Buzz
Coffee menus can sometimes be overwhelming, particularly if you're seeking a caffeine jolt at a Starbucks rather than a deep dive into bean varieties or milk textures. One increasingly popular item on these menus is the flat white coffee. What exactly is it, where did it originate, and should it cause you to rethink your usual order?
Flat White vs. Latte vs. Cappuccino
Coffee Type | Ingredients |
|---|---|
Flat White | Steamed milk, espresso |
Latte | Foamed milk, steamed milk, espresso |
Cappuccino | Foamed milk, steamed milk, espresso |
The flat white is a blend of a latte and a cappuccino. Like those drinks, it features espresso (either a single or double shot) along with steamed and frothed milk. However, the key difference lies in its smoother texture; the flat white has less frothy milk and a creamier mouthfeel, as it minimizes the larger foam bubbles typical of a cappuccino. The top microfoam remains 'flat,' giving this drink its name.
Do you notice a difference in taste? It's quite likely. A flat white offers a stronger espresso flavor, compared to its frothy counterparts, where the espresso often takes a backseat. In contrast, lattes have much more milk, which can somewhat dilute the espresso taste.
Crafting a flat white presents a challenge for baristas, as they must steam the milk in a way that introduces minimal air to avoid the thick foam found in cappuccinos or lattes. However, this also provides a great opportunity for artists to create intricate designs with the microfoam.
Due to the careful control of the foam, flat whites are generally smaller than most other coffee drinks—typically around 5 to 6 ounces. When comparing them side-by-side, a cappuccino usually boasts a rich, creamy foam topping, while the flat white is distinctly flatter.
The Story Behind Flat White Coffee
The flat white likely originated in either Australia or New Zealand—or both—during the 1980s, with each country claiming credit for its creation. It's possible that both nations contributed to the development of this beloved coffee style, each working toward a shared goal of perfection.
One possibly exaggerated tale suggests a New Zealand barista apologized to a customer after a cappuccino didn’t foam correctly, which led to the creation of the 'flat white' drink.
The flat white eventually made its debut in the United States in the early 2010s, and it's now a staple on many coffee shop menus. There’s some debate over whether larger chains can truly replicate a proper flat white, with some coffee enthusiasts arguing that a high-quality espresso bean is essential for a richer texture, and milk should be heated without being steamed.
Hugh Jackman, the Australian actor who ran cafes in downtown Manhattan in 2015, mentioned that Starbucks offering a flat white was a “compliment” but recommended customers try a presumably more authentic version from his own cafe.
