Latte, Mocha, Cappuccino - What’s the Difference?

Coffee today comes in many varieties and is no longer limited to just one “original flavor.” Because of the diverse preferences of consumers, numerous coffee types have emerged on the market, which can sometimes be confusing. When ordering at a coffee shop, the barista might ask if you want an American coffee or an Italian (espresso-based) coffee. The former is about 350 ml of lighter coffee, while the latter is around 350 ml of stronger coffee—both are black coffees by default, and most shops will provide sugar and creamer if needed. When you look at the menu, you’ll notice Cappuccino, Latte, or Espresso, and possibly many other names you may or may not have heard of. How should you decide what to order?

Below are a few commonly seen coffee varieties on the market:

• Latte: 1/6 espresso + 4/6 steamed milk + 1/6 milk foam
• Cappuccino: 1/3 espresso + 1/3 steamed milk + 1/3 milk foam
• Mocha: 2/5 espresso + 1/5 steamed milk + 2/5 chocolate

The above are some of the more common flavors. However, you may have noticed that once you step into certain coffee shops, the price can vary greatly—some places charge over a hundred dollars (NTD) for a cup, while chain coffee shops might sell one for as low as 35 dollars. Some of this could be due to marketing or gimmicks, but quality also plays a role. Location matters as well: if the rent is high, that cost is naturally reflected in the price of the coffee.

Which Style of Coffee Do You Prefer?

Coffee is no longer just plain black coffee; there are countless possible flavor variations. This is because businesses continually develop new coffee creations. So next time you see something unfamiliar on the menu, consider ordering it to try, and discuss or review it with the shop owner.

• Caramel Macchiato: A latte with caramel syrup. Share one with someone special, and let the sweet words flow.
• Cocoa Coffee: A latte sprinkled with cocoa powder. When you’re busy and tired, this cup of happiness will take away your fatigue.
• Soy Milk Coffee: Black coffee with lightly sweetened soy milk. A good option for those who avoid dairy. It offers a rich, milky aroma to satisfy your taste buds while enjoying Taiwan’s unique flavor. Plus, it’s high in protein and fits a healthy lifestyle concept.
• Brown Sugar Coffee: Black coffee with fresh milk and brown sugar whipped into foam. The sweetness greets you at first sip, delivering a rich, affectionate taste—perfect for savoring a romantic ambiance.
• Con Panna (sometimes called Vienna Coffee): Espresso topped with whipped cream. The cream envelops the strong coffee aroma, and the slight sweetness balances the coffee’s natural bitterness.
• Irish Coffee: Black coffee mixed with whiskey, rock sugar, and topped with whipped cream. The subtle liquor flavor masks the bitterness, while the cream adds a rich aroma, letting you enjoy a taste of Northern Europe.

From these few flavored coffees, you can branch out to countless other possibilities. It’s actually quite simple: start with black coffee or a latte and add various ingredients—such as almond slices, matcha powder, chocolate powder, citrus zest, rose petals, different spirits, sugar, syrup, milkshake, fresh milk, ice cubes, and so on. You can easily create a unique personal coffee flavor. This is especially crucial for coffee shop operators, who need to develop original items and build brand identity.