What makes a coffee drink different from another? Maybe it’s the different ingredients, or maybe it’s how the coffee is made. Mochaccinos and lattes are quite similar drinks, but they’re not the same – So, it’s time we pointed out how the mochaccino vs latte is different!
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Topics Explored
- What is Mochaccino?
- What is a Latte?
- Mochaccino vs Latte
- Mochaccino Tools & Ingredients
- Latte Tools & Ingredients
- FAQs
What Is Mochaccino?
A mochaccino is still built with the ingredients of a mocha. This similarity often gets the two drinks confused with each other.
The difference lies in ‘how’ the drink is built rather than ‘what’ it is built with. The build is the same, the composition is different.
The roots of the mochaccino date back to the 18th century, to a drink known as ‘Bavareisa’. Essentially, the mochaccino is a modern spin on this ancient drink.
The popularity of the mochaccino mostly comes from those wanting a stronger coffee taste than just a regular mocha or a latte. (1)
What Is A Latte?
A latte is a beverage that originates from Italy and is one of the most popular coffee beverages of the 21st century.
Lattes are made with espresso and steamed milk and can be served either iced (the famous Iced latte) or hot.
Mochaccino vs Latte
It’s time for the mochaccino vs latte showdown! How are they different?
We’ll be putting every factor of each drink up against each other, which includes composition, flavor, appearance and more.
| Mochaccino | Latte |
|---|---|
| Composition: 1/3 milk 1/3 Espresso 1/3 Milk Foam Cocoa Powder |
Composition: 2/3 milk 1/3 Espresso Microfoam |
| Flavor Profile: Chocolatey with mild espresso taste |
Flavor Profile: Milky with mild espresso taste |
| Dark brown with thick froth | Even tan color with thin froth |
| Served hot or cold | Served hot or cold |
Composition
The composition of a mochaccino is best thought of as like a cappuccino. It’s built with equal parts espresso, steamed milk and froth. Cocoa powder is added to flavor the beverage.
Whereas a latte has a slightly more complicated build to it, composed of ⅓ espresso, ⅔ steamed milk and has microfoam added to it.
Flavor
The flavors of the mochaccino and the latte are also quite different.
The latte flavor is hard to get right, as too much milk overpowers the espresso. A good latte has a milky yet fair espresso taste.
Mochaccino instead has a far less milkier taste to it as well as a deep chocolate and espresso flavor.
Appearance
Without any customizations to it, a regular latte will have a tan color and even consistency to it and ideally will be finished with microfoam on top.
A mochaccino will have a thicker milk froth on its surface though it will have a darker color due to the chocolate powder.
Temperature
Lattes are traditionally served hot, though iced lattes are also a common drink, so it’s down to personal preference what temperature you want your latte to be.
The same goes for mochaccinos, which are also traditionally served hot though can also be served iced.
The temperature is a factor that both beverages have in common.
Calories & Nutrition
A latte of any size will be high in calories due to the milk fat content.
A mochaccino may contain more calories than a latte depending on the chocolate used.
Chocolate contains theobromine which is a stimulant in the same circle as caffeine, so you get more of a jolt from a mochaccino than a latte.
What You’ll Need to Make A Mochaccino
No coffee shops nearby? No problem. You can still take part in the great mochaccino vs latte showdown from the comfort of your own home with these tools and ingredients.
RELATED: Mochaccino Guide & Recipe
1. Espresso Machine
Since espresso is the base of a mochaccino, you’ll need an espresso machine. Any espresso machine or espresso maker will do the job just fine.
Still not quite sure? Try a portable espresso maker such as the minipresso by WACACO or a moka pot like the ones made by Bialetti.
2. Cocoa Powder or Chocolate Syrup
Your cocoa powder or chocolate syrup will set the mochaccino apart from the latte. So to really taste the difference, be sure to use high quality ingredients here.
I recommend using Ghirardelli for cocoa powder or Torani Puremade Dark Chocolate if you are using a sauce.
3. Milk Frother
Cocoa powder or chocolate syrup will be added to milk and frothed together. You’ll need a steam wand for this, or you can microwave your milk and stir the chocolate flavoring in.
If your are using the microwave method, use an Aeroccino or handheld frother to complete the frothing process. You’ll still end up with good froth as the end result.
What You’ll Need to Make A Latte
Now on the other side of the pitch, we’re going to walk you through how to make a latte at home. Soon, you’ll have both drinks in hand and be able to make a decision for yourself.
RELATED: Latte vs Frappe Guide
1. Espresso Machine
A good latte starts with a well made espresso. Like with the mochaccino, you’ll ideally want to use an espresso machine or equivalent.
You can again use a minipresso, or stovetop espresso maker or any suitable substitute if you don’t have an espresso machine.
2. Medium Roast & Milk
Generally, a medium roast espresso goes well with a latte without overpowering the milk.
In truth, there’s room for customization depending on personal preference.
If you would prefer a creamier latte, you’re best off using whole milk to get that result. However, if you’d prefer a stronger coffee taste, then use dark roast and you’ll have a ‘stronger’ latte that way.
3. Steam Wand & Pitcher
Unlike the mochaccino, the steam wand is essential for making a latte in order to produce microfoam, which is a key factor that sets the two drinks apart.
Although not as effective as a steam wand, you can also use a handheld frother, French press or even whisk your milk by hand.
Just note that you’ll be getting a looser froth instead of velvety foam this way.
Summary
When it comes to the mochaccino vs latte showdown, there are plenty of differences that set both drinks apart.
Is it fair to say one tastes better than the other? Why not try making both drinks from home and do a taste test! That way you’ll settle the score for sure.
FAQs
There’s no solid answer to this question as it depends on the ingredients used in the beverage.
If real cocoa powder is used in the mochaccino, it can actually be healthier due to the antioxidant content.
Though taking the general build of both drinks into account, the latte has lower calories.
The mochaccino has more espresso in it for a start, already making that drink stronger right away. It also has a generally higher caffeine content than the latte does.
Certain types of chocolate that can be used in the mochaccino may contain theobromine which is a caffeine-like stimulant, making the drink even stronger.
Yes, a mochaccino counts as a coffee.
The main reason for this is due to being built with espresso. On average, a mochaccino will contain 2 shots of espresso, but this can change with personal preference. Either way, having any amount of espresso content in it allows the mochaccino to qualify as a coffee.
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