Mocha and flat white are two of the most popular coffee beverages available in most coffee shops worldwide. Some people prefer flat white, while others prefer mocha.
Both mocha and flat white are espresso-based coffee beverages. Flat whites have steamed milk and microfoam, whereas mochas have chocolate powder or chocolate syrup on top of the espresso shot as well as steamed milk.
We’ll look deeper at the differences between these 2 coffee varieties and see which one is more robust and healthy for you. Let’s start off with mocha.
What is mocha made of?
Although mochas are interpreted differently over the world, in their simplest form, they’re a shot of espresso mixed with chocolate syrup or powder, topped with milk or cream.
It’s a latte variety in the sense that it contains 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk. It gets special though, when a chocolate flavor is added, which can be either milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
What is a flat white made of?
Flat white coffee is also another espresso-based beverage that combines steamed milk and microfoam. By delicately infusing air into steaming milk, this microfoam is created. This produces milk with a smooth texture and tiny air bubbles.
You can use any milk for a flat white, usually dairy is the go-to choice, but if you’re looking for a more vegan style, you can opt for plant-based milk like oat milk. You can read about using oat milk for coffee in my other article here for more details.
Difference between a flat white and a mocha
Both of these drinks come from the family of espresso-based coffee variants.
Mocha, though, has an additional layer of chocolate syrup or chocolate powder that gives it a distinct chocolatey flavor.
Flat white on the other hand is espresso concentrate and steamed milk combined with milk foam to top it off.
Both flat white and mocha are high in antioxidants and they also contain enough caffeine to deliver a quick energy boost.
The major difference between the two drinks is the chocolate component of mocha and the milk add-on of flat white.
Which is stronger: Mocha or Flat White?
In terms of flavor, mocha is a stronger coffee variety than a flat white.
As we’ve talked about a while ago, mocha contains either all or one of these three:
- Chocolate syrup
- Cocoa powder
- Melted chocolate
These have the ability to enhance the flavor and taste of the espresso.
Espresso is concentrated so it’ll taste bitter but the chocolate adds a little sweetness to the drink especially if you use chocolate syrup or melted milk chocolate.
Flat white is basically espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of microfoam. It’s a favorite go-to drink for espresso lovers who also enjoy dairy.
Since this drink is also espresso-based, it’ll still taste a bit bitter but the steamed full cream milk added to it balances its taste giving you a creamy texture.
You can watch the following video if you want to make a flat white at home.
Which drink is healthier?
Mocha is believed to be healthier than flat white coffee. The addition of the chocolate ingredient (especially when you put dark chocolate) boosts the drink’s overall health benefits in the long run.
Did you know that coffee is the number 1 source of antioxidants in the American diet? Believe it or not, it is according to this study.
Having said that, you should also know that coffee is a strong substance. Consuming it regularly and moderately gives you a lot of benefits but as with all things, drinking it excessively also gives you problems.
Mocha and flat white are both be beneficial to people who do not have any underlying health issues and drink them in moderation. They’re both espresso-based coffee variants with full cream milk.
However, when compared to flat white, mocha is the healthier option, and let me tell you why.
The reason for this is the addition of unsweetened chocolate syrup or powder. According to studies, the chocolate in mocha can help you focus and reduce anxiety.
This can be quite beneficial for students who wish to study for upcoming exams while enjoying a chocolatey flavored coffee that will help them in pulling all-nighters.
However, keep in mind that both mocha and flat white can be harmful to your health when consumed in large quantities.
Refer to the following table if you are curious to know the nutritional contents of each drink and their exact amounts.
| Coffee Variant | Calories | Carbohydrates | Fats | Protein | Sugar | Sodium |
| Flat White 8 oz | 153 | 11.6 g | 8 g | 8.9 g | 11 g | 89 mg |
| Mocha 8 oz | 197 | 34 g | 4.57 g | 5.47 g | 27 g | 40 mg |
Which drink has more caffeine?
Flat white coffee contains more caffeine than mocha.
Mocha has 100 mg of caffeine in a serving of an 8 oz cup while a flat white contains about 128 mg of caffeine in a similar serving.
Caffeine is one of the primary reasons why people drink coffee and it’s known to boost energy levels and improve focus. Most people require coffee in the morning to wake up and get ready for the day, or in the middle of the day when they need an extra boost of energy to get their work done.
However, this does not mean that you should start drinking large amounts of coffee every day simply because it tastes good and energizes you. Excessive caffeine consumption has long-term negative effects on your body.
As a general rule, a healthy adult can only consume 400 mg of caffeine a day.
Espresso is one of the strong coffee variants because it’s concentrated coffee produced with hot water forced through ground coffee beans.
Both mocha and flat white are drinks prepared with an espresso base but a flat white contains a higher caffeine content than mocha.
How do they differ in taste?
Flat white has a robust flavor and a creamy mouthfeel, whereas mocha has a chocolatey flavor that adds some bitterness to your cup while complementing the espresso base.
The sweetness of the chocolate, combined with the bitterness of the espresso, complement each other perfectly. The steamed milk adds richness to the drink.
Traditionally, mocha is made with dark or milk chocolate, but Starbucks has introduced a new version of this delightful drink. It’s called White Mocha and it’s the basic espresso with white chocolate sauce.
A flat white, on the other hand, is a perfect choice for coffee lovers who want to taste the full flavor of coffee without any other flavors taking the lead. This variant has a nice aromatic taste and a creamy mouthfeel.
Despite the bitter flavors from the two shots of espresso, the full cream steamed milk with a layer of foam on top gives the drink a smooth and creamy texture that perfectly complements the bitterness.
Final Thoughts
Coffee is a versatile beverage that people all around the world have come to rely on to keep them awake and energized!
Because of its versatility, connoisseurs have discovered new ways to prepare it (such as espresso) and what to add (such as milk and chocolate) to satisfy the ever-curious palate. This paved the way for coffee variations such as flat white and mocha.
While both mocha and flat white have the same coffee base – which is espresso – they have different flavor profiles.
If you enjoy some chocolate overtones in your coffee, your go-to is definitely a mocha.
Alternatively, if you prefer a full-bodied cup of coffee and at the same time like dairy, a flat white provides a creamy delight to your senses.
Both of these beverages are delicious, but they must be consumed in moderation in order to reap their health benefits.