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What is Flat White?
A flat white is an espresso-based coffee drink in which the coffee flavor remains prominent, while the micro-foam structure of the milk provides a creamy texture without the thick, spoonable layer of “dry” foam. The end result is a smooth (“flat”) drink in which the milk and coffee blend harmoniously.
The meaning and concept of flat white
The “flat” in the name refers to the flat, thin layer of foam on top: there is no high, airy layer of foam like in a cappuccino. The “white” refers to the presence of milk. By definition, a flat white is a drink made with microfoam milk, with a smaller volume and a more intense flavour. It contains more coffee and less milk than a latte and has a less foamy, smoother texture than a cappuccino.
The origin and history of the flat white
The flat white became popular in Australia and New Zealand in the late 20th century. The coffee culture of both countries lays claim to its origins, and there are different stories in the literature. However, there is broad agreement that the flat white grew out of the intersection of continental espresso traditions and Anglo-Saxon milk coffee habits: there was a demand for a drink that was compact, coffee-strong and creamy, but not too frothy.
The place of the flat white in modern coffee culture
With the rise of specialty coffee and the third-wave movement, the flat white has become a staple in quality coffee shops. The focus is on the ingredients (freshly roasted, traceable coffee), precise espresso extraction and the texture of the microfoam milk. The flat white is an example of balanced intensity: it balances a creamy mouthfeel with the aromatic depth of the coffee.
What type of coffee is a flat white?
A flat white is an espresso-based coffee with milk. Its key characteristics are its compact size, microfoam milk and a pronounced coffee flavours
In most cafés, a flat white is made with a double espresso (about 2 × 25–30 ml) or a double ristretto (a shorter, more concentrated extraction). The amount of milk is more restrained than in a latte, so the coffee-to-milk ratio in the cup (typically 150–180 ml) is higher. This gives the drink a pronounced, yet not bitter, character.
In most cafés, a flat white is made with a double espresso (about 2 × 25–30 ml) or a double ristretto (a shorter, more concentrated extraction). The amount of milk is more restrained than in a latte, so the coffee-to-milk ratio in the cup (typically 150–180 ml) is higher. This gives the drink a pronounced, yet not bitter, character.
Milk, foam and proportions in a flat white
- Steamed milk: The barista uses the steam wand to heat and texture the milk to around 55–65°C, aiming to bring out its natural sweetness.
- Microfoam: Milk with small, even bubbles and a glossy surface that is “pourable” – making it ideal for latte art.
- “Flat” foam: The surface is smooth, the foam layer is thin, and the milk and coffee blend seamlessly.
Coffee-to-Milk Ratio in a Flat White
In a flat white, the ratio typically leans towards more coffee:
- Coffee: double espresso / double ristretto (about 40–60 ml in total).
- Milk: enough to make the final cup approximately 150–180 ml.
- The result: a more pronounced coffee flavour, rounded acidity and a creamy, enjoyable sip even without sugar.
How is a flat white made?
The main differences between a Frappé and an iced coffee lie in their ingredients, preparation, taste and texture.
Ingredients and Preparation:
Making a flat white requires precise espresso extraction and well-textured microfoam milk. The technique used to combine the two components (flow, pouring height and speed) determines the final texture and finish.
1) Fresh, properly roasted coffee (a medium roast is a common choice, offering balanced sweetness and chocolate-nut notes).
2) Stable espresso extraction (even grind, proper tamping and controlled extraction time).
3) Microfoam milk (smooth, glossy, “wet” foam with a pourable consistency).
Flat White recipe
The basic principles of a flat white recipe are similar around the world, although there may be minor variations. A flat white recipe typically does not include a thick layer of foam or additional ingredients.
- Grinding and Preparation
Grind the right amount of coffee for a double espresso (usually 16–20 g, according to café practice).
Tamp evenly and check the temperature of the portafilter and the cup.
Tamp evenly and check the temperature of the portafilter and the cup.
- Espresso Extraction
Aim for 2 × 25–30 ml of espresso (or a double ristretto).
Extraction time: 25–30 seconds.
Extraction time: 25–30 seconds.
- Steaming the Milk
Use fresh milk and heat it to 55–65°C.
Keep the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk to create microfoam; avoid large bubbles.
Keep the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk to create microfoam; avoid large bubbles.
- Pouring
Swirl the milk in the jug to achieve a smooth, even texture.
Pour slowly over the espresso, creating a thin, flat layer of foam (latte art optional).
Pour slowly over the espresso, creating a thin, flat layer of foam (latte art optional).
- Volume
The finished drink is typically 150–180 ml.
Making a Flat white at home
When making a flat white at home, it is important to use good-quality coffee and gently heated, silky milk. The classic method involves preparing a double espresso with a small amount of microfoam milk, so that the coffee flavour remains prominent.
Making a flat white at home becomes easier if you know the proportions in advance. Coffee capsules provide a consistent espresso base every time, making it easier to achieve a balanced flavour. Espresso Intenso coffee capsules are an excellent choice for preparing a flat white at home, especially when used with a NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® coffee machine, allowing you to enjoy a rich coffee flavour with silky milk.
Making a flat white at home becomes easier if you know the proportions in advance. Coffee capsules provide a consistent espresso base every time, making it easier to achieve a balanced flavour. Espresso Intenso coffee capsules are an excellent choice for preparing a flat white at home, especially when used with a NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® coffee machine, allowing you to enjoy a rich coffee flavour with silky milk.
Caffeine content and strength
The caffeine content and “strength” of a flat white depend on the amount of espresso, the grind and the type of coffee.
How much caffeine is in a flat white?
A rough estimate: a double espresso can contain around 120–160 mg of caffeine (depending on the roast, grind, extraction time and yield).
A double ristretto has a smaller volume and may have a higher concentration of dissolved solids, but the total caffeine content is not higher; the actual amount depends on the extraction method.
How much caffeine is in a flat white?
A rough estimate: a double espresso can contain around 120–160 mg of caffeine (depending on the roast, grind, extraction time and yield).
A double ristretto has a smaller volume and may have a higher concentration of dissolved solids, but the total caffeine content is not higher; the actual amount depends on the extraction method.
Is a flat white strong?
The term “strength” can be interpreted in several ways when it comes to a flat white. In terms of caffeine content, the drink is often based on a double espresso, so in this respect it can be similar to a double latte. However, in terms of flavour, a flat white usually tastes more intense due to its smaller cup size and the more restrained amount of milk, allowing the coffee aromas to stand out more clearly.
How Many Calories Are in a Flat White?
The calorie content is mainly influenced by the type and quantity of milk.
Calorie Content of a Flat White
Calorie Content of a Flat White
- Cow’s milk (2.8–3.5%): a 160 ml flat white can contain around 70–120 kcal, depending on the fat content and quantity of the milk.
- Plant-based drinks (oat, almond, soy, coconut): Better microfoam with barista versions; with added flavour notes (e.g. sweetness of oats, nutty character of almonds).
- With almond milk: Lighter body, nutty aftertaste, foam stability depends on the brand.
Flat White Without Milk or with Plant-Based Milk
1. Lactose-free milk: An alternative in case of sensitivity, can be frothed similarly.
2. Plant-based drinks (oat, almond, soy, coconut): Better microfoam with barista versions; with added flavour notes (e.g. sweetness of oats, nutty character of almonds).
3. With almond milk: Lighter body, nutty aftertaste, foam stability depends on the brand.
2. Plant-based drinks (oat, almond, soy, coconut): Better microfoam with barista versions; with added flavour notes (e.g. sweetness of oats, nutty character of almonds).
3. With almond milk: Lighter body, nutty aftertaste, foam stability depends on the brand.
Flat white compared to other coffee drinks
Flat white is often mentioned alongside other well-known coffee drinks. The differences are mainly in the proportions, milk texture and taste.
Flat white vs latte: A latte is served in a larger cup, with more milk and often a thicker layer of foam, while a flat white is smaller and has a more pronounced coffee flavour.
Flat white vs cappuccino: A cappuccino is known for its airier, thicker layer of foam, while a flat white provides a creamier, silkier sip.
Flat white vs americano: An americano is a black coffee without milk, while a flat white is milky, full and creamy.
Flat white vs cortado: A cortado is smaller and more concentrated, while a flat white is slightly larger, with a softer milk texture.
Flat white vs espresso: Espresso is pure coffee, short and intense, while a flat white provides a longer, more balanced experience with milk.
If you would like to learn more about different coffee drinks and try them at home, it is worth exploring our coffee selection, where you can discover the full coffee range.
Flat white vs latte: A latte is served in a larger cup, with more milk and often a thicker layer of foam, while a flat white is smaller and has a more pronounced coffee flavour.
Flat white vs cappuccino: A cappuccino is known for its airier, thicker layer of foam, while a flat white provides a creamier, silkier sip.
Flat white vs americano: An americano is a black coffee without milk, while a flat white is milky, full and creamy.
Flat white vs cortado: A cortado is smaller and more concentrated, while a flat white is slightly larger, with a softer milk texture.
Flat white vs espresso: Espresso is pure coffee, short and intense, while a flat white provides a longer, more balanced experience with milk.
If you would like to learn more about different coffee drinks and try them at home, it is worth exploring our coffee selection, where you can discover the full coffee range.
FAQ
Is a flat white strong?
It has a stronger flavour than a larger latte because it uses less milk. It generally contains a similar amount of caffeine to drinks made with a double espresso.
How much caffeine is in a flat white?
It is around 120–160 mg when made with a double espresso; the actual amount depends on the coffee and how it is prepared.
Is a flat white or a latte stronger?
In terms of flavour, a flat white usually seems stronger due to its smaller volume and higher coffee-to-milk ratio. They contain a similar amount of caffeine when both are made with a double espresso.
What is the difference between a cappuccino and a flat white?
A cappuccino is made with a thicker, airier layer of foam; a flat white has a flat top, while the milk is microfoam and creamy.
How is a flat white made?
Double espresso with steamed microfoam milk, served with a silky, flat layer of foam in a cup of about 150–180 ml.
What kind of coffee is a flat white?
An espresso-based coffee with milk, built on the harmonious balance of coffee and milk and a smooth microfoam texture.
Flat White: The Perfect Balance of Coffee and Silky Milk
A flat white is an espresso-based coffee, defined by the balance of its distinctive coffee flavour and silky microfoam milk. Originating in Australia and New Zealand, it has become a staple of modern, quality coffee culture. Its smaller cup size and more moderate milk content give it a more intense flavour than many other milk-based coffee drinks. The goal of a flat white is not to emphasise the foam, but to create a harmonious, creamy sip where the coffee aromas come to the fore.
