Cappuccino vs Mocha: What’s the Main Difference?

What Is a Cappuccino?

A cappuccino is an espresso-based coffee drink made by combining equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It is typically served by coffee shops in a 6-ounce ceramic cup (like porcelain) to help retain heat.

Depending on where you order your cappuccino, it may come with one or two shots of espresso.

Related Read: What is a Cappuccino? Everything You Need to Know!

What Is a Mocha?

A mocha is another delicious espresso-based beverage that combines the rich flavors of espresso with the indulgence of chocolate.

It is typically made by adding chocolate syrup or powdered cocoa to two shots of espresso, followed by steamed milk. Some baristas will even top it off with whipped cream.

The resulting drink boasts a delightful balance of the robustness of coffee and the sweetness of chocolate, making it a popular choice among coffee lovers who want something a little more decadent.

Mochas tend to come in 10-12 ounce cups, or even larger depending on the coffee shops that you frequent.

What Is the Difference Between a Cappuccino vs a Mocha?

While both cappuccino and mocha are espresso-based beverages, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart:

• Composition: A cappuccino consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The layers of espresso, milk, and foam create a visually appealing drink. On the other hand, a mocha incorporates espresso, steamed milk, chocolate powder or syrup, and sometimes whipped cream.
  
  
• Flavor Profile: Cappuccinos offer a balance between the richness of espresso and the creaminess of milk, with a hint of bitterness. Mochas, on the other hand, feature the boldness of espresso complemented by the sweetness and richness of chocolate.
  
  
• Texture: Cappuccinos are known for their velvety texture, achieved by the combination of steamed milk and foam. Mochas tend to have a slightly thicker and more indulgent texture due to the addition of chocolate and less focus on steaming the milk.

Cappuccino vs Mocha Frothed Milk Differences

Yes, the milk frothing technique definitely differs between a cappuccino and a mocha, resulting in distinct textures in the final drinks.

In a cappuccino, the milk froth should be a thick layer of velvety foam. This foam is an essential element of a cappuccino and should be approximately equal in volume to the steamed milk. The process involves aerating the milk with steam, creating small bubbles that give the cappuccino its characteristic creamy and light texture.

In a mocha, you also have milk froth, but the emphasis is more on achieving a creamy and smooth consistency rather than a distinct foam layer.

The goal is to create a thicker, velvety texture that melds harmoniously with the chocolate and espresso. This technique typically involves less aeration than in a cappuccino, resulting in a denser and more indulgent mouthfeel.

Which Drink is Stronger, a Mocha or a Cappuccino?

When it comes to flavor, “strength” can be subjective.

A cappuccino emphasizes the boldness and intensity of the espresso, balanced by the creamy texture of milk and foam. The espresso flavor is more pronounced in a cappuccino, giving it a stronger coffee taste.

On the other hand, a mocha incorporates the rich and sweet flavors of chocolate alongside the espresso. The chocolate mellows the perceived strength of the coffee, making the overall flavor profile a bit less intense.

If “strength” means a stronger coffee taste, then a cappuccino is definitely stronger!

Cappuccino vs Mocha: Caffeine Levels

In terms of caffeine content, both a mocha and a cappuccino usually contain the same amount of espresso. Cappuccinos and mochas can be made with 1 or 2 shots of espresso, but they are more commonly made now with two shots.

A double shot of espresso will have anywhere from 70 to 120 mg of caffeine in it. For reference, the FDA recommends a maximum of 400 mg of caffeine per day.

Since chocolate contains some caffeine, mochas might end up being a bit more caffeinated than cappuccinos. That being said, the difference won’t be that noticeable.

Which Is Healthier, A Cappuccino or a Mocha?

Mocha coffees are made with more milk than cappuccinos. Couple this with the addition of chocolate, and it’s very clear that a cappuccino is a healthier option as far as calorie intake and sugar are concerned.

This becomes even more true when baristas top their mochas off with a serious serving of whipped cream. Now that’s a sweet beverage!

If you are interested in making your cappuccino or mocha a bit healthier, try using non-dairy milk alternatives, such as oat or almond milk, to reduce the saturated fat content.

Mocha vs Cappuccino: Nutritional Information

If you are concerned about your calorie intake, you should know that a cappuccino contains far fewer calories than a mocha.

• The average 6-ounce cappuccino has around 90 calories. (1)
  
  
• A 12-ounce mocha made with whipped cream has around 180 calories with 4.1 grams of saturated fat and 11 grams of sugar. (2) Yikes!

Which Drink is Better for Latte Art, Cappuccinos or Mochas?

The cappuccino is better for latte art compared to the mocha. Cappuccinos have a higher ratio of foam to milk compared to other espresso-based beverages. The foam layer on top provides a smooth canvas for creating intricate designs.

Mochas, on the other hand, typically have a thicker and denser texture due to the addition of chocolate. The consistency of the chocolate can interfere with the stability of the foam and may not lend itself as well to intricate patterns.

While it's not impossible to create latte art with a mocha, cappuccinos provide a more suitable base for baristas to showcase their artistic skills.

Pro Tip: If you want to increase the contrast between the milk and espresso in your latte art, add additional cocoa powder on top of the mixed espresso and chocolate syrup. Then add your milk.

Which Other Drinks Are Similar to a Cappuccino?

There are a few other espresso-based drinks that share similarities with a cappuccino in terms of ingredients and preparation methods.

• A latte is similar to a cappuccino but with a higher proportion of steamed milk and less foam. It typically consists of one or two espresso shots and is topped with a larger volume of steamed milk, resulting in a creamier and less frothy texture compared to a cappuccino. Lattes often have a smooth and velvety mouthfeel.
  
  
• A flat white is another espresso-based beverage that closely resembles a cappuccino. It consists of one or two shots of espresso combined with steamed milk. The foam in a flat white is usually thinner and more velvety than in a cappuccino, providing a smoother texture.

Which Other Drinks Are Similar to a Mocha?

Several drinks are similar to mocha in terms of flavor profile or using ingredients like chocolate.

• A chocolate macchiato is similar to a mocha, but with a stronger emphasis on the espresso. It typically includes espresso shots, chocolate in the form of syrup, and a small amount of steamed milk, often topped with foam.
  
  
• An affogato is a delightful dessert-style beverage that combines a shot of espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato. The hot espresso melts the ice cream, creating a creamy and sweet treat. While it doesn't include chocolate powder or syrup like a mocha, the combination of espresso and ice cream offers a similar indulgence and richness.

Cappuccino Recipe

To make a cappuccino, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1-2 shots of espresso
  
  
• 2 ounces of milk

Steps to follow:

1. Use an espresso machine to pull the espresso shot(s) into your favorite espresso cup.
   
   
2. Froth the milk into a pitcher to the right consistency. It should double in volume and become frothy.
   
   
3. Combine the coffee and milk in a 6-ounce ceramic mug, trying your hand at some latte art!

Did you know? If you are craving iced drinks, Freddo cappuccinos are a Greek variation of the cappuccino. They are made with cold foam and coffee over ice.

Related Read: How to Make Espresso: The Best Beginner’s Guide Online

Mocha Coffee Recipe

To make a mocha, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1-2 shots of espresso
  
  
• 5-6 ounces of milk
  
  
• Dark chocolate powder or syrup
  
  
• Whipped cream (optional)

Steps to follow:

1. Use an espresso machine to pull the espresso shot(s) into a cup.
   
   
2. Pour espresso shot(s) into a 12-ounce glass or mug.
   
   
3. Add chocolate syrup or powder (to taste) and mix until smooth.
   
   
4. Froth the milk into a pitcher to the right consistency. It should double in volume and become more velvety in texture.
   
   
5. Add the milk to the 12-ounce glass or mug.
   
   
6. Add whipped cream on top (optional)

Mocha Coffee Recipe Variation - Iced Mocha

Simply follow our above recipe, but pull the espresso shot(s), chocolate and milk into a mason jar containing ice cubes. Then shake the mason jar as if you were a bartender. Open the jar and top off with whipped cream.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom Line

Alright, now you are an expert on the difference between a cappuccino and mocha.

Try your hand at making one of each of these popular drinks and let us know… which delicious espresso drink do you like better in the famous cappuccino vs mocha coffee dispute!

Happy brewing!