Caffè Latte

A caffè latte typically contains a higher ratio of steamed milk to espresso and includes a thin layer of microfoam on top, resulting in a milder, creamier drink. A flat white, by contrast, uses a smaller volume of milk with a higher proportion of velvety microfoam throughout, yielding a stronger espresso flavor in a smaller serving size.

A standard caffè latte in most coffee shops contains either one or two shots of espresso, depending on the cup size, with larger drinks typically using a double shot. The espresso is combined with approximately 6 to 10 ounces of steamed milk, making it one of the more milk-forward espresso beverages on a typical café menu.

The term "caffè latte" is Italian for "coffee with milk," and in Italy it traditionally refers to a simple home-prepared breakfast drink made with stovetop espresso or moka pot coffee and heated milk. The modern café version served worldwide was popularized in American coffee culture, particularly in Seattle during the 1980s, and differs from the Italian household original.

A 12-ounce caffè latte made with whole milk typically contains approximately 180 to 200 calories, almost entirely from the steamed milk. Substituting skim milk reduces this to roughly 100 to 120 calories, while plant-based alternatives such as oat milk or almond milk vary depending on the brand and any added sweeteners.