Hey there, coffee friends! Welcome to IboBeans – your fun spot for all things coffee. Today we answer the big question: What is flat white coffee? It’s a yummy, creamy drink that makes mornings happy. This guide is super simple – even a 2nd class kid can read it. Let’s sip and learn!
What is Flat White Coffee?
Flat white coffee is a hot, creamy coffee drink. It has strong coffee (called espresso) and steamed milk. On top? Just a tiny, smooth foam. No big bubbles like some drinks.
This silky coffee comes from Australia and New Zealand. Cafes there love it. Now the whole world serves this Aussie espresso. Want more coffee history? Check our post on Coffee: The World in a Cup at IboBeans.
Why is it called Flat White Coffee?
Easy! “Flat” = no tall foam. “White” = milk makes it light. So this microfoam drink is smooth and milky. Simple!
How to Make Flat White Coffee at Home
No big machine needed. Here’s how to brew the perfect flat white.
Things You Need:
- Strong coffee (use a moka pot or espresso)
- Milk (cow, oat, almond – any!)
- Small cup (5-6 ounces)
- Milk frother or whisk
Steps:
- Brew 1-2 shots of strong coffee.
- Heat milk on the stove. Make it warm, not too hot.
- Froth the milk a little for tiny bubbles.
- Pour milk into coffee slowly.
- Add a thin foam layer on top.
Done! Your creamy espresso is ready. Drink it warm.
Pro tip: Use fresh beans. Learn about beans in our bean origin stories section.
Flat White Coffee vs Latte: Spot the Difference
People mix them up. Here’s a fun table:
| Drink | Coffee Shots | Milk Amount | Foam Type |
| Flat White Coffee | 2 shots | Less milk | Thin microfoam |
| Latte | 1 shot | More milk | Thick foam |
Flat white coffee is stronger and smaller. Latte is bigger and milkier. Love latte art? See pretty designs on Starbucks’ official site.
Flat White Coffee vs Cappuccino: Quick Compare
Another table for you:
| Drink | Coffee | Milk | Foam |
| Flat White Coffee | Double | Steamed | Super thin |
| Cappuccino | Single | Less | Big and fluffy |
The microfoam drink tastes more like coffee. Cappuccino has a foam hat!
History of Flat White Coffee
Flat white coffee has a fun and exciting story. It started small in the 1980s and is now loved all over the world. Let’s take a simple trip through its past!
Australia vs New Zealand: Who Made It First?
Both Australia and New Zealand say, “We made flat white coffee first!” The fight is friendly but real.
- Australia’s story: In Sydney, a barista named Alan Preston added flat white coffee to his cafe menu in 1985. He got the idea from Queensland’s “white coffee flat.” He wanted a drink with strong coffee and smooth milk – no big foam.
- New Zealand’s story: Around the same time, cafes in Auckland started serving it. In Wellington, some called it a “failed cappuccino” because it had almost no foam. Kiwis loved the strong taste.
Global Spread
- 2005: UK cafés
- 2015: Starbucks USA launch
- 2024: Pret A Manger UK sold 8 million cups
Today, it’s the #1 coffee drink in many countries.
Fun difference:
- Aussies use a 200 ml cup (a bit bigger).
- Kiwis like a 175 ml cup (smaller and stronger).
Both are right – this creamy espresso was born Down Under!
Best Beans for Your Flat White Coffee
Pick dark roast beans. They make flat white coffee bold and rich. Try:
- Brazil beans (nutty taste)
- Colombia beans (sweet)
- Ethiopian beans (fruity)
Grind fresh at home. Old beans? No good. Read our expert grinding tips on IboBeans.
Milk Magic in Flat White Coffee
Milk makes it creamy.
- Whole milk = super rich
- Oat milk = vegan and smooth (very popular!)
- Almond milk = light
Heat milk to 60°C. Too hot? It burns. Use a thermometer. Want plant-based ideas? See BBC Good Food’s milk guide.
Calories in Flat White Coffee: Is It Healthy?
One 5–6 oz cup with whole milk = 120–150 calories. No sugar = healthy boost. Coffee gives energy, antioxidants, and happy brain chemicals. Limit to 1–2 cups daily.
Coffee gives:
- Energy
- Happy brain chemicals
- Antioxidants
Drink 1-2 cups a day. More? You might jump like a bunny at night!
Where to Enjoy Flat White Coffee
- Your kitchen (cheapest!)
- Local cafe
- Starbucks or Costa
- Hip coffee shops
Say: “One flat white coffee, please!” Smile big.
Order Flat White Coffee Like a Boss
- “Oat milk flat white coffee, extra hot.”
- “Iced flat white coffee for summer.”
- “Double shot flat white coffee for strong kick.”
Flat White Coffee Art:
Baristas make hearts, leaves, or tulips on flat white coffee. The thin foam helps. Try at home:
- Pour milk in a circle.
- Wiggle the cup.
- Wow, your family!
See art videos on YouTube’s coffee channel.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Big foam → Oops, cappuccino!
- Cold milk → Not creamy.
- Weak coffee → Boring taste.
Practice 3 times – you’ll be a pro.
Flat White Coffee Around the World
- Australia: Super strong
- UK: London loves it
- USA: Big cities serve it
- Japan: Sometimes with matcha
Every country adds its love to flat white coffee.
Vegan Flat White Coffee: Yes!
Use:
- Soy milk
- Coconut milk
- Oat milk (creamiest!)
Taste a little different, but yummy. Join our community forum to share vegan recipes.
Kids and Flat White Coffee
Kids under 12? Skip the caffeine. Give warm milk or hot cocoa. Flat white coffee is for grown-ups.
Iced Flat White Coffee for Hot Days
Summer? Ask for ice + cold milk + espresso. Refreshing flat white coffee!
Tools for Perfect Flat White Coffee
- Moka pot ($20)
- Hand frother ($10)
- Cute mug
Start small. Read gear reviews on the IboBeans gear section.
Pair Flat White Coffee with Yummy Food
- Butter croissant
- Avocado toast
- Chocolate cookie
Breakfast wins with flat white coffee.
Science of Microfoam in Flat White Coffee
Microfoam = tiny milk bubbles. Makes flat white coffee silky. Steam milk just right. No big bubbles!
Cost of Flat White Coffee
Cafe: $4-$6.
Home: 50 cents.
Save money! Brew daily.
Fun Facts About Flat White Coffee
- Smaller than a latte.
- No cocoa powder on top.
- Over 1 million cups sold daily.
- Baristas have flat white coffee contests.
- Perfect morning hug.
Store Beans for Tasty Flat White Coffee
Keep beans:
- Cool spot
- Dark jar
- Use in 2 weeks
Fresh = happy flat white coffee.
Flat White Coffee and Sleep
Drink before 2 PM. Caffeine stays 6 hours. Night drink? No sleep!
Celebrate with Flat White Coffee
Birthday? Picnic? Add flat white coffee. Makes everything special.
Your Turn Now!
Grab a cup. Make flat white coffee. Share a photo in our IboBeans community. Tag friends. Let’s spread coffee joy!
Flat White FAQs
What exactly is flat white coffee?
Flat white coffee is a small espresso drink with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam. It started in Australia or New Zealand and has a strong coffee taste.
How does flat white coffee differ from a latte?
Flat white coffee 2 shots of espresso, less milk, and very little foam. A latte has 1 shot, more milk, and thicker foam. Flat white coffee is bolder.
Can I make flat white coffee without an espresso machine?
Yes! Use a moka pot, French press, or strong drip coffee. Heat and froth milk on the stove. Easy home flat white coffee!
Is flat white coffee stronger than cappuccino?
Usually yes. Flat white coffee has a double shot and thin foam, so you taste more coffee. Cappuccino has fluffy foam and one shot.
How many calories are in a flat white coffee?
About 120-150 calories with whole milk in a 5-6 oz cup. Skim or oat milk lowers it. No added sugar keeps flat white coffee light.
Where did flat white coffee originate?
It began in the 1980s in Australia (Sydney) or New Zealand (Auckland). Both countries claim it. Now flat white coffee is global.
What’s the best milk for flat white coffee?
Whole milk for richness. Oat milk for creamy vegan flat white coffee. Heat to 60-65°C for silky texture.
Can you order an iced flat white coffee?
Yes! Many cafes serve espresso over ice with cold milk. It’s a cool twist on flat white coffee for summer.
Why is it called “flat white” coffee?
“Flat” = no tall foam. “White” = milky color. The name fits the smooth, creamy flat white coffee perfectly.
Is flat white coffee good for coffee beginners?
Absolutely! It’s strong but not bitter, and the milk makes it gentle. Start your coffee journey with flat white coffee!
Final Thought:
Flat white coffee is more than a drink – it’s a tiny hug in a cup.
It started in a small cafe Down Under. Now it wakes up millions every day.
Strong, smooth, simple. Just the right size. No fuss. No big foam.
Make it at home. Order it out. Draw a heart on top. Share it with a friend.
One sip, and you’ll know: flat white coffee is pure joy.
Ready for your next cup? ☕
Tell us in the comments: What’s your favorite way to drink flat white coffee?
Author Note:
Written by Muhammad Abrar, a coffee lover who enjoys testing simple home-brewed coffee recipes and sharing easy ways to enjoy great flavor without café prices.