What Is a Latte? Types, Latte vs Cappuccino and How to Make It
Quick answer: A latte is espresso with a large amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam on top. “Latte” means “milk” in Italian. Compared with a cappuccino, it has more milk and less foam, so it tastes smoother and milder. Popular types include the iced latte, the Spanish latte, and vanilla or caramel lattes.
The latte is one of the most ordered coffee drinks in cafés across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, hot or iced. This guide explains what a latte is, what is in it, how it differs from a cappuccino, the most popular types, and how to make one at home, even without an espresso machine.
The latte: smooth coffee with milk
What is in it, the main types, and two easy ways to make it at home.
What Is a Latte?
The full Italian name is “caffè latte”, which means “coffee with milk”. It is made with one or two shots of espresso, a large amount of hot steamed milk and then a thin layer of milk foam. Because milk makes up most of the cup, the coffee taste is gentler than in a cappuccino.
What Is in a Latte?
- Espresso: concentrated coffee that gives the latte its flavour. At home, you can use moka pot coffee or strong instant coffee instead.
- Steamed milk: hot milk heated with steam until silky, and the largest part of the drink.
- Light foam: a thin layer on top, much less than on a cappuccino.
- Optional extras: vanilla, caramel or hazelnut, or condensed milk in a Spanish latte.
Latte vs Cappuccino vs Flat White
| Latte | Cappuccino | Flat white | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk | A lot | Medium | Less |
| Foam | Thin layer | Thick layer | Very fine, thin microfoam |
| Coffee taste | Mild and smooth | Balanced | Stronger |
| Cup size | Usually large | Medium | Small |
For more on cappuccino, read what is cappuccino.
Popular Types of Latte
- Iced latte: espresso with cold milk and ice. See how to make an iced latte.
- Spanish latte: a latte with sweetened condensed milk, one of the most popular drinks in Gulf cafés. See how to make a Spanish latte.
- Flavoured lattes: vanilla, caramel or hazelnut, usually made with a sweet syrup.
- Lattes without coffee: such as matcha latte and the caffeine-free date seed latte.
How to Make a Latte at Home
Method 1: With instant gold coffee (two minutes)
- First, dissolve one teaspoon of gold instant coffee in about 30 ml of hot water.
- Then heat about 200 ml of milk and shake it in a closed jar or whisk it until light foam forms.
- Next, pour the milk over the coffee and spoon the foam on top.
- Finally, sweeten it with a stevia sachet if you like, or leave it unsweetened.
Method 2: With a moka pot or espresso machine
- First, brew a strong shot of espresso from espresso ground coffee.
- Then heat the milk and froth it with steam or a whisk.
- Finally, pour the milk slowly over the espresso, leaving a thin layer of foam on top.
Does a Latte Have Sugar and Caffeine?
A plain latte has no added sugar, only the natural sugar in milk. Instead, sugar comes from flavoured syrups or condensed milk. The caffeine, however, depends on the number of espresso shots, not on the amount of milk. Compare the numbers in our caffeine chart.
Café-style coffee without the café
Freeze-dried gold coffee for lattes, espresso ground coffee for the moka pot, and foamy cappuccino sachets.
Quick questions
What is a latte?
A latte is espresso with a large amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam; “latte” means “milk” in Italian.
What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
A latte has more milk and less foam, so it is smoother, while a cappuccino has thick foam and a stronger coffee taste.
Does a latte have sugar?
A plain latte has no added sugar; sugar comes from flavourings or condensed milk.
Can I make a latte without a machine?
Yes, with gold instant coffee and hot milk frothed in a jar or with a whisk.
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