Latte vs. Coffee: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, while coffee generally refers to a brewed beverage made from ground coffee beans.
Key Differences
Latte is a specific type of coffee drink, characterized by its combination of espresso and steamed milk, usually with a small layer of foam on top. Coffee is a broader term that encompasses all types of brewed drinks made from roasted coffee beans, including plain black coffee, espresso, and various other coffee-based beverages.
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Nov 15, 2023
The preparation of a latte involves a precise ratio of espresso to milk, creating a balance between the strong flavor of the espresso and the creaminess of the milk. Coffee can be prepared in numerous ways, such as drip brewing, French press, or espresso, each method affecting the flavor and intensity of the final beverage.
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Latte is often enjoyed for its smooth, creamy texture and the way the milk softens the intensity of the espresso. In contrast, coffee can range from mild to very strong, depending on the brewing method and the type of coffee bean used, offering a wider spectrum of taste experiences.
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The cultural context of latte is often associated with Italian espresso culture and the craft of barista-made coffee drinks. Coffee, on the other hand, has a more diverse and global heritage, with different cultures having their own traditional methods of preparation and consumption.
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In terms of caffeine content, a standard latte typically has less caffeine per serving than a similarly sized cup of brewed coffee, due to the larger proportion of milk compared to coffee in a latte.
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Comparison Chart
Preparation Method
Espresso Machine Required
Various Methods (Drip, French Press, etc.)
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Latte and Coffee Definitions
Latte
Latte can be flavored with syrups like vanilla or caramel.
My favorite is a caramel latte with extra foam.
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Coffee
Coffee is a brewed beverage made from roasted coffee beans.
I can't start my day without a hot cup of coffee.
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Nov 15, 2023
Latte
A latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
I ordered a vanilla latte at the coffee shop.
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Nov 15, 2023
Coffee
Coffee is often served black, but can be sweetened or lightened with milk or cream.
She likes her coffee with just a little bit of sugar.
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Nov 15, 2023
Latte
Latte is often topped with a small amount of foam.
She drew a heart in the foam of my latte.
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Coffee
Coffee varies in strength and flavor based on the beans and brewing method.
He enjoys experimenting with different coffee blends and brewing techniques.
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Latte
The term 'latte' is derived from the Italian 'caffè latte' which means milk coffee.
Every morning, she makes herself a strong latte to start the day.
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Coffee
The caffeine in coffee makes it a popular morning beverage.
Coffee is my go-to for a mid-afternoon energy boost.
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Latte
In a latte, the ratio of milk to espresso is higher compared to other espresso drinks.
He prefers lattes because they're smoother than regular espresso.
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Nov 15, 2023
Coffee
Any of various tropical African shrubs or trees of the genus Coffea, especially C. arabica or C. canephora, widely cultivated in the tropics for their seeds that are dried, roasted, and ground to prepare a stimulating aromatic drink.
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Coffee
The beanlike seeds of this plant, two of which are found in each fruit.
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Latte
A drink of coffee made from espresso and steamed milk, generally topped with foam.
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Oct 19, 2023
Coffee
The beverage prepared from the seeds of this plant
Likes to drink coffee with breakfast.
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Latte
A similar drink, where the espresso is replaced with some other flavoring ingredient such as chai, maté or matcha (green tea).
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Latte
Same as cafe latte; a type of espresso coffee served with foamy steamed milk, and usually served in a tall glass or mug.
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Coffee
An informal social gathering at which coffee and other refreshments are served.
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Coffee
(uncountable) A beverage made by infusing the beans of the coffee plant in hot water.
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Coffee
The seeds of the plant used to make coffee, called ‘beans’ due to their shape.
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Coffee
The end of a meal, when coffee is served.
He did not stay for coffee.
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Coffee
Of a table: a small, low table suitable for people in lounge seating to put coffee cups on.
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Coffee
The "beans" or "berries" (pyrenes) obtained from the drupes of a small evergreen tree of the genus Coffea, growing in Abyssinia, Arabia, Persia, and other warm regions of Asia and Africa, and also in tropical America.
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Coffee
The beverage made by decoction of the roasted and ground berry of the coffee tree.
They have in Turkey a drink called coffee. . . . This drink comforteth the brain and heart, and helpeth digestion.
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Coffee
A cup of coffee{3}, especially one served in a restaurant; as, we each had two donuts and a coffee; three coffees to go.
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Coffee
A social gathering at which coffee is served, with optional other foods or refreshments.
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Coffee
A beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans;
He ordered a cup of coffee
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Coffee
Any of several small trees and shrubs native to the tropical Old World yielding coffee beans
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Coffee
Coffee culture encompasses various traditions and customs worldwide.
Visiting local coffee shops is a key part of their travel experience.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is coffee always made with espresso?
No, coffee can be brewed in various ways, not always requiring espresso.
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Nov 15, 2023
How is a latte different from regular coffee?
A latte contains espresso and a higher proportion of milk than regular coffee.
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How much caffeine is in a latte compared to coffee?
Lattes generally have less caffeine than a regular cup of coffee due to the higher milk content.
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Nov 15, 2023
What is a latte?
A latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
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What kind of milk is used in a latte?
Typically, whole or reduced-fat milk is used, but alternatives like soy or almond milk can also be used.
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Can you make a latte without an espresso machine?
While traditionally made with an espresso machine, alternative methods can be used at home.
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Is latte an Italian invention?
Yes, the latte is based on the Italian "caffè latte."
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Can lattes be flavored?
Yes, lattes can be flavored with syrups like vanilla or caramel.
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What are the health benefits of coffee?
Coffee can offer benefits like increased alertness and potential antioxidants.
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What is the origin of coffee?
Coffee has a global heritage, with origins often traced back to Ethiopia.
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Can I make coffee without a coffee maker?
Yes, methods like French press or stove-top brewing don't require a standard coffee maker.
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How does the roast of coffee beans affect flavor?
Darker roasts tend to be bolder and more bitter, while lighter roasts are often more acidic and nuanced.
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Can lattes be iced?
Yes, lattes can be served over ice for a cold beverage.
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What is the best milk for frothing in a latte?
Whole milk is often preferred for frothing due to its fat content.
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What is the traditional size of a latte?
Traditionally, a latte is served in a larger cup than espresso, usually around 8 to 12 ounces.
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How is espresso for a latte prepared?
Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under pressure.
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Can you add sugar to a latte?
Yes, sugar or sweeteners can be added to a latte to taste.
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Is decaffeinated coffee completely caffeine-free?
No, decaffeinated coffee still contains small amounts of caffeine.
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Is a latte or coffee better for someone sensitive to caffeine?
A latte typically has less caffeine than regular coffee and may be better for those sensitive to caffeine.
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Nov 15, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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