Basics FAQ

Coffee Basics FAQ: Cappuccino & Latte

Short, factual answers to the questions people ask most about cappuccinos and lattes — whether they count as coffee, how sweet they are, what is in them and how strong they are. For the full side-by-side, see the Cappuccino vs Latte comparison.

A cappuccino and a latte with common questions about them

Are they coffee?

Yes. Both a cappuccino and a latte are coffee drinks — specifically espresso drinks. Each is made by combining a shot of espresso with steamed milk (and, for the cappuccino, a thick layer of foam). They contain real coffee and caffeine.

Are they sweet?

Neither is sweet by default — there is no added sugar in a plain cappuccino or latte. However, the latte tastes slightly sweeter because it contains more steamed milk, and milk's natural lactose adds a mild sweetness. Flavored syrups are what make café versions genuinely sweet.

What is the difference, in one line?

A cappuccino is espresso with equal parts steamed milk and thick foam (strong, airy). A latte is espresso with a lot of steamed milk and a thin foam layer (mild, creamy). Same espresso, different amount of milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a latte or cappuccino considered coffee?

Both are considered coffee. They are espresso-based drinks made with real coffee and caffeine, combined with steamed milk and foam.

Is a cappuccino or latte sweeter?

A latte is naturally slightly sweeter because it contains more milk, whose lactose adds mild sweetness. Neither has added sugar unless you add syrup.

Does a latte have espresso in it?

Yes. A latte is made with one or two shots of espresso plus steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.

Which has more milk, a cappuccino or a latte?

A latte has more milk. It is roughly two-thirds steamed milk, while a cappuccino uses about one-third steamed milk plus a third foam.

Is a latte served hot or cold?

A latte is traditionally served hot, but iced lattes are very popular. An iced latte is espresso over cold milk and ice.

What is the difference between a cappuccino and an espresso?

An espresso is just the concentrated coffee shot with no milk. A cappuccino is that same espresso with steamed milk and a thick layer of foam added, making it larger, milder and creamier.