A Guide to Cappuccino vs. Latte

At their core, both the cappuccino and latte share common DNA, but beyond their likenesses each coffee’s identity can be distinguished by subtle nuances in their preparation, appearance and taste.

Preparation

The way a coffee drink is prepared can greatly affect its taste, and this is especially true when comparing cappuccinos and lattes.

For a cappuccino, after the espresso shot is pulled, the milk is both steamed and frothed. Steaming the milk warms it up and starts to break down the sugars, giving it a sweeter taste. After that, the milk is also then frothed, which introduces a lot of air and creates a thick, frothy foam. This foam is then carefully poured on top of the espresso, forming the top layer of the cappuccino.

When preparing a latte, the milk is steamed, similarly to what is done with cappuccinos. But unlike a cappuccino, the milk isn't overly frothed. Instead, the steamed milk is poured directly into the espresso, mixing the two together. Finally, a small amount of foam is spooned on top to give the latte its signature look and add a bit of texture.

Serving Size and Style

The size and style of the cup or glass in which your coffee is served isn't just for aesthetics. It also impacts the balance of flavours in your drink and can even change your overall coffee experience. Cappuccinos and lattes are a perfect example of how serving size and style can make a difference.

Calories

The amount of calories in your coffee mainly comes from the milk and any added sugars or flavourings.

Lattes: A latte, which contains more milk than a cappuccino, tends to have more calories. To have more precision, you might need to refer to the nutrient's description of your favourite milk brand. A standard latte made with whole milk can have around 130-170 calories. This number varies depending on the type of milk you use, as well as the types of flavoured sweeteners you add to the drink.

Cappuccinos: A cappuccino, which has equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, usually has fewer calories. A standard cappuccino can range from 80-120 calories, depending on the type of milk used. The thick layer of foam adds volume to the drink without adding a lot of calories, which keeps the calorie count lower than in a milk-heavy latte.

If you're watching your calories, a cappuccino might be a lower-calorie option. However, it's still important to take into account any extras you might add, like sugar or flavoured syrups, as these can significantly increase the number of calories in your coffee.

Taste Profile

Cappuccinos and lattes differ in taste and robust flavour based on the ratio of ingredients that make up each drink.

The Taste of a Cappuccino
Cappuccinos are known for their strong, robust flavour. While a shot of espresso may sometimes have a bitter taste it's important to mention that there are lightly roasted espressos that add indulgence and sweetness, making it possible to have cappuccinos to suit all tastes. The bitterness of the espresso provides a rich, dark base, which is smoothed out by the sweetness of the steamed milk. The frothy milk foam, with its light and airy texture, adds a soft layer of creaminess that ties it all together.

The Taste of a Latte
Lattes are on the milder side when it comes to espresso flavour. Because a latte uses a larger amount of steamed milk, the taste of the espresso is more subtle. Rather than taking centre stage as it does in a cappuccino, the espresso in a latte acts more like a flavourful undertone, adding depth and richness to the creaminess of the milk.

Cappuccino vs. Latte Recipes

In this section, we’ll guide you through making both cappuccinos and lattes using traditional methods with the convenience of a Nespresso coffee machine.

How To Make a Cappuccino

Ingredients:
1 Nespresso coffee pod (Original or Vertuo)
100-150 ml of cold MILK (whole milk or a plant-based alternative)

Equipment:
Nespresso machine (Original or Vertuo)
Milk frother (e.g., Nespresso Aeroccino) or steam wand

Instructions:
Brew the espresso: Insert the espresso pod into the Nespresso machine. Select the espresso shot option (usually 40 ml). Brew the shot into a cappuccino cup.
Froth the Milk: If using the Nespresso Aeroccino, pour the cold milk into the frother up to the lower cappuccino mark. Press the button for a few seconds to froth the milk with heat. This should take about 60-90 seconds to create thick, creamy foam. If your Nespresso machine has a steam wand, use it to froth the milk, aiming for a thick foam on top.
Combine Espresso and Milk: Pour the steamed milk gently over the espresso. Hold back the foam with a spoon to pour the liquid milk first. Top the cappuccino with the thick foam to complete the drink.

How To Make a Latte

Ingredients:
1 Nespresso coffee pod (Espresso or Lungo)
Latte 110ml coffee/110ml milk; Latte macchiato 40ml coffee, 140ml milk

Equipment:
Nespresso machine (Original or Vertuo Line)
Milk frother (Nespresso Aeroccino) or steam wand

Instructions:
Brew the Espresso or Lungo: Insert your preferred pod into the Nespresso machine. For a classic latte, select the Lungo option (110 ml) if using the Original line, or the Espresso shot (40 ml) if using the Vertuo Line. Brew the coffee into a latte glass or large cup.
Froth the Milk: If using the Nespresso Aeroccino, pour cold milk up to the upper mark for lattes. Press the button once to froth and heat the milk. The process takes around 60-90 seconds. If using a steam wand, froth the milk until it’s silky and slightly textured, with a thin layer of foam.
Combine Milk and Espresso: Pour the steamed milk gently into the cup with espresso. Hold back the foam with a spoon, then spoon a small amount of foam on top of the latte.

For more inspiration on brewing at home, find guides for both cappuccino and lattes in the Nespresso coffee recipe hub.

Which Coffee Should You Choose?

The age-old debate of cappuccino or latte resolves around personal choice and coffee ritual preferences. If you prefer a stronger, more robust coffee flavour with a thick layer of foam, the cappuccino is likely your best choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a milder, creamier coffee experience, the latte might be more to your taste.