As a coffee lover, you must be aware of the wide variety of coffee drinks that exist. Whether it’s your favorite local coffee shop or a multinational coffeehouse chain, the menu is often filled with options that will delight even the most seasoned coffee lover. Today we’re going to look at two of those options – macchiato and latte.
Macchiato vs Latte: What’s the Difference?
In terms of ingredients, both drinks contain espresso and milk. The main difference, however, lies in the proportions and the preparation method. A macchiato contains much more espresso than milk, making it stronger and more powerful in taste. Conversely, latte macchiatos contain more milk, making them creamier and less intense.
| aspect | macchiato | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Ratio of coffee to milk | More coffee, less milk | More milk, less coffee |
| espresso | A shot of espresso | A shot of espresso |
| milk | A small amount of frothed milk | A large amount of frothed milk |
| foam | Minimal to no foam | Creamy, velvety foam |
| serving size | Smaller portion size | Larger portion size |
| coffee strength | Stronger coffee taste | Mild coffee taste |
| flavors | Often served neat, but can be flavored with syrup | Can be flavored with different syrups |
| layers | Layers of espresso and a small amount of milk | Layers of espresso, frothed milk and foam |
| Origin | Italian origin | Italian origin |
| Meaning | Macchiato means “stained” in Italian. | Latte means “milk” in Italian. |
| Common variations | Caramel macchiato, vanilla macchiato, hazelnut macchiato | Vanilla Latte, Caramel Latte, Mocha Latte |
| customization options | Fewer customization options for the coffee taste | Many customization options for flavors and toppings |
| caffeine content | Higher caffeine content compared to a latte | Lower caffeine content compared to a macchiato |
| Popular usage | Often enjoyed as a strong coffee shot | Often enjoyed as a milky, creamy coffee beverage |
| coffee art | Less commonly used for latte art | Often used for latte art, especially with foam |
What is a macchiato?
The word “macchiato” comes from Italy and means “spotted” or “spotted” in English. This is an apt description of this coffee drink, as a traditional Italian macchiato is made from an espresso with just a small milk stain. Originally, the macchiato was developed to give baristas the ability to differentiate between regular espresso orders and those who just wanted some milk with their strong coffee.
To prepare a macchiato, a shot of espresso is poured into an espresso cup and then a small amount of frothed milk is poured over it. After the espresso, the milk is added, creating the characteristic “dot” that gives the macchiato its name.
What is a latte?
A latte (short for caffè latte), on the other hand, is an Italian coffee drink that is one-third espresso and two-thirds frothed milk, topped with a small but noticeable amount of foam. The term “Caffè Latte” literally means “coffee with milk”. Lattes were originally enjoyed for breakfast in Italy and were prepared at home rather than in cafes.
A latte is usually prepared by first pouring the brewed espresso into a large mug. Frothed milk is then added to the espresso and a layer of frothed milk is applied on top. The higher milk-to-coffee ratio results in a much creamier and less intense taste compared to a macchiato.
Which is stronger: a latte or a macchiato?
The strength of a coffee drink is primarily determined by the ratio of espresso to milk.
Bar: A standard latte is made with a shot of espresso and a larger amount of milk, usually at a 1:3 espresso to milk ratio. This means the latte will have a much milder, creamier flavor due to the larger amount of milk diluting the espresso.
Macchiato: On the other hand, a traditional macchiato is made with a shot of espresso “spotted” or “marked” with a small speck of frothed milk. This results in a much stronger and more powerful coffee flavor as the espresso is not greatly diluted.
When it comes to strength, the macchiato is clearly superior. Since it contains less milk and more espresso, it is significantly stronger than a latte. The strength of these drinks depends primarily on the ratio of milk to espresso.
Should you order a macchiato or a latte?
Whether you should order a macchiato or a latte largely comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a strong coffee flavor that’s only slightly softened with the addition of milk, then go for a macchiato. However, if you prefer your coffee to be creamy and less intense, a latte is the best choice. This latte recipe happens to be my favorite.
The different types of macchiatos
There are two main types of macchiato – espresso macchiato and latte macchiato.
The espresso macchiato is as previously described – an espresso with some frothed milk. However, a latte macchiato is the opposite of that. Milk is discolored with espresso and not vice versa. To prepare it, fill a glass with hot milk and then add the espresso, creating a layered effect.## FAQ(s)
Q1: Should you stir a macchiato?
Although some people prefer to stir their macchiatos to blend the milk and espresso, it’s traditionally served unstirred to preserve the layered look.
Q2: What goes first in a latte macato?
With a latte macchiato, the milk comes first, followed by the espresso.
Q3: How do you make a latte?
A latte is made by brewing an espresso and then adding it to frothed milk.
health comparison
Latte vs Macchiato
Both lattes and macchiatos can form part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. However, their nutritional content differs due to the different amounts of milk and espresso in each variety.
Bar: A regular latte is made with more milk compared to a macchiato, resulting in a higher calorie count. For example, a 16-ounce whole milk latte may contain about 220 calories. However, the higher percentage of milk also means more calcium and protein.
Macchiato: A traditional macchiato, with its minimal milk content, is generally lower in calories. A single shot of macchiato, for example, might only contain about 10-15 calories. However, due to the lower milk content, it provides less calcium and protein.
The central theses: If you’re counting calories, a macchiato is probably a healthier choice. However, if you’re looking for a drink with more protein and calcium, a latte might be a better choice. Keep in mind that the healthiest option also depends on the type of milk used (whole milk, skim milk, soy milk, almond milk, etc.) and any added sugar or syrup.
Macchiato and latte recipes
Starbucks Snickerdoodle Latte
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Iced Matcha Latte
Chai tea latte
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Caramel macchiato
Diploma
Whether you choose a macchiato or a latte largely depends on how strong you like your coffee and how much you enjoy the milk flavor in your drink. With this guide in hand, you are now ready to make an informed decision the next time you visit your favorite coffee shop!
FAQs
What exactly is a macchiato?
A macchiato originating from Italy is an espresso that has only a small spot of milk. The traditional Italian macchiato is made by pouring a shot of espresso into an espresso cup and then adding a small amount of frothed milk on top.
Can you define a latte?
Latte is an Italian coffee drink that is one-third espresso and two-thirds frothed milk, topped off with some foam. A latte is usually prepared by first pouring the brewed espresso into a large mug, then adding frothed milk and pouring a layer of frothed milk on top.
Which is stronger, a latte or a macchiato?
A macchiato is significantly stronger than a latte due to its higher espresso content and lower milk content.
Should I order a macchiato or a latte?
Choosing between a macchiato or a latte largely comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a strong coffee taste, a macchiato is the right choice. However, if you prefer your coffee to be creamy and less intense, a latte is a better choice.
Are there different types of macchiato?
Yes, there are two main types of macchiato: espresso macchiato and latte macchiato. Espresso macchiato is an espresso with some milk froth. However, a latte macchiato is the opposite of this, in which the milk is tainted with espresso.
Should you stir a macchiato?
While some people prefer to stir their macchiatos to blend the milk and espresso, it’s traditionally served unstirred to preserve the layered look.
What goes first in a latte macchiato?
With a latte macchiato, the milk comes first, followed by the espresso.
How do you make a latte?
A latte is made by brewing an espresso and then adding it to frothed milk.
What is the difference between a macchiato and a latte?
The main difference between a macchiato and a latte lies in the proportions and the method of preparation. A macchiato contains much more espresso than milk, making it stronger and more powerful in taste. Conversely, lattes contain more milk, making them creamier and less intense.