Choosing between an Americano and a latte comes down to one main difference: water versus milk. An Americano combines espresso with hot water for a coffee-forward taste, while a latte mixes espresso with steamed milk for a creamy, milder flavor. Both drinks can contain similar amounts of caffeine when prepared with the same number of espresso shots, but their calories, texture, and sweetness differ.
Whether you prefer black coffee, enjoy a smooth milk-based drink, or want to make café-style coffee at home, understanding these differences will help you choose the right cup.
Americano vs Latte: Key Differences at a Glance
Both drinks start with espresso, but the added liquid changes their flavor, texture, and nutritional content.
| Feature | Americano | Latte |
|---|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Espresso and hot water | Espresso and steamed milk |
| Milk content | None in the traditional recipe | Milk is the main addition |
| Foam | Usually little or none | Thin layer of milk foam |
| Taste | Coffee-forward, roasted, sometimes slightly bitter | Creamy, smooth, and mildly sweet |
| Texture | Light-bodied | Rich and velvety |
| Caffeine | Depends on espresso shots | Depends on espresso shots |
| Calories | Usually very low without additions | Higher because of milk |
| Sweetness | Usually unsweetened | Naturally mild sweetness from milk |
| Best for | Black coffee lovers | People who enjoy creamy coffee |
These descriptions follow the standard preparations of the two drinks. The Coffee Association of Canada defines an Americano as espresso diluted with hot water and a latte as espresso combined with steamed milk, usually with some foam. Exact recipes vary between cafés. Source: Coffee Association of Canada.
What Is an Americano?
An Americano is an espresso-based coffee made by adding hot water to one or more espresso shots. The water increases the drink’s volume and reduces its concentration, creating a longer cup of coffee without adding milk.
Unlike regular drip coffee, an Americano begins with espresso extracted under pressure. It therefore retains the flavor characteristics of its espresso base, although the added water changes how concentrated the drink tastes.
What Does an Americano Taste Like?
An Americano generally has a clean, coffee-forward flavor. Depending on the beans and espresso preparation, you may notice roasted, chocolate-like, nutty, fruity, or slightly acidic notes.
Because the traditional recipe contains no milk, there is little to soften the espresso’s bitterness or acidity. This makes the Americano a good choice if you enjoy drinking black coffee.
However, a well-made Americano does not have to taste harsh or excessively bitter. Bean quality, roast level, espresso extraction, and the amount of water all influence the final cup.
How to Make an Americano at Home
You can make an Americano with an espresso machine and hot water.
- Pull one or two espresso shots into a mug.
- Add approximately 4–6 fluid ounces of hot water as a starting point.
- Stir gently if desired.
- Taste the coffee and adjust the water until the flavor suits you.
These measurements are suggested starting points rather than a universal café standard. Add more water for a lighter cup or use less water for a more concentrated flavor.
What Is a Latte?
A latte, also called a caffè latte, is made with espresso, steamed milk, and usually a small layer of milk foam. The milk forms a substantial part of the drink, giving it a smoother texture and a gentler coffee flavor.
A latte is often a good introduction to espresso for people who find straight espresso too intense. The milk softens the coffee’s sharper flavors without removing the espresso from the drink.
Starbucks’ at-home coffee guidance describes a latte as approximately one part espresso to two parts steamed milk, topped with a small amount of milk foam. Actual ratios vary by cup size and café preference. Source: Starbucks Coffee at Home.
What Does a Latte Taste Like?
A latte typically tastes creamy, smooth, and mildly sweet. Steamed milk contributes its own natural sweetness, while the espresso adds roasted flavor and depth.
The final taste depends on the espresso, milk type, temperature, and preparation technique. Whole milk often produces a richer mouthfeel, while lower-fat milk can create a lighter drink. Oat, almond, soy, and other plant-based milks also change the flavor and texture.
A latte does not automatically contain added sugar. A plain latte can be made without sweeteners, while flavored versions may include vanilla, caramel, chocolate, or other syrups.
How to Make a Latte at Home
To make a basic latte, prepare one or two espresso shots and heat your preferred milk.
- Pull the espresso into a cup.
- Steam or heat the milk.
- Froth the milk lightly to create a smooth texture.
- Pour the milk into the espresso, finishing with a thin layer of foam.
If you do not have a steam wand, you can heat the milk and use a handheld milk frother. The texture may differ from a café latte, but the drink will still combine espresso and milk.
Americano vs Latte: Taste, Strength, and Milk Ratios
The biggest difference between an Americano and a latte is how the espresso is diluted.
Taste and Texture
An Americano emphasizes the espresso itself. Hot water spreads the coffee flavor through a larger volume of liquid without introducing the creaminess of milk.
A latte has a softer, rounder flavor because steamed milk changes both the taste and mouthfeel. It is generally less coffee-forward, even when it contains the same number of espresso shots.
If you enjoy tasting the characteristics of different coffee beans, an Americano may suit you better. If you prefer a creamy drink with a balanced espresso flavor, a latte may be the better option.
Milk-to-Water Ratio
There is no single mandatory ratio for every Americano or latte.
For a homemade Americano, start with one or two espresso shots and approximately 4–6 ounces of hot water. Adjust the water according to your preferred strength.
For a latte, begin with one or two espresso shots and enough steamed milk to fill your cup, leaving room for a small amount of foam. A smaller latte will generally have a more concentrated espresso flavor than a larger latte made with the same number of shots.
Remember that increasing the drink’s volume does not necessarily increase the amount of coffee or caffeine it contains.
Is a Latte Sweeter Than an Americano?
A plain latte usually tastes sweeter than an Americano because milk contributes natural sweetness and softens the perception of bitterness.
An unsweetened Americano generally has no added sugar, while a plain latte contains naturally occurring milk sugar. Neither drink requires syrup or table sugar.
If you want to sweeten your Americano naturally, you can add honey or your preferred sweetener. Read our guide on how to sweeten coffee with honey for another way to adjust your coffee’s flavor.
Brown sugar is another option for coffee drinkers who enjoy a deeper, molasses-like sweetness. Learn more in our guide to using brown sugar in coffee.
If you prefer a sweeter Americano, you can add milk, sugar, honey, or your preferred sweetener. You can also customize a latte with less syrup or no added sweetener.
Americano vs Latte: Caffeine and Calories
Caffeine and calories are two important considerations when choosing between these drinks. The key is to look at the espresso recipe and added ingredients rather than relying on the drink’s name alone.
Which Has More Caffeine?
An Americano does not automatically contain more caffeine than a latte.
When both drinks use the same espresso and the same number of shots, their total caffeine content should be similar. Adding water to an Americano or milk to a latte does not, by itself, add caffeine.
However, coffee shops may use different espresso recipes for different drinks and sizes. For example, Starbucks lists the following approximate values for its standard 16-fluid-ounce Grande drinks:
| Starbucks drink | Approximate caffeine | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Caffè Americano | 225 mg | 15 |
| Caffè Latte | 150 mg | 190 |
Sources: Starbucks Caffè Americano nutrition and Starbucks Caffè Latte nutrition.
These are brand-specific figures, not universal values for every Americano and latte. The difference reflects the drinks’ standard recipes, not an inherent caffeine advantage of water over milk.
Practical tip: If caffeine is your main concern, check the café’s nutrition information or ask how many espresso shots your drink contains. You can also read our related guide on caffeine in hot chocolate vs coffee to compare caffeine across different beverages.
Which Has More Calories?
A plain Americano is generally much lower in calories because its main ingredients are espresso and water.
A latte contains milk, which contributes calories, protein, fat, and naturally occurring sugar. The total depends on the serving size, type of milk, and any additional ingredients.
For example, Starbucks lists its standard Grande Caffè Americano at 15 calories and its Grande Caffè Latte, made with 2% milk, at 190 calories. These figures illustrate the difference for those particular recipes; other cafés and milk choices will produce different totals.
If you want a lower-calorie latte, consider a smaller serving, a suitable lower-calorie milk option, or fewer sweetened additions. If you prefer an Americano, remember that cream, milk, sugar, and flavored syrups can also increase its calorie content.
Iced Americano vs Iced Latte
Both drinks can be served over ice, and the same basic distinction applies: water in an Americano, milk in a latte.
An iced Americano combines espresso, cold water, and ice. It offers a refreshing, coffee-forward flavor without milk in the traditional recipe.
An iced latte combines espresso, cold milk, and ice. It is creamier and more milk-forward, without the steamed milk used in a hot latte.
Choose an iced Americano if you prefer a black, refreshing coffee. Choose an iced latte if you want a smoother cold drink with a creamy texture.
Keep in mind that ice melting can dilute either drink over time. The milk choice and number of espresso shots also affect the final taste and nutritional content.
Which Is Better: Americano or Latte?
Neither drink is universally better. Your choice depends on the flavor, texture, and ingredients you enjoy.
Choose an Americano if you:
Choose a latte if you:
If you are new to espresso, a latte can be an approachable starting point. If you already enjoy black coffee, an Americano is an easy way to experience espresso in a larger serving.
Ultimately, the best coffee drink is the one that matches your taste. You can also experiment with different beans, espresso shot counts, milk options, and water ratios until you find your preferred combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Americano stronger than a latte?
An Americano often tastes more coffee-forward because it contains water rather than a substantial amount of milk. However, stronger flavor does not necessarily mean more caffeine. Compare the number of espresso shots to understand the caffeine difference.
Does a latte have more caffeine than an Americano?
Not necessarily. If both drinks contain the same number of espresso shots, their caffeine content should be similar. Actual amounts depend on the coffee beans, preparation, and café recipe.
Can I add milk to an Americano?
Yes. You can add a splash of milk or cream to an Americano to soften its flavor. However, adding milk does not automatically make it a traditional latte, which is prepared with espresso and steamed milk.
Is a latte sweeter than an Americano?
A plain latte generally tastes milder and sweeter because of the milk. An Americano has a more direct coffee flavor, while added sugar or syrup can make either drink sweeter.
Which is better for a low-calorie coffee?
A plain Americano is usually the lower-calorie choice because it contains espresso and water. A latte generally contains more calories from milk, although the amount depends on serving size, milk type, and added ingredients.
Final Verdict
The main difference in the Americano vs latte comparison is simple: an Americano combines espresso with water, while a latte combines espresso with milk.
Choose an Americano for a light-bodied, coffee-forward drink with very few calories. Choose a latte for a creamy texture and a milder, naturally sweeter flavor. For caffeine, compare espresso shots rather than assuming one drink is always stronger.
Both are versatile espresso drinks, and either can be customized to suit your preferences.
