Latte vs. Coffee: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 20, 2023
A latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, while coffee refers to a brewed drink made from roasted coffee beans.
Key Differences
Latte and coffee, both caffeinated beverages, have distinct preparations and flavor profiles. A latte primarily consists of espresso and steamed milk, producing a creamy, smooth drink.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Coffee, in its broadest sense, refers to a drink made by brewing water with ground coffee beans. The result is a stronger, more robust flavor compared to the milk-heavy latte.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
The primary difference lies in the ingredients and proportions. While a latte has a substantial amount of milk, making it creamier, a black coffee has no milk and presents the pure taste of the coffee bean.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Many coffee aficionados differentiate their beverages based on strength and flavor. A latte, with its milk content, might be considered milder, while a straight coffee can offer a more intense caffeine kick.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
In many coffee shops, ordering a latte will often result in receiving a drink with a small amount of foam on top. In contrast, ordering a coffee might give various options like black, with cream, or sugar, depending on how the individual likes their brew.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Additives
Steamed Milk (and sometimes foam)
Can be consumed black or with cream/sugar
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Caffeine Content
Varies based on espresso shot count
Varies based on brew strength
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Presentation
Often served with foam on top
Typically served plain or with added condiments
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
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Latte and Coffee Definitions
Latte
Lattes are often topped with a small amount of foam.
He was skilled in making lattes, even crafting art with the foam on top.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Coffee
Coffee offers a robust flavor and caffeine content.
After a long night, a strong coffee is exactly what I need.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Latte
A latte typically has a milder coffee flavor due to the milk content.
For those who find black coffee too strong, a latte is a perfect choice.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Coffee
Coffee can be served black or with additives like sugar and cream. He takes his coffee with two sugars and a splash of cream.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Latte
Lattes primarily consist of espresso and milk.
She prefers a latte in the morning because of its creamy texture.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
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Coffee
Coffee is a staple beverage in many cultures worldwide.
While traveling, he loves exploring different regional coffee variations.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Latte
A latte is a coffee-based beverage with steamed milk.
I ordered a vanilla latte from the cafe.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Coffee
Coffee is a brewed drink made from roasted coffee beans.
Every morning, she starts her day with a cup of coffee.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Latte
Lattes can be flavored with various syrups.
Today, I'm in the mood for a caramel latte.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Coffee
Coffee beans come in various roasts, influencing the drink's flavor.
She prefers a medium roast coffee for its balanced taste.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Coffee
Any of various tropical African shrubs or trees of the genus Coffea, especially C. arabica or C. canephora, widely cultivated in the tropics for their seeds that are dried, roasted, and ground to prepare a stimulating aromatic drink.
Sumera Saeed
Feb 19, 2016
Latte
A drink of coffee made from espresso and steamed milk, generally topped with foam.
Sumera Saeed
Feb 19, 2016
Coffee
The beanlike seeds of this plant, two of which are found in each fruit.
Sumera Saeed
Feb 19, 2016
Latte
A similar drink, where the espresso is replaced with some other flavoring ingredient such as chai, maté or matcha (green tea).
Sumera Saeed
Feb 19, 2016
Latte
Same as cafe latte; a type of espresso coffee served with foamy steamed milk, and usually served in a tall glass or mug.
Sumera Saeed
Feb 19, 2016
FAQs
How does the taste of a latte differ from black coffee?
A latte is creamier and milder due to the milk, while black coffee has a robust and pure coffee flavor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
What is the primary ingredient in a latte?
The primary ingredient in a latte is espresso, mixed with steamed milk.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Can both latte and coffee be served cold?
Yes, both can be served as iced versions.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
How do coffee beans impact the flavor of the drink?
The roast, origin, and grind size of coffee beans can significantly influence flavor, strength, and aroma.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Can you make a latte at home without an espresso machine?
While espresso machines make it easier, you can replicate a latte by using strong brewed coffee and frothed milk.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Are there health benefits to drinking coffee?
Moderate coffee consumption is linked to various health benefits, but it's essential to consume it responsibly.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Why does a latte have foam on top?
The foam on a latte is formed when steamed milk is frothed, creating tiny air bubbles.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Are lattes always made with dairy milk?
No, lattes can also be made with alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Which drink is a better option for someone lactose intolerant?
Black coffee contains no lactose, but many cafes offer lactose-free milk options for lattes too.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
How does the brewing method impact coffee's taste?
Different methods (e.g., drip, French press, espresso) extract flavors differently, affecting strength and taste.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
What gives a latte its distinct creamy texture?
The steamed milk, which is a primary component of a latte, gives it its creamy texture.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Can you add flavors to both latte and coffee?
Yes, both can be flavored, but it's more common to add flavored syrups to lattes.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Can you make a decaffeinated latte?
Yes, a latte can be made using decaffeinated espresso.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Which is richer in taste, a latte or an Americano?
An Americano, which is espresso diluted with water, typically has a richer coffee taste compared to the milk-heavy latte.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Can you have a latte without coffee?
Traditional lattes contain coffee (espresso), but there are variations like chai or matcha lattes that don't.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Which has more caffeine, a latte or a coffee?
It varies based on preparation, but generally, a regular-sized coffee may have more caffeine than a single-shot latte.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Is coffee the same worldwide?
While the base ingredient is the same, preparation, strength, and additives vary by region and culture.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Which is creamier, a latte or black coffee with cream?
A latte is typically creamier due to the larger proportion of steamed milk.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Why is coffee sometimes referred to as a "cup of joe"?
The exact origin is unclear, but it's a colloquial American term for a cup of coffee.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
What's the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
While both have espresso and milk, a cappuccino has equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, while a latte has more steamed milk and less foam.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
