Coffee Explained: A Guide to Different Types of Coffee

Ever looked at a coffee menu and wondered what the actual difference is between a flat white, latte, cappuccino, mocha and espresso?

You're not alone.

Most popular types of coffee start with espresso, but changing the amount of milk, foam and other ingredients can create a completely different drink.

Our Coffee: Explained series keeps things simple.

Here’s a guide to five popular coffee styles and what makes each one different.

Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino: What’s the Difference?

This is where things can get a little murky. A flat white, latte and cappuccino all contain the same basic ingredients: espresso and milk. The difference is how much milk and foam you use.

What is an Espresso?

No milk. No fluff. Just coffee.

An espresso is pure, concentrated coffee served without milk.

It’s strong, intense and straight to the point. Think Italian cafés. Think George Clooney. Think coffee that means business.

Espresso also forms the coffee base for many of the other drinks on this list.

What it is: Pure espresso with no milk.
Taste: Strong, intense and concentrated

If you prefer your coffee without milk getting in the way, an espresso keeps things simple.

Small cup. Big personality.

And if you want to make one at home, you can also explore our range of coffee machines and espresso machines.

What is a Flat White?

A Kiwi café favourite for good reason.

A flat white combines espresso with lightly textured milk and very little foam.

Because there’s less milk and foam than you’ll find in some other coffee styles, plenty of that espresso flavour still comes through.

What it is: Espresso with lightly textured milk and minimal foam
Taste: Smooth, balanced and coffee-forward

It’s a good middle ground if you like a creamy coffee but still want to know there’s actually coffee in there.

What is a Latte?

Think flat white, but milkier.

A latte combines espresso with a larger amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam on top. That extra milk softens the espresso flavour, making it one of the milder coffee options on the menu.

What it is: Espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam
Taste: Mild, creamy and milk-forward

If you like your coffee smooth, easy-drinking and generous on the milk, the latte has you covered. 

What is a Cappuccino?

Here comes the foam.

A cappuccino combines espresso and steamed milk with a noticeably thicker layer of foam, often finished with a dusting of chocolate.

That extra foam gives the drink its lighter, airier texture and makes it feel quite different from a flat white or latte.

What it is: Espresso, steamed milk and a thick foam layer, often with chocolate.
Taste: Light, airy and slightly drier.

Basically, if your ideal coffee comes with enough foam to leave evidence on your nose, this could be the one.

What is a Mocha?

Coffee or chocolate?

Why choose?

A mocha combines espresso, chocolate and milk, usually finished with milk foam. You still get the flavour and kick of coffee, but with an extra bit of sweetness from the chocolate.

What it is: Espresso, chocolate, milk and milk foam
Taste: Smooth, creamy and chocolatey

Perfect for anyone who wants their coffee to lean slightly towards dessert.

We’re not judging.

Which Type of Coffee Should You Choose?

There’s no correct answer here.

The best coffee is the one you actually enjoy drinking.

Want something strong and concentrated? Go for an espresso. 

Want smooth milk without losing the coffee flavour? Try a flat white.

Prefer something creamy and mild? A latte is probably your friend.

Like plenty of light, fluffy foam? Cappuccino. 

Want to sneak a little chocolate into the equation? Mocha.

Coffee doesn’t need to be complicated.

Start with what you already like, try something different every now and then, and you’ll soon figure out your order.

And if it takes a few coffees to decide? Sounds like important research to us. 

Worked out your coffee order? Now comes the important part: making one. Explore our range of coffee beans and find a blend for your flat white, latte, cappuccino, mocha or straight-up espresso.