Flat white VS Cappuccino – What’s the Difference?

One of the most debatable topics in the world is the Flat white VS Cappuccino. Some people say flat white is the best and some say cappuccino is better and here you are with minimum knowledge about both of them.

Never mind, we have got you covered with this article which will compare these two for their taste, brewing process and many more.

Moreover, we have also included some products which we think you would require if you want to make these coffee recipes at home. Don’t worry, we have tried them so they are safe and worth using. 

Now, let’s move to the major topic of this article. Firstly, we will learn their basics, origin and what they actually mean. 

Flat white VS Cappuccino

What is a flat white?

A flat white is also sometimes compared to latte for its high milk content. However, a flat white includes the same ingredients as a cappuccino or latte but has the proportions differently which gives it a unique taste.

Also, it’s similar to a cappuccino but with less foam and more steamed milk and there are no distinct layers visible as the steamed milk gets blended with the double espresso. The espresso to milk ratio in a flat white is 1:3 with a minimum foam on the top. 

Benefits of having a flat white

• A flat white includes anti-oxidants which reduce the chances of having heart diseases
• Is not as strong as a cappuccino so it will taste similar to a vanilla latte 
• Also, can prevent dizziness and sleep by providing you a high caffeine shot 
• If you use skim milk, it can also help in reducing body fat content 

Side effects of having a flat white 

• As the milk content is higher and with less foam, the fat content is also high, which will increase your body weight if not taken in moderation 
• May lead to nervousness and increased heart rate if taken in an excess amount 

What is a cappuccino?

Cappuccino is one of the most loved coffee beverages for its sweet and bitter taste, which gives a balanced flavor and aroma. Cappuccino is made of three layers of equal ratio namely: espresso, steamed milk and thick milk froth.

The ratio is 1:1:1. Unlike a flat white, a cappuccino has more froth and sometimes it’s topped with some cocoa and cinnamon powder. Moreover, a cappuccino has a strong taste as compared to latte or flat white 

Benefits of having a cappuccino 

• At moderate levels, cappuccino drinking can decrease the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
• Has less milk content which means fewer calories and less fat  
• The high caffeine content with a sweet taste will keep you awake and attentive 
• Moreover, the thick but small Crema layer tastes best as compared to other frothing styles 

Side effects of having a cappuccino 

• The high caffeine content can disturb your sleeping routine and make you feel drowsy 
• When taken in excess amount, cappuccino can be harmful and has serious side effects on heart 

How does a cappuccino and flat white differ from each other?

There is no major difference between a cappuccino and a flat white, as both of them have the same ingredients, but the portions are not the same.

However, in a flat white, ristretto is used which is stronger than espresso. In a flat white the milk content is more and the ratio is the same as a latte which is 1:3.

On the other hand, cappuccino contains a balanced milk content, and the ratio is 1:1:1 for espresso, steamed milk and froth. When it comes to flat white, the milk consistency is microfoam with less froth so the milk blends perfectly with the espresso.

Moreover, it has less to no froth on the top. On the contrary, a cappuccino is famous for its milk froth.

How do they taste?

Both of them taste different, as the cappuccino has more froth and less steamed milk. It tastes sweet and kinda bitter to taste and you can feel the taste of coffee on it.

However, when it comes to flat white things are not the same as it has a milky flavor because of the steamed milk. Moreover, it’s blended with the espresso so it tastes like vanilla and is weaker than a cappuccino in taste.

Here are the products which we discussed earlier in the article. We have used them and can assure you of the quality they offer.

NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Flat White Coffee Pods

Want to make a nice cup of flat white? But are you too busy to brew it at home? These Nescafe coffee pods of flat white flavor will help you out. The perfect blend of Arabica and robusta gives the right flavor and distinct aroma to the flat white. Moreover, it will have a smooth and velvety touch. You don’t have to add separate steamed milk to it. We have tested them and found them perfect for people who love having milk coffees. However, they are only compatible with the Dolce Gusto machine but don’t worry there are many ways to use it without a machine. 

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Coffee Pods, Cappuccino

Here are the same Nescafe pods as above but with a cappuccino flavor. The pack includes 16 coffee pods so you can use it as a trial pack.

It’s only compatible with the Nescafe coffee machine so if you have one it’s great. Otherwise, you can search for how to use coffee pods without a machine. The beans used are a blend of arabica and robusta together for a smooth and silky finish. 

Conclusion

We hope that you have liked our article on flat white VS cappuccino and now you are not confused between both of them.

In this article, we gave detailed information about their taste, proportions and many other important aspects. If you are confused between any other coffee types, you can check out our articles on 

• Latte VS flat white
• Americano VS drip coffee 
• Mocha VS latte 

It’s important to know the basic difference between these coffee types if you want to take barista training or simply for information. So you can check these articles for the best and most detailed information in easy words.