Have you ever been the guy waiting in line at a coffee shop, stopping to wonder: Should I order a macchiato or a latte? These two espresso-based drinks may have similar names, but they are very different when it comes to what’s in them, what the texture is like, and how people drink them. In this article, we’re going to be dissecting macchiato vs latte in the clearest way possible so you can easily order (or make) exactly what it is you fancy at that particular moment.
What is a latte?
A caffè latte (usually just “latte”) is that creamy, comforting classic most of us think of when we hear the words “milk coffee.”
Standard recipe:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (usually a double shot)
- 8–12 oz steamed milk (depending on size)
- A thin ½ cm layer of milk foam on top
The end product is a creamy, sippable surface where the espresso and milk are combined completely that’s even more delicious. It’s mild, a little bit sweet from the milk’s natural lactose, and very easy-going. A latte is kind of like a hug in a cup.
Popular variations: vanilla latte, caramel latte, oat milk latte, and pumpkin spice latte in the fall—that kind of thing with flavored syrups.
What is a macchiato?
“Macchiato” means “marked” or “stained” in Italian. There are two main versions you’ll encounter:
-
Traditional Espresso Macchiato (Caffè Macchiato)
- 1–2 shots of espresso
- Just a dollop (1–2 tablespoons) of steamed milk foam spooned on top
This is the true Italian macchiato—strong, shiny espresso with just a dot “mark” of froth to slightly take the bite off it. It’s small (infrequently served in a 3–4 oz. cup) and designed to be quickly sipped, as is a stronger foam-capped espresso.
-
Latte Macchiato (the Starbucks-style version most people know today)
- Mostly steamed milk (8–12 oz)
- 1–2 shots of espresso poured over the milk (creating the “mark”)
- Often layered with vanilla syrup and a caramel drizzle in the famous Caramel Macchiato
This version is a lot milkier than your average macchiato and closer in volume to a latte, but rather than being blended together, it’s presented as layers with the espresso more assertive up front.
Which One Should You Order?
- Need something creamy, mild and comforting you can sip on slowly? → Go for a latte.
- (Already have softened your stance on bitterness, but still need a bit for contrast or shock value? → Ask for a classic espresso macchiato.
- Love the layered look and prefer a stronger coffee taste with sweetness? → Order a latte macchiato or caramel macchiato.
Taste Test: What Your Tongue Actually Experiences
- Latte: The milk and espresso are best friends. You take a smooth coffee flavor rolled in creaminess—ideal for slow drinking while working or reading.
- Traditional Macchiato: It’s 95% espresso. That first sip is a slap to the face, then that foam comes in and smoothes it out. Take 3–4 drinks and you’re finished.
- Modern Latte Macchiato/Caramel Macchiato: First you taste sweet, vanilla milk, then you get a strong espresso hit in the middle and finish with caramel on your lips. It’s less a coffee than an experience.
Enjoy Both at Home with Greenbrrew
Do you wish for café-level beverages without ever leaving home? Greenbrrew’s instant green coffee sachets give it to you that ridiculously easily. Their strong green coffee will provide you with the perfect layer of sweetness in 30 seconds when paired with hot milk, and their latte sachets are a customer favorite for busy mornings. Cheap, reliable, and really tasty—there’s no excuse not to have it in the cupboard.
Conclusion
In the long run, knowing Macchiato vs Latte is all about what you feel like: a latte is your rich and adventurous companion throughout any day, while an espresso macchiato—every bit as rich—or the sweet modern take with layers of goodness forges ahead loud and proud. Between Macchiato vs Latte, there’s no winner—just the drink that accompanies your moment best. So whether you're indulging in a cafe classic or slurping down a cheeky Greenbrrew sachet at home, enjoy the feeling of walking to the counter (or your kitchen) with swagger. Your perfect sip is one order away!
FAQ's
Q1. Is a latte stronger than a macchiato?
Ans. No, macchiato is stronger. Latte is creamy and mild; classic macchiato is nearly all espresso, with just a spot of foam.
Q2. Which is creamier, latte or macchiato?
Ans. Latte—because it has a lot of steamed milk, it’s like perfectly creamy. The macchiato is virtually milk-free, hardly creamy at all.
Q3. Which is healthier, caramel macchiato or latte?
Ans. Latte wins easily. A caramel macchiato counts syrup and caramel drizzle, so it has ~30–35 g of sugar and 250+ cal. A plain latte has roughly half the sugar and calories.
