Macchiato Vs Latte: What Are The Differences?

Your favorite coffee shop counter is buzzing with shoppers, chatting about coffee drinks. But you are messing your head here with these terms like a latte, macchiato, flat white, and simply end up ordering your usual cappuccino. I know you can easily become confused and overwhelmed by terms. 

Most of these drinks contain almost similar ingredients, but the proportions make the difference between their texture, aroma, and ultimately, their flavor. Doesn't that sound easy enough? Before reaching another cup, let's get more specific here and dig into our subject of macchiato vs latte, what are the differences?

Macchiato vs latte

Whatever season it is, a good cup of coffee is a necessity on the way to work! These days, coffee drinks are the most popular brew. It might not surprise you to learn that Americans consume 146 billion cups of coffee a year. It is said rightly.

A bad day with coffee is better than a good day without it.

But first, let’s start our coffee venture with a query, what is the difference between a latte and macchiato? Do you know that? If not, I am here to answer you, worry not!

P.S If yes, tell me how to make an expresso latte in the comment section below! 👇

What is Latte?

Who doesn’t love to snap a crafted regular latte on a blank canvas of thick, rich foamed milk with expresso? Well, everyone does! 

Latte. Paparazzi perfect cup for coffee drinkers to showcase their favorite local coffee shop barista's creativity. This is more than just an eye-pleasing expresso topped drink. 

The underlying base of a regular latte is espresso and steamed milk, making it a classic coffee. In Italian, the word "latte" means "coffee and milk" (other variants are "coffee latte" and "café au lait"), whose meaning is "coffee and milk." 

Lattes are traditionally made with 1/3 espresso, 2/3 warm milk, and a half-inch layer of milk foam on top. The barista can easily adjust the latte size at this ratio. The traditional size is between 10-12 ounces. 

The origin of Latte

Latte. The all-rounder. Creme de la creme. 

But do you know where did this classy coffee drink come from? Throughout history, people have been enjoying the coffee + frothed milk combination. Names and references have changed over time until Kaffeehäuser in Austria began offering espresso-based beverages called the Kapuziner in the late 1700s.

It was a mixture of coffee, whipped cream, sugar, and spices. The classic Italian cappuccino was born here. 

European households have enjoyed coffee drinks for years during breakfast, however, the latte was invented in the United States. From the beginning of history and through WWII, the “latte” was absent from Italian and French coffee chains.

Several people believe that Lino Meiorin invented the latte in California, almost 90 years ago. A famous phrase by William Dean Howells, titled "Italian Journeys," was the first to use it. No matter where it originates, Caffe latte definitely gained traction in the early 1980s. 

 

Latte art, A masterpiece

It is not uncommon for baristas to enjoy brewing caffè latte. To create this latte art form, methodically pour the warm milk into espresso to create leaf shapes, flowers, heart shapes, and other designs.

Some people find it convenient, if not essential, to brew their coffee in their espresso machines at home. 

Coffee shops have frothing machines and espresso machines where they can create countless specialty coffee drinks.

The latte art community even has an international competition that occurs annually. Coffee drinkers highly regarded this event. 

What is Macchiato?

The macho cousin of the latte is macchiato, the latte macchiato is a blend between these two drinks. 

In a latte, espresso is usually poured first, then warm milk is added along with the foam. But in macchiato, espresso is topped with a layer of frothy foam.

You might be thinking now,

Is a macchiato just an upside-down latte?

Yes! You can say so. Macchiato is espresso topped with frothed milk that has been steamed into a velvety milk foam consistency. It is kinda similar to flat white, just replace the foamed milk with regular milk. 

Starbucks introduced an upside-down caramel macchiato, which is exactly similar to a regular latte. 

The combination of espresso and milk makes a coffee drink. The amount of espresso (30 ml) and milk frothed in traditional espresso drinks is approximately 50 ml.

 The history of the Macchiato

According to most coffee shops and enthusiasts, the macchiato was created in Italy during the 1980s to distinguish an espresso beverage that included frothed milk. 

Originally named because of the slight amount of foamed milk, macchiato coffee translates as "stained coffee." This appearance is because of a small amount of milk, or macchiato, which gives the coffee a stained appearance.

A good deal of coffee drinkers have trouble identifying which drink is a traditional macchiato since it does not have a universally known recipe. Thus, you will most likely see different macchiato recipes available at cafes.

Around the world, other coffee drinks are like macchiato, but each has different hot milk to expresso topped ratio. Chai latte, for example, is warm milk with spices and black tea bags.

Macchiato vs Latte

The macchiato vs latte battle is a hard nut to crack. This coffee drink is a strong coffee with steamed milk. The milk content in a latte is much higher. However, these definitions oversimplify things.

Among the macchiato, you will find latte macchiato as well. It's not that these two beverages have the same taste, but the fine nuances make them different.

We will explore the differences between latte and macchiato to find out what makes them unique. 

 

Lattes can sometimes be flavored, macchiato isn't.

The simplicity of lattes is undeniable, but they have a wide range of flavorings that can be paired with them. The choice of flavor is really up to you. Adding a cocoa powder or chocolate syrup is up to you. The essence of a latte remains the same regardless of what you add to it.

Since the original recipe for espresso macchiato doesn't contain sugar, it has a powerful taste.

Likewise, if you add hot chocolate to macchiato, it will never be the same. The flavored macchiato isn't really macchiato; they're caffeine-based drinks. The closest thing they can get is flavored espresso macchiato.

A chocolate-flavored macchiato is a mocha.

One part espresso, one part chocolate sauce, and one part milk foam from Moka pot combine to form a mocha.

There are only two things that are like a macchiato in that sentence: the shot of espresso and the milk foam.

Does a macchiato or latte have more milk?

Traditional macchiato is primarily made of espresso and a small amount of frothed milk. In contrast, a latte contains espresso along with steam milk similar to whipped cream texture.

Expresso-based drinks differ primarily by the ratio of their constituent ingredients. In a latte, hot milk predominates over espresso (2: 1), while a macchiato has more espresso than warm milk.

A macchiato will always be smaller than a latte

What is the first thing you noticed in a nice, fancy coffee shop? Apart from the visual appeals.

Serving size, Right? No one loves to enjoy their favorite coffee in small size.

Coffee is best enjoyed hot, flavorful, and in large quantities. But not every other drink comes in colossal size. It mostly depends on the coffee flavor and content. Think of a macchiato. For instance, you won’t be able to drink an entire 10 oz macchiato.

Therefore, a macchiato will always come in a small cup, something around 5 oz/150 ml in size. Even if it were bigger, your favorite drink itself would barely reach 3 oz/100 ml, you'd be satisfied.

In terms of latte macchiato vs lattes, they're always going to come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging between 8 and 16 ounces. Lattes contain so much whole milk that balance out a shot of espresso.

 

What exactly is a Latte macchiato then?

Latte macchiato is a cross between a latte and a macchiato. But like always, it is closer to its sister aka latte.

Latte macchiato is a milk-based beverage, finished with espresso. The same amount of latte macchiato is more than enough to satisfy your cravings at almost the same cost.

What is the difference between a latte and a Latte Macchiato?

To create a latte macchiato, simply froth milk, making generous foam, pour into a glass, and top with espresso. This results in substantial dry foam, rather than the wet microfoam of latte art, which is often excessively foamed.

Which coffee is stronger latte or macchiato?

I bet you think, does macchiato or latte have more espresso? So the explanation here is that macchiato is stronger than a latte and has more expresso. There are more flavors and caffeine in a macchiato than a latte, strengthening it than a latte. Another reason is that lattes can sometimes be flavored and macchiato owns a traditional espresso taste.

What is a macchiato vs latte vs cappuccino?

The perfect way to unwind from work this weekend is to indulge in your favorite Sherlock Holmes series while enjoying a cappuccino. Cappuccinos are popular coffee drinks that are made by adding mostly steamed milk and milk foam to espresso shots.

Cappuccino vs latte. A cappuccino contains equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, while a latte is a combination of espresso shot and steamed milk. A macchiato is a shot of espresso mixed with a bit of milk.

But whatever you applaud, the final product is always a warm smile from the rich, creamy, and smooth textured coffee.

Which is healthier macchiato or latte?

Each morning, we witness individuals clutching their coffee cups; because of this, it's clear this is a very important part of our lives.

Researchers have shown that these popular drinks aid in lowering blood pressure, fat content and promote fuel burning. However, adding sugar to it won't do any good. Let's delve deeper into this.

Consuming a macchiato without sugar is healthier vs latte. The calorie content of an 8 oz. shot of coffee is just 13 or 18 depending on whether you use almond milk or whole milk. Add a tsp of sugar and count 15 calories in.

Two parts of frothed milk are added to a shot of espresso to create a latte. A small-sized milk coffee has only 70 calories and no fat. It is an excellent source of calcium.

What is the difference between macchiato and espresso?

Espresso is made by forcing hot pressurized water through ground coffee in the espresso machine. We have a mixture that is dense, sweet, rich, and slightly bitter. It is the base of almost all the coffee drinks.

Macchiatos are double espresso-based drinks with a small amount of milk foam on top. Macchiatos are smoother and do not taste as strong.

Final Thoughts:

Coffee has become one of the most popular drinks in recent years. Starting the day with a cup of coffee and a bit of business is a great way to start a busy schedule. People share their coffee experiences based on different coffee flavors, roasts, and roast intensities. Here at Chamberlain Coffee, let your taste buds tingle with our extensive coffee range in your favorite tumbler. You won't regret shopping here!