When you’re at a coffee shop, deciding what to order can be difficult. Sure, there are drinks like Americanos and lattes that are almost universal, but there are plenty of other options to consider.
Two of the most popular, the iced cappuccino and iced latte, have a few similarities but also some major differences.
So, what is the difference between an iced cappuccino and an iced latte?
The main difference is that an iced cappuccino has more foam and less milk, while an iced latte has more milk and less foam.
Many differences make these iced coffees unique and flavorful in their own way. In this article, I’ll go over all the differences, so you can make an informed decision of which drink might suit you better!
Iced cappuccino vs. iced latte, how do they differ?
Iced cappuccinos and iced lattes are very similar, as they both use the same ingredients. Although they have many similarities, there are also a ton of differences.
Below, I’ve listed a quick overview of all the differences between an iced cappuccino and an iced latte:
| Comparison: | Iced cappuccino: | Iced latte: |
| Espresso? | Yes, single or double espresso shot | Yes, two espresso shots |
| Milk? | 1/2 cup (0.12 l) of 2% fat milk | 3/4 cup (0.18 l) of 2% fat milk |
| Flavor notes | Creamy, frothy, and espresso-forward flavor | Subtle, mellow, and milk-forward flavor |
| Caffeine content | 68mg or 136mg of caffeine | 136mg of caffeine |
| Number of calories | 61 calories | 92 calories |
| Add-ins? | A dusting of cinnamon, coffee syrup | Optionally a coffee syrup |
Now that you know about all the differences between these delicious iced coffees let’s go more in-depth about each difference.
Which is stronger, an iced cappuccino or iced latte?
An iced cappuccino is stronger because it has a higher ratio of espresso to milk. On the other hand, an iced latte has a higher ratio of milk to espresso, making it have a more mellow and weaker flavor overall.
Just like its hot counterpart, the iced cappuccino uses equal parts espresso, milk, and milk foam.
To achieve those equal parts, two espresso shots are used, just like the iced latte. However, the iced latte uses 1/4 cup (0.06 l) more milk than the iced cappuccino.
If you’re not a big fan of coffee, the iced latte might be the better coffee for you, as it has more milk added.
You can also order (or make) both drinks with a single espresso shot to make them less powerful in flavor.
What is the difference in caffeine between these drinks?
Both the iced cappuccino and iced latte use two espresso shots. However, the iced cappuccino can also be made with a single espresso shot, making it have less caffeine per serving.
An espresso shot has 68mg of caffeine. If both drinks use a double espresso shot, they’ll have 136mg of caffeine. (source)
Do you like strong coffee? Then you might like to add more espresso coffee to your iced drinks, which will also increase the caffeine content.
Tip: Learn how to make red eye coffee here if you like to drink high-caffeinated coffee!
Is there a difference in calories between an iced cappuccino vs. iced latte?
Yes, there is a difference in calories between an iced cappuccino and an iced latte. An iced cappuccino has fewer calories because it contains less milk than an iced latte. An iced latte uses more milk, which means it has more calories.
When comparing these drinks without any add-ins, they’ll have the following number of calories:
- An iced cappuccino has 61 calories per serving
- While an iced latte has 92 calories per serving
Depending on the cafe you go to, the number of calories can be higher. Most cafes add a coffee syrup to their iced coffees.
You can also make these coffee syrups very quickly if you’re at home. Although they will increase the number of calories, they’ll bring your iced coffee game to the next level.
Vanilla syrup is one of my all-time favorites. You can check out this recipe to try your hand at it yourself.
Do you prefer a different flavored syrup? Have a look here for all the coffee syrups that you can make at home!
Iced cappuccino vs. iced latte, what is the flavor difference?
An iced cappuccino has more chocolate flavor because it has a higher ratio of espresso to milk, making it stronger and having some wonderful flavor notes. An iced latte is made with more milk and has a more subtle flavor.
The iced cappuccino is more espresso-based, while a latte is more milk-based. Iced cappuccinos usually have a stronger coffee flavor, while iced lattes have a creamier and smoother flavor.
It all depends on the flavor notes you’re looking for in your drink to decide which might better suit you.
Both drinks are made with cold foamed milk, so they both have some texture. However, the iced cappuccino has a thicker foam top, so it has a more textured mouthfeel.
Below, I’ll give you my final thoughts on which drink I prefer the most and which is ultimately the better choice for you:
Which is better, an iced cappuccino or iced latte?
It depends on what you’re looking for. An iced cappuccino is more textured and has more foam, while an iced latte is more smooth and creamy.
Maybe you’ve already chosen which coffee suits you better. If that’s not the case, I suggest the following:
- Go with the iced cappuccino if you’re looking for something creamier, frothier, and stronger in flavor.
- An iced latte is better if you want an iced drink with less coffee flavor and a more milk-forward taste.
Personally, I like the iced cappuccino better. This is mainly because it has a more robust coffee flavor, which I prefer.
However, both drinks are equally as refreshing, and you can’t go wrong with either of them. I especially like that you can customize it to your liking by using various add-ins!
Related coffee comparison articles
Are you wondering how the iced cappuccino and iced latte compare to other coffees?
Great! Check out the articles below for more in-depth coffee comparisons:
- Iced Latte vs. Iced Americano
- Iced Latte vs. Iced Coffee
- Iced Latte vs. Iced Espresso
- Iced Latte vs. Iced Macchiato
- Iced Latte vs. Iced Mocha
And to compare more coffees, visit the coffee comparison hub!
Conclusion
So there you have it – the difference between an iced cappuccino and an iced latte.
I hope this article has helped clear up any confusion about these two drinks and that you’ll be able to order your favorite cold coffee drink with confidence next time you’re at your favorite cafe.
Do you like reading about the differences that make various coffees unique? Have a look below for some more coffee comparisons I’ve written!
