What It Is
A flat white is an espresso drink made with one or two shots of espresso and a small amount of velvety steamed milk called microfoam. It is served in a smaller cup than a latte and has a thin layer of microfoam rather than a thick foam cap.
The result is a smooth, espresso-forward drink where the milk and coffee are fully integrated.
What It Tastes Like
A flat white tastes balanced and coffee-forward. The espresso remains clearly noticeable, while the microfoam softens the edges and adds body without diluting the flavor.
Because it uses less milk than a latte and a thin layer of microfoam rather than the thick foam cap of a cappuccino, the coffee flavor comes through more directly. The texture is smooth and consistent throughout.
💡 Behind the Cup
Microfoam is milk steamed into very fine bubbles that blend evenly with the espresso instead of sitting on top. This creates a drink where the milk and coffee are fully integrated, with a velvety texture that feels smooth and glossy rather than airy like cappuccino foam.
With less milk than a latte and no thick foam layer, the espresso's flavor is more noticeable without increasing the amount of coffee used. Many cafés use a double shot of espresso as the standard for a flat white, which makes the coffee flavor stand out even more.
How to Order
Simple version:
"I'll have a flat white, please."
Many cafés serve flat whites in smaller cups, usually 5–6 oz (≈150–180 ml), and prepare them hot by default.
With customization:
- "Can I get a flat white with oat milk?"
- "Flat white with an extra shot, please."
Some cafés offer iced versions, though the texture will feel lighter because microfoam blends differently when cold.
Customize It
Milk
Whole milk creates the smoothest microfoam texture. Oat milk also performs well and pairs naturally with espresso. Skim or almond milk produce a lighter, less velvety result.
See milk options.
Strength
Because the espresso flavor is already prominent, adding an extra shot creates a noticeably stronger drink without changing the texture.
Sweetness
Flat whites are not sweet by default and are a good choice when you want the espresso flavor to come through clearly. You can add a small amount of syrup if you prefer sweetness.
See sweetness.
Common Confusion
"Is a flat white sweet?"
No. A flat white contains only espresso and steamed milk, with no added sugar or syrup. The natural sweetness of well-steamed milk balances the espresso, but the drink itself is unsweetened unless customized.
"What is the difference between a flat white and a latte?"
Flat whites use less milk, a thin layer of microfoam instead of a thick foam cap, and a smaller cup, making the espresso flavor more noticeable. Lattes use more milk and have a foam layer on top, creating a milkier, milder profile. See the full latte vs flat white comparison.
"How is it different from a cappuccino?"
Cappuccinos have a thick foam layer on top. Flat whites blend the foam into the drink as microfoam, creating a more even, velvety texture without the airy foam cap.
"Why is it called 'flat'?"
The surface appears smooth and level, without the raised foam cap seen on cappuccinos. The microfoam sits flush with the rim of the cup rather than rising above it.
"Why is my flat white so small?"
Flat whites are traditionally served in a 5–6 oz (≈150–180 ml) cup to maintain the espresso-to-milk ratio. Larger versions often taste more like a latte because the additional milk dilutes the espresso.
"How much caffeine does it have?"
A 5–6 oz (≈150–180 ml) serving typically contains 60–120 mg of caffeine, depending on whether it's made with a single or double shot of espresso.
📌 Good to Know
A flat white tastes stronger than a latte even when both drinks use the same amount of espresso. The smaller cup and reduced milk volume mean the espresso is less diluted, so each sip carries more coffee flavor. This is why flat whites are often preferred by people who want espresso-forward milk drinks rather than milk-forward coffee drinks.
Regional Note
Flat whites originated in Australia or New Zealand (both countries claim it). Outside these regions, some cafés may interpret the drink differently, sometimes serving something closer to a small latte. Specialty coffee shops are more likely to prepare it close to the traditional style.
Try Next
If you enjoy the espresso-forward balance of a flat white, try a cappuccino for a similar drink with more foam. If you want something creamier and milder, try a latte.