It’s Monday morning, it’s almost your turn to order at the drive-thru, and you still aren’t sure what you want. We’ve all been there — especially when it comes to coffee. Sometimes, there are a million options on the menu, and all of them seem so similar.

We can’t demystify the entire coffee menu in one article, but we can help you choose between two of the most popular coffee drinks. Read on for five key differences between macchiato and mocha, as well as some tips on how to choose which one to order. 

What Is Macchiato?

Macchiato means “stained” in Italian, which is exactly what it looks like when you drop a tiny bit of milk foam onto a rich, dark shot of espresso. No frills, no sugar rush — just pure, caffeinated flavor. 

If espresso shots are your thing but you don’t want to go full ristretto, macchiato offers a lovely creaminess while keeping the bold, slightly bitter edge coffee lovers enjoy. Traditional macchiatos are tiny but rich, a stark contrast to their caramel-drenched cousins at certain coffee chains *cough cough*. This is the drink for people who mean business.

What Is a Mocha?

If a macchiato is the espresso purist’s choice, a mocha is more suited for those who are looking for every way possible to hide the espresso flavor. Mocha is where coffee meets hot chocolate, blending rich espresso, steamed milk, and velvety chocolate into a creamy, indulgent treat. 

It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel like you should be sipping it while wrapped in a blanket, even in July. Whether topped with whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa powder, a mocha is for people who believe every day deserves a little bit of luxury.

5 Key Differences Between a Macchiato and a Mocha

Clearly, there are some big differences at play here — but what are the fine details that separate a macchiato and a mocha? Ultimately, it comes down to flavor, milk content, additives, calories, and caffeine.

1. Flavor

When it comes to flavor, macchiato and mocha couldn’t be more different. A macchiato is all about that bold, espresso-forward taste, with just a tiny bit of milk to take the edge off. It’s rich and intense, perfect for those who love the deep, roasted notes of coffee. 

Mocha, on the other hand, is sweet and creamy, blending espresso with chocolate and steamed milk for a dessert-like experience. It tastes a lot like hot chocolate, and you might not even be able to taste the espresso depending on how it’s made. This makes it a perfect drink for non-coffee drinkers.

2. Milk Content

Macchiato keeps it simple — just a shot of espresso “stained” with a tiny amount of milk foam. It’s more about enhancing the espresso than transforming it. Mocha, on the other hand, fully embraces milk. 

A medium-sized mocha usually contains six to eight ounces of milk. The milk in a mocha balances out the coffee’s bitterness, making it smoother and more approachable — however, it also changes the flavor quite a bit.

3. Additives

Macchiato is a minimalist’s dream — just espresso and a little milk. It’s all about letting the coffee shine. 

Mocha, on the other hand, is for people who love to pack in the flavor. Chocolate syrup (or cocoa powder) is a non-negotiable ingredient, and many mochas are topped with whipped cream, cocoa dust, or even chocolate shavings. You might even find some mochas with flavored syrups like caramel, peppermint, or hazelnut for extra sweetness. 

4. Caloric Content

If you’re watching your calorie intake, the macchiato is the clear winner. A traditional espresso macchiato hovers around 10 to 20 calories, thanks to its tiny splash of milk. 

Mocha, on the other hand, is a little higher in calories — chocolate, steamed milk, and whipped cream make those numbers climb fast. A small mocha can start at around 200 calories, while a large, whipped cream-topped version can hit 400+ calories.

5. Caffeine Levels

If getting a caffeine fix is your goal, you’ll want to go macchiato. Since it’s mostly espresso with just a splash of milk, a traditional macchiato has about 63 to 75 mg of caffeine per shot, and most people get more than one.

Meanwhile, a mocha contains the same espresso base, but the added chocolate and milk slightly dilute the caffeine impact. Although — fun fact — chocolate has a tiny bit of caffeine, too. 

A standard mocha lands between 80 to 150 mg of caffeine, depending on the size and chocolate content. This is because most mochas contain at least two shots of espresso, although some contain more.

That being said, you still have options if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine. You can order either of these drinks with decaf espresso. Or, you could opt to make them at home with some concentrated Mushroom Coffee+ in lieu of espresso.

This option is our personal favorite, and it’s not just because it uses our mushroom coffee — it’s because of all the benefits you can add to your cup with just one ingredient swap. Our mushroom coffee contains lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms to support focus and immunity, collagen to support gut and skin health, and L-theanine to encourage sleep and relaxation. Plus, it tastes just as rich as a shot of espresso.

How To Choose Between a Macchiato and a Mocha

If you’re staring at the menu, caught in a caffeine-deficient existential crisis, don’t panic. Let’s break it down: If you like your coffee strong, unfiltered, and with just a whisper of milk, macchiato is your go-to. If you want something sweet, creamy, and indulgent enough to feel like a treat, mocha has your name written all over it. 

If you’re counting calories, macchiato wins. If you need a pick-me-up and a sugar fix, mocha’s got you covered. Either way, you’re in for a great cup.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the macchiato vs. mocha debate comes down to personal taste. If you want a strong, no-nonsense coffee experience, macchiato is your best bet. If you’d rather sip on a caffeinated cup of cocoa, mocha is the way to go. 

No matter which option you choose, you’re getting a delicious coffee drink. And, if you make yours at home with our Mushroom Coffee+, you’ll also be getting some delicious benefits. For more coffee tips and recipes, visit the Everyday Dose blog today!

Sources:

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

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

Caffe Mocha Nutrition Facts | Eat This Much

Coffee, macchiato nutrition facts and analysis | Nutrition Value