Behold the mocha vs latte showdown.
Even if you are not a well-versed home barista, you are not likely to confuse a mocha and a latte. One has chocolate, one does not. But is it really as simple as that?
I’ll provide expert insight into the finer intricacies of these two popular coffee drinks. How are they made? Where did they originate? And, most importantly, which one should you order next time you have the hankering for a cozy, caffeinated beverage?
What Is A Mocha?
A mocha is a coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate. Traditionally, the chocolate is dark chocolate ganache, but iterations use chocolate syrup, chocolate sauce, or melted chocolate. You can also find milk chocolate and white chocolate mochas.
The terms mocha, mochaccino, caffe mocha, and mocha latte are all used interchangeably. Coffee shops use them to put their own spin on the indulgent drink. Some alter the ratio of ingredients, while others might use cocoa powder or even chocolate milk. The reality is there is no strict definition beyond steamed milk, espresso, and chocolate.
The classic mocha recipe calls for a double shot of espresso, 2 tablespoons of dark chocolate ganache, and 6 ounces of steamed milk – with a thin layer of milk foam. It might be topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and/or a dusting of cocoa powder.
The History of the Mocha
The term mocha coffee can refer to two things: the chocolate espresso-based drink we’re discussing here or Arabica coffee beans exported through the Yemeni port city of Mokha. Of course, the two are linked historically.
When mocha coffee beans from Yemen were first exported to Europe, coffee connoisseurs found that they had a characteristic chocolatey flavor, which is what gives the modern mocha its name.
The chocolate-and-espresso drink originated in Italy in the 18th century. A coffee bar called Caffè al Bicerin debuted a drink of chocolate, espresso, and cream, which was called the bicerin. It eventually spread around the world, evolving into the modern mocha we know and love (1).
What Is A Latte?
A traditional latte is made with espresso and steamed milk in a ratio of 1:2, topped with a thin layer of foamed milk. It can be made with one or two shots of espresso, but a double shot is more common in modern cafes.
Proper milk texture is key to a latte. The goal is microfoam, a silky smooth milk with a consistency like wet paint. Microfoam gives the latte its characteristic texture and allows for the pouring of latte art.
Modern coffee shop lattes often stray far from the traditional definition. Visit any Starbucks, and you’ll find 20-ounce milky behemoths packed with pumps of syrups and sweeteners.
Here’s how you steam milk for latte art:
And here’s how you make latte art:
The History of the Latte
The modern latte is thought to have evolved at a coffee shop in California in the 1950s to satisfy customers looking for a less strong cappuccino. The barista added extra steamed milk, and the latte was born.
The popularity of the latte has skyrocketed in the last 30 years, spreading from California to coffee lovers across America and around the world. There are even international latte art competitions to support the rising trend.
What’s The Difference Between A Latte And A Mocha?
The primary difference between these two drinks is that a mocha contains chocolate and a latte does not.
Otherwise, the latte and mocha have a lot in common. Both are brewed using an espresso machine and have espresso and milk as the primary ingredients. Both have the same ratio of steamed to frothed milk. And both can be enjoyed hot or iced.
Which Is Stronger, Latte Or Mocha?
A mocha has a stronger overall flavor than a latte because of the added chocolate. Coffee and chocolate are not only inherently strong, but they are also known to enhance one another (2).
A latte has a much milder, milkier taste. However, a latte is a better option if you want to appreciate the unique flavor profile of a premium coffee.
Does Mocha Or Latte Have More Caffeine?
A mocha has more caffeine than a latte, assuming both are made with the same double shot of espresso because chocolate contains caffeine. That said, the increase in caffeine content is minimal. There are only about 10 mg of caffeine per two tablespoons of dark chocolate ganache.
What Does Mocha Coffee Taste Like?
A cup of mocha coffee tastes like the best hot chocolate you’ve ever had. When prepared properly, it’s rich and luscious without being overly sweet. The chocolate taste dominates but is balanced by the gentle bitterness of the espresso shots and the warm velvety milk.
Is Mocha Or Latte Sweeter?
A mocha is usually sweeter than a latte, particularly when made with milk or white chocolate. A dark chocolate mocha is the most balanced, walking the line between sweet and bitter.
A plain latte is sweet due to the naturally occurring sugars in whole milk. It will only taste sweeter than a mocha if it has been sweetened with flavored syrups, an increasingly common practice in modern cafes.
Is Mocha Or Latte Healthier?
The answer to this question depends on your definition of healthy. Typically, the latte is considered healthier. It is lower in calories, fat, and sugar – definitely the better coffee choice for your morning cup if you’re watching your weight.
On the other hand, dark chocolate has a number of proven health benefits because it is rich in flavanols, a heart-healthy antioxidant (3).
Most baristas let you customize your mochas and lattes to meet your dietary needs. For example, different milk options like skim milk or oat milk can lower the fat and calories.
The Verdict: Latte vs Mocha
The mocha and latte are two very different takes on milk-based espresso drinks with very different origins. Which is the perfect drink for you? It depends on your sweet tooth – or whether you’re in the mood for a treat.
Order a chocolate-infused mocha if…
- You love the chocolate and coffee flavor combination
- You want an extra caffeine boost
- You like sweeter drinks
Order a latte if…
- You want a milky drink with a mild coffee flavor
- You prefer drinks that aren’t too sweet
- You want a lower-calorie option
FAQs
A mocha is closer to a latte than a frappe because, like a latte, it is a warm drink containing espresso and steamed milk. A frappe is traditionally an iced drink made by shaking instant coffee, sugar, and ice. Milk is a common but optional addition.
No, a mocha is not just a chocolate latte, though some cafes may use the terms interchangeably. At a good specialty coffee shop, a mocha is made using chocolate ganache or chocolate sauce, whereas a chocolate latte is made using pumps of chocolate-flavored syrup. This gives the mocha a more intense chocolate flavor and richer mouthfeel.
A breve latte or caffe breve is a latte in which the steamed milk is substituted for steamed half-and-half. It is incredibly rich and creamy. It takes its name from the Italian word for “brief,” but it’s an American creation.
References
- Clayton, L. (2021, April 6). The Mocha: The Surprising History Of A Delicious Coffee Drink. Retrieved from https://sprudge.com/the-mocha-the-surprising-history-of-a-delicious-coffee-drink-173766.html
- Haridy, R. (2020, April 21). Study finds coffee makes sweet food taste sweeter. Retrieved from https://newatlas.com/science/coffee-sweet-food-taste-sweeter-bitter-chocolate/
- Good Food is Good Medicine. (2023, February 14). Dark chocolate health benefits? The good and the bad to this sweet treat. Retrieved from https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/dark-chocolate-health-benefits-the-good-and-the-bad-to-this-sweet-treat/2023/02
