Flat White Coffee: Definition, Taste, Brewing, and Best Beans

A flat white is a specialty coffee made with two espresso shots and a thin layer of microfoam. A flat white differs from a latte in its coffee-to-milk ratio, strength, milk texture, serving size, and preparation. A flat white coffee tastes rich, creamy, and balanced, but is not sweet due to the bold double espresso combined with creamy milk. To make a flat white coffee at home, brew a double shot of espresso, steam or froth milk into velvety foam, and pour it over the espresso. Sweeten if desired, using a machine or manual tools like a French press or instant coffee sachets. To choose the best coffee beans for flat white, select freshly roasted, specialty-grade Arabica beans with a medium-to-dark roast for bold flavor, low acidity, and smoothness. Flat white is one of several espresso-based milk drinks, including latte, cappuccino, cortado, and macchiato, each varying in milk quantity and texture.

What is a Flat White Coffee?

A flat white coffee refers to an espresso-based specialty coffee drink made with two shots of espresso and a thin layer of microfoam. It has a smooth, creamy texture and bold flavor. A flat white coffee looks compact with a light brown surface from blended milk and espresso crema. A standard flat white is 5 to 6 ounces (160 ml), making it smaller than a latte and similar in size to a cappuccino. Flat white is called a flat white because it has a thin layer of foamed milk that creates a flat surface instead of the thick foam used in cappuccinos.

A flat white is often made with ristretto shots instead of regular espresso because ristretto provides a richer and less bitter flavor. A skinny flat white is a version that uses skim milk instead of whole milk but keeps the same espresso-to-milk ratio. A double flat white uses two espresso shots and slightly more milk, resulting in a larger volume but maintaining the drink’s strength and texture. "Flat white," "Australian flat white," and "New Zealand flat white" refer to the same style of drink, though minor regional preparation variations exist.

What Does Flat White Coffee Mean?

The phrase “flat white coffee” means a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, topped with a thin, flat layer of fine milk foam. In the name "flat white," the word "flat" refers to the smooth layer of milk crema that lacks froth, and "white" refers to the steamed milk mixed with the espresso. This is different from "white coffee," which can mean coffee with any milk or cream, or a special light-roasted coffee in Malaysia.

The meaning of a flat white can change by location. In Australia, a flat white is typically a double shot of espresso (doppio) with about 130–150 ml of steamed milk and a thin, creamy milk layer, served in a 175–200 ml cup. In America, it became popular when Starbucks introduced it in 2015 as an espresso-focused drink with less milk than a latte. The Starbucks version is made with two ristretto shots and steamed whole milk, and it is served in larger sizes than the traditional Australian style.

What is the Origin of Flat White Coffee?

The origin and history of flat white coffee trace back to Australia and New Zealand. Alan Preston is credited with naming the flat white in Sydney in 1985. Although some trace the drink to Wellington, New Zealand, its identity was solidified by Preston’s naming. The flat white coffee emerged in the mid-1980s and became a regional favorite before spreading to the rest of the world.

What are the Different Types of Flat White Coffee?

The different types of flat white coffee refers to variations in preparation, milk texture, and bean origin used in making flat whites. These types include iced flat whites, oat or almond milk versions, and regional styles differing in espresso strength or foam thickness. The following list shows different versions of flat white coffee.

• Australian Flat White Coffee: Australian flat white coffee is a specialty espresso drink that contains a double shot of espresso brewed from dark roasted Arabica and Robusta beans.
• Iced Flat White: Iced Flat White is a chilled coffee drink with double espresso shots and cold milk over ice. It is topped with cold microfoam and offers a silky texture with strong coffee flavor. It is refreshing for warm weather.
• Holiday Spice Flat White: Holiday Spice Flat White is a seasonal favorite that blends classic espresso and steamed milk with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove. These spices, often added as syrups or dusted on top, enhance the drink’s aroma and create a festive flavor.
• Honey Almond Milk Flat White: Honey Almond Milk Flat White is a dairy-free version that swaps cow's milk for almond milk. Almond milk offers a lighter, nutty flavor and lower protein content. Baristas add honey to balance espresso’s bitterness and maintain creaminess.
• Oat Flat White: Oat Flat White is a variant with oat milk. It is creamy with natural sweetness and produces good smooth milk foam. It adds a mild cereal note that balances espresso’s acidity.
• Coconut Flat White: Coconut Flat White is a version with coconut milk. It is rich with a tropical flavor but is harder to froth. It suits non-dairy drinkers seeking bold taste.
• Blonde Flat White: Blonde Flat White is a type with blonde roast espresso. It is milder with fruity and floral notes and less bitterness. It maintains creamy texture and microfoam.
• Skinny Flat White: Skinny Flat White is a drink with skimmed milk. It is lower in calories with intense espresso flavor but has thinner steamed milk. It retains the flat white’s core texture.
• Mocha Flat White: Mocha Flat White is a variation that combines traditional espresso with steamed milk and chocolate syrup to create a rich, sweet mocha flavor. It preserves the flat white’s smooth texture, offering a dessert-like drink that blends coffee and chocolate.
• Pistachio Flat White: Pistachio Flat White is a specialty variant that includes pistachio syrup to add a distinct nutty flavor that enhances espresso’s richness. Its natural sweetness creates a gourmet twist that aligns with rising modern coffee trends.
• Black Irish Flat White: Black Irish Flat White is an inventive version that adds Irish whiskey, often blended with cream or brown sugar, to create a warming, complex drink. It combines traditional coffee elements with spirited flavor, offering richness for those who enjoy coffee in a cocktail-style beverage.

What is the Difference between Flat White and Latte?

The difference between a flat white and a latte is primarily based on their coffee-to-milk ratio, strength, milk texture, serving size, and preparation methods. A flat white has less milk, roughly two parts milk to one part espresso, which creates a stronger coffee flavor. A latte contains about twice as much milk as a flat white, giving it a creamier feel and a thicker layer of foam. Both drinks usually have a double shot of espresso, so they have similar caffeine levels.

The flat white tastes stronger because it is more concentrated. A flat white is usually served in a smaller cup, about 160ml, while a latte comes in a bigger cup, about 240ml. The milk in a flat white is smooth and velvety, but the latte has frothy foam that makes it softer in flavor. Flat whites use finely steamed milk to get their special texture. Lattes use steamed milk that creates more foam on top. Choosing between a flat white and a latte depends on whether you prefer a strong coffee taste or a creamier drink. The following table outlines the key differences between a flat white and a latte.

How Much Caffeine is in a Flat White Coffee?

A regular 6 oz flat white contains 130 to 150 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the preparation method and brand. For instance, Costa Coffee’s flat white has about 130 mg of caffeine, while Starbucks offers roughly 150 mg in a tall size. In contrast, a decaf flat white contains only 2 to 7 milligrams of caffeine, far less than standard brewed coffee, which averages 95 mg per 8-ounce cup. Regular flat whites usually have more caffeine because they use more espresso.

Is Flat White Coffee Stronger?

Yes, flat white coffee is stronger than a latte because it contains a higher ratio of espresso to milk. This creates a more intense, pronounced espresso flavor, giving the flat white a bolder profile despite its creamy texture. Lattes are creamier because they use more milk, which makes the espresso taste less strong. How much caffeine you get depends on how the drink is made and what kind of beans are used. If you want a stronger coffee flavor, a flat white is usually a better choice.

What Does Flat White Coffee Taste Like?

A flat white coffee tastes rich, creamy, and balanced, with a stronger espresso flavor than lattes. Its smooth, velvety texture comes from steamed milk turned into fine foamed milk. Flat whites do not taste sweet. They deliver a strong espresso flavor with a creamy milk texture. The higher coffee-to-milk ratio creates a more bitter profile, appealing to those who prefer bold flavors. Sugar is not naturally included in flat whites, though some people add sweeteners to suit their taste. The origin of the coffee beans affects the flavor, often adding chocolate, fruit, or nut notes to the flat white.

How Many Calories are in a Flat White Coffee?

The calorie content of flat white coffee varies by size, milk type, and added ingredients. A small flat white ranges from 90–120 calories, while a large one can contain 250–320 calories. A skinny flat white made with skim milk typically has 60–100 calories. Flat whites with almond milk range from 70–130 calories depending on size and sweeteners. Medium-sized flat whites usually fall between 150–220 calories. Although flat whites can be relatively low in calories, larger sizes or versions with whole milk, flavored syrups, or sugar can increase calorie intake significantly. Always check milk type and portion size when tracking calories in flat white coffee.

The following table provides a detailed overview of typical calorie ranges for different flat white coffee variations, based on size, milk type, and added ingredients.

How to Make a Flat White Coffee at Home?

To make a flat white coffee at home using espresso machine, follow these four steps below.

1. Brew the Espresso: Brew a double shot of espresso, about 35 ml, using an espresso machine. Freshly ground coffee beans offer the best flavor. Use Aeropress or Moka pot as alternatives, but expect a different taste.
2. Steam the Milk: Create a silky microfoam with a fine texture and minimal bubbles. The foam should be 1-2 cm thick, thinner than cappuccino foam. Use a steam wand, milk frother, or heat milk on the stove and froth with a handheld device.
3. Pour the Milk: Pour steamed milk into espresso from 3-4 cm height. Keep a steady and controlled pour into the center, bringing the spout closer to blend milk and espresso, creating a creamy texture.
4. Optional Sweetener: Add a sweetener like coffee syrup, simple syrup, or sugar to enhance the flavor. Add before pouring milk for a balanced taste.

How to Make a Flat White Coffee without a Machine?

To make a flat white coffee without a machine, brew strong coffee with a French press or AeroPress, heat milk, and froth it manually by shaking or whisking. Pour the coffee into a cup and top it with a thin layer of silky textured milk. Instant options like Nescafé Flat White sachets or Kenco Duo Flat White can also be used for convenience.

How to Choose the Best Coffee Beans for Flat White?

To choose the best coffee beans for a flat white, follow the 4 steps outlined below.

1. Select Specialty Grade Beans: Choose specialty grade Arabica beans for a rich, smooth flavor. Arabica beans are complex and low in acidity. This makes them ideal for a creamy flat white.
2. Consider Freshness: Purchase freshly roasted coffee beans instead of supermarket options to improve the quality of a flat white. Old beans lose complexity and taste dull. Freshly roasted beans have vibrant flavors and aromas.
3. Choose the Right Roast Level: Select a medium to dark roast for richness in your flat white. These roasts provide bold flavors that complement milk's creaminess. Lighter roasts can be fruity and bright but may lack intensity.
4. Decide Between Single Origin or Blends: Choose between single origin or blends based on flavor preference. Single origin beans offer a unique regional taste, while blends provide a balanced flavor.

What are the Best Coffee Beans for Flat White?

The best coffee beans for flat white are freshly roasted, medium-to-dark roast beans that balance quality, freshness, affordability, and availability. These beans should offer bold flavor and low acidity to complement milk. Brands like Colipse Coffee provide excellent options with consistent quality and wide accessibility. The following list shows best coffee beans for flat white.

1. Colipse Cowboy Blend Coffee
2. Intelligentsia Frequency Blend
3. Onyx Coffee Monarch
4. San Francisco Bay Coffee Fog Chaser
5. Tassimo Flat White Coffee Pods

1. Colipse Cowboy Blend Coffee

Colipse Cowboy Blend Coffee is a medium-dark roast from Colombian and Kenyan specialty-grade beans. It is ideal for flat whites with a rich, smooth taste of chocolate, caramel, and berries. It is freshly roasted to order in small batches, vacuum-sealed in 12 oz bags, and comes in free U.S. shipping. It is suitable for making flat white with bean-to-cup machines, Moka pots, AeroPress, or French press alternatives.

Taste: Colipse Cowboy Blend tastes bold and smooth, featuring chocolate, caramel, nutmeg, and berry notes. It balances low acidity with a clean, slightly smoky finish. This is a post-roast blend, where each origin is roasted separately before being combined. Medium roast preserves sweetness and clarity, while dark roast adds body and depth. The result is a full-flavored coffee that cuts through milk and suits drinks like flat whites.

About the Brand: Colipse Coffee is a family-owned specialty roaster with an online store, offering high-quality blends sourced from around the world.

Availability: Colipse Cowboy Blend Coffee is available on Colipse’s website. It is sold in vacuum-packed 12 oz, 16 oz, 2 lb, and 5 lb bags with whole bean, coarse, medium, and fine grind options. It is roasted to order and offers free U.S. shipping. It provides bulk deals and subscriptions with savings but has variable pricing by retailer and bag size.

Pros: Roasted-to-order for maximum freshness, and free U.S. shipping

Cons: More expensive than other supermarket coffee brands.

Recommendation: Colipse Cowboy Blend Coffee is a great fit for rich flat whites, including iced, double ristretto, and skinny versions. Its smooth body and chocolate-caramel notes pair well with milk to create a balanced, satisfying cup.

2. Intelligentsia Frequency Blend

Intelligentsia House Blend Coffee is a medium roast with Direct Trade certification. It is suitable for flat whites with consistent extraction. It offers a warm aroma, smooth body, and balanced finish. It is sold on Intelligentsia’s website in 12 oz bags for $16.00 with a 10% subscription discount. It is sustainable but may face stock shortages.

3. Onyx Coffee Monarch

Monarch by Onyx Coffee Lab is a dark roast from Colombian and Ethiopian beans with B-Corp certification. It is ideal for flat whites with a rich aroma and balanced body. It is sold in 12 oz bags with a 10% subscription discount and free U.S. shipping. It is high in caffeine but has variable supply.

4. San Francisco Bay Coffee Fog Chaser

San Francisco Bay Coffee Fog Chaser is a medium-dark roast from 100% Arabica beans. It is an affordable choice for flat whites with a noticeable aroma and steady finish. It is ideal for espresso machines and manual brewers. It is sold on Amazon and other retailers in 12 oz bags with North American shipping. It is reliable but less premium than specialty blends.

5. Tassimo Flat White Coffee Pods

Tassimo Kenco Flat White Coffee Pods are a medium roast from Arabica beans. They are a top choice for flat white pods with a smooth, consistent brew. They are pre-measured for Tassimo machines, offer an inviting aroma and clean finish, and are sold as 8 pods for $11.50 with U.S. and Canadian shipping. They are convenient but limited in pack size.

Where to Buy Coffee Beans for Flat White?

You can buy coffee beans for flat white from specialty online retailers that offer freshly roasted, medium-to-dark roasts suited for milk-based drinks. These beans enhance the creamy flavor of a flat white. Colipse Coffee is a top option for high-quality and roast-to-order freshness. We sell fresh roasted-to-order coffee perfect for a flat white. Blends start at $20.50 for a 12 oz bag, while single origins begin at $22.50, both offering exceptional taste and quality. Each bag comes with free shipping and volume discounts.

What is the Difference between Flat White and Other Coffee Drinks?

The difference between a flat white and other coffees like piccolo, americano, and café au lait is its composition, texture, and coffee-to-milk balance. The flat white uses espresso and steamed milk, typically with more espresso than a latte. Piccolo coffee is a small drink made with a ristretto shot and a small amount of steamed milk, creating a strong coffee flavor. The americano adds hot water to espresso, contains no milk, and tastes thinner than a flat white. Café au lait blends brewed coffee with steamed milk and has a milder flavor than flat white espresso.

What is the Difference between Flat White and Cappuccino?

The main difference between flat white and cappuccino is the milk texture and foam thickness. A flat white has a thin layer of soft milk topping and a stronger espresso taste, while a cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick foam, creating a lighter, frothier drink.

What is the Difference between Flat White and Cortado?

The primary difference between flat white and cortado is the milk-to-espresso ratio and foam texture. A flat white uses more steamed milk with fine milk froth, creating a creamier texture, while a cortado has equal parts espresso and lightly steamed milk with little to no foam.

What is the Difference between Flat White and Macchiato?

A flat white has more steamed milk and a smooth microfoam layer for a creamy texture, whereas a macchiato is a strong espresso with only a dollop of milk foam. The key difference is the milk's amount and texture.