Cappuccino vs. Latte: Which is healthier, a latte or a cappuccino?

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

A standard cappuccino made with whole milk can have up to 40% fewer calories than a latte of similar size. This significant difference is due to the milk ratio, directly influencing which is healthier, a latte or a cappuccino, especially when considering milk content, calories, and any extra additions.

Quick Summary

The healthiness of a latte versus a cappuccino depends on milk volume and additives. A plain cappuccino typically has fewer calories, less fat, and less sugar than a standard latte.

Key Points

Cappuccino's Calorie Advantage: A plain cappuccino has fewer calories than a standard latte because it uses less milk, the primary calorie source.
Less Fat and Sugar in a Cappuccino: Due to a lower volume of milk, a cappuccino contains less fat and natural sugar (lactose) compared to a latte.
Customization is Key: The choice of milk (skim, almond, etc.) and the addition of syrups and sugars are the most influential factors on the drink's overall health profile.
Nutrient Trade-off: While a latte is higher in calories and fat, its larger milk content means it provides more protein and calcium than a cappuccino.
Equal Caffeine Content: Both beverages typically contain the same amount of espresso, meaning their caffeine kick is comparable.
Milder Taste in a Latte: A latte's high milk-to-espresso ratio creates a milder, creamier flavor, while a cappuccino offers a stronger espresso taste.

Understanding the Core Differences in Preparation

To understand which is healthier, a latte or a cappuccino, you first need to know how each is made. While both are espresso-based drinks with steamed milk and foam, the ratio of ingredients is the key differentiator.

The Cappuccino Composition

Traditionally, a cappuccino follows a strict 1:1:1 ratio: one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third frothed milk foam. This creates a drink with a stronger, more robust coffee flavor because the milk content is lower. The significant amount of airy foam adds texture and volume without adding calories.

The Latte Composition

A latte, on the other hand, consists of a single or double shot of espresso topped with a much larger quantity of steamed milk and only a thin layer of foam. This higher milk-to-espresso ratio results in a milder, creamier, and naturally sweeter-tasting beverage. The extra milk is the primary reason for the nutritional differences between the two drinks.

Calorie, Fat, and Sugar Comparison

The varying milk volumes have a direct impact on the nutritional profile of a standard, unflavored latte versus a cappuccino made with the same type of milk. For comparison, a 16-ounce latte with whole milk can have around 206 calories and 8g of fat, while a 16-ounce cappuccino is significantly lower, with about 130 calories and 5g of fat.

Calories

As the milk is the main source of calories in these beverages, the latte's higher milk content means a higher calorie count. This is a critical factor for anyone monitoring their energy intake. Opting for a cappuccino is often the better choice for those aiming for a lower-calorie beverage, especially if using whole milk.

Fat

Similarly, a latte's higher milk volume directly translates to a higher fat content. The type of milk used plays a massive role here, with whole milk contributing the most fat. For a lower-fat option, a cappuccino is the clear winner in its standard form. However, both can be customized with lower-fat milk alternatives.

Sugar

Both drinks contain natural milk sugar (lactose), but since a latte contains more milk, it will have more lactose and thus taste sweeter without any added sweeteners. The real sugar danger, however, comes from added syrups and flavorings. A standard latte can often be much sweeter than a cappuccino due to the common addition of vanilla, caramel, or other syrups, which significantly increases the calorie and sugar count.

Customizable Factors That Influence Health

While the base recipes differ, the ultimate health impact depends on how you customize your drink. Here are some factors to consider:

Type of Milk: Switching from whole milk to skim milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk will drastically alter the calorie, fat, and sugar content of either beverage.
Added Sweeteners: Avoiding or minimizing added syrups, sugars, and flavored powders is the most effective way to reduce the overall calories and sugar in any coffee drink.
Portion Size: A 12-ounce latte will be healthier than a 20-ounce version, regardless of the milk choice. Smaller portions are an easy way to manage intake.
Flavors and Toppings: Extra ingredients like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle add empty calories and fat that can make an otherwise healthy drink much less so. Even a cappuccino can become unhealthy with a generous dusting of chocolate powder.

Comparison Table: Latte vs. Cappuccino (Standard Preparation with Whole Milk)


Basis	Cappuccino (approx. 16 oz)	Latte (approx. 16 oz)
Calories	~130 kcal	~206 kcal
Fat	~5g	~8g
Milk Content	Less milk, more foam	More steamed milk, less foam
Espresso Flavor	Stronger, more robust	Milder, more subtle
Texture	Thicker, airy foam	Smooth, creamy
Natural Sweetness	Lower	Higher (due to more lactose)

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Health

In the direct comparison of a standard, unflavored latte versus a cappuccino, the cappuccino is the healthier choice due to its lower milk content and thus lower calories, fat, and sugar. It provides the same espresso boost with a lighter nutritional footprint. However, the critical takeaway is that the healthiness of either drink is largely in your hands. Customizing your order with lower-fat or alternative milk options and forgoing added sugars and syrups will have the most significant impact. For someone seeking more calcium and protein, the latte offers a slight edge, but it comes with a higher calorie price.

For those looking to enjoy their coffee while managing their health, starting with a cappuccino is a great option. If you prefer a latte, simply ask for skim or a plant-based milk and skip the flavored syrups. Ultimately, both beverages can fit into a healthy diet when consumed mindfully. Source: Healthline, "Cappuccino vs. Latte vs. Macchiato—What's the Difference?"

Frequently Asked Questions

A cappuccino is generally the better option for weight loss due to its lower calorie and fat content from using less milk. However, the healthiest option depends on your specific customizations, like milk type and added sweeteners.

A latte has more calories than a cappuccino. This is because a latte contains a larger volume of steamed milk, which is the main source of calories in these beverages.

A latte contains more natural milk sugar (lactose) than a cappuccino because it is made with more milk. The addition of syrups or other sweeteners will increase the sugar content in either drink.

To make either drink healthier, opt for lower-fat milk like skim or a plant-based alternative. The most impactful change is to skip the flavored syrups and added sugars entirely.

A latte has more fat than a cappuccino due to its higher milk volume. This is especially true when both are prepared with whole milk.

For similar serving sizes, lattes and cappuccinos generally have the same amount of caffeine because they both start with one or two shots of espresso.

The main difference is the ratio of milk to foam. A cappuccino has a more balanced ratio of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, while a latte contains more steamed milk and just a thin layer of foam.

No, the airy milk foam on a cappuccino adds volume and texture but very few calories. The total calorie count is determined by the espresso and the liquid steamed milk.

By default, a latte is sweeter than a cappuccino because it contains a higher volume of steamed milk, which increases the natural lactose content. Barista customizations can make a flavored latte even sweeter.