Introduction:Want to drink coffee during your weight loss period but worried about consuming too many calories? This article takes an in-depth look at the calorie differences between Americano and latte, examining everything from base recipes and milk quantities to preparation details. Learn why lattes typically have more calories, and get practical brewing ratios and milk frothing tips to help you make the best choice for your goals.

Walking into a café, the two most commonly ordered coffees are undoubtedly the Americano and the latte. For those managing their weight or paying attention to calorie intake, common questions include “Are Americanos high in calories?” and “Which is better for weight loss—the latte or the Americano?” The answer lies in their formulations. This article starts with the basic definitions, compares the calorie differences resulting from milk usage, and explains the practical aspects such as espresso extraction, water ratios, and milk foam handling. After understanding the principles, you can choose the coffee that suits you best.

An Americano, known as such in English, is generally made by adding hot water to drip-filtered black coffee. Its characteristic is a longer brewing time of about four to five minutes, which results in a relatively high caffeine content. The method is relatively simple, emphasizing convenience and the expression of original flavors, offering a cleaner taste than traditional espresso-based drinks and highlighting the bean’s inherent flavor profile more distinctly.

A latte is a beverage made from espresso and milk. The key to a hot latte is frothing the milk, a step that demands considerable technique. The overall process usually consists of three parts: first extracting the espresso, then frothing the milk, and finally combining the milk foam with the espresso, sometimes finishing with a simple latte art design.

From this, it’s clear that the biggest difference between the two is the addition of milk. Taking whole fresh milk—commonly used in cafés—as an example, each 100 milliliters contains approximately65 kcalof calories, and a standard latte typically uses100 milliliters or moreof milk. In comparison, an Americano consists solely of espresso and hot water, with almost no additional sources of calories. This is why lattes generally have higher calorie counts than Americanos.

So, how are these two types of coffee actually made? Both rely on espresso as the base. For example, when extracting espresso using a blend like Warm Sun (composed of 60% sherry cask beans and 40% sun-dried Yirgacheffe), it is recommended to use the following parameters: 20 grams of coffee grounds to produce 40 grams of espresso, with a brewing time of around28 secondsto achieve a balanced, rich flavor with moderate acidity.

Let’s start with how to prepare a hot Americano. It is recommended to preheat the cup with hot water first, then pour an appropriate amount of hot water, and finally add the extracted espresso. A common brewing ratio is1:6 to 1:8. Based on actual testing,1:6 (i.e., 40 grams of espresso mixed with 240 grams of hot water)is a good choice that balances richness and smoothness.

Making a latte is slightly more complex. First, pour 170 milliliters of cold milk into a pitcher and froth it to create a microfoam about 1 centimeter thick, heating the milk to about50°C. Then, pour the extracted espresso into a cup and mix it with the milk until about three-quarters full. Finally, you can create a simple latte art pattern based on personal preference.

As for milk frothing techniques, this is one of the keys to making a great latte. When using the steam wand of an espresso machine, it is recommended to pour about280 milliliters of milk(using a 300-milliliter pitcher, as the milk will expand during frothing), and first purge the steam wand to remove any excess moisture inside. Frothing has two stages: the first stage involves placing the steam tip just below the milk surface to create fine microfoam—you’ll hear a tearing-paper-like hissing sound, and this stage determines the thickness of the foam; the second stage lifts the pitcher slightly so the steam tip is submerged in the milk, rotating it to create a velvety texture. The final latte foam should be about1 centimeterthick, with a smooth, glossy surface, free from large bubbles, and retaining some fluidity—this ensures a smooth, layered latte experience.

In summary, if you’re aiming for weight loss or controlling calorie intake, the Americano—with almost no added ingredients—is far lower in calories and a relatively light, low-calorie option. The latte, containing whole milk, is richer in flavor but also higher in calories. With an understanding of these basic differences and preparation details, you can make smarter coffee choices aligned with your dietary goals.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.