Flat White vs Macchiato

7 min read MAY 04, 2022

Flat white vs. macchiato is a topic that has been debated for years. Some people say that flat white is the better choice, while others prefer macchiato. So, which one is actually the better coffee drink?

Factually, the choice between flat white and macchiato comes down to personal preference. However, there are some key differences between the two drinks that you should know about before making your decision.

In this article, we dig deeper into the world of flat white vs. macchiato and find out which coffee drink is truly the best. This will help you decide which coffee drink is right for you the next time you visit your local coffee shop.

What this article covers:



Flat White Overview


Before we look at macchiato vs. flat white, it’s important to understand what a flat white is. A flat white is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. The milk is micro-foamed, which means that it’s heated until it forms small bubbles. This gives the flat white its signature smooth texture.

Flat whites are typically served in smaller sizes than other coffee drinks like lattes. This is because the milk to coffee ratio is higher in a flat white, making it stronger than some coffee types, but milder than macchiato.

Something worth noting is that flat white is a ristretto shot. This means that less water is used when making the espresso, resulting in a more concentrated shot of coffee.macchiato vs flat whiteHowever, it can be made with a double shot and about four ounces of milk. This gives you a little more caffeine without making the drink too strong.

The difference between cortado, macchiato, and flat white is that the latter has more milk. A cortado is a coffee with a dash of milk, while a macchiato has around two ounces of steamed milk.

Macchiato Overview


A macchiato is made with espresso and steamed milk, just like a flat white. It’s a standard shot of espresso with a dollop of steamed milk and foam on top. However, the key difference here is that a macchiato has less milk. This gives the drink a stronger coffee flavor with a creamy texture.

Macchiatos are typically served in small sizes, just like flat whites. However, you can find them in medium and large sizes at some cafes.

Since macchiato is highly concentrated, you might find it highly acidic. However, you can use our low acid coffee beans to reduce acidity and make it more palatable.

How Macchiato Compares to Other Coffees


With so many different styles of coffee and various names, it can feel like learning an entirely new language when trying to decide on which coffee you want to order. Before we look at the difference between flat white and macchiato, let's look at how macchiato differs from other coffees.

The difference between macchiato and espresso is that the former has milk while the latter does not. An espresso is a small, concentrated shot of coffee. It’s made with hot water filtered through fine coffee grounds.flat white vs latte macchiatoWhen it comes to macchiato vs latte, the main difference is the amount of milk. A latte has more milk than a macchiato, making it a sweeter and less strong drink.

The difference between frappuccino and macchiato is that the former has more sugar and is icy, while the latter doesn't. A frappuccino is a blended drink made with coffee, milk, and ice. It can also be made with flavored syrups.

One of the most confusing battles is between cappuccino vs macchiato. Cappuccino is made with espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. A macchiato also has espresso and steamed milk, but the key difference is that a cappuccino has more milk foam.

Flat White vs Macchiato


There are a few factors that make the difference between a flat white and a macchiato. They include:

Appearance


Flat white has a blended look while a macchiato is layered. This means that when you pour milk into a flat white, the espresso and milk blend together to create a single consistent color. When you pour milk into a macchiato, the espresso and milk remain in two separate layers.

Taste


The taste of a flat white is more intense because all of the flavors are mixed together. The taste of a macchiato is more complex because the espresso and milk flavors are distinct from each other.

You can use LifeBoost's Caramel Macchiato Coffe Beans to further enhance the taste. These coffee beans have zero calories and sugar, making them a healthier and tastier alternative to regular beans.

latte macchiato vs flat white

Strength


Another difference between flat white and a macchiato is the strength. A macchiato is made with less milk, so it has a stronger espresso flavor. A flat white is made with more milk, so it has a milder espresso flavor.

Flat White vs Latte Macchiato


Latte macchiato is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. The milk is frothed using a steam wand and poured over the espresso. A latte macchiato has less foam than a cappuccino and more milk than a caffè latte.

Most people confuse a flat white with a latte macchiato, but there is a big difference. A flat white is made with whole milk that is steamed using a microfoam wand to create small bubbles. The result is a silky smooth texture that has no foam on top.

Another difference between flat white and latte macchiato is the proportion of coffee to milk. A flat white has more coffee than milk, while a latte macchiato has more milk than coffee.

Flat White vs Latte vs Macchiato


If you're a coffee-lover, chances are you've ordered all three of these drinks at one point or another. 

The key difference boils down to the amount of milk each drink contains. A flat white is made with less milk than a latte, and a macchiato contains even less milk than a flat white. flat white vs latte vs macchiatoAnother difference is that a flat white contains less foam than a latte. In fact, a good flat white should have almost no foam at all.

Flat White vs Macchiato: Which is Better?


The answer to that question is a matter of personal preference. If you like your coffee strong and bold, then a macchiato might be the drink for you. If you prefer something a little lighter and less intense, then a flat white could be your perfect cup.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which coffee drink is right for you. So, next time you’re in the mood for a little caffeine boost, why not try both a flat white and a macchiato and see which one you like best?

How to Make Your Coffee Sweeter


Whether you choose flat white or macchiato, there are a few things you can do to make your coffee sweeter. They include:

Adding Sugar


This is the most common way to sweeten coffee. You can add sugar directly to your cup or put it in the pot before brewing.

Using Flavored Syrups


Flavored syrups are a great way to add sweetness and flavor to coffee. There are many different flavors available, so you can find one that you like.

Adding Milk or Cream


Milk and cream can make coffee sweeter and richer. If you want to keep your coffee low-fat, you can use skim milk or non-dairy creamer.

Using a Natural Sweetener


There are many natural sweeteners available, including honey, agave nectar, and stevia. You can find these at most grocery stores and some of them are sugar-free and zero-calorie.

Making a Coffee Float

difference between flat white and latte macchiato

A coffee float is made by adding ice cream or whipped cream to coffee. This is a great way to make a sweet and decadent treat.

Final Thoughts


In this article, we looked in detail at how flat white differs from macchiato. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the two drinks and can make an informed decision about which one you would like to try.

Something worth noting is that it doesn't hurt to try. Even if you have already made a decision about which coffee you like better, it's always worth trying the other one.

You can go to your local coffee shop and order both drinks, or you can look for recipes and make them at home. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to enjoy your coffee. Good luck.

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