Coffee is a beloved beverage throughout the world. Whether you like your coffee hot or cold, there are many different types to try.
If you're not a fan of hot coffee and prefer iced coffee, it may be difficult to determine which iced drink to order, especially if you don't know the differences.
Quick Answer: What's the difference between iced espresso and iced latte?
An iced espresso tends to be stronger and more intensely flavored than an iced latte because two espresso shots are used. Iced lattes are generally sweeter and creamier than iced espresso and use one espresso shot.
This article will break down the differences between iced espresso and iced lattes so you can make a decision about which one is right for you.
Iced espresso vs. iced latte, what are the differences?
While ordering your favorite iced coffee is a matter of preference, sometimes you just want to know what's inside your beverage, so how do they differ?
Have a look at the table below for all the key differences:
| Comparison: | Iced espresso: | Iced latte: |
| Espresso shots? | Yes, two espresso shots | Yes, one espresso shot |
| Milk added? | No milk added | Yes, 3/4 cup (0.18 l) |
| Caffeine content | 136mg of caffeine | 68mg of caffeine |
| Flavor notes | Intense, slightly bitter flavor | Creamy, subtle flavor |
| Calories | Virtually no calories | 110 calories |
Now that you know about the key differences, I'll get into each difference in-depth so you have all the information needed to pick a new favorite iced drink!
Which is stronger, an iced espresso or iced latte?
Generally, iced lattes are creamier and have a more subtle flavor than iced espressos. Iced espressos are more intense and bitter.
An iced espresso will taste stronger than an iced latte because no milk has been added to make the flavor less intense.
That being said, an iced espresso is diluted with some cold tap water, but the extra espresso shot that the iced espresso has will make the flavor more intense.
So, if you're looking for an iced coffee that has the strong flavors of espresso shots, then you'll find that the iced espresso will fit you the best.
It's also the perfect choice if you like to drink espresso coffee regularly. I'm a big fan of a double espresso shot in the afternoon, and I also love an iced espresso for this reason.
If you can resonate with this, then the choice might be quite easy.
How much caffeine is in these iced drinks?
An iced espresso has 136mg of caffeine, while an iced latte has 68mg of caffeine. (source)
The caffeine content in the iced espresso is higher because two espresso shots are used instead of just one in the iced latte.
Most coffee bars use the same espresso shots as I've mentioned in this article, but some like to add an additional espresso shot for more robust coffee flavors.
This will then also increase the caffeine content in your drink. You can also ask for an extra shot of espresso if you want to increase the flavor (and caffeine) of your drink.
That being said, my recipes for the iced espresso and iced latte use the espresso shots I've mentioned throughout the article.
If you're interested in checking them out and making these coffees yourself, be sure to click on the name, as this will take you to the complete recipe!
What are the differences in calories between an iced espresso and an iced latte?
A standard iced espresso has virtually no calories. A standard iced latte has between 90 and 110 calories, but the calorie count can vary depending on what type of milk you use.
If you're looking for something that's lower in calories, try an unsweetened coffee or low-fat milk instead!
The iced espresso only has espresso shots, ice cubes, and cold tap water. It is incredibly low in calories, making it the perfect pick-me-up if you're watching your caloric intake.
On the other hand, an iced latte has more calories because of the added milk. The number of calories depends on what kind of milk you're using.
Have a look below for a table of the number of calories for each iced latte, depending on the milk used:
| The milk used: | The number of calories: |
| Whole milk | 110 calories |
| 2% fat milk | 92 calories |
| Non-fat milk | 77 calories |
| Almond milk | 30 calories |
| Soy milk | 96 calories |
| Oat milk | 90 calories |
As you can see from the table above, there's a big difference in calories when choosing whole milk over almond milk, for example.
You can also personalize your iced espresso and iced latte with various add-ins such as:
These add-ins will also increase the number of calories but will make your drink taste even better.
The best part about making iced coffees at home is making them taste exactly how you like!
Iced espresso vs. iced latte, which one is better?
The iced coffee phenomenon is booming, and it's no wonder why: it's refreshing, flavorful, and convenient.
I've talked about how an iced espresso and an iced latte differ, so you can make a choice on which you might like better.
But if you're unsure which might be the better pick for you, the following might help you:
- If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you may like an iced espresso. If you prefer a weaker coffee flavor, you may prefer an iced latte.
- An iced espresso has more caffeine than an iced latte, so if that matters to you, then the caffeinated drink would be better for you.
- An iced latte has a bit more texture because the milk can be added as is, or can be cold foamed.
I hope this helps to make the choice between two great iced coffees a bit easier. It's all about your preferences and what you're looking for in terms of flavor for your next coffee favorite!
Related coffee comparison articles
Are you wondering how the iced espresso and iced latte compare to other coffees?
Great! Check out the articles below for more in-depth coffee comparisons:
- Iced Espresso vs. Iced Americano
- Iced Espresso vs. Iced Coffee
- Iced Latte vs. Iced Cappuccino
- Iced Latte vs. Iced Macchiato
- Iced Latte vs. Iced Mocha
And to compare more coffees, visit the coffee comparison hub!
Conclusion
I've discussed the differences between an iced espresso and an iced latte in this article.
I prefer drinking an iced espresso on most days, as it's higher in caffeine, and I like the more robust flavors that the coffee has.
On the days when I want to enjoy a refreshing drink while sitting out in the sun, the iced latte is the perfect choice for me.
However, both drinks are very tasty! So which do you prefer? I recommend trying both to find out which one suits your preferences best.
If you've found your favorite iced coffee, let me know in the comments!
