Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and people are very picky about their coffee of choice.
If you’re someone who enjoys a good cup of coffee, you might have wondered if there are any differences between the two majorly popular types of coffee: the mocha and a latte.
Quick Answer: What is the difference between a mocha and a latte?
The main difference between a mocha and a latte is that a latte is made with espresso and milk, while a mocha is made with espresso, chocolate, and milk and is oftentimes finished with a serving of whipped cream.
Now that you know how you can distinguish these two amazing drinks, it’s time to find out which of the two drinks is the better pick for you!
Mocha vs. latte, how do they differ?
Now that you have a rough idea of how a mocha and a latte differ, let’s go ahead and dive into what makes these coffees different from each other and their similarities.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of all the differences between a mocha and a latte:
| Comparison: | Mocha: | Latte: |
| Espresso? | Yes, one or two shots of espresso | Yes, one shot of espresso |
| Milk? | Yes, 1/2 cup (0.12 l) | Yes, 3/4 cup (0.18 l) |
| Flavor notes | A rich chocolate flavor with earthy undertones | A smooth flavor with nutty undertones |
| Caffeine content | 68 or 136mg of caffeine | 68mg of caffeine |
| Number of calories | 162 calories | 110 calories |
| Add-ins? | Chocolate sauce and whipped cream | An optional sweetener like a syrup |
What is the flavor difference between a mocha and a latte?
A mocha has a richer, more chocolatey flavor than a latte because of the addition of chocolate sauce.
You might also notice hints of caramel or vanilla in your cup. The body is typically heavy, and the finish is often bittersweet.
A latte coffee typically contains a sweet, creamy flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel. The espresso is also usually detectable, lending a slight bitterness and roasted flavor to the drink.
To get the best flavor profile, look for beans that have been roasted medium to dark brown. This will give you a robust flavor without being too overpowering.
You can check out my recommendations on the best coffee beans for your latte. You can also use these coffee beans to make the mocha at home.
Does a mocha or latte have more caffeine?
Both lattes and mochas are made with espresso, which is a coffee with a higher caffeine content than regular brewed coffee.
The best latte is made with a single espresso shot to achieve that sweet and silky smooth flavor it’s known for.
As for the mocha, you can choose a single or double espresso. A single espresso shot has 68mg of caffeine. (source)
Depending on how sweet you like your mocha to be, you can choose the amount of espresso to add.
One espresso shot will make your mocha have sweeter notes, while a double espresso will enhance the coffee flavor and it’ll make for a more robust flavor overall.
Tip: Make a homemade latte by using this easy-to-follow recipe.
Mocha vs. latte, which is sweeter?
A latte is typically lighter in flavor and contains more milk than a mocha. On the other hand, a mocha has a richer chocolate flavor and often contains whipped cream on top, making it sweeter than a latte.
A latte is made with espresso and steamed milk, so it has a stronger coffee flavor than a mocha.
Because a mocha is made with less milk and has added chocolate sauce and optionally whipped cream, it has a sweeter flavor.
However, a latte also has a slightly sweet flavor because of the milk. Plus, you can customize your latte with flavored syrups!
What is the difference in calories between a mocha vs. latte?
A mocha has more calories because it contains chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
Lattes tend to have fewer calories because they are coffee with milk rather than a mixture of coffee, chocolate, and milk like a mocha.
There is also usually no whipped cream and sugar added to a latte, which also helps to make it lower in calories.
You can choose every ingredient if you’re making these drinks at home. I like to make homemade chocolate sauce and use whole milk for most coffees.
- A mocha made with whole milk contains 162 calories
- A latte that’s made with whole milk has a total of 110 calories
You can easily make a lower-calorie drink like a skinny latte instead if you’d rather not use whole milk.
Is a mocha just a chocolate latte?
A mocha can be seen as a chocolate latte. However, a mocha is made with less milk than a latte and has the addition of chocolate and whipped cream on top, which a latte does not have.
Latte drinkers may sometimes order a mocha by asking for a “latte with syrup” or “extra chocolate.”
This will get them the same drink as ordering a mocha, but it will be made with more milk.
Conversely, those who prefer mochas may order lattes by asking for “extra foam” or “no syrup.” This will get them the same drink as ordering a latte but with more chocolate.
Do you prefer switching things up? Why not try making a homemade mocha latte? It’s the best of both drinks combined, making it the perfect drink for both parties!
Which is better, a mocha or a latte?
It really depends on what you’re looking for in a drink.
- A mocha has chocolate in it, so if you’re looking for something sweet and chocolatey, that’s the way to go.
- A latte is more of a coffee-forward drink, so if you’re looking for something with a stronger coffee flavor, that’s the one to choose.
I prefer a more coffee-forward flavor, so ordering a latte is the way to go for me. But if you’re looking for something with a sweeter flavor, go for a mocha over a latte.
Remember, there’s no wrong answer to this question. Both the mocha and latte have espresso and milk in them. The biggest difference is the add-ins that a mocha is made with.
So, if you love the addition of chocolate and the optional serving of whipped cream, then you’ll love a mocha.
Tip: Check out this recipe to make a homemade mocha in just five minutes!
Related coffee comparison articles
Are you wondering how the mocha and latte compare to other coffees?
Great! Check out the articles below for more in-depth coffee comparisons:
- Latte vs. Cappuccino vs. Macchiato
- Latte vs. Coffee
- Latte vs. Café Au Lait
- Latte vs. Skinny Latte
- Mocha vs. Macchiato
And to compare more coffees, visit the coffee comparison hub!
Conclusion
So there you have it – the lowdown on mochas and lattes. I hope this article has helped clear up any confusion about these two coffee drinks.
If you’re still not sure which one is right for you, why not head down to your nearest coffee shop and try them both out?
You might be surprised at which one becomes your new favorite!
Do you like reading about different coffee recipes? Then, you can check out some delicious and homemade recipes below!
