Starbucks Flat White Vs. Vanilla Latte: Which One Tastes Better?

Most Starbucks lovers mistake a Flat White for a Vanilla Latte because they look similar, so what sets them apart? Since I was just as confused, I did some research. After a chat with my local barista, I learned what makes each drink unique.

This is a detailed post about the differences I discovered, and its tail-end will help you figure out which beverage works for you. Read on to find out.

What Are The Differences Between Starbucks Flat White Vs. Vanilla Latte?

Features	Starbucks Flat White	Starbucks Vanilla Latte
Ìngredients	Brewed espresso and milk	Brewed espresso, milk, and vanilla syrup
Taste Profile	Rich	Mellow
Caffeine content/ nutritional value	A grande has 225 mg of caffeine and 220 calories.	A grande has 170mg of caffeine and 250 calories.
Availability/ accessibility	Available on all Starbucks platforms, all year.	Available on all Starbucks platforms, all year.
Roast level	Blonde Roast	Blonde Roast

Starbucks Flat White Vs. Vanilla Latte – How They Compare

What it’s made of (ingredients)

Starbucks Flat White is a hot ristretto-style brewed espresso made with whole milk, but you can use a long shot instead. You can customize the milk with plant-based, 2%, and non-fat options.

A Starbucks Vanilla Latte is a hot espresso drink with 2% milk, milk foam, and vanilla syrup. A grande serving of this latte has two espresso shots. You can also add tea, toppings, flavors, and ice to this drink.

A Starbucks Flat White is better than a Vanilla Latte because ristretto drinks are concentrated, have higher caffeine content, and have less water.

Taste profile

A Starbucks Flat White has a creamy feel in the mouth because of its whole milk. The ristretto shots in the drink also give it a strong, bold, and rich coffee flavor. On the other hand, the 2% milk and espresso shots in a Vanilla Latte give it a light mellow taste.

A Starbucks Flat White has a richer taste than a Vanilla Latte because of its ristretto shots and whole milk.

Caffeine content/nutritional value

A grande cup of a Starbucks Flat White has 220 calories, 17g of sugar, and 225mg of caffeine. A Vanilla Latte has more calories and less caffeine. A similar serving has 250 calories, 35g of sugar, and 170mg of caffeine.

If you want more caffeine in your drink, pick a Starbucks Flat White. Besides, it’s healthier than a Vanilla Latte because of its low-calorie count.

Availability/ Accessibility

Starbucks Flat Whites and Vanilla Lattes are available in all its stores throughout the year. You can also order them off Starbucks’ official website and app.

It’s a tie between both drinks because they’re available year-round and accessible on all Starbucks platforms.

Roast level

A Starbucks Flat White and a Vanilla Latte have Blonde Roast espresso. This roast is the lightest level at Starbucks; it makes smooth, mellow drinks with a toasty edge.

Both drinks use a light-bodied Blonde Roast coffee, so it’s a draw. You can enjoy a Starbucks Flat White as much as a Vanilla Latte if you don’t enjoy bitter coffee.

Starbucks Flat White Vs. Vanilla Latte: A Comparison Overview

Starbucks Flat White – Overview

A Starbucks Flat White is ideal if you love mellow coffee but still want a caffeine kick. I enjoyed the balanced taste of its milk and the roasty tones of ristretto coffee in my mouth. The hot beverage also comes with some delightful latte art. Starbucks allows you to add toppings, tea, flavors, and milk foam to the drink to meet your needs.

What I liked;

• High caffeine content
• Creamy taste

What I didn’t like;

• More expensive than a latte

Who it’s best suited for

• Best for people who enjoy strong coffee that tastes sweet

Starbucks Vanilla Latte – Overview

A Starbucks Vanilla Latte is ideal if you’re concerned about how much coffee you take. I enjoy it when I want a classic espresso that satisfies my vanilla flavor cravings, and I ask for an iced version when it is hot.

What I liked;

• Low caffeine content
• Versatility

What I didn’t like;

• More calories

Who it’s best suited for

• Best for people who don’t fancy high amounts of caffeine in a drink.

Final Verdict: So, Which Is Better? – Starbucks Flat White Or Vanilla Latte?

Although both drinks use Blonde Roast coffee, a Starbucks Flat White is better than its Vanilla Latte because its high caffeine content gives you a stronger kick. The beverage also has a creamy feel in the mouth, but you can switch things up with the latte when you want a mellow drink.

FAQ Section

Which one is healthier between a Vanilla Latte and Flat White?

A Flat White has more calories per serving than a Vanilla Latte, so it’s healthier.

Is Vanilla Latte sweeter than Starbucks Flat White?

No. A Starbucks Flat White has whole milk, which makes the drink more decadent and sweeter than a Vanilla Latte.