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Coffee Journal · 2 min read

What is a flat white?

Less milk, more coffee, finer foam.

The flat white comes from Australia and New Zealand in the 1980s. It's an espresso-based drink with steamed milk and a thin layer of very fine, glossy microfoam. The result is smaller and stronger-tasting than a latte.

FoamMilkEspresso
Cappuccino
FoamMilkEspresso
Flat white
FoamMilkEspresso
Latte

Rough proportions. Every cafe pours a little differently.

  • Cappuccino: a thick, airy foam cap.
  • Flat white: a smaller cup, thin silky foam, more coffee flavour.
  • Latte: a bigger cup, mostly milk, mild and creamy.
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