Latte vs. Cappuccino: What's Actually Different?
A latte and a cappuccino are both espresso and milk, yet they drink nothing alike. Here's the ratio behind the difference — and how to pick the right one for you.
The difference between a latte and a cappuccino comes down to one thing: the ratio of milk to coffee. A latte carries far more milk, so it drinks smooth and rounded. A cappuccino sits under a thick cap of foam, which lets the coffee push through. Want the milk forward? Order a latte. Want the coffee forward? Order a cappuccino. If you’re undecided, a latte is the safest place to start. The two also differ slightly on calories, which we break down in our full coffee calorie comparison.
What Is a Latte?
Caffè latte is Italian for “milk coffee,” and the build is exactly that simple:
- Espresso: 1 shot (about 30ml)
- Steamed milk: about 200–240ml
- Microfoam cap: a thin layer, roughly 1cm
With that much milk in the cup, a latte drinks soft and silky, and the coffee stays gentle. It’s the right call if a strong coffee bite isn’t what you’re after — and it’s the ideal canvas for latte art.
What Is a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino starts from the same espresso base, but follows the classic rule of thirds:
- Espresso: 1/3
- Steamed milk: 1/3
- Foam: 1/3
That thick foam is what gives a cappuccino its signature texture — every sip delivers the depth of the espresso and the lightness of the foam at the same time. The coffee reads far more clearly than it does in a latte.
Latte vs. Cappuccino at a Glance
| Feature | Latte | Cappuccino |
|---|---|---|
| Milk volume | High (about 2/3 of the cup) | Medium (about 1/3 of the cup) |
| Foam depth | Thin (about 1cm) | Thick (about 1/3 of the cup) |
| Coffee intensity | Gentle | More pronounced |
| Texture | Smooth and milky | Velvety, layered |
| Cup | Usually a larger cup | Traditionally 150–180ml |
| Best for | Milk lovers, coffee beginners | Coffee-forward drinkers who want texture |
Which One Should You Order?
Go with a latte if
- You’re new to coffee and still adjusting to the bitterness
- You love the round, creamy character of milk
- You want to add a syrup, like vanilla or caramel
- You want a big cup you can sip slowly
Go with a cappuccino if
- You want to taste more of the coffee itself
- You love the texture of a proper foam cap
- You prefer a smaller, more focused cup
- You’re keeping an eye on calories (less milk in the cup)
What Makes Rhine Coffee’s Different
At Rhine Coffee, both the latte and the cappuccino are built on a double shot, paired with carefully sourced fresh milk steamed to a fine, glossy microfoam — so the cup that reaches you still tastes full-bodied after the ride.
The iced latte is our summer favorite. We use a custom ice formula, so as the ice melts it never washes the coffee out.
FAQ
Do a latte and a cappuccino have the same caffeine?
Yes. Both are built on the same amount of espresso — usually 1 to 2 shots — so the caffeine is essentially identical, around 60–120mg. All that changes is the milk-to-foam ratio.
Which one is sweeter?
Neither has any added sugar, but the extra milk in a latte makes it come across as rounder and sweeter. If you want actual sweetness, order a flavored version instead — a vanilla latte or a caramel macchiato.
Which one is lighter?
A cappuccino uses less milk, so it typically lands 30–50 calories below a latte. The gap is small, though. Order the one you actually enjoy.
Does delivery change how they taste?
A cappuccino’s thick foam can settle a little in transit, so for delivery we’d point you to the latte — its texture holds up more reliably. That said, if the cappuccino is what you love, it’s still absolutely worth ordering.
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What kind of coffee are you having today?
Single-origin beans, La Marzocco espresso machine, made to order — delivered in 25 min