✓ Verified January 2026: I re-checked the milk-to-espresso ratio and the key differences below. They're still accurate and reflect how most cafés prepare an espresso and a latte. (See how I test)
- Jeffrey, Your Dream Coffee
When it comes to coffee, most of us are familiar with the classic espresso and latte, two delicious drinks that are popularly featured on any café menu.
But do you know what makes these two different from each other? And which one is truly better?
Quick Answer: What's the difference between an espresso and a latte?
An espresso is a small, concentrated coffee brewed under pressure. A latte is an espresso-based drink made with espresso + steamed milk and a thin layer of milk foam (microfoam).
The biggest difference is the milk-to-coffee ratio: espresso is just coffee, while a latte is mostly milk, resulting in a smoother and milder taste. The exact latte size and number of shots vary by café.
In this article, we'll explore the world of espresso versus latte and learn the key differences between them.
By the end of reading this article, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of both types of coffee so that the next time you order, they won't seem like such foreign terms!
Espresso vs. Latte: How do they differ?
Before getting into all of the differences in-depth, you can have a look at the overview below for the main differences:
| Comparison: | Espresso: | Latte: |
| Which coffee? | A single serving of coffee | One espresso shot |
| Milk used? | No milk used | Yes, 6 oz (0.18 l) |
| Flavor notes | A smoky, complex, and bittersweet flavor | Slightly sweet, creamy, and well-rounded flavor |
| Caffeine content | 68mg of caffeine | 68mg of caffeine |
| Number of calories | Virtually no calories | 110 calories |
| Any toppings? | Has a nice crema on top | Milk foam topping |
| Add-in used? | Sweetener of choice | Sweetener of choice |
Now that you know about the differences between these delicious drinks, it's time to go over them in detail:
Is espresso stronger than a latte?
Espresso is definitely stronger than a latte. An espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee.
On the other hand, a latte is still made with an espresso base, but it includes 6 ounces of steamed milk, which makes up the majority of the beverage volume.
To understand why, it's important to examine the differences between the two types of coffee drinks.
An espresso is a small, concentrated shot of coffee; usually around 1-2 fl oz (about 30-60 ml), depending on whether it's a single or double shot:
There are no other added ingredients; you just taste pure, concentrated coffee with all its natural flavors and aromas intact.
A latte, on the other hand, takes that same concentrated shot of espresso and adds 6 ounces (180 ml) of steamed milk with foam on top:
This addition reduces the potency and flavor intensity levels, while also providing those who prefer milder tastes with a more enjoyable option.
Which is sweeter, an espresso or a latte?
A plain latte isn't automatically sweetened; many people add sugar or flavored syrup, but it's optional.
Even without a sweetener, lattes often taste naturally sweeter than espresso because milk softens bitterness and adds a mild sweetness.
The espresso itself has a very low sweetness on its own due to its highly concentrated flavor and high levels of bitterness.
A latte adds milk to the coffee, which cuts the bitter notes and gives it more balance, resulting in a smoother drink with less bite and more sweetness.
Adding steamed milk also helps create a creamy texture, which further mellows out the coffee's acidity while maintaining some of its natural flavors.
This makes a latte taste naturally sweeter without adding additional sugar or syrup.
How many calories are in an espresso vs. a latte?
The amount of calories in an espresso versus a latte can vary significantly depending on the type of milk and ingredients used.
A plain espresso shot has very few calories because it's just brewed coffee. Most of the calories in a latte come from the milk (and any syrups, sugar, or cream you add).
When considering just one 8-ounce serving, a latte made with whole milk typically contains 110 calories, whereas an espresso has zero calories.
However, when ordering from your local café or coffee shop, your latte may contain extras like cream or syrups, which suddenly add more fat and sugar to the beverage, resulting in higher caloric intake!
Is there a difference in caffeine content?
An espresso shot contains 68mg of caffeine per serving, as does a latte, meaning that despite having two very different coffee drinks, their caffeine contents are exactly the same!
The only difference lies in their sizes; an espresso shot is typically 1-2 ounces, whereas a regular or grande latte is usually 8-16 ounces.
Some coffee shops can prepare your latte with a doppio espresso (double espresso), increasing the caffeine content to 128mg, making it more potent than a single espresso shot.
Which is better, an espresso or a latte?
When it comes to coffee, there is no right or wrong answer.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of coffee experience you're seeking.
An espresso is a concentrated shot of intense flavor that packs a punch, usually served in smaller amounts than other coffees.
Generally speaking, espressos are darker, bolder, and more full-bodied, with bitter notes, compared to lattes, which have a sweeter taste due to the addition of milk and sugar.
A latte comprises the same espresso but has 6 oz of steamed milk added.
The ratio difference between steamed milk and espresso makes this beverage deliciously smooth with strong yet mellow flavors.
The sweetness from the dairy helps balance out some of those sharper flavor components that may be present within an espresso shot on its own.
If you're not sure which would fit you the best, I suggest the following:
- Order an espresso if you love a strong coffee flavor that is finished in just one or two slurps.
- Opt for a latte if you prefer a milder coffee that you can savor while sipping it slowly.
My go-to is usually an espresso, as I love the more intense flavor. However, I also enjoy a latte occasionally.
Related coffee comparison articles
Are you wondering how an espresso and a latte 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. Latte
- Espresso vs. Coffee
- Breve vs. Latte
And to compare more coffees, visit the coffee comparison hub!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the distinction between an espresso and a latte hinges on several subtle qualities.
Most noticeably, the espresso has a more concentrated flavor, while a latte is creamier with added steamed milk.
The espresso is also known for its strong aroma, which is attributed to the high pressure used in its production.
Both drinks have different tastes that appeal to different people's needs and preferences.
Ultimately, both the espresso and latte provide unique experiences!
