Flat white is the coffee that has captured the hearts of espresso lovers worldwide. While it may look similar to a latte at first glance, its flavor, texture, and ingredient proportions make it truly unique. In this article, you'll learn what sets flat white apart from other espresso-based drinks, how to make a barista-quality flat white at home, and how to properly froth dairy or plant-based milk for the best results. Get ready for a flavor journey that might just change your coffee habits.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Flat White and Where Did It Come From?
- Flat White vs. Other Coffees – What’s the Difference?
- How to Make the Perfect Flat White at Home
- Common Mistakes When Brewing a Flat White
- Best Milk (or Milk Alternative) for Flat White
- Flat White Ratios – Getting the Perfect Balance
- Flat White FAQ – Your Questions Answered
What Is a Flat White and Where Did It Come From?
Flat white is a coffee drink that gained global popularity thanks to its smooth flavor and unique texture. While there are several theories about its origin, it’s most commonly believed to have been created in either Australia or New Zealand. The drink dates back to the early 1980s, when baristas began experimenting with finding the perfect balance between espresso and milk. Unlike a latte, which contains more milk, a flat white uses a smaller amount, resulting in a stronger coffee that’s still mellow thanks to its velvety foam.
Did you know? The name flat white refers to the appearance of the drink — “flat” describes the smooth, thin layer of microfoam that sits on top (as opposed to the frothy top of a cappuccino), and “white” refers to the milk (or plant-based alternative) that gives the drink its creamy texture. Flat white is known for its fine, silky foam and rich mouthfeel — one of the main reasons it has won over so many coffee lovers.
Initially popular mainly in Australia and New Zealand, the flat white has since gained fans around the world, including in the United States and the UK. Many people credit the flat white with revolutionizing coffee culture, offering a balanced and flavorful alternative to traditional espresso-based drinks. Today, it’s one of the most frequently ordered coffee beverages in cafés worldwide.
Flat White vs. Other Coffees – What’s the Difference?
Wondering how the flat white compares to other popular milk-based coffees? The flat white stands out for its bold flavor and smooth, velvety texture. At first glance, it may resemble a latte or a cappuccino, but the differences — especially in taste and mouthfeel — are easy to notice.
- Latte is the milkiest of the compared coffees – it contains a large amount of steamed milk or plant-based alternative (usually around 200–300 ml), which significantly softens the espresso flavor. The result? A smooth, creamy coffee, but with a much milder character.
- Cappuccino, although also milk-based, is served with a thick layer of stiff foam. This foam allows the espresso to still shine through in the taste, but the drink takes on a more dessert-like quality, with a clear separation between coffee and milk (or plant milk).
- Cortado is a coffee that originated in Spain – its name literally means “cut.” It’s an espresso “cut” with a small amount of warm (but not foamed) milk or plant-based drink in a 1:1 ratio. The taste is bold with a slightly softened finish, but without the foam or creaminess typical of a flat white.
- Flat white is the perfect balance for those who want espresso intensity without the milk overpowering it. It’s typically made with a double ristretto for a richer, more concentrated flavor. The silky microfoam blends smoothly into the coffee, creating a unified, velvety texture with no distinct layers. This results in a fuller yet more harmonious experience than a cappuccino or cortado.
How to Make the Perfect Flat White at Home
For true coffee enthusiasts, brewing a flat white is an art – a process that blends the intensity of espresso with the creaminess of velvety milk foam. Making this coffee at home is not only a satisfying ritual but also a chance to explore flavors that can transform your morning routine. And when you know how to choose the right beans, you can recreate café-quality results every time. At JAVA Coffee Roasters, we offer freshly roasted beans, so with our coffee, you're guaranteed depth and richness in every sip.
Ingredients – The Quality Matters
To make a flat white at home, you'll need just a few key ingredients:
- Espresso – around 30 ml is ideal to keep the flavor intense but not overwhelming.
- Plant-based milk or dairy milk – 150 ml. Barista editions like Sproud Barista froth beautifully and are specially designed for use with coffee.
Making Espresso – The Foundation of Flavor
Brewing espresso is the most crucial step! To get the full depth of flavor in every sip, use freshly ground beans — that’s the key to a bold and rich cup. JAVA Coffee Roasters beans, carefully selected with passion and precision, are a perfect choice for espresso. Always grind your beans just before brewing to preserve their full aroma. A proper espresso machine is ideal, as it extracts the best from the coffee.
Frothing Milk or Plant-Based Alternatives – The Secret to Perfect Microfoam
Frothing is the stage that can make or break your flat white. The key is not to overheat your milk or plant-based alternative — the temperature should stay between 60–65°C (140–149°F). If it's too hot, it will lose its natural flavor and the foam will become heavy and unpleasant. The goal is to create a smooth, silky texture — not the thick foam you’d find in a cappuccino. When done right, the microfoam should blend seamlessly with the espresso to create a creamy, balanced drink.
Combining the Ingredients – Balance Is Everything
Once your espresso is brewed and your milk (or plant-based drink) is frothed, it’s time to bring them together. Pour the milk into the espresso gently, allowing a thin layer of microfoam to form on top. The key is to achieve a unified texture where the milk blends fully with the coffee, resulting in a smooth and velvety cup. Avoid overfilling the cup — it’s important to maintain the delicate balance that defines a true flat white.
Common Mistakes When Brewing a Flat White
Want to make sure your flat white turns out just right? Keep these important tips in mind!
- Don’t overheat your milk or plant-based alternative – if it's too hot, it will lose its flavor and won’t create ideal microfoam.
- Too much foam – a flat white should have a thin, smooth layer of foam, not the airy froth you’d find in a cappuccino.
- Using old coffee – to get the fullest flavor, your beans should be freshly roasted. JAVA Coffee Roasters offers freshly roasted coffee to ensure every cup is special.
Flat white is a coffee that brings real satisfaction — especially when prepared with care and passion. With JAVA Coffee Roasters beans and a few simple techniques, every morning can start with a perfect cup. Try it once and you’ll see how quickly it becomes your daily ritual!
Best Milk (or Plant-Based Option) for a Flat White
In a flat white, texture is everything — it should be silky, even, and seamlessly blended with the espresso. To achieve this, we recommend barista-grade plant-based drinks or full-fat cow’s milk, depending on your preferences.
Barista-style plant-based drinks — such as oat, almond, or soy — are specifically designed for milk-based coffees. Thanks to their balanced fat and protein content, they froth beautifully and create smooth microfoam perfect for flat whites. These fully plant-based products are ideal for those following a vegan diet or anyone looking for lighter or more sustainable alternatives to dairy.
On the other hand, full-fat cow’s milk (3.2% fat) is a classic choice that delivers a rich, creamy taste and stable foam. It remains a favorite among those who appreciate traditional milk-based coffee.
Choosing the right milk or plant-based alternative for your flat white should be a thoughtful decision — based not only on your diet, but also on the flavor and texture you’re aiming for. Some prefer the neutrality of oat milk, others enjoy the subtle sweetness of almond, while many stick with the classic richness of full-fat milk. All of these options can create an exceptional cup — what matters most is that it tastes just right to you.
Flat White Ratios – Getting the Perfect Balance
To create the perfect flat white, the ideal espresso-to-milk (or plant-based drink) ratio is around 1:3 — one part espresso to three parts milk. This balance ensures the bold flavor you're looking for, while maintaining smoothness and subtle sweetness. Remember, in a flat white, espresso takes center stage — it provides the rich, intense character of the drink. While there is more milk than in a standard espresso, its role is to soften the intensity without overpowering the flavor. You can adjust the ratio slightly to suit your personal taste, but sticking to this classic formula — combined with freshly roasted beans from JAVA Coffee Roasters — will deliver a satisfying, memorable cup that fuels your coffee passion.
Did you know? Because flat white contains espresso, it tends to have a higher caffeine content than many other milk-based coffees. A single flat white usually contains between 90 and 130 mg of caffeine, depending on the beans used and the size of the espresso shot. That’s why flat white is a great option for those who need a boost but still want a creamy coffee experience.
Flat White FAQ – Your Questions Answered
What’s the difference between a flat white, a latte, and a cappuccino?
A flat white has less milk than a latte, which makes it stronger in flavor while still maintaining a smooth, creamy texture. A cappuccino, on the other hand, has more foamed milk and a thick layer of foam on top, giving it a more distinct separation between coffee and milk.
What’s the ideal espresso-to-milk ratio for a flat white?
The optimal ratio is 1 part espresso to 3 parts milk. Of course, you can adjust it based on your personal taste preferences.
Is flat white stronger than a latte?
Yes, flat white is stronger than a latte because it contains less milk and more espresso, giving it a bolder, more intense flavor.
What milk is best for making a flat white?
Traditionalists often choose full-fat cow’s milk for its ability to create rich, stable foam. However, plant-based alternatives — especially barista versions of oat, soy, and almond milk — are becoming increasingly popular. These are excellent options for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply exploring new flavors. Barista-grade plant milks froth beautifully, enhance the natural coffee notes rather than masking them, and are easier to digest. They also have a lower carbon footprint, making them more environmentally friendly. Oat milk gives a creamy, neutral profile; almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness; and soy milk offers a balanced structure with more protein.
How many calories are in a flat white?
The calorie content of a flat white depends mostly on the type and amount of milk or plant-based drink used. A typical flat white made with full-fat cow’s milk (around 150 ml) contains approximately 120–150 kcal, most of which comes from fat and natural milk sugars (lactose). For a lighter option, consider using plant-based drinks. Here's a quick breakdown of approximate calories per 150 ml:
- Barista oat milk: 50–70 kcal
- Unsweetened almond milk: 20–30 kcal
- Soy milk: 60–80 kcal
- Coconut milk: 30–50 kcal
Unsweetened versions are naturally lower in calories, so if you're watching your sugar intake, check labels for the “unsweetened” mark. For example, a flat white made with unsweetened almond milk may have fewer than 50 kcal, while one with full-fat milk can be more than twice that. Despite its small size, a flat white is satisfying thanks to its creamy texture and bold flavor, making it a great alternative to sweeter, higher-calorie milk-based coffees.
