At McDonald's, the primary differences between a latte and a cappuccino lie in their structure and flavor intensity, although their base ingredients are the same.
Based on the information available, a cappuccino is distinctly layered and has a slightly stronger flavor than the latte.
While the ingredients used are the same as that of a McCafé® Latte, the preparation and resulting characteristics set them apart.
Key Distinctions
Here's a breakdown of how McDonald's lattes and cappuccinos differ:
- Structure: The most notable difference is the visual and textural structure. A cappuccino is traditionally prepared with distinct layers of espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of frothed milk on top. A latte, conversely, features espresso blended with a larger amount of steamed milk, topped with only a thin layer of microfoam or frothed milk. This layering is what gives the cappuccino its "distinctly layered" characteristic.
- Flavor: Due to the differing milk-to-espresso ratios and foam levels, the flavor profile varies. The cappuccino, with its higher ratio of foam and often a slightly more balanced milk-to-espresso blend relative to the total volume, results in a "slightly stronger flavor than the latte." The latte, with more steamed milk, tends to be milkier and milder.
- Ingredients: The ingredients used are the same. Both typically consist of espresso made from 100% Arabica beans and steamed milk.
Comparing McCafé® Latte and Cappuccino
Let's look at the key differences in a table format for clarity:
| Feature | McCafé® Latte | McCafé® Cappuccino |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Espresso, Steamed Milk | Same as Latte (Espresso, Milk) |
| Structure | Espresso blended with milk, thin foam | Distinctly layered (Espresso, Steamed Milk, thick foam) |
| Flavor | Milder, Milkier | Slightly Stronger Flavor |
| Availability | Small, Medium, Large Sizes | Small, Medium, Large Sizes |
Both beverages are available in small, medium, and large sizes, allowing customers to choose their preferred volume.
In summary, while sharing the same foundational ingredients, the McCafé® Cappuccino offers a bolder taste and a characteristic layered structure compared to the smoother, milkier McCafé® Latte.
