky microfoam, made up of tiny bubbles, gives the flat white its beloved creamy texture without the thick froth of a cappuccino. Yet, with less milk than a latte, the bold, rich flavour of espresso remains the star of the show, elevating the flat white to its well-loved status. It’s the ultimate choice for those who want their coffee strong but smooth, bold but balanced- just like a great life philosophy.

What is a Cappuccino? 

A cappuccino is a famously Italian, espresso-based coffee drink known for its rich, foamy texture. Its composition consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, which come together to create a delectably fluffy sensation. The thick, airy foam joins forces with the bold espresso to create a strong, intense flavour with a lighter, creamier mouthfeel. A cappuccino reigns as the perfect choice for those who love a robust kick of espresso balanced by the soft, airy texture of frothy milk- it’s more mellow in espresso flavour yet bold in its frothy finish- the oxymoron most worthy of drinking! 

The History Behind Flat White vs Cappuccino 

The history between flat white vs Cappuccino offers fascinaing insight into coffee history. Cappuccino coffees are home to a deeper history with its famous Italian roots dating back to the 17th century, inspired by the brown robes of Capuchin monks. In the early 20th century, cappuccinos as we know them today began to truly take their form as “Kapuziner” which was served as coffee with cream and sugar in the charming cafes of Vienna. Flat white coffees are newer on the scene as their modern flair took the stage in either Australia or New Zealand in the 1980s- a friendly coffee feud about where it began still goes on today. Whether this began in New Zealand or Australia, it was created by Barristers who wanted a strong espresso flavour without the thick foam, leading to its signature silky microfoam and bold, balanced taste. Whichever one you choose is a piece of iconic caffeinated history. 

Flat White vs Cappuccino – Key Differences 

When exploring the exciting realm of flat white and cappuccino coffees, there are several key differences to explore. While both beverages rely on a shot (or two) of high-quality espresso, how milk is steamed, textured, and incorporated makes all the difference to your caffeine-kick experience. 

Mouthfeel and Consistency: cappuccinos are light and fluffy because of their foam whereas flat whites remain smooth and creamy due to their finely textured microfoam 

Coffee Strength and Flavour Profile: a flat white packs a bolder espresso taste since it has less foam and more milk, whereas a cappuccino has a more balanced and sweeter flavour due to its milk-to-foam-ratio 

Espresso-to-Milk Ratio: a cappuccino is typically 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam, while a flat white has a higher espresso-to-milk ratio with less foam.

Serving Size and Presentation: cappuccinos are usually served in a smaller cup with a classically defined espresso, milk and foam ratio whilst the uniform and blended texture of flat whites are typically served in a larger cup 

Best time to drink: cappuccinos are welcomed as a light, morning beverage- the perfect foam fiesta to kick-start a day without being too heavy whilst flat whites are widely enjoyed at any time of the day, offering a stronger espresso hit.

Milk Texture and Foam: The Biggest Difference 

When it comes to the question of flat white vs cappuccino, the real showdown isn’t in the espresso but rather in the milk and foam. A Cappuccino is all about bringing a foam that’s voluminous and airy with one-third of the drink boasting a pillowy layer of frothed milk, gifting cappuccino coffees their light, frothy texture. Whereas a flat white skips the fluff and strives for the smooth, velvety microfoam which comes from milk that’s been steamed to create tiny, silky bubbles. At the end of the day, if your coffee preferences call for a light sip that leaves you with foam-moustache sheek, a Cappuccino is calling your name. However, if you are seeking a smoother and creamier experience etched with bold, then a flat white should be your cafe go-to. 

Coffee Strength and Flavour Profiles 

What are your tastebuds looking for? The milk foam of a cappuccino tends to soften the intensity of espresso which gives it a sweet, balanced taste gifting cappuccino enjoyers whispers of caramelised sugar to meet the classic coffee flavour, gifting the experience a deluxe dessert edge. On the other hand, a flat white coffee is home to a microfoam which blends into the espresso instead of sitting at the top. The result? A rich, bold coffee flavour with a creamy milkiness- ideal for those who love their coffee to pack a punch yet be savoured smoothly. A flat white coffee is the stronger, more espresso-forward of the two with a cappuccino presenting a more decadent, mellow caffeine kick option. Choosing which flavour profile suits you best depending on your mood and moment is a fun and fulfilling aspect of your coffee adventure.

Flat White vs Cappuccino – Which One Should You Choose? 

Choosing between the frothy boldness of a cappuccino and the smooth richness of a flat white ultimately comes down to your personal coffee preferences. If you enjoy a lighter, airier texture with a cloud of foamy indulgence then a cappuccino is the way to go. But if you prefer something creamier and more velvety without the thick froth then a flat white is your ultimate caffeine companion. For those who love an elegant, delicate start to the morning, a cappuccino offers the mellow balance of espresso and frothy delight. However, if you crave a stronger, more blended espresso experience with a silkier texture then a flat white makes for the ideal afternoon pick-me-up.

If you’re drawn to the traditional Italian essence of coffee, the cappuccino is your match. But if you’re after something with a modern, smoother twist, a flat white coffee is calling your name. 

Choose a Cappuccino: 

• Just after sunrise: the indulgent kickstarter to a perfect morning 
• Cafe dwelling: ideal sipping for long conversations and people-watching 
• Winter mornings: a caffeine kick doused with fragrant foam by the fireplace? The meaning of cosy! 

Choose a Flat White: 

• On-The-Go energy: smooth and strong with a kick, the ultimate busy day sidekick 
• Perfect productivity: A flat white is the smooth, focused fuel needed to dominate your admin list 
• Sophisticated sipping: when the occasion calls for effortless class and you want to match the vibe with understated suavity

Making the Perfect Flat White or Cappuccino with Kayrin Coffee 

Creating the perfect flat white or cappuccino starts with one thing: exceptional espresso. Luckily, this is easily found at Kayrin Coffee which delivers the high-quality coffee beans that set the foundation for either the frothy charm of a cappuccino or the silky, bold embrace of a flat white coffee. Once you have your Kayrin beans, making a flat white or a cappuccino is an easy and exciting venture.

For the cappuccino of your dreams: 

Brew it: make a single or double shot of espresso using Kayrin’s coffee beans. 

Froth & steam it: pour cold milk into a steaming jug and steam it using a milk frother 

or espresso machine. For foam, lower the jug slightly to let more air in, creating that signature thick and fluffy foam which gifts a cappuccino its decadent status.

Pour it: first, pour in your steamed milk and then top it with thick foam. 

Perfect it: dust your cappuccino creation with cocoa powder or cinnamon for an extra touch of delicate flair and enjoy. 

For a flat white extravaganza: 

Brew it: give a double shot of Kayrin bean espresso because a flat white coffee welcomes a bold flavour.

Steam it: heat your milk until it’s silky-smooth with tiny, velvety bubbles (microfoam it!) 

Pour it: hold your cup at an angle and pour the steamed milk directly into the espresso, letting it mix to a creamy balance you’ll soon savour.

Keep things smooth: strive for a thin, glossy layer of foam on the top and enjoy.
Explore the high quality coffee beans that Kayrin Coffee offers in order to craft your perfect cappuccino or flat white today