Lattes and cappuccinos are some of the most beloved beverages across the globe. While these two drinks share a number of ingredients, they differ from one another in terms of texture, taste, finishes. In this blog, we discuss these differences and compare their calorie content. We’ve also included a section comparing the latte and cappuccino served at Dunkin’ Donuts- a globally popular coffee shop franchise.
Cappuccino vs Latte; Difference
What is the difference between a cappuccino and latte? Both cappuccino and latte are made using espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk, but that’s about as far as the similarities go. The table below highlights some of the key differences between the two beverages:
| Cappuccino | Latte |
| The topping is a thick layer of airy, foamed milk. | This beverage is topped lightly with a thin layer of foamed milk. |
| To make a cup of cappuccino, steamed milk, foamed milk, and espresso are layered in even ratios | A cup of latte contains a higher ratio of steamed milk to espresso, with foamed milk only being added lightly. |
| To make a cup of cappuccino, steamed milk, foamed milk, and espresso are distinctly layered | To make a cup of latte, the espresso and steamed milk are usually blended, with only the foamed milk being layered on top. |
1. Topping
A cappuccino is usually topped off by adding a thick, airy layer of foamed milk that lends the drink a plush texture. A latte- on the other hand- is also topped with foamed milk, but only lightly (a thin layer of foam).
2. Creation Process
A cappuccino is made in three layers, with the bottom layer being a single or double shot of espresso. Next, steamed milk is added as the second layer, before topping off the drink with foamed milk as the third layer. Meanwhile, a latte is typically made with a single shot of espresso (sometimes two) as the base. The espresso is then blended with a substantial amount of steamed milk to create a creamy drink, complete with a light layer of foam.
Latte vs Cappuccino: Calories
A cup of latte has considerably more calories than a similar-sized cup of cappuccino, as the latter contains less milk. In your typical coffee shop, a 12-ounce cappuccino will contain about 130 calories, while a similar-size latte will contain about 210 calories. With health and calorie intake being a major concern amongst today’s beverage consumers, most coffee shops have come up with great ways of reducing the calorie content in their beverage offerings. For instance, cappuccinos and lattes made using non-fat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk- instead of dairy milk- usually have a lower calorie count.
Which is stronger: Latte or Cappuccino?
A cup of cappuccino is considerably stronger than a similar-sized cup of latte due to a higher espresso-milk ratio. A perfect cappuccino should have espresso, milk, and foam in a ratio of 1: 1: 1. Meanwhile, a typical latte usually contains espresso and steamed milk in a ratio of 1:2, making the beverage milder. As such, cappuccino has a strong espresso taste, while latte has a subtle espresso taste.
Latte vs Cappuccino Dunkin
At Dunkin’ Donuts, their beverage offerings include latte and cappuccino, both of which boast their distinctively rich and smooth shots of espresso. Dunkin’ customers can order either a hot latte or an iced latte. The former is made by mixing a shot of espresso with steamed milk and topping the drink with milk form for a rich, creamy drink.
Customers can also customize their lattes to their own preferences by requesting the addition of flavor shots or flavor swirls. Iced lattes- meanwhile, are made by blending espresso with cold milk, then pouring the drink over ice for a cold, creamy beverage.
Dunkin’ Donuts’ hot cappuccino- meanwhile- is made by adding steamed milk to an espresso base and topping it off with a thick layer of foam milk. They also offer the iced cappuccino version that’s prepared by mixing espresso with cold milk and pouring the drink over ice for a cold, delicious blend. The drink is then topped off with a light layer of foamed milk, giving it a delightfully frothy texture.
