Have you ever gotten decision paralysis when it’s time to place your order at the coffee shop? Sometimes, it can be worse than trying to pick a show on Netflix. There are simply too many coffee options, and some of them are so similar to each other that it’s like looking in a mirror.

Don’t worry — we’re here to spare you the anxiety and help you figure out your coffee order. Read on for a breakdown of two popular coffee options: cappuccino and espresso.

What Is an Espresso?

Espresso might be tiny, but boy, is it mighty. It’s brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under intense pressure, creating a bold, concentrated shot of liquid energy. With roots in Italy, espresso is the foundation for most coffee drinks, from lattes to macchiatos. 

But don’t let its small size fool you — this little powerhouse packs quite a punch. Each shot boasts a rich, full-bodied flavor with a layer of golden crema on top, making it a go-to among coffee purists. If you like your coffee strong, fast, and fuss-free, espresso is for you.

What Is a Cappuccino?

Cappuccino is like espresso, but for coffee drinkers who aren’t quite ready to take the plunge to straight ristretto. It starts with a shot of espresso but gets a velvety upgrade with steamed milk and a thick layer of milk foam. The result is a creamy, dreamy drink that’s rich without being too heavy. 

Named after Capuchin monks (thanks to its frothy, brown-tinted top that resembled their robes), cappuccino has been a café classic for centuries. Whether you get yours dusted with cocoa or cinnamon or left pure, it’s perfect if you want your coffee strong but soft around the edges.

7 Key Differences Between Cappuccino and Espresso

So far, it sounds like the only difference between espresso and cappuccino is a splash of milk and foam — is that really all there is to it? As it turns out, these drinks are more nuanced than you might think. Read on for seven differences to consider before you place your coffee order.

1. What They’re Made From

Both espresso and cappuccino start with the same key ingredient: high-quality coffee beans, usually a blend of arabica and robusta. But while espresso is simply coffee and water, cappuccino takes things up a notch with steamed milk and milk foam. 

The espresso shot provides a bold, rich coffee base, while the milk in a cappuccino softens the intensity and adds a velvety mouthfeel. Whether you go for a single-origin espresso or a carefully crafted cappuccino, the key difference lies in what is added — cappuccino is more of a team effort, while espresso is a solo act.

2. How They’re Prepared

Espresso is all about speed and precision. Finely ground coffee is packed tightly into a portafilter and blasted with hot water at high pressure, producing a strong, concentrated shot in about 25 to 30 seconds. 

Cappuccino starts the same way but gets a frothy makeover with steamed milk and milk foam, typically in a 1:1:1 ratio — one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third foam. This creates a layered drink that blends intensity with creaminess. 

3. Flavor and Texture

Espresso has a bold, bitter, and deeply rich punch of flavor with notes of chocolate, caramel, or fruit, depending on the roast. It’s thick, slightly syrupy, and topped with a golden crema that adds a touch of nuttiness. 

Cappuccino, on the other hand, is softer and silkier. The steamed milk and foam mellow out the bitterness, making it smooth, creamy, and slightly sweet. It feels velvety and smooth when you drink it, which is part of the cappuccino experience. They’re both delicious, just in different ways.

4. Serving Sizes

Espresso is typically served in a 1-ounce (30ml) shot. Some daredevils opt for a double shot (2 ounces), but that’s about as big as it gets. 

Cappuccino, on the other hand, is a bit more generous, usually coming in at 6 ounces (180ml). The extra volume comes from steamed milk and foam, giving it a lighter, airier feel. While espresso is meant to be downed quickly, cappuccino is a slow-sipping experience, perfect for savoring over conversation (or an Instagram-worthy coffee break).

5. Food Pairings

Espresso is the go-to for coffee purists and is best paired with a glass of water to cleanse the palate. But if you want to snack, it pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, biscotti, or a buttery croissant. 

Cappuccino, on the other hand, is a perfect match for pastries, scones, or even a slice of cake. Think almond biscotti, fruit tarts, or a flaky Danish. Espresso is for those who want a quick fix, while cappuccino invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy a sweet, indulgent break.

6. Caffeine Content

If caffeine is your priority, espresso is king. A single shot (about one ounce) has around 63 mg of caffeine, while a cappuccino — typically made with one shot — contains the same. 

However, if you order a 12-ounce cappuccino, you’re looking at roughly 150 mg of caffeine. The main difference here is that cappuccino is diluted with milk, making the caffeine hit feel less intense. 

If you’re anything like us, though, you’re probably trying to keep caffeine to a minimum. We don’t blame you — it’s all fun and games until you get hit with jitters and coffee nausea.

If you want the joy of espresso without the downsides of caffeine overdose, order your drink decaf or swap the espresso for a concentrated serving of our Mushroom Coffee+. Each serving contains only 45 mg of caffeine, as well as a nootropics blend to help you feel focused, relaxed, and motivated. Plus, you’ll also get 4 g of collagen to support gut, skin, and hair health.

7. Caloric Content

Espresso is basically the black coffee of champions — zero sugar, zero milk, and only about two calories per shot. However, thanks to steamed milk and foam, a standard 6-ounce cappuccino contains anywhere from 60 to 120 calories, depending on the type of milk you use. 

If you’re watching your calorie intake, you might want to stick with espresso or swap out whole milk for oat, almond, or skim milk. You can also order a bone-dry cappuccino, which drops the steamed milk entirely.

Which One Should You Choose?

Stuck in a cappuccino vs. espresso dilemma? Think of it like this: if you need a quick jolt of caffeine with no distractions, espresso is your best bet. It’s intense, efficient, and straight to the point — like a coffee shot to the soul. 

But if you want something smoother, creamier, and a bit more luxurious, cappuccino is your drink. It’s perfect for slow sips and coffee dates. If you’re looking for fewer calories, espresso wins, but if you’re looking for something to indulge in without breaking your diet, cappuccino all the way. 

The Bottom Line

Espresso and cappuccino may come from the same coffee bean, but their personalities couldn’t be more different. One is bold, intense, and all about speed, while the other is smooth, creamy, and made for slow sipping. 

Whether you’re craving a quick caffeine jolt or a cozy treat, both drinks bring their own magic to the coffee table. And, of course, you can always add some extra magic with our Mushroom Coffee+. Visit the Everyday Dose blog for more coffee tips and tricks.

Sources:

The history of Italian coffee: tracing the history of coffee in Italy and its cultural significance | Italian Cuisine

Coffee, espresso nutrition facts and analysis | Nutrition Value

Coffees Serving Size Caffeine (mg) | Center for Science in the Public Interest

Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more | Mayo Clinic