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Types of Coffee Explained
UNDERSTANDING COFFEE

TYPES OF COFFEE EXPLAINED

5 minutes
As a nation of coffee drinkers, our taste buds often prefer to stick to what we know and love. But, beyond our usual picks there’s a world of different coffee types that could potentially become new favourites. So, let's dive into the diverse types of coffee and their distinct flavors!

How many coffee types exist?


The coffee world is a large one, with new and interesting varieties being created all across the globe. There are over 30 combinations of coffee types native to different countries. From the well-known cappuccino, espresso, and latte, to the lungo, ristretto, café au lait and cold brew, keep reading to find your perfect cup.


What are the different types of coffee?


Most types of coffee contain a different ratio of the same three ingredients: espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Here are some of the most popular coffee shop menu items:

  1. Espresso – Concentrated form of coffee, served in shots and it’s often the coffee base of many other beverages.
  2. Americano – Typically served with a ratio of 3/4 water to 1/4 espresso.
  3. Cappuccino – Espresso, steamed milk and milk foam equally split into thirds.
  4. Latte - One or two shots of espresso, lots of steamed milk and a final, thin layer of frothed milk on top.
  5. Café au Lait - brewed coffee and steamed milk. One part coffee to one part steamed milk with no froth or foam on top.
  6. Cortado - Made with lightly steamed milk without froth or foam.
  7. Mocha - It is often 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk, with chocolate flavouring.
  8. Macchiato - Espresso coffee drink, topped with a small amount of foamed or steamed milk.
  9. Flat White - A blend of micro-foamed milk poured over a single or double shot of espresso.
  10. Affogato – An Italian dessert comprising hot espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream or gelato.
  11. Irish Coffee - Made from coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and cream.
  12. Iced Coffee - A cold version of your favourite coffee, with ice added.
  13. Decaf - Made from regular coffee beans that go through a process to remove the majority of the caffeine.

Different coffee types

Explore a world of coffee experiences

Frequently asked questions


Which coffee type has the strongest taste? The strongest type of coffee is freshly brewed espresso. It forms the base for most coffee drinks, and is easily enjoyed with added milk, but can be enjoyed by itself if you like bold, intense coffee flavours.

Which coffee type has the mildest taste? A latte is generally considered the least intense coffee. Made with freshly brewed espresso, the taste is then made less intense because of the volume of milk added, which makes it sweeter tasting and with a more mellow taste.

Which type of coffee has the most milk? A café latte has the biggest milk-to-coffee ratio, with 1/3rd being espresso and the remaining 2/3rd consisting of milk. The cappuccino is closely behind which contains equal parts of espresso, steamed milk and milk foam (in a ratio of 1:1:1).


Discover our guides to different coffee types


At NESCAFÉ, we know that straying from your brew of choice can be a little daunting, which is why we’ve put together this series of guides explaining each type of coffee in more detail, so you can go in, fully clued up on what you might enjoy. From creamy cappuccinos to strong americanos, learn more about their origins and how to make them at home…