In my series of coffee drink comparisons, I am making an effort to help you understand the differences between coffee drinks and what they’re made up of. I understand that going to a Cafe’s menu can be confusing to some people, and I totally get it!
In this post, we’re looking at a White Americano vs Latte. Two are milk based, and two are also espresso based. So where’s the difference?
There’s a difference in milk ratio and texture, which can affect the taste and overall experience of each beverage.
White Americano vs Latte – Top Differences
| Drink | Ingredients | Texture | Calories |
| White Americano | Espresso + Hot Water + Milk | Thin and Watery | Low |
| Latte | Espresso + Steamed Milk | Creamy and frothy | High |
There are two main differences between white Americano vs Latte:
- A White Americano is basically an Americano with added milk to it.
- a Latte is a espresso and steamed milk.
Which means, due to the added hot water in an Americano, it is overall lighter in texture and more comparable to a coffee with milk than a latte.
What Is White Americano
This coffee drink is made by adding steamed milk to an Americano, which is a shot of espresso mixed with hot water.
A white Americano is a great option if you’re looking for a coffee that’s not as heavy as a latte but still has a creamy texture.
The milk in a white Americano gives it a smooth and rich taste, while the espresso provides a bold and robust flavor.
Here are a few key things to keep in mind when ordering a white Americano:
- The ratio of espresso to milk can vary depending on the coffee shop, so be sure to ask how much milk is used before ordering.
- If you’re looking for a stronger coffee taste, you can ask for an extra shot of espresso in your white Americano.
- If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, you can ask for a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk.
White Americano is a great choice for someone who wants a lighter drink with a creamy texture. Because it has less the amount of milk and more water than a latte, you’re getting a coffee drink that is lighter, has less calories and about the same caffeine as a latte.
What Is a Latte
A latte is a popular coffee beverage that consists of espresso, steamed milk, and a small layer of foam on top. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to find in a latte:
- Espresso: The base of a latte is one or two shots of espresso, which is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. Espresso is the most concentrated form of coffee, and it provides the strong, bold flavor that is characteristic of a latte.
- Steamed Milk: The majority of a latte is made up of steamed milk, which is heated and frothed using a steam wand. The milk adds a creamy, smooth texture to the latte and helps to balance out the strong espresso flavor.
- Foam: A latte typically has a small layer of foam on top, which is created by aerating the milk with the steam wand. The foam adds a light, airy texture to the latte and can be used to create latte art.
Out of all milk based coffee drinks, a latte is considered to have the highest milk ratio and it’s the most filling cup of coffee. That’s if you use whole milk. Alternating whole milk with skimmed or plant based milks will cut the calories, but you’ll still have a high milk ratio.
Is a White Americano the Same as a Latte?
No, they are not the same. Both have espresso as their base, and both have milk in it. However, a white Americano has half the milk ratio, the other half is made of hot water. While a Latte mixes milk only with the espresso, with no added hot water.
White Americano vs Latte Taste
When it comes to taste, White Americano and Latte have distinct differences that make them unique. Here are some things to consider:
White Americano Taste
White Americano has a bold and intense flavor that comes from the espresso shots used to make it. It is essentially a shot of espresso with hot water added to it. This means that the coffee flavor is strong, and the texture is thinner than a latte. The water added to the espresso helps to mellow out the acidity of the coffee, making it less bitter.
Latte Taste
Latte, on the other hand, has a creamier and smoother texture thanks to the steamed milk used to make it. The espresso shots are added to the steamed milk, creating a rich and velvety texture that is perfect for those who love a sweeter coffee taste. The milk helps to balance out the bitterness of the espresso, creating a more well-rounded flavor.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between White Americano and Latte ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the taste of coffee and want a quick and easy coffee fix, White Americano is the way to go. If you prefer a creamier and sweeter coffee taste, then Latte is the better option.
White Americano vs Latte Milk Ratio
When it comes to coffee drinks, milk is a crucial ingredient that can make a significant difference in the taste and texture of your drink. If you’re trying to decide between a White Americano and a Latte, you may be wondering which one has more milk.
The answer is simple: a Latte has more milk than a White Americano. A Latte is made with steamed milk, while a White Americano is made with hot water, milk and a shot of espresso.
Here’s a breakdown of the milk content in each drink:
Latte Milk Ratio
- A typical Latte contains about 8-10 ounces of milk.
- The milk is steamed and frothed to create a creamy texture.
- The milk is added to a shot or two of espresso, depending on the size of the drink.
White Americano Milk Ratio
- A typical White Americano contains about 1-2 ounces of milk.
- The milk is added to a shot of espresso and hot water.
- The milk is added to create a lighter, creamier taste than a regular Americano.
So, if you’re looking for a coffee drink with more milk, a Latte is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a lighter, creamier taste with a hint of milk, a White Americano may be more up your alley.
Keep in mind that the milk content can vary depending on the size of the drink and the specific recipe used by the barista. If you have specific preferences or dietary restrictions, be sure to communicate them clearly when ordering your drink.
White Americano vs Latte Strength
| White Americano | Latte |
|---|---|
| Made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk | Made with a shot of espresso and a significant amount of steamed milk |
| Has a rich and creamy flavor | Has a smooth and creamy texture |
| Is more intense in taste | Has a more balanced flavor |
| Typically ordered by those who love the taste of coffee | Popular among those who want a milder coffee experience |
If you’re looking for a coffee with a strong taste, you may prefer the White Americano. Because it has less milk than a latte, the coffee taste comes through stronger, especially when using a double shot of espresso.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more well-rounded flavor with just a hint of robustness, you may want to go for a Latte.
A Latte is made with a significant amount of milk, which gives it a smooth and creamy texture. The espresso in a Latte is more of a supporting player, rather than the star of the show, but you can always make it stronger by adding in an extra shot of espresso.
White Americano vs Latte – Caffeine Content
Since both a white Americano and a latte are espresso based, you are getting the exact same caffeine content from both drinks. The addition of milk or hot water does not affect the caffeine content at all.
For each shot of espresso, you are getting approx. 63mg of caffeine. Want more caffeine? Add an extra shot. It is that simple.
White Americano vs Latte Calories
| Drink | Calories (for Whole Milk) |
| White Americano | 20 Calories (per ounce of milk) |
| Latte | Average of 200 Calories (12 oz) |
If you are trying to watch your calorie intake, you may be wondering which is the better option between a white Americano and a latte.
A typical serving of a white Americano is made with a single or double shot of espresso, hot water and an ounce or two of milk, depending on your cup size. The calories come from the milk only, the Americano itself has less than 5 calories, too insignificant to count. So, assuming you are using whole milk, you’ll be getting around 20 calories per ounce.
On the other hand, a latte is made with espresso, steamed milk, and a small amount of foam. The milk used in a latte can add significant calories to the drink. For example, a 12-ounce latte made with whole milk contains around 200 calories, while a 16-ounce latte can contain up to 300 calories.
If you are looking to reduce your calorie intake, choosing a white Americano over a latte can be a good option.
