There are so many different sorts and variants of coffee that it might be difficult to determine which one to order.
What is the difference between Americanos and cappuccinos?
The fundamental difference between an Americano and a cappuccino is that Americanos are made with espresso and hot water, while cappuccinos are made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk.
Let’s compare and contrast these two popular coffee drinks below!
Americano vs. Cappuccino: Keys Differences You Need to Know
Before diving into the deep differences between both coffees, here’s a list of all the distinctions between an Americano and a cappuccino to make your next coffee run a little easier!
| Comparison: | Americano: | Cappuccino: |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor notes | A slightly bitter and robust taste | A smooth and creamy flavor |
| Espresso? | Yes, one espresso shot | Yes, one espresso shot |
| Milk? | No milk added | Yes, 2 ounces (60 ml) |
| Water added? | Yes, 2 ounces (60 ml) | No water added |
| Caffeine content | 68mg of caffeine | 68mg of caffeine |
| Number of calories | Virtually no calories | 38 calories |
| Topping? | No topping | Milk foam topping and a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder |
As you can see, there are numerous distinctions between these delectable coffees.
Now it’s time to dive deeper into each of their distinctions to see which one best suits you.
At the conclusion of this post, you’ll know which is the better option for you, and you’ll be a pro at ordering (or brewing) your next caffeinated beverage!
What flavor difference between an Americano and a cappuccino?
An Americano is more like black coffee and has a more bitter flavor due to the higher espresso-to-water ratio, but a cappuccino has a thicker consistency and more distinct flavors.
Because of the inclusion of milk, a cappuccino has a richer flavor and is frequently served with cocoa powder or cinnamon on top, making it even more flavorful and somewhat sweeter:
There are several cappuccino varieties, such as wet and dry cappuccinos.
Both cappuccinos are great in their own sense. A wet cappuccino contains more steamed milk and nearly no milk foam, but a dry cappuccino contains solely milk foam for a stronger flavor:
As you can see, the flavor profile of a cappuccino might vary depending on how you make it at home (or order it at your favorite coffee shop), whereas an Americano will taste the same.
Is an Americano stronger than a cappuccino?
Because it is brewed with more espresso and diluted with hot water, an Americano is stronger than a cappuccino. Cappuccinos are sweeter than Americanos because they are diluted with milk.
Cappuccinos have equal portions of espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk, but Americanos contain only espresso and hot water, making them more concentrated and flavorful.
Caffeine difference between Americano vs. cappuccino
The caffeine amount of an Americano and a cappuccino is the same. Each drink contains roughly 68mg of caffeine. (Source)
The caffeine level is based on a single espresso shot. You can also create both beverages with a double shot (also known as doppio espresso), which will enhance the caffeine amount.
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If you’re brewing coffee at home, simply create a double shot with your espresso machine or two espressos with your Nespresso machine for that great flavor.
If you prefer to order your coffee in a coffee shop, you may also request an extra espresso shot be added to your cup.
Is there a difference in calories between these drinks?
There is a big variation in the number of calories between an Americano and a cappuccino. An Americano has almost no calories, whereas a cappuccino with whole milk has 38.
The number of calories in a cappuccino might vary based on the milk used and whether or not you add a sweetener to either drink (which will increase the calories per serving).
Because of the extra vanilla syrup, a French vanilla cappuccino has 90 calories.
And a white Americano (with a little milk) contains nine calories instead of almost none:
Which is better, an Americano or a cappuccino?
This question has no right or wrong answer because it is a matter of personal preference.
Here are some things to think about when deciding which coffee is best for you.
An Americano is a coffee beverage that is made by combining espresso and hot water. A cappuccino, on the other hand, is a coffee drink with a nice layer of milk foam that is made by adding frothed milk to espresso.
If you’re still unsure about which option is best for you, I recommend the following:
Because I usually begin my day with an espresso-based drink or pour-over coffee, an Americano is my favorite of the two, but a cappuccino is also a tasty option.
Articles on coffee comparison
Do you want to know how the Americano and cappuccino stack up against other coffees?
Great! Check out the following articles for more in-depth coffee comparisons:
Conclusion
That’s all there is to it! All of the key distinctions between an Americano and a cappuccino. Make a point of trying both to find your favorite.
If you’ve already decided which coffee is better for you, it’s time to order with confidence!
You can’t go wrong with either option because they are both delicious.
If you want to try some delicious espresso-based coffees, here are some of my favorites:
