How many shots of espresso are in a latte?
A latte has one or more shots of espresso topped with steamed milk, and the number depends on the cafe and cup size. A common pattern is one shot in a small cup and two shots in medium and large, but chains set their own defaults, so check the menu or ask. You can always ask for extra shots.
Free download
Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF): How long coffee beans, ground coffee, tea, cocoa and creamers last. 11 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF)Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
How many shots of espresso are in a latte?
One or more, depending on where you order. A latte is defined as espresso with steamed milk, with no fixed shot count. Typical cafe practice is one shot for a small (about 8 to 12 fl oz) latte and two shots for medium and large ones. Large chains set their own defaults, so the menu or the barista is the only reliable answer for a given shop.
How many shots in a small, medium and large latte?
| Size | Common cafe pattern |
|---|---|
| Small (8 to 12 fl oz) | 1 shot, sometimes 2 |
| Medium (12 to 16 fl oz) | 2 shots |
| Large (16 to 20+ fl oz) | 2 shots, 3 in some cafes |
This is a general pattern, not a rule. Note that a larger cup often adds only more milk, so the latte tastes milder, not stronger.
How many shots in an iced latte?
Often the same as hot, but chains set their own defaults. Ask if you are not sure.
Single, double or triple?
- Single shot: a milky, mild latte.
- Double shot: a stronger coffee taste that stands up to milk; the usual choice in many cafes.
- Triple shot: intense; only worth it in larger cups.
How much milk is in a latte?
A lot more than in a cappuccino. A latte has more steamed milk and a thinner layer of foam than a cappuccino, while the espresso is generally the same. Cafes vary, so ratios are approximate.
How do you change the strength?
- Add a shot for stronger coffee flavor and more caffeine.
- Ask for a smaller size to keep the same shots with less milk.
- Choose decaf or half-caf if you want less caffeine.
Caffeine per shot varies by bean, shop and shot size, so we give no number here. If you are pregnant or have a health condition, ask a doctor how much caffeine is right for you.
People also ask
Does a large latte have more espresso than a small one?
Not always. Many cafes use two shots for medium and large, so the bigger cup mainly has more milk.
How many shots are in a double latte?
Two shots of espresso with steamed milk. Many cafes make two shots the standard for medium and large sizes.
Can I add an extra shot to a latte?
Yes, most cafes let you add shots at any size for a small extra charge.
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
