Café Au Lait vs Lattes are two popular drinks that are often confused due to their similarities. However, there are subtle differences that set them apart. Café Au Lait originates from France, and it comprises of brewed coffee and steamed milk. On the other hand, a Latte, which has its roots in Italy, consists of espresso and steamed milk.
In this post we’ll be talking about what sets each one apart and how to differentiate one from the other. So if you want to learn about these two tasty beverages, read on!
What Is a Café Au Lait?
Café Au Lait is a French coffee drink that consists of brewed coffee and steamed milk. Typically, the amount of coffee used in this beverage is one part espresso to one part steamed milk. This makes it slightly weaker than a Latte, as the espresso isn’t as concentrated. The result is a smooth, creamy drink with a mild flavor.
What Is a Latte?
A Latte is an Italian-style coffee drink that uses espresso and steamed milk. It is usually prepared using one or two shots of espresso and two parts steamed milk, making it slightly more concentrated than a Café Au Lait. The resulting beverage has a strong flavor and creamy texture.
What Coffee is Used in a Café au Lait vs Latte?
Café Au Lait is made using brewed coffee, while a Latte uses espresso shots. The espresso in the latte is usually one or two shots, depending on the desired intensity of flavor. The amount of milk used for each beverage also varies – usually one part espresso to one part steamed milk for a Café Au Lait and two parts steamed milk for a Latte. This is what gives each beverage its unique flavor profile, so it’s important to choose the right coffee based on your preference.
History and Origins of Café Au Lait vs Latte
Café Au Lait has its roots in France, where it is traditionally made with brewed coffee and steamed milk. It was first served in the 17th century, when coffee began to become popular in Europe. On the other hand, lattes originated in Italy during the 19th century. They quickly became a popular drink among Italian locals and were later adapted by other countries.
Is Café Au Lait Stronger Than Latte?
Café Au Lait is generally considered to be milder than a Latte, as the espresso used in it is typically less concentrated. This results in a smoother and more subtle flavor, whereas the Latte has a stronger flavor due to the two shots of espresso used. However, this all depends on the amount of coffee and milk added for each beverage. Therefore, it’s important to consider the ratio of espresso and milk when deciding which one is right for you.
Café Au Lait vs Latte (with Infographic)
Café Au Lait and a Latte is the type of coffee used in each drink. The Café Au Lait uses brewed coffee, while the Latte uses espresso shots. A Latte will also typically have more foam on top than a Café Au Lait. So if you’re looking for something with more concentrated flavor, you’re better off with a Latte.
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Cafe au Lait vs Latte: 6 Differences You Need To Know
In summary, the main difference between Cafe Au Lait and Latte is the type of coffee used. Café Au Lait uses brewed coffee while Latte uses espresso shots. Additionally, a Latte will typically have more foam on top than a Café Au Lait. Both drinks are popular and have variations that make them even more interesting, so why not try both to find out .
1. Definition & Brewing Methods:
- Cafe Au Lait – A French style coffee drink made with brewed coffee and steamed milk.
- Latte – An Italian-style coffee drink made with espresso shots and steamed milk.
- Cafe Au Lait – Brewed coffee is used.
- Latte – Espresso shots are used.
2. Flavor and Texture:
- Cafe Au Lait – The beverage has a mild flavor with a creamy texture.
- Latte – This drink has a strong flavor and creamy texture.
3. Foam:
- Cafe Au Lait – Foam is usually minimal.
- Latte – A Latte typically has more foam than a Cafe Au Lait.
4. Variations:
- Cafe Au Lait – Variations are available such as flavored versions or decaf options.
- Latte – Variations include flavored lattes and even iced variations.
5. Milk Foam and Texture:
- Cafe Au Lait – The foam and texture are usually mild.
- Latte – The foam and texture are typically more intense than a cafe au lait.
6. Caffeine Content and Nutrition:
- Cafe Au Lait – Usually contains less caffeine than a latte.
- Latte – Typically contains more caffeine than a cafe au lait.
Overall, Cafe Au Lait and Latte are two popular coffee drinks that differ in terms of their brewing method, texture, flavor, foam, variations, and caffeine content. Both can make for a great pick-me-up and are perfect for either hot or cold days.
What does a Latte Taste Like?
A Latte has a strong and slightly sweet flavor. It features a creamy texture, with the combination of espresso and steamed milk coming together to create a delicious beverage that is sure to please. The foam on top adds an extra layer of richness, providing a pleasant mouthfeel as you sip your latte. If you like coffee but are looking for something with more complexity, a latte is a great option. Plus, you can experiment with different flavorings or syrups to customize your drink and give it an even more unique taste.
All in all, Café Au Lait and Latte may look similar but they definitely have their own distinct features that make them stand out from one another. If you’re looking for a milder coffee drink, Café Au Lait is the way to go. If you’re looking for something with more intense flavor and texture, try a Latte. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy the unique taste that each of these drinks brings!
Which has more Milk Café au Lait vs Latte?
Generally speaking, a Café Au Lait will typically have more milk than a Latte. This is because the Café Au Lait usually uses one part espresso to one part steamed milk, while the Latte would use one or two shots of espresso with two parts steamed milk.
Therefore, if you’re looking for something creamier and milder in flavor, the Café Au Lait is usually your best bet. However, if you’re after a stronger coffee flavor with more foam, then the Latte would be a better choice for you.
Health Benefits of Drinking Café au Lait vs Latte?
Café Au Lait and Latte both contain antioxidants which can help protect the body from free radical damage. Additionally, caffeine in moderate doses (up to four cups a day) has been linked to improved alertness, enhanced cognitive performance, and even reduced risk of several diseases.
How Much Caffeine is in these Coffees?
| Coffee | Amount milk | Milk | Calories |
| Café au Lait | 1/2 cup (0.12l) | Whole milk | 75 calories |
| Café au Lait | 1/2 cup (0.12l) | Fat milk 2% | 61 calories |
| Café au Lait | 1/2 cup (0.12l) | Nonfat milk | 43 calories |
| Cafe Latte | 3/4 cup (0.18l) | Whole milk | 100 calories |
| Cafe Latte | 3/4 cup (0.18l) | Fat milk 2% | 92 calories |
| Cafe atte | 3/4 cup (0.18l) | Nonfat milk | 65 calories |
The amount of caffeine in a Café Au Lait and Latte varies depending on the type of coffee used. Generally speaking, a standard espresso shot contains about 75 to 100 milligrams of caffeine. As for the Cafe Au Lait, it usually has one part espresso to one part steamed milk, so the overall amount of caffeine is usually lower than that of a Latte.
On the other hand, a standard Latte usually has two shots of espresso and two parts steamed milk, making it stronger in terms of caffeine content.
Ingredients of Used in Cafe Au Lait vs Latte?
Café Au Lait and Latte are both espresso-based drinks, which means they use espresso shots as their main base. For the Café Au Lait, one shot of espresso is usually used with one part steamed milk, while for the Latte two shots of espresso are used with two parts steamed milk.
How to Make Cafe Au Lait and Latte
Making a Café Au Lait or Latte is simple, but requires practice to get the perfect cup.
Making a Cafe Au Lait at Home:
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso
- 2 cups of milk
Instructions:
- Heat the two cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches steaming temperature.
- Pull 2 shots of espresso into your cup and add the hot milk on top.
Making a Latte at Home
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso
- 1 cup of milk
Instructions:
- Heat the one cup of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches steaming temperature.
- Pull 2 shots of espresso into your cup and add the hot milk on top.
- Use a spoon to froth the milk until it reaches a light foam.
- Gently pour the frothed milk into your cup and enjoy!
For both drinks, you can also add flavors such as syrups or caramel for an extra boost of flavor.
Tips for making an extra special Cafe Au Lait or Latte?
If you want to make an extra special Café Au Lait or Latte, there are a few tips you can follow:
- Use high-quality coffee beans and freshly ground them for the espresso – this will give your drink a richer flavor!
- If using dairy milk, choose an organic variety that is free from hormones and antibiotics.
- Use a good quality frother to get creamy and velvety foam for your drinks.
- Experiment with different syrups or spices to give the drink an extra special touch.
- Serve immediately as the flavor of these drinks deteriorates quickly when left standing for too long.
I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos – you name it. I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.
I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!