It may seem that the terms “latte” and “cappuccino” are used interchangeably.
Both drinks are espresso-based and originate from Italy, and are widely available at local coffee shops and national chains, often in hot or iced varieties.
But as coffee experts told FOX News Digital on Friday for National Cappuccino Day, while they are similar, they are not the same.
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“The main difference is the ratio,” Katie Thomas, senior manager of training and quality assurance for La Colombe Roasters, told Fox News Digital in an email.
Thomas is based in Chicago and has worked for the coffee chain and brand for more than 10 years, she said.
According to coffee experts, a cappuccino has a more pronounced espresso flavor than a latte. (St. Petersburg)
Traditionally, a cappuccino is a smaller drink than a latte and uses about 2 to 4 ounces less milk, Thomas said.
“This means the espresso flavor is more pronounced,” she said.
Additionally, “cappuccinos tend to contain more air than lattes, but this texture has seen a wide range of interpretations over the years. Some baristas make very frothy dry cappuccinos, while others prefer thinner milk to cappuccino ratios. Some baristas enjoy it,” she said. The perfect texture for making latte (cappuccino) art. ”
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Thomas said latte and cappuccino were both invented in Italy, and their names reflect their origins.
“Latte” in Italian means “milk,” Thomas said. This is not surprising given the high milk content in the drink.
This is pumpkin spice latte. “Latte” in Italian means “milk”, which makes sense given the high milk content in the beverage. (St. Petersburg)
A cappuccino has less milk than a latte, which makes the drink darker, Thomas said.
The light brown color is likely where it got its name, she said.
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“They say it was named after the color of the robes of Capuchin monks,” she says.
The Minor Capuchin Order, a Catholic order of Franciscan friars, was founded in Italy.
The name cappuccino is said to come from the customary brown color of Capuchin monks. (Nicholas Cocobris/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Another big difference between lattes and cappuccinos is the time each drink is traditionally consumed, Thomas told Fox News Digital.
“Italians say it's a mistake to drink cappuccino after noon,” she says.
Naturally, Thomas eschews this tradition and “loves them at any time of the day.”
“According to Italians, it's a mistake to drink cappuccino after noon.''
Thomas said when people try to make their own lattes and cappuccinos, the way they grind the beans is key.
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“Shatter can be a difficult concept to understand because it relates to flavor,” she said.
According to one coffee expert, the grind of your espresso beans has a big impact on the taste of your drink. (St. Petersburg)
Thomas said people who find their coffee too bitter or have a burnt taste should “try grinding it coarser.”
“And if you're in a pinch, you can also add a pinch of salt to tame the bitterness,” she said.
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“Espresso machines need to grind the coffee very finely, so use it sparingly,” Thomas says, adding, “A little goes a long way.”
The barista holds a latte cup and pours milk into it. (St. Petersburg)
However, Thomas advises those aspiring to become baristas to keep trying, even if there are setbacks.
“It takes time to find your favorite recipes,” she said.
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“Investing in a good grinder will give you the perfect tool to experiment every morning and find your preference.”
