What is a skinny flat white vs latte?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Coffee's popularity means menu options are more varied than ever, and a key factor in choosing between a skinny flat white vs latte is understanding the subtle differences in preparation that dramatically alter the final taste profile.

Quick Summary

The core distinction between a skinny flat white and a skinny latte lies in their size, milk-to-espresso ratio, and foam texture, with the flat white offering a stronger, more concentrated coffee flavor and the latte providing a milder, milkier experience.

Key Points

Strength: A skinny flat white has a bolder, more intense espresso flavor due to a higher coffee-to-milk ratio compared to a skinny latte.
Size: Skinny flat whites are traditionally smaller, served in 5-6oz cups, while skinny lattes are larger, ranging from 8-16oz.
Texture: The skinny flat white features a thin, velvety layer of integrated microfoam, while the skinny latte has a more distinct, thicker foam layer on top.
Calories: Both are lower in calories than their whole-milk versions, but the smaller volume of a skinny flat white typically results in a lower overall calorie count.
Milk Choice: The term "skinny" specifically refers to the use of low-fat or skim milk, which reduces the drink's richness and alters the foam's texture.
Flavor Profile: A skinny flat white emphasizes the intense coffee notes, while a skinny latte offers a milder, more milk-dominant taste.
Pour Technique: The pouring method for a flat white blends the microfoam into the espresso, whereas a latte pour separates the foam to sit on top.

The Foundation: Espresso, Milk, and 'Skinny'

Both skinny flat whites and skinny lattes are espresso-based drinks that use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk, which affects texture and calorie count. Each drink starts with one or two shots of espresso, with the milk-to-espresso ratio being a key differentiator. Using low-fat milk creates a less creamy texture and can make achieving stable foam more challenging, but it significantly reduces calories.

Deconstructing the Skinny Flat White

A skinny flat white, originating from Australia and New Zealand, is a smaller drink emphasizing a strong, coffee-forward flavor. It has a higher espresso-to-milk ratio compared to a latte and is known for its thin, velvety microfoam that is integrated into the drink, not layered on top. Achieving the signature microfoam with skim milk requires skilled steaming.

Understanding the Skinny Latte

A skinny latte is a larger, milder, and milk-dominant coffee drink, popular in the United States and originating as an Italian caffè latte. It features a higher milk-to-espresso ratio, resulting in a more diluted and less intense coffee flavor. A skinny latte is topped with a distinct, thicker layer of airy foam, clearly separated from the milk below.

Comparison: Skinny Flat White vs Latte


Feature	Skinny Flat White	Skinny Latte
Flavor	Bold, intense espresso flavor with a smooth finish.	Milder, creamier, and milk-forward taste.
Size	Smaller (typically 5-6 oz).	Larger (typically 8-16 oz).
Milk Ratio	Lower milk-to-espresso ratio, emphasizing coffee flavor.	Higher milk-to-espresso ratio, for a diluted, softer flavor.
Foam Texture	Thin, velvety, and fully integrated microfoam.	Distinct, thicker, and airier foam layer on top.
Calories	Often lower due to smaller overall volume.	Higher due to larger volume, even with skim milk.
Barista Skill	Requires expert milk steaming to achieve the silky microfoam.	Easier milk frothing technique, often results in visible layers.

Beyond the Cup: How Your Choice of Milk Affects the Outcome

Choosing low-fat milk impacts both drinks by reducing creaminess, allowing the espresso flavor to be more prominent, and making the foam less stable compared to whole milk versions. The primary benefit is a lower calorie count.

How to Choose Your Ideal Drink

Selecting between a skinny flat white and a skinny latte depends on your preference for coffee strength, drink size, and foam texture.

When to Order a Skinny Flat White

You want a strong, concentrated espresso flavor.
You prefer a smaller drink.
You enjoy a velvety texture with integrated microfoam.

When to Order a Skinny Latte

You prefer a milder, milk-forward coffee taste.
You enjoy a larger beverage.
You like a distinct, thicker foam layer.

Conclusion: It's All About Preference

The choice between a skinny flat white and a skinny latte is ultimately personal. Both are low-fat espresso options, but they offer distinct experiences. The skinny flat white is for those who prefer a small, intense, coffee-forward drink with microfoam, while the skinny latte suits those who favor a larger, milder, milkier cup with a defined foam layer. Exploring both will help you find your ideal preference. For more information on espresso drinks, resources from experts like Coffee Bros. can be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

The skinny flat white uses integrated microfoam for a velvety texture, while the skinny latte has a separated, airier layer of foam on top.

Both are lower calorie than their full-fat counterparts, but a skinny flat white is often smaller, resulting in fewer total calories per serving.

Yes, the thin, smooth microfoam of a flat white is an ideal canvas for latte art, though it requires specific skills to achieve.

Yes, skim milk provides less richness and sweetness compared to whole milk, allowing the espresso's flavor to be more prominent.

If you prefer a smoother, milk-forward drink with less intense coffee flavor, a skinny latte is the better choice.

A flat white uses a higher ratio of espresso to milk in a smaller cup, concentrating the coffee flavor more effectively.

No, preparation can vary between cafes, especially regarding espresso shot size and milk steaming technique. It’s best to ask your barista if you have a specific preference.