Starbucks ristretto bianco vs. flat white: which one should you order?

Some Starbucks customers confuse between ristretto bianco and flat white due to their close to similar appearance. I once saw a customer order ristretto bianco, and the fancy name of this drink got my attention.

The next time I visited the shop, I placed the same order and was disappointed to learn that it was no longer available. The Starbucks barista, however, recommended flat white. After this, I started researching these two drinks to find out how they differed and created this post. You will learn the differences between them and find out which one you should order.

What are the differences between Starbucks ristretto bianco vs. flat white?

Features	Starbucks Ristretto Bianco	Flat white
Ingredients	Ristretto shots and steamed milk	Double shot of espresso and lightly aerated milk
Taste profile	It is sweet and has a strong aroma of the espresso	Sweet and smooth
Caffeine/ Nutritional value	A cup of this has 150 mg of caffeine, 161 calories, 8 grams of protein, 14 grams of carbs, and 7 grams of fat.	A tall cup has 130 mg of caffeine, 170 calories, 9 grams of fat, 13 grams of sugar, and 9 grams of protein.
Availability/ Accessibility	Not available in some regions	It is easy to access at most Starbucks stores.
Roast level	Blonde espresso roast	Blonde espresso roast

Starbucks ristretto bianco vs. flat white – How They Compare.

What it’s made of (ingredients)

Starbucks Ristretto Bianco is made using ristretto shots and steamed milk. It comes with an extra shot of ristretto that makes it more concentrated. On the other hand, Starbucks flat white is made up of 2 shots of signature espresso and steamed whole milk that is lightly aerated.

Starbucks ristretto bianco, therefore, wins in this category since its ingredients make it more concentrated.

Taste profile

Starbucks baristas make flat white such that it is not too creamy nor too strong. They make it to achieve just the right flavor. Many people, however, prefer the taste of Starbucks ristretto bianco since it is sweet and has a strong aroma of full-bodied espresso. It also has a velvety texture that makes it quite appealing.

Starbucks ristretto bianco, therefore, wins in this category since it has better taste.

Caffeine content/nutritional value

Starbucks flat white contains 130 mg of caffeine in a tall cup size. The cup also has 170 calories, 9 grams of fat, 13 grams of sugar, and 9 grams of protein. A cup of Starbucks Ristretto Bianco has 150 mg of caffeine, 161 calories, 8 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat, and 14 grams of carbs.

Starbucks ristretto bianco, therefore, wins since it is stronger and has fewer calories.

Availability/ Accessibility

Finding ristretto bianco at some Starbucks stores is hard since it is mostly sold in specific regions. On the other hand, Starbucks flat white is easy to access from most Starbucks stores. Feel free to order it online.

Starbucks flat white therefore wins since it is easier to access.

Roast level

Starbucks utilizes espresso blonde roast to make both ristretto bianco and flat white. That is why both drinks are sweet and not bitter.

Starbucks ristretto bianco and flat white draw in this category since they are made from a similar roast level.

Starbucks ristretto bianco vs. flat white: A comparison overview

Starbucks Ristretto Bianco – Overview

If you like lattes, you should consider ordering Ristretto Bianco from Starbucks. This is a small-sized latte drink that is available in specific stores in the US. Starbucks makes it with Ristretto espresso shots and steamed milk. It includes an extra shot of ristretto, which is a highly concentrated espresso. After making it, the baristas then decorate the latte with art at the top to make it look more attractive.

This bold espresso drink has a pure velvety texture, making it even more appealing. According to most customers, Starbucks Ristretto Bianco is sweeter than a regular latte. The coffee flavor in it is also more pronounced. You may also like the strong aroma of espresso in this beverage.

Note that this drink is not always available at all Starbucks stores.

What I liked

• The smooth velvety texture
• The art on top of the drink

What I didn’t like

• It was hard to find

Who it’s best suited for.

• Great for latte lovers

Starbucks Flat White- Overview

Starbucks makes this 6-ounce beverage with lightly aerated milk and a double shot of espresso. This is a smooth textured Starbucks beverage that is thinner and wetter than a Starbucks cappuccino.

In making Starbucks flat white, the baristas steam the milk into a microfoam and pour it carefully so that the espresso rises to the top. This beverage has a sweet finish. The baristas ensure that this beverage is not too creamy and not too strong during preparation.

What I liked

• Its smooth texture

What I didn’t like;

• Its high calorie content

Who it’s best suited for.

• For coffee lovers who prefer their coffee drinks with cream

Final Verdict: So, Which is Better? – Starbucks ristretto bianco vs. flat white

Starbucks ristretto bianco is better than flat white. Though this drink is hard to find, it is better since it is more delicious, stronger in terms of caffeine content, and has lower calories. It is even served with decorative art that makes it look more appealing. Though flat white is more available, it has less caffeine and more calories. I, therefore, choose Starbucks ristretto bianco as the clear winner.

FAQ SECTION

Which one tastes better between a flat white and a ristretto bianco?

Starbucks ristretto bianco tastes better than flat white since it has a sweeter tone and is more flavorful.

Is ristretto bianco stronger than a flat white?

Yes. Ristretto bianco is stronger since it includes an extra shot of ristretto and more caffeine content.

Which one is easy to make between flat white and a ristretto bianco?

Starbucks ristretto bianco is easier to make than flat white. Making flat white needs more expertise.