If you have found yourself staring at the menu in a coffee shop, confused as to how one beverage differs from the other, you have landed on the right page. Iced Latte and Iced Cappuccino are both iced-based cold coffees, but how does one differ from the other?
Are there even real differences, or are they simply marketing gimmicks? Let us clear the air first, Iced Cappuccino and Iced Latte, although contain similar ingredients, there are some major differences between the two like taste, flavor, caffeine, process, etc.
In this article, learn all the major differences between an iced latte and an iced cappuccino. They might sound the same and look alike, but they are not so much the same thing. Once you know the real differences, you will truly be able to appreciate each beverage’s flavor and taste, and who knows might even pick a favorite!
What Is An Iced Latte?
Cafe Latte, commonly known as “Latte” is known for its Italian origin. It is a combination of strong brewed espresso and freshly steamed milk. Unlike your regular coffee, Latte provides a subtle yet rich and creamy mouthfeel – owing to its espresso-to-milk ratio.
Traditionally Cafe Latte is prepared with 1 part of espresso and 2 parts of steamed milk. Popular as a breakfast coffee beverage, this delicious coffee is a hit amongst coffee connoisseurs.
Iced Latte is similar to its hot counterpart, except it uses chilled milk instead of steamed milk. Simply put, an iced latte is the cooler version of a traditional latte (pun intended). Supreme in taste and flavor, simple to assemble and prepare.
If you want to try making an iced latte at home this summer, we have a delicious recipe. Find it here.
What Is An Iced Cappuccino?
It consists of basic ingredients like espresso, milk, and milk foam. Proportionally speaking it consists of ⅓ part espresso, ⅓ part milk, and ⅓ part milk foam. Iced Cappuccino is basically the iced version of regular cappuccino except it is even more refreshing than a hot coffee. It is made using espresso, milk, ice, and milk foam.
Cappuccino originated in Italy, where it was a small drink consisting of brewed coffee mixed with milk or cream until the color of the drink resembled the color of the monk’s capuchin robes (which is also where the name ‘cappuccino’ derived from).
Now, It has become one of the most famous coffee drinks that are available mostly in coffee shops all around the world. And are also available in many different flavors and versions such as caramel, french vanilla, mocha, etc!
Want to learn how to make iced cappuccino at home? Check out this easy and refreshing recipe!
Differences Between Iced Latte & Iced Cappuccino
As we mentioned, both the beverages are very different from each other. A coffee novice, might not understand what separates the two drinks and gives them different identities, therefore we have prepared this guide for you to understand the difference between the two.
Flavor: How Are The Flavors Of Iced Cappuccino Different From Iced Latte?
Espresso, milk, and milk foam are used in equal quantities in an iced cappuccino, this balances the overall flavor of coffee and gives you a strong cup of coffee with equal milk to balance the bitterness. The milk foam that is also present in large quantities, gives cappuccino the right amount of delicate flavor and a refreshing feel.
An iced latte, on the other hand, contains double the amount of milk as coffee. Adding more milk, reduces the strong flavor of coffee, giving it enough but not over-the-top coffee flavor. Lattes or iced lattes are perfect for those who do not like very strong coffee flavors and prefer having more white than black coffee.
Taste: Do Iced Latte & Iced Cappuccino Taste The Same?
No, iced latte and iced cappuccino do not taste the same. Iced cappuccino tastes like a refreshing and strong coffee beverage. Iced latte on the other hand has a more milkshake-like texture and flavor. Iced cappuccino tastes more smooth and light due to the high amount of milk foam, while iced latte feels more heavy and thick due to the high content of milk.
Usually, chilled milk is used in an iced cappuccino instead of steamed milk. Steamed milk has a natural sweetness to it due to the breakdown of the sugar component in milk while it is heated. Hence you might find iced cappuccino to be less sweet unless you have added extra sugar, whipped cream, flavorings, etc.
Similar to iced cappuccino, chilled milk is added to the iced latte instead of steamed milk. If you prefer your lattes without sugar, you will find iced latte less sweet unless you add extra sugar or flavorings which most coffee shops will add unless otherwise you specify not to.
[Also Read: Can You Put Almond Milk In Coffee]
Caffeine: Which One Has More Caffeine?
Many tend to assume that an iced latte has less caffeine than an iced cappuccino, this is solely due to the fact that milk overpowers the flavor of coffee in a latte, making people think they are consuming less caffeine. While in actual fact both iced latte and iced cappuccino have equal amounts of coffee.
Both their recipes call out to use two espresso shots. A single espresso shot has around 63mg of caffeine and 2 espresso shots have around 126mg of caffeine. You definitely can reduce the amount of coffee used in a cappuccino or latte, but you will also have to proportionately reduce the amount of milk.
Calories: Which Is More Healthy?
Unlike caffeine, the calorie content in both drinks varies hugely. Iced latte has always been known to be a calorie-dense coffee beverage. This is due to the high amount of milk plus several flavoring and sugar syrups added to it. Many cafes also serve an iced latte with whipped cream on top which adds to the calorie content of the drink.
On the other hand, an Iced cappuccino has less amount of milk as compared to an iced latte. Since it has a decent amount of milk foam present in it, it is not usually served with whipped cream. Therefore iced cappuccino is a lower calorie drink and a much healthier version if we may say so.
Iced cappuccino has around 60 calories per serving and iced latte has around 97 calories per serving. This is you are using just espresso, milk, and milk foam. If you prefer to add sugar, flavoring, and whipped cream, the calories will increase accordingly.
If you like adding flavored syrups to your coffee, we have a list of best-flavored syrups you can use. Check it here.
Process Of Making: How Do They Differ?
There is not much of a difference when preparing an iced latte or iced cappuccino. Both the beverages require similar ingredients and follow a similar procedure, what might differ is the quantity and additives.
Process Of Making An Iced Cappuccino
Here is how to make an iced cappuccino in a few simple steps, for a more detailed recipe refer to this link here.
Ingredients
- 2 shots of chilled espresso
- ¼ cup chilled milk
- ¼ cup milk for cold foam
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
Process
1. The first step is easy, pull two shots of espresso from an espresso machine. If you do not have an espresso machine you can also use other forms of brewed coffee.
2. Next, chill the expresso in the freezer for a while. Once cooled, add it to a glass.
3. Stir together espresso, chilled milk, and sugar.
4. Use a milk frother and prepare some cold foam. Milk foam is an important step in cappuccino and cannot be skipped.
5. Finally top it with some cinnamon, or caramel syrup, or serve as it is!
Process Of Making An Iced Latte
Here is how you can make an iced latte. For a more detailed recipe and flavor variation, click here.
Ingredients
- 2 shots of Espresso (60ml)
- ½ cup Ice
- 2 tsp simple syrup
- 100 ml milk
Process
1. Begin by pulling espresso shots if that is your preferred method of coffee. You can also use any other form of brewed coffee like a french press, or Aeropress.
2. Let the espresso cool a little. Next, take a glass, a tall one preferably, and fill it halfway with ice. Pour the espresso on top of the ice.
3. Add the simple syrup to the espresso and ice. You can also use flavored syrups like hazelnut, vanilla, caramel, etc if you prefer to have a flavored coffee.
4. The final step is to add milk. For this part, you need to froth the milk, so it doubles in volume and creates and light and airy texture similar to the one you find in your regular latte. Traditionally lattes are steamed, but since this is an iced version instead of steaming the milk, we froth it.
6. Add the frothed milk on top of your coffee, scoop out any excessive foam and place it on top. There you have it, your Iced Latte is ready! Enjoy this chilled and refreshing coffee beverage.
Which Is Better: Iced Latte OR Iced Cappuccino?
Both iced cappuccino and iced latte have different properties and flavor profiles that make them stand out, therefore choosing one is indeed a difficult choice. Still, if you want to pick one, here is a list of things we like and dislike about these drinks.
Things We Like About Iced Cappuccino
Before we talk about the things that we like about iced cappuccino, we must mention that the conclusions we have drawn are in comparison with an iced latte. We are in no way claiming that one beverage is better than the other, in the end, it is about individual taste and preferences.
1. Better For Weight Loss Or Weight Management
Given the fact that iced cappuccino is lower in calories than compared to iced latte, it is a wiser choice if you are on a weight loss journey. With that being said, if you choose to drink an americano or black coffee, an iced cappuccino will have more calories due to the milk present in it.
2. Stronger Coffee Flavor & Taste
With an iced cappuccino, you get the benefit of a strong coffee beverage. As we stated this is due to the fact that it has equal quantities of coffee and milk present in it, therefore one ingredient does not overpower the other.
Similarly, iced cappuccino has lesser ingredients and variations to it, which makes the taste of iced cappuccino consistent and you do not feel like you are experimenting with new coffee every day.
Things We Dislike About Iced Cappuccino
Every coin has two sides, therefore there are certain things that we do not appreciate about iced cappuccino. These may or may not be of significant importance to some, but are worth mentioning.
1. Less Flavor Options
Despite the glory of a low-calorie beverage, iced cappuccino has a significant drawback. Unlike iced lattes, iced cappuccinos do not come in different flavors and variations. Due to the high amount of milk foam present in it, any added flavorings are difficult to stand out giving it the same taste which might feel monotonous to someone who likes to experiment with different flavors.
2. Not Very Smooth & Rich
When you drink a cappuccino, the texture of the milk foam does not give a very filling and rich taste. When you froth cold milk, the cold foam sometimes tends to water down making it feel watery and not very smooth.
Read more on how to make the perfect cold foam!
Things We Like About Iced Latte
Iced latte is rich, smooth, creamy, and delicious. Here are some of the things we love about an iced latte and why you should go for it.
1. Versatile & Variety Of Flavor Options
When picking an iced latte from any coffee shop you will have way more choices as compared to an iced cappuccino. From classic flavors like vanilla and caramel to more complex and seasonal ones like peppermint mocha, pumpkin spice, etc; there is no limit to the number of choices you get with an iced latte.
2. Smooth Texture & Satiating
Since an iced latte has double the amount of milk present in it than an iced cappuccino, it is more satiating. Also, the chilled milk and a thin layer of milk foam, ensure that the beverage has a very smooth and rich texture.
The creamy taste that latte offers are preferred by many over any other watery coffee beverage. Other than that, the additives like sugar, whipped cream, etc make it even more flavorful and make the drink stand out.
Things We Dislike About Iced Latte
Just like an iced cappuccino, an iced latte is a delicious beverage on its own. While we enjoy drinking it occasionally there are certain cons to the drink.
1. High In Calories
There is no denying that an iced latte will be higher in calories any day. Even though the flavoring and versatility are considered as a pro by many, the high calories turn out to be a big disappointment, especially for people who enjoy a lower calories coffee option.
2. Mild Coffee Taste
This might be a blessing for people who enjoy a mild coffee taste since the milk does a great job at masking the coffee flavor; but for those who prefer a strong coffee flavor, an iced latte would not be the best option.
The additives and flavoring make the iced latte taste very inconsistent, which is not a good thing. When you are craving a strong iced coffee, and you pick a caramel iced latte, you will not be satisfied since the high amount of sugar and milk will not give you a strong coffee taste.
Iced Latte Or Iced Cappuccino – Which One Should You Pick?
In our opinion, both beverages are great options but your pick might differ based on your taste and preferences. Here is what we suggest:
Pick an iced cappuccino if –
- You want to have a strong coffee drink
- You want a lower calorie option
- You are okay with no flavorings and sticking to your regular coffee routine
Pick an iced latte if-
- You have no issues with high-calorie drinks
- You are someone who prefers mild coffee over strong coffee
- You enjoy different flavored syrups in your coffee beverage
- You want to get a filling cup of iced coffee
With that being said, we hope to have explained the difference between the two drinks properly. Now, you can analyze and understand for yourself which drink is a better fit for you. Happy Caffeinating!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Latte is sweeter than a cappuccino this is because of the quantity of milk added to it. A cup of latte has almost double the amount of milk than a cappuccino. Lattes also come with different flavoring and additives, giving it a sweeter taste.
How strong the coffee is comes down to the ratio of milk and coffee you use in each drink. Both iced latte and iced coffee have equal amounts of the coffee present. One might taste more mellow than the other due to the amount of milk present but that does not make an iced latte stronger than iced coffee.
A cappuccino is stronger than a latte because the ratio of milk and coffee is equal in a cappuccino. While in a latte, the ratio of milk to coffee is almost double. The higher milk quantity makes the coffee taste more mellow and thus gives it a lighter flavoring and taste.
