When it comes to coffee, there are so many different types and variations that it can be hard to decide which one to order.
Americanos and cappuccinos are two well-known coffees, but what is the difference between them?
The main difference between an Americano and a cappuccino is that Americanos are made with espresso and hot water, while cappuccinos are made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk.
Let’s explore all the differences between these two popular coffee drinks below!
Americano vs. cappuccino, how do they differ?
Before going in-depth about the differences between these coffees, here’s a breakdown of all the differences between an Americano and a cappuccino to help make your next coffee run a little bit easier!
| Comparison: | Americano: | Cappuccino: |
| Flavor notes | A slightly bitter and robust taste | A smooth and creamy flavor |
| Espresso? | Yes, one espresso shot | Yes, one espresso shot |
| Milk? | No milk added | Yes, 2 ounces (60 ml) |
| Water added? | Yes, 2 ounces (60 ml) | No water added |
| Caffeine content | 68mg of caffeine | 68mg of caffeine |
| Number of calories | Virtually no calories | 38 calories |
| Topping? | No topping | Milk foam topping and a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder |
As you can see, there are quite a lot of differences between these delicious coffees.
Now it’s time to go in-depth about each of their differences to see which fits you better.
At the end of this article, you’ll know which will be the better choice for you, so you’ll be a master at ordering (or making) your next caffeine-packed drink!
What is the flavor difference between an Americano and a cappuccino?
An Americano is more similar to black coffee and will have a more bitter flavor because of the higher ratio of espresso to water, while a cappuccino has a thicker consistency and more pronounced flavors.
A cappuccino has a sweeter flavor because of the addition of milk and is also often served with cocoa powder or cinnamon on top, making it even more flavorful and a bit sweeter:
There are many variations of the cappuccino, like the wet cappuccino and dry cappuccino.
Both cappuccino options are delicious in their own way. A wet cappuccino is made with more steamed milk and almost no milk foam, while a dry cappuccino will only have milk foam for a more robust flavor:
You can check out the side-by-side comparison between these cappuccino versions in this article.
As you can see, the flavor profile of the cappuccino can change depending on how you like to make yours at home (or order at your favorite coffee bar), while an Americano will stay similar in taste.
Is an Americano stronger than a cappuccino?
An Americano is stronger than a cappuccino because it is made with more espresso and is diluted with hot water. Because cappuccinos are diluted with milk, they are also sweeter than Americanos.
Cappuccinos are made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk, whereas Americanos are made with just espresso and hot water, so they are more concentrated and stronger in flavor.
Is there a difference in caffeine between these drinks?
The caffeine content in an Americano and a cappuccino is the same. There is about 68mg of caffeine in each drink. (Source)
The caffeine content is based on a single espresso shot. You can also make both drinks with a double shot (commonly referred to as doppio espresso), which will increase the caffeine content.
Depending on how strong you like your coffee, you can choose to add an extra espresso shot to your favorite coffee.
If you’re making your coffee at home, simply brew a double shot with your espresso machine, or make two espressos with your Nespresso machine for that delicious flavor.
Tip: Check out this in-depth guide to the best espresso pods for your Nespresso machine.
If you’d instead order your coffee at your local coffee shop, you can also ask for an extra espresso shot to be added to your drink.
How many calories are in an Americano vs. cappuccino?
There is a significant difference in the number of calories between an Americano and a cappuccino. An Americano contains virtually no calories, while a cappuccino with whole milk has 38 calories.
The number of calories can change depending on the milk used for your cappuccino and if you like to add a sweetener to either of the drinks (which will increase the calories per serving).
For example, a French vanilla cappuccino has 90 calories because of the added vanilla syrup.
And a white Americano (which has a little milk added to it) has nine calories instead of virtually none:
Which is better, an Americano or a cappuccino?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it depends on personal preference.
However, here are some things to consider when deciding which coffee is right for you.
An Americano is a coffee drink made by mixing espresso with hot water. A cappuccino, on the other hand, is a coffee drink made by adding frothed milk to espresso and has a nice layer of milk foam.
If you’re still unsure which might be the better choice for you, I recommend the following:
- If you prefer a creamy coffee drink with more foam, then a cappuccino would be the better choice for you.
- An Americano will be the better choice if you prefer a stronger, espresso-based drink without all the milk and foam.
I usually start my day with an espresso-based drink or pour over coffee, which is why an Americano is my favorite of the two, but a cappuccino is also a delicious pick.
Related coffee comparison articles
Are you wondering how the Americano and cappuccino compare to other coffees?
Great! Check out the articles below for more in-depth coffee comparisons:
- Cappuccino vs. Latte vs. Macchiato
- Espresso vs. Cappuccino
- Flat White vs. Cappuccino
- Americano vs. Macchiato
- Americano vs. Long Black
- Americano vs. Coffee
And to compare more coffees, visit the coffee comparison hub!
Conclusion
So there you have it! All the important differences between an Americano and a cappuccino. Make sure to try both so that you can find your favorite.
Or, if you’ve already decided which is the better coffee for you, it’s time to order it with confidence!
No matter which one you choose, you can’t go wrong, as they are both delicious options.
If you’re like to try out some delicious espresso-based coffees, you can find some of my favorites below:
