What Is a Flat White? (And How Is It Different from a Latte?)

March 2, 2026

What Is a Flat White? (And How Is It Different from a Latte?)

Few coffee drinks have sparked as much friendly controversy as the flat white. Australians and New Zealanders have been arguing about its origins for decades — both claim to have invented it — and global café chains from Starbucks to Costa have muddied the waters further by creating their own interpretations. So what exactly is a flat white, and how does it differ from a latte? Let’s settle it.

What Is a Flat White?

A flat white is a small espresso-based drink made with a double ristretto (a shorter, more concentrated espresso) and a small amount of microfoam milk — typically 120–160ml total. The milk is textured to a very fine, velvety consistency with minimal surface foam, poured over the espresso to create a smooth, coffee-forward drink.

The key characteristics of an authentic flat white:

Small size — typically a 150–160ml ceramic cup
Double ristretto base — more concentrated and sweeter than a standard double shot
Velvety microfoam — steamed to a fine, smooth texture with very little surface foam (“flat” foam)
High coffee-to-milk ratio — the espresso flavour is prominent, not hidden by milk

Flat White vs Latte: What's the Difference?

The flat white and latte are closely related, but there are meaningful differences:

Size: A latte is typically 240–350ml; a flat white is 150–160ml.
Milk ratio: A latte has more milk relative to espresso — it’s a milder, milkier drink. A flat white has a stronger coffee-to-milk ratio, making it more intense.
Foam: Both use microfoam, but a latte often has a slightly thicker foam layer. A flat white has minimal foam — just enough to allow latte art.
Espresso: Many flat whites use a ristretto (shorter extraction), giving a sweeter, more concentrated shot than the standard espresso used in a latte.

In simple terms: if you want a milky coffee with gentle espresso flavour, order a latte. If you want a small, intense, silky coffee where the espresso is the star, order a flat white.

Is the Flat White Australian or New Zealand?

The flat white’s origin is genuinely contested, with credible claims from both Australia and New Zealand dating to the 1980s. The most commonly cited origin story places it at various Sydney and Auckland cafés in 1984–1985, where baristas were attempting to make a small, strong milk coffee without the heavy foam of a cappuccino. The truth is that both coffee cultures developed the drink independently and simultaneously — and both should share the credit for one of the world’s great café drinks.

Brew Your Best Flat White at Home with myroast™

The foundation of a great flat white is a great espresso — which starts with great beans. Find freshly roasted espresso blends from Australia’s best specialty roasters on myroast™. Rich, balanced blends with natural sweetness and chocolate notes make the perfect base for a flat white you’ll be proud of.