Café au Lait vs Long Black
Understanding the difference between these two café classics.
Café au Lait
Long Black
The Quick Answer
Choose the Long Black for strength, or the Café au Lait for comfort.
The Café au Lait offers milder than a latte, with the comforting flavor of drip coffee rather than espresso., while the Long Black is known for being strong, intense coffee flavor with a fuller body than an americano.. Your choice depends entirely on your current mood.
Category Winners
Stronger Taste
Long Black
Sweeter
Café au Lait
More Calories
Café au Lait
More Caffeine
Long Black
Head-to-Head Comparison
The Anatomy of the Drinks
See exactly how the ratios of espresso, milk, and foam differ inside the cup.
Café au Lait
Long Black
Café au Lait Summary
Pros
- • Lightly creamy but thinner than an espresso-based drink texture
- • Perfect for breakfast pairings
- • Rich and filling
- • 95mg of caffeine
Cons
- • Coffee flavor is milder
- • Best consumed hot
Long Black Summary
Pros
- • Slightly watery but topped with a thick, rich crema texture
- • Perfect for americano lovers wanting more texture
- • Lower in calories
- • 136mg of caffeine
Cons
- • Might be too intense for some
- • Best consumed hot
Detailed Analysis
Taste & Flavor Profile
The most significant difference you'll notice between these two is the taste. The Café au Lait offers a profile that is milder than a latte, with the comforting flavor of drip coffee rather than espresso.. Because of its specific milk ratio, the espresso flavor is mellowed out.
Conversely, the Long Black is strong, intense coffee flavor with a fuller body than an americano.. If you prefer a stronger coffee kick, the Long Black is likely the better choice for your palate.
Texture & Mouthfeel
Texture is where coffee craftsmanship truly shows. The Café au Lait is defined by its lightly creamy but thinner than an espresso-based drink texture, creating a thin, velvety microfoam.
The Long Black provides a contrast with its slightly watery but topped with a thick, rich crema mouthfeel, thanks to its 0% foam ratio. It feels lighter on the tongue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more caffeine, Café au Lait or Long Black?
The Long Black has more caffeine. The Café au Lait contains 95mg, while the Long Black contains 136mg.
Is the Café au Lait sweeter?
Yes, the Café au Lait is generally sweeter due to its composition and preparation.
Compare Another Pair
Keep exploring the world of espresso drinks.
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