Flat White
Flat whites are a popular coffee drink containing espresso, milk and foam. They are the least milk-heavy beverage, containing only a small amount of milk – usually between 180ml and 240ml. This makes it one of the most popular milk-based coffee drinks for those watching their calorie consumption.
The milk used for flat whites is different from any other drink. It is made from tiny bubbles of milk which are textured and steamed to create creamy foam with tight microfoam – making it ideal for topping off the espresso. In order to achieve this unique texture the milk is steamed at a temperature of 65-68°C. This results in a creamy texture, an ideal balance of coffee and milk, and perfect for coffee art.
When it comes to the taste of flat whites, you can expect something of a balanced coffee drink. It has the bold, full bodied taste of espresso at the forefront, but it is softened with the creamy foam and slightly sweetened milk. A few shots of espresso make up the majority of the drink, while the addition of a little milk makes it subtly sweeter and less bitter.
For those looking to consume less milk in their coffee drinks, flat whites are the ideal choice. Since flat whites contain only a small amount of milk, they are significantly lower in calories and fat than other milk-based coffee drinks. One cup of flat white containing 180ml of milk clocks in at only 91 calories, and less than 2 grams of fat, making it one of the healthiest choices on the menu.
Experts recommend choosing a flat white as the best option for those who want to drink coffee without all the added calories and fat of more milk-heavy beverages. It is a great option for those watching their daily calorie intake, or for those who want to enjoy a rich, creamy coffee without the guilt.
While flat whites may not be as indulgent as other milk-based drinks, they still deliver the same wonderfully bold taste of espresso. By adding a minimal amount of milk, the espresso flavor is still at the forefront, but softened with the creamy, slightly sweet milk and foam. This slight sweetness makes is ideal for those who want to try a different coffee experience without sacrificing the taste.
Mocha
Mochas are espresso-based coffee drinks with added chocolate and milk. The amount of milk in a mocha will vary depending on how it is made, but it is usually between 180ml and 240ml – slightly more than that contained in a flat white. As such, mochas usually have more calories, usually around 150-190, and around 3-5g of fat.
Mochas are a great choice for those who want to enjoy both the flavour of espresso and a hint of chocolate. The taste of the espresso is mellowed and sweetened by the chocolate, but still present in the background. Milk is then added to balance the flavour and lighten the drink. The added chocolate gives it a sweetness that is usually absent in other coffee drinks.
The blend of chocolate and espresso create a creamy, indulgent and comforting taste. Some mochas include added ingredients like nutmeg, cinnamon and caramel, making it even sweeter and richer.Syrups and chocolate powder can also be added to mochas for an extra indulgent twist – although these will also add more calories.
Mochas are more indulgent than flat whites due to the addition of chocolate. This makes them a great choice for those who want something a little more special and indulgent than a flat white. For those keen to indulge without all the added fat and calories that accompany more chocolate-heavy coffee drinks, a mocha is the ideal compromise.
Mochas can be enjoyed hot or cold, and can also be made with different types of chocolate such as dark or white. If you have a preference for a particular chocolate or espresso blend, it can also be used in a mocha in order to create a unique and personalised coffee experience.
Latte
Lattes are espresso-based coffees made with a combination of espresso, steamed milk and foam. Usually it is made with 2 shots of espresso and between 180ml and 240ml of steamed milk – although it can also be made with more or less. This makes it the most milk-heavy of the three drinks, and by extension more calories, with around 140-180 calories and around 4-6g of fat.
As mentioned, lattes are heavily steeped in milk – so much so that the espresso flavour is muted behind the added milk. As such, lattes tend to be much smoother and velvety than other espresso-based drinks such as flat whites and mochas. The addition of more milk means that lattes are much more mellow in flavour and much less bitter.
The addition of more foam also adds a wonderfully creamy texture which softens the espresso and adds a hint of sweetness. This makes it the ideal choice for those who prefer a milder coffee or who don’t enjoy espresso but still want to enjoy a coffee drink. The additional foam can also make lattes an ideal choice for those who like to create coffee art.
Lattes are usually a great choice for those who like their coffee with a hint of sweetness and creaminess. The added milk provides a milder taste than other espresso-based drinks, and the foamy texture makes it much easier for those less used to bitter coffee to enjoy.
However, due to the higher amount of milk content, lattes contain more calories and fat than their counterparts. So those who are watching their daily calorie consumption or fat intake may want to opt for a different beverage.
Cappuccino
Cappuccinos are espresso-based coffees with added steamed milk, foam, and sometimes a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon. They usually contain around 2 shots of espresso, between 160ml and 240ml of steamed milk, and a dollop of creamy foam. This makes them the second most milk-heavy of the three drinks, with around 110-150 calories and 2-3grams of fat.
The added steamed milk makes cappuccinos the ideal balance between flavour and texture. The espresso and foam add a firm, fragrant taste, while the steamed milk delicately balances out and softens the drink. The foam is usually thicker than that in a latte or mocha, making cappuccinos a great choice for those who like to indulge with their coffee.
The unique balance of espresso, steamed milk and foam means cappuccinos can be enjoyed either hot or cold. The added cocoa powder or cinnamon adds a delicate sweetness and richness, making it perfect for those who prefer their coffee a little more indulgent. Many cappuccino-lovers choose to add a few extra sprinkles of cocoa or cinnamon on top, making the drink look even more inviting.
Cappuccinos usually have a strong, sweet flavour, and are the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the boldness and taste of espresso but with a creamy twist. However, due to the relatively high milk content, it is slightly higher in calories than a flat white or mocha, and for those counting calories may be better to opt for a different beverage.
Macchiato
Macchiatos are espresso-based coffees made with a single shot of espresso, a small amount of steamed milk, and a dollop of foam. This makes them the least milk-heavy of all the coffee drinks, with only around 80-120 calories and less than 1gram of fat. This makes them the perfect choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Macchiatos are usually made with a single shot of espresso and are designed to bring out the boldness and full-bodied taste of the espresso, without masking it with added milk. The addition of a small amount of steamed milk and a dollop of foam help to smooth out the espresso and add some creaminess. The foam is rich and velvety, makes each sip comforting and rich.
The beauty of macchiatos lies in the rich and fragrant espresso. The milk and foam help to tame the bitterness of the espresso and add a hint of sweetness to it. As such, macchiatos are the perfect choice for those looking for something a little lighter and less indulgent than other milk-based coffee drinks.
Unlike lattes or mochas, macchiatos are made without added ingredients like chocolate or caramel. This makes them much simpler and more subtle, yet still full of flavour. Those who prefer a more straightforward coffee drinking experience should opt for a macchiato to enjoy the flavour of the espresso.
Conclusion
All in all, flat whites are the least milk-heavy coffee drink and the perfect choice for those looking to enjoy coffee with less milk. For those who prefer something a little sweeter, mochas are the perfect compromise between indulgence and lower calories. Meanwhile, lattes and cappuccinos are richer and slightly higher in calories due to the higher milk content. For those looking for something a little lighter and fuller in flavour, macchiatos are the ideal choice.
