What are the Differences Between a Latte and a Mocha?
The terms latte and mocha are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different drinks. Both lattes and mochas are espresso-based drinks that are traditionally served hot in small cups and topped with steamed milk.
The main difference between these two drinks is the type of chocolate added to the recipe. Which makes them taste very different from one another, despite their similarities in appearance.
In this article, we’ll look at what constitutes a latte or mocha, their distinct flavors, and the difference between them when ordering your favorite drink from your local coffee shop or cafe.
Defining a latte vs. a mocha
A latte is essentially coffee with steamed milk. The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically speaking, a latte is espresso with steamed milk (and sometimes foam) while a mocha has chocolate added to it.
The differences between these two beverages boils down to three main points: taste, texture, and caffeine content. Let’s take a look at how they differ from each other in each of these areas.
How are these drinks made?
A latte is espresso with steamed milk and foam. A mocha, on the other hand, is made with espresso, chocolate syrup, and sometimes vanilla syrup (mochas can be served hot or cold).
While latte art (or tribal patterns made in milk foam) can be added to lattes, they’re not typically found in mochas.
If you prefer your coffee flavored as opposed to caffeinated or have trouble differentiating between chocolates in general—or just need your coffee ASAP—you’ll probably end up ordering one of these two options sooner than later.
How can you tell the difference between them when ordering from Starbucks?
It depends on how they’re made. Both drinks start with Starbucks espresso, but that’s where their similarities end.
A latte (Italian for milk) gets steamed milk on top—you can choose whole or nonfat. If you want your latte with foam on top, you’ll have to ask for it because it isn’t automatic like in other coffee shops.
A mocha (which comes from the Spanish word moca, meaning chocolate) typically has chocolate added; in fact, it’s one of Starbucks most popular drink orders.
Which is better for you – coffee or tea?
Coffee and tea both offer certain health benefits. It depends on your preference as to which you drink, as they each have their own benefits and cons.
Let’s take a look at which is better for you – coffee or tea. If you aren’t already familiar with these two popular beverages, we suggest continuing reading!
Here’s how drinking coffee compares to drinking tea:
The main difference between espresso vs drip brewing: Many people use them interchangeably but they’re actually quite different. If one asks ten different baristas what type of coffee should be used in an espresso machine, eight will tell them it should be coarse ground dark roast while two will ask if they want flavored or unflavored milk.
When it comes to ingredients, what makes lattes different from cappuccinos
The key difference between a latte and cappuccino is in their ingredients.
Lattes almost always have more milk than other ingredients. While a cappuccino can have equal amounts of espresso, steamed milk, frothed milk (often at a café), or extra foam.
Milk content: The main difference between lattes and mochas is in their ingredient content. Especially when it comes to dairy-based drinks.
While lattes will typically be served with one or two percent milk (along with varying flavors), mochas will use chocolate syrup as well as either three percent or whole milk for that added kick of sweet flavor.
As for drinks that are made from non-dairy ingredients, mochas may include chocolate chips or chocolate syrup in their mixture as well.
Due to their inclusion of sugar, however, mochas will almost always be sweeter than lattes.
Though not required by law in most countries, mochas will often advertise their presence of chocolate by using mocha instead of latte in the drink title. When it comes to caffeine content though, these two drinks aren’t all that different.
Coffee vs. tea – which one should you drink more often and why
The answer is simple. You should drink coffee! This may seem completely wrong to some people, but hear me out.
Coffee has more caffeine than tea does, which is one of its major pros. Caffeine makes you feel more alert and awake which can help you with studying or work when you don’t feel like it.
If you want to wake up in the morning instead of feeling groggy, drinking coffee is your best option.
It also releases endorphins that make us happy. Meaning we will start off our day happier (and much less grumpy) than if we had no caffeine at all!
Read about: best coffee filter substitutes
Benefits of drinking coffee (or tea)
Drinking coffee is known to have several health benefits, like improving mood, increasing alertness, or even protecting against certain cancers. Plus it tastes great!
Coffee isn’t for everyone though; there’s plenty of evidence that suggests caffeine can be harmful for some people.
So if you’re looking to cut back on your caffeine intake (or switch to tea), don’t worry: you won’t have to give up all your favorite flavor notes.
The difference between latte and mocha is subtle—but if it matters to you—there’s an easy way to make sure your drink tastes just how you like it!
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