Macchiato vs Latte: Which Espresso Drink Fits You
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Macchiato vs latte compared, including the latte macchiato and caramel macchiato, with home recipes.
In macchiato vs latte, the difference is how much milk goes into the espresso: a traditional macchiato is a single or double shot of espresso "marked" with just a spoonful of milk foam, so it is small, strong and intense, while a latte is espresso with lots of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam, so it is large, mild and creamy. To add confusion, many coffee chains sell a "latte macchiato" or caramel macchiato, which is closer to a layered latte. Choose a macchiato for a bold, short espresso drink and a latte for a big, smooth milk coffee.
Below we compare the classic macchiato, the latte macchiato and the café latte side by side, explain ratios, sizes, caffeine and calories, show how to make each at home and answer common questions.
Macchiato vs Latte: Quick Comparison
This table compares the traditional espresso macchiato with a latte, plus the layered latte macchiato.
| Factor | Espresso Macchiato | Latte | Latte Macchiato |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 1 to 2 shots | 1 to 2 shots | 1 to 2 shots |
| Milk | A dollop of foam | Lots of steamed milk, thin foam | Steamed milk with espresso poured on top |
| Typical size | 2 to 3 ounces | 8 to 12 ounces or more | 8 to 12 ounces |
| Taste | Strong, intense espresso | Mild, creamy | Mild, with a stronger top layer |
| Look | Dark espresso with a white spot | Light brown, uniform | Distinct layers in a glass |
| Caffeine | Same per shot | Same per shot | Same per shot |
| Calories | Very low | Higher | Higher |
What Is a Macchiato?
A macchiato, or caffè macchiato, is an espresso "marked" or "stained" with a small amount of milk foam. In Italian, macchiato means stained or spotted. The drink is a single or double shot of espresso topped with a teaspoon or two of foam, served in a small demitasse cup of about 2 to 3 ounces.
The touch of foam softens the espresso's edge slightly without diluting it, so the drink still tastes strong and concentrated. Italians traditionally drink macchiatos in the afternoon, when a full cappuccino feels too heavy.
What Is a Latte?
A latte, or caffè latte, is espresso combined with a large amount of steamed milk and topped with a thin layer of silky microfoam, usually in an 8 to 12 ounce glass or mug. The milk makes it mild, creamy and naturally sweet tasting. Lattes are the base for most flavored café drinks and the best canvas for latte art.
What Is a Latte Macchiato?
A latte macchiato is milk "stained" with espresso: steamed milk goes into a tall glass first, then espresso is poured slowly on top, creating layers of milk, coffee and foam. It has about the same ingredients as a latte but looks different and tastes stronger at first sip, then milder as the layers mix. Many chain "macchiatos", such as caramel macchiatos, are made this way with vanilla syrup and a caramel drizzle.
Where Did the Macchiato Come From?
The macchiato comes from Italian cafés, where baristas needed a way to tell espressos with a little milk apart from plain espressos on a busy counter, so they "marked" them with a spot of foam. It became a popular afternoon drink in Italy, where milky coffees like cappuccinos are traditionally reserved for the morning. The tall, layered latte macchiato also has Italian roots, first as a children's drink of warm milk with a splash of coffee, before coffee chains turned it into a sweet, layered café favorite.
Popular Macchiato Variations
Several drinks carry the macchiato name, and they differ a lot in size and sweetness.
Long and Short Macchiato
In Australia and New Zealand, a short macchiato is a single shot with a dash of milk and foam, while a long macchiato is a double shot with a little milk, served in a small glass.
Caramel Macchiato
A chain favorite made with vanilla syrup, steamed milk, espresso poured on top and caramel drizzle. It is sweet and large, closer to a flavored latte.
Iced Macchiato
Cold milk and ice go into a glass first, then espresso is poured on top, creating layers. Add vanilla or caramel for an iced caramel macchiato.
Cafe Macchiato With Plant Milk
Oat milk foams well and adds a gentle sweetness to a traditional macchiato, while keeping calories low because so little milk is used.
Which Is Stronger, a Macchiato or a Latte?
A traditional macchiato tastes much stronger because it has almost no milk. Caffeine depends on the number of shots, so a single shot macchiato and a single shot latte have about the same caffeine, around 60 to 75 milligrams. The macchiato concentrates that caffeine in two or three ounces, while the latte spreads it through a large cup.
Macchiato vs Latte: Taste and Texture
A macchiato tastes intense, bold and slightly sweetened by the foam, with a short, rich finish. A latte tastes smooth, creamy and mellow, with the espresso in the background. If you love espresso but want the edge softened, a macchiato is ideal. If you want a comforting milky drink to sip slowly, choose a latte.
Calories in a Macchiato vs a Latte
A traditional macchiato has very few calories, often under 20, because it contains only a spoonful of foam. A 12 ounce latte with whole milk usually has around 150 to 200 calories. Chain caramel macchiatos with syrup and drizzle can reach 200 to 250 calories or more in larger sizes. Lighter milks and skipping syrups lower calories.
Cup Sizes
Serve a macchiato in a 2 to 3 ounce demitasse cup and a latte in a 10 to 16 ounce glass or mug. A latte macchiato looks best in a tall, clear glass that shows the layers. Our guide to the best espresso cups covers demitasse and double wall glass options, and our guide to the best coffee mug covers larger mugs.
How to Make a Macchiato at Home
To make a macchiato, pull a single or double shot of espresso into a small cup and top it with a spoonful of thick milk foam.
- Pull the espresso into a warm 2 to 3 ounce cup.
- Froth a small amount of milk, about 2 ounces, adding plenty of air for thick foam.
- Spoon one or two teaspoons of foam onto the center of the espresso.
- Serve right away while the crema and foam are fresh.
How to Make a Latte at Home
To make a latte, pull a double shot into a 12 ounce glass or mug, steam 6 to 8 ounces of milk with a little air for silky microfoam and pour it into the espresso.
- Pull a double shot.
- Steam the milk to about 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, adding air for only a few seconds.
- Pour steadily, finishing with a thin layer of foam or latte art.
How to Make a Latte Macchiato at Home
Fill a tall glass with 6 to 8 ounces of steamed milk and foam, let it settle for a few seconds, then slowly pour a shot of espresso through the foam. The espresso settles between the milk and the foam, forming layers. Add vanilla syrup to the milk and caramel sauce on top for a caramel macchiato style drink.
A handheld frother or electric frother works if you do not have a steam wand. Our guide on how to froth milk at home explains every method, and a milk frothing pitcher makes pouring easier.
Best Coffee for Macchiatos and Lattes
For a macchiato, choose an espresso you enjoy on its own, such as a balanced medium or medium dark roast, since there is little milk to hide its flavor. For a latte, a medium dark to dark roast stands up better to the milk. Our guide to the best coffee beans for espresso lists options for both.
Macchiato vs Cortado vs Cappuccino
A cortado is espresso cut with an equal amount of warm, lightly textured milk, about 4 ounces total, so it sits between a macchiato and a flat white in strength. A cappuccino is larger, with equal parts espresso, steamed milk and thick foam. From strongest to mildest: espresso, macchiato, cortado, flat white, cappuccino, latte. Our guide to cappuccino vs latte explains those two in detail.
Why Chain Macchiatos Are Different
Coffee chains popularized large "macchiatos" that are really layered lattes with syrup. A caramel macchiato, for example, combines vanilla syrup, steamed milk, espresso poured on top and a caramel drizzle. It is sweet and milky, nothing like a traditional Italian macchiato. If you order a macchiato in a specialty café or in Italy, expect a small espresso with foam; at a chain, ask whether it is an espresso macchiato or a latte macchiato.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a traditional macchiato if you want a quick, strong espresso with just a softening touch of foam and very few calories. Choose a latte if you want a large, creamy drink to sip slowly or a base for flavors. Choose a latte macchiato if you like a latte but enjoy a stronger first sip and a layered look.
- Strong and short: espresso macchiato.
- Creamy and large: latte.
- Layered and sweet: latte macchiato or caramel macchiato.
- Fewest calories: espresso macchiato.
Keep Your Machine Clean
Milk residue sours quickly in steam wands and frothers. Purge and wipe the wand after every use, clean frothers daily and descale regularly; our guide on how to clean a coffee maker explains the basics. Browse more drink guides in our coffee guides section.
FAQs About Macchiato vs Latte
Is a macchiato stronger than a latte?
Yes, a traditional macchiato tastes much stronger because it has only a spoonful of foam. Caffeine per shot is the same.
Is a caramel macchiato a latte?
Essentially, yes. A caramel macchiato is a layered latte with vanilla syrup and caramel drizzle, made by pouring espresso over steamed milk.
What does macchiato mean?
Macchiato means "stained" or "marked" in Italian, referring to espresso marked with a little milk foam.
Which has fewer calories?
A traditional macchiato has far fewer calories than a latte because it contains almost no milk.
Can I make a macchiato without an espresso machine?
Yes. Use strong coffee from a moka pot or AeroPress and top it with a spoonful of foam from a handheld frother.
Is a latte macchiato the same as a latte?
They use similar ingredients, but a latte macchiato adds the espresso last, on top of the milk, creating layers.
How do I order a traditional macchiato at a coffee chain?
Ask for an "espresso macchiato" rather than just a macchiato. That tells the barista you want a shot of espresso with a little foam, not a large layered latte with syrup.
Can I add flavor to a traditional macchiato?
Yes. A small pump of vanilla or caramel syrup in the espresso before adding foam makes a sweet, short drink that is still much stronger than a latte.
Bottom Line
In macchiato vs latte, a traditional macchiato is a small, strong espresso with a dot of foam, and a latte is a large, creamy espresso drink with lots of steamed milk. Chain style macchiatos are closer to layered lattes. Pick a macchiato for intensity and a latte for comfort.
