Froth or no froth: what's the difference between flat whites, lattes and cappuccinos?
Flat white at Timber Cafe
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a café menu wondering, “what the heck is the difference between a flat white, a latte, and a cappuccino?” — you’re definitely not alone. These three most common espresso-based drinks often confuse coffee newcomers and even seasoned enthusiasts. So, let’s break down these drinks, froth and all, to help you order with confidence next time you visit us.
The Basics: What They Have in Common
Flat whites, lattes, and cappuccinos all start with the same core ingredient: espresso. This bold, concentrated coffee is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under pressure, producing a rich shot packed with flavor.
Each of these drinks then adds steamed milk and milk foam in varying proportions. The differences between them primarily come down to how much milk and froth they include — and this affects the texture, strength, and mouthfeel of your drink.
The Smooth and Silky Flat White
Originating from Australia and New Zealand, the flat white has quickly gained international popularity for its velvety texture and strong coffee flavor.
Espresso: Typically, a flat white is made with a double shot of espresso.
Milk: The milk is steamed to a microfoam texture — meaning it’s very smooth and velvety, with tiny, fine bubbles.
Froth: The foam on a flat white is very thin and integrated into the milk, creating a “flat” surface with little to no thick froth layer on top.
Size: Usually served in a smaller cup (5–6 oz), which helps maintain a strong coffee flavor.
Flat white from Timber Cafe
Why People Love Flat Whites
The flat white offers a perfect balance between the boldness of espresso and the creaminess of milk, without being overly frothy or diluted. Its smooth texture makes it feel rich without heaviness — a great choice if you want a coffee-forward experience with a silky mouthfeel.
The Creamy and Comforting Latte
The latte is one of the most popular espresso drinks worldwide, known for its creamy texture and mild coffee taste.
Espresso: Usually a single or double shot of espresso forms the base.
Milk: Steamed milk makes up the majority of the drink, with a higher volume than in a flat white.
Froth: A thin layer of milk foam tops the drink, typically about 1 cm thick, just enough to add a light creaminess.
Size: Served in larger cups (8–12 oz or more), which means more milk relative to espresso.
Why People Love Lattes
Lattes are comforting and smooth, with a gentle coffee flavor balanced by plenty of steamed milk. They’re also a favorite canvas for latte art — that pretty foam design baristas often create on top. If you like your coffee mild and milky, a latte is your go-to.
Latte from Timber Cafe
The Bold and Frothy Cappuccino
The cappuccino is an Italian classic, famous for its distinctive layers and frothy texture.
Espresso: Starts with a single or double espresso shot.
Milk: Steamed milk fills about one-third of the cup.
Froth: A thick, airy layer of milk foam (usually about 1–2 cm thick) crowns the drink, creating a fluffy top.
Size: Typically served in a smaller cup (5–6 oz).
Why People Love Cappuccinos
The cappuccino’s signature frothy crown provides a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the strong espresso beneath. The foam also helps keep your drink warm longer. It’s a perfect choice if you enjoy a bold coffee flavor with a playful, textured mouthfeel.
Comparing Froth and Flavor: What It Means for Your Coffee Experience
Milk-to-Espresso Ratio: Lattes have the highest milk content, making them the mildest and creamiest. Flat whites have less milk but more microfoam, keeping the espresso flavor more pronounced. Cappuccinos have a balanced milk-to-foam ratio that delivers both strong flavor and fluffy texture.
Froth Thickness: Cappuccinos feature the thickest foam layer, lattes have the least, and flat whites fall in between with their thin, velvety microfoam.
Cup Size: Lattes are usually the largest, flat whites and cappuccinos are smaller, concentrating the espresso flavor.
Cappuccino from Timber Cafe
Pro Tips From Our Baristas
Our baristas at Timber Cafe pay close attention to the milk steaming process because it’s key to a perfect coffee drink. Micro-foam for a flat white is created by steaming milk just right to produce silky, shiny texture with tiny bubbles — no big frothy peaks here. For cappuccinos, we intentionally create more aeration to build that thick foam layer, while lattes get a smooth pour with only a thin foam topping.
If you’re trying to decide which to order, here’s a quick tip:
Want strong espresso with a creamy texture? Go flat white.
Want a mellow, milky coffee to sip slowly? Pick a latte.
Craving a frothy, bold experience? Try the cappuccino.
Why Knowing Your Coffee Matters
Understanding the differences between these espresso drinks isn’t just about impressing your friends (though that’s a nice bonus!). It’s about finding the perfect coffee to match your taste and mood. Whether you’re starting your day or taking a cozy afternoon break, the right cup makes all the difference.
At Timber Cafe, we’re passionate about coffee education because we believe coffee should be an experience — one you enjoy with every sip. When you know the story behind your drink, from the espresso shot to the froth on top, you can appreciate the craft and care that goes into it.
Final Sip: What Will You Try Next?
Next time you visit us, don’t hesitate to ask our baristas to recommend a drink based on your taste preferences. Whether it’s a silky flat white, a creamy latte, or a frothy cappuccino, we’re here to make your coffee moment perfect.
And if you’re ever curious about coffee brewing tips, bean origins, or espresso techniques, we love sharing what we know — because great coffee starts with great knowledge.
So, froth or no froth — now you know the difference, and you can order like a pro!