If you are an avid coffee drinker, you may have heard of the many variations of this caffeinated drink. There are so many choices available! From lattes to cappuccinos, macchiatos and plan black coffee. While there are many takes on a classic coffee drink, many people do not know the difference between all the varieties. This article will explore the difference between a macchiato and a latte. The differences are in the amount of milk and caffeine added to each drink and the finish.
What is a Macchiato?
The classic macchiato drink is an espresso shot and a milk splash. That is it! This means that the flavor of a macchiato is relatively more potent than many other variations of coffee.
Furthermore, the serving size of a macchiato tends to be much smaller due to the powerful flavor shot of espresso! The traditional serving size is 1 1/4 ounces.
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Main Ingredients in a Macchiato
The main ingredients in a macchiato are simple. The shot of espresso will be small, around three to four ounces, and a shot of milk.
Texture and Finish of a Macchiato
The traditional macchiato is very simple. However, this coffee drink has different takes and variations that can change the texture and finish. First, the espresso macchiato is smooth and strong. The flavor is powerful, and the milk splash will add a bit of softness to it. The espresso macchiato is also served in a small cup, making it reasonably easy and quick to drink.
On the other hand, the latte macchiato is bigger than the espresso macchiato. This one does have steamed milk and foam. The change from a typical latte to a macchiato latte is that the espresso will lay on top of the milk and foam instead of at the bottom of the cup. Coffee drinkers who enjoy the strong espresso flavor will enjoy drinking a shot or two of macchiato!
What is a Latte?
A latte and macchiato have similar ingredients. A latte begins with one or two shots of espresso. Then steamed milk gets added to the espresso, with the ratio of espresso to milk being one to two.
From here, the steamed milk and the espresso are mixed and topped with a thin foam layer.
Since a latte has more milk than espresso, the flavor is quite sweet in comparison to a macchiato. Instead of the powerful flavor of espresso, latte drinkers will receive only a hint of espresso within the sweetness.
Cold lattes are also very popular, and the flavors are easily adaptable. Many people enjoy seasonal lattes such as peppermint or spiced pumpkin. Additionally, people enjoy the latte art, a fun characteristic of a latte. The latte art uses a thick layer of steamed milk.
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Main Ingredients in a Latte
The main ingredients in a latte are espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of foam.
While the ingredients are the same as in a macchiato, one of the key differences is in the preparation methods and the ratio of espresso to milk. A macchiato contains a higher ratio of espresso and a small splash of milk, while a latte is the opposite, giving amazingly different results!
Texture and Finish of a Latte
A latte contains a higher ratio of milk. Therefore, it has a soft and silky texture. Lattes are also excellent, hot and cold, adding to the variety of flavors and finishes that people enjoy in their coffees!
Coffee drinkers who enjoy a creamy texture and a lot of sweetness will love trying out a latte.
So, Which One Has More Calories?
Now, let's go back to the first question in this article. Which one of these coffee drinks has more calories, a macchiato or a latte?
The answer is a latte contains more calories than a macchiato. The reason for this is that a latte contains more milk than the latter. On average, a latte contains around 190 calories. A macchiato, on the other hand, contains only around 140 calories. The strong espresso flavor and low calories contrast with a latte's creamy flavor and higher calories.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the perfect coffee variation is truly a personal choice. Some people enjoy the typical black coffee. Others would rather sweeten their coffee with loads of creamer and sweetness. Have you ever heard the expression, Do you want coffee with your cream? That expression perfectly describes latte lovers!
So, which one should you choose? It all depends on your specific tastes and likes. Do you enjoy a strong coffee flavor that is powerful and sharp? In that case, choose a macchiato! On the other hand, if you love a sweet coffee that is adaptable to several different flavors and finishes, a latte is an excellent choice!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©BarthFotografie/Shutterstock.com.
- The must-have convenient reference guide for every home cook!
- Includes more than 8,000 substitutions for ingredients, cookware, and techniques.
- Save time and money on by avoiding trips to grab that "missing" ingredient you don't really need.