Cappuccino vs Flat White: Foam, Flavour, and What to Expect

Cappuccinos and flat whites both involve espresso and milk, but if you’ve ever received one when expecting the other, you’ll know they’re not the same thing. The key difference? It’s all in the milk, the texture, the volume, and the foam.

Cappuccino: Classic, Foamy, Bold

A cappuccino is a proper old-school drink. It’s made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. That thick foam cap gives it a light, airy texture, while still keeping a strong coffee flavour. It’s usually served in a smaller cup, around 150ml, and topped (sometimes unnecessarily) with a dusting of chocolate or cinnamon.

Because of the foam, cappuccinos feel lighter to drink, but they often taste stronger than lattes thanks to the higher ratio of coffee to milk.

Read more: What is a Cappuccino?

Flat White: Silky, Smooth, Coffee-Forward

The flat white takes a different approach. It still uses a double shot of espresso, but instead of airy foam, it’s topped with a thin layer of smooth microfoam. The milk is textured, not frothy, and blends seamlessly with the coffee to create a velvety mouthfeel.

Served in a cup around 160–180ml, the flat white delivers a stronger, creamier taste without the fluffy finish of a cappuccino.

Find out more: What is a Flat White?

Which One Should You Choose?

If you like your coffee traditional and a little lighter in feel, the cappuccino is a safe bet. That thick foam and bold espresso make it a satisfying classic.

If you’re after something smoother and more modern, with a strong coffee taste and a luxurious texture, the flat white is probably the one.