You may have heard of it. The Flat White is an espresso drink currently gaining popularity throughout America and the UK. Originating in Australia and then developing further in New Zealand, the drink has sparked many people’s curiosities due to its novelty and foreign roots.  With Starbucks now readily preparing and advertising the new hot commodity, many people, including myself are asking themselves, “What exactly is a Flat White?” 

According to multiple trusted sources, everyone seems to have their own definitions and opinions: 

"A flat white is a coffee beverage originating from Australia and New Zealand. It is prepared by pouring microfoam (steamed milk from the bottom of a pitcher) over a single or double shot of espresso. It is similar to the latte and the café au lait". – Wikipedia

"A latte consists of a shot of espresso in a glass with steamed milk poured over, topped with a one-centimetre layer of froth. Contrary to the widely held belief that a flat white is stronger, the only difference between the two drinks is the vessel in which they’re presented. A flat white is served in a ceramic cup, usually of the same volume as a latte glass". – Sydney Morning Herald

"Steamed milk poured over two shots of espresso, topped with microfoam". – Starbucks

"The main difference between a latte and a flat white is the ratio of milk and espresso. The flat white has less milk than a latte and usually a bit less foam on top. Unlike many people think, the flat white does have foam on top". – Coffee Info 

So basically, no one seems to have been able to come to a clear consensus on what exactly goes into a Flat White. Some say it’s just a small Latte, others vehemently disagree. Some expert baristas will tell you there are many technical aspects that differentiate a Flat White from a Latte, while others will say the biggest difference is in the “vessel” in which the drink is presented. Ehem. So, the cup. We are still talking about coffee, not holy wine. 

As for me, I had to satisfy my curiosity and try a Flat White for myself. I am an avid Latte and Cappuccino drinker, so I was actually quite hopeful the Flat White would be a beautiful and delicious symphony of the two classics. However, when I took my first few sips of the hyped-up Flat White, I was disappointingly underwhelmed. For all of the publicity this “new” espresso drink has been receiving, I was hoping to taste something much more impressive. 

Now, I may not be a coffee connoisseur, but I have been drinking coffee and espresso beverages for 8 years now, and I really couldn’t taste much of a difference between the Flat White and a Latte made with 2% milk. Perhaps the Starbucks barista who made my Flat White was a novice and didn’t know all of the special tricks and intricacies that go into making the drink. Perhaps she wasn’t. (Now all of the hipsters reading this article are instantly going to judge me for going to Starbucks and not a small, local, independent café). 

Anyways, here’s the bottom-line. If you want to satisfy your curiosities about the mysterious Flat White, order one the next time you’re in line at Starbucks (or at your “Clean eats off 24th Street” café). But if you don’t really care to switch up your everyday coffee routine, I’d personally say skip it. You’re not missing much, and you’d actually be skimping out on a few extra calories as well. (Starbucks typically makes its Flat White’s with whole milk, whereas the Starbucks Lattes are traditionally made with 2% milk if you don’t ask for nonfat or soy). 

So, what’s your definition of a Flat White? To discover the answer, you’ll just have to hop into your local hipster café or to your campus Starbucks and find out for yourself. Cheers. 

Sources: http://www.coffeehunter.org/what-is-a-flat-white/

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