Latte vs Macchiato

Latte if you want a smooth, milky drink that barely tastes like coffee; macchiato if you want pure espresso intensity with just a hint of cream. These are on opposite ends of the milk spectrum. For most casual coffee drinkers, the latte is the safer choice. For espresso purists, the macchiato is the only real option.

A latte is espresso topped with 8-10oz of steamed milk and a thin foam layer, while a macchiato is espresso with just a small spoonful of milk foam on top (2-3oz total), making it essentially straight espresso with a mark of milk.

They contain the same amount of caffeine -- both use a single espresso shot (about 63mg). The massive difference is in milk. A latte has 8-10oz of steamed milk diluting that shot, while a macchiato has almost none. The macchiato delivers all the caffeine impact in two quick sips instead of spreading it across a large cup.

They taste like completely different beverages. A latte is mild, creamy, and milk-forward -- many people say it tastes like warm milk with a coffee hint. A macchiato is bold, bitter, and intensely espresso-forward. Going from a latte to a macchiato is like going from a light beer to a shot of whiskey.

Latte, without question. A traditional macchiato is essentially a straight espresso shot and will taste shockingly strong to someone new to coffee. The latte generous milk makes espresso gentle and approachable. Note: Starbucks macchiatos are actually lattes in disguise, so a cafe macchiato will taste much stronger than expected.

No. A Starbucks caramel macchiato is a vanilla latte with caramel drizzle -- about 12oz of milk. A traditional cafe macchiato is 2-3oz of espresso with a tiny dot of foam. They share a name but are entirely different drinks. If you order a macchiato at an independent cafe expecting the Starbucks version, you will be surprised.