Iced Macchiato VS Iced Latte (Top Differences)

Photo of an iced macchiato and a inced latte. Iced Macchiato VS Iced Latte

Iced macchiatos and iced lattes are two popular iced coffee drinks that you’re bound to see on any good coffee shop’s drink menu.

You need to know how these two drinks are different if you want to make an informed choice between them when you’re in the mood for a cold coffee drink.

Learn below the differences between iced macchiato vs iced latte.

Similarities between Iced Macchiatos and Iced Lattes

There are numerous similarities between iced macchiatos and iced lattes. In fact, these two beverages contain precisely the same ingredients. They just contain differing amounts of each of these ingredients.

The three ingredients that both iced macchiatos and iced lattes contain are milk, ice cubes, and espresso. While these drinks contain the same ingredients, varying portions of these ingredients can give each drink a different appearance, caffeine content, and even taste.

Another similarity between iced macchiatos and iced lattes is that they were both originally hot beverages. Both of these hot drinks were first invented in Italy. Serving macchiatos and lattes cold is generally a fairly recent development that is obviously perfect for the hot summer months.

While there are a lot of similarities between iced macchiatos and iced lattes, they are not exactly the same drink. The following is a complete overview of these beverages that will leave you informed as a pro barista on precisely what these drinks are and how they differ.

Key Differences between an Iced Macchiato and an Iced Latte

When a barista prepares an iced macchiato, the barista will first pour whole milk into a glass along with ice. Next, two espresso shots are poured in.

The ingredients are not typically mixed together but remain separated. This gives the drink the visual appearance of marble, thanks to the separated espresso and milk.

When a barista prepares an iced latte, the barista pours one shot of espresso into a glass before adding reduced-fat milk. Lastly, the barista will pour ice into the glass. This typically makes it so that all the ingredients are blended together, and the beverage is a solid coffee color.

Variations on Iced Macchiatos and Iced Lattes

Iced macchiatos are more calorie-rich when prepared the traditional way with whole milk. Iced lattes typically contain fewer calories and less fat since they are made with reduced-fat milk.

However, coffee shops usually prepare iced macchiatos with reduced-fat milk if the customer requests this. Likewise, a customer who wants an iced latte that is a bit richer can request to have whole milk used rather than reduced-fat milk.

Coffee shops also typically offer other milk options to customers when they order an iced macchiato or an iced latte. Many coffee shops will always ask which type of milk to use whenever a customer orders either an iced macchiato or an iced latte.

Note:

Vegan customers can choose to have their coffee drink made with an alternative milk such as soy, almond, or oat milk.

The Iced Macchiato and the Iced Latte: Which is Stronger?

An iced macchiato is stronger when prepared in the traditional way because it contains two espresso shots. Iced lattes contain only one espresso shot, consisting of more milk and less espresso.

Of course, a barista can adjust the strength of iced macchiatos and iced lattes according to customer requests. It’s not uncommon for customers to request an extra shot in their iced latte. In this case, an iced latte can be the same in strength as an iced macchiato.

Customers who want a real energy boost can request an extra shot in their iced macchiatos so that they will enjoy a total of three espresso shots in their iced coffee drink.

How Much Caffeine is There in an Iced Macchiato?

An iced macchiato contains two shots of espresso. One shot of espresso contains approximately 63 mg of caffeine. Meaning that a standard iced macchiato should have around 126 mg of caffeine. If an iced macchiato is prepared with an extra shot of espresso, it will contain around 189 mg of caffeine.

In comparison, a typical 12-ounce cup of coffee usually contains somewhere between 144 mg and 192 mg of coffee. This means that a standard iced macchiato typically contains slightly less caffeine than a standard 12-ounce cup of coffee.

How Much Caffeine is There in an Iced Latte?

An iced latte contains only one shot of espresso. That means that a standard iced latte contains 63 mg of caffeine. If you add a second shot of espresso to a standard iced latte, you’ll get 126 mg of caffeine.

Which Drink is Best for You: An Iced Macchiato or an Iced Latte?

You might want to simply try an iced macchiato and an iced latte to see which one you like best. Otherwise, you can judge which drink is best for you according to factors like caffeine and calorie content.

The Iced Macchiato

An iced macchiato may be your drink of choice if you’re not really worried about calorie content. Whole milk definitely boosts the fat and calorie content of an iced macchiato.

Eight ounces of whole milk includes 150 calories and 8 grams of fat. If you like your iced macchiatos but want to go on a diet, make sure you request reduced fat or skim milk when you order your iced macchiato.

An iced macchiato also may be your drink of choice if you like a drink that offers a great appearance. Many coffee drinkers simply like the marble look of a glass cup of unmixed espresso and milk.

An iced macchiato also may be your drink of choice if you need a lot of caffeine at the moment. You can maximize the energy boost you get from your coffee drink if you order an iced macchiato and request an extra shot of espresso.

The Iced Latte

The iced latte is a good choice if you love your iced coffee beverages but you’re on a diet and want to minimize your calorie and fat intake. An iced latte’s reduced-fat milk contains only 122 calories and 4.6 grams of fat. If you request an iced latte skim milk, you’ll push these figures down to 90 calories and zero grams of fat.

An iced latte is generally the best choice if you want to limit your caffeine intake. Although you’ll consume at least 63 mg of caffeine in your iced latte, iced macchiatos typically contain more caffeine.

Iced macchiatos and iced lattes are two popular iced coffee drinks that you’re bound to see on any good coffee shop’s drink menu. You need to know how these two drinks are different if you want to make an informed choice between them when you’re in the mood for a cold coffee drink.

In conclusion, iced macchiatos and iced lattes are similar drinks that are made with the same core ingredients, including milk, ice cubes, and espresso. However, the proportions of these ingredients can vary, resulting in differences in the appearance, caffeine content, and taste of each drink.

While there may be some variations between these two beverages, they both offer a refreshing and satisfying coffee experience.

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Robert Knowlton is an expert barista with more than 15 years of experience. Robert's main goal is to make sure everyone can enjoy the perfect cup of coffee regardless of their skill level.