Flat White

Flat White is a popular coffee beverage that has become increasingly common in Germany and across the EU. It is typically prepared with a double ristretto or double espresso and finely textured whole milk (usually 3.5 % fat), resulting in an intense coffee flavor combined with a creamy but thin layer of microfoam.[2][3] Compared with cappuccino or caffè latte, the coffee-to-milk ratio is usually higher, which makes the Flat White more aromatic and stronger in taste, while still noticeably milder than a straight espresso.[7]

From a nutritional perspective, a Flat White in the typical EU serving size of about 180–200 ml provides roughly 115–130 kcal when prepared with whole milk.[2][3][7] Per 100 ml, energy content is around 64–70 kcal, with most of the calories coming from milk sugar (lactose) and milk fat.[2][4] A Flat White made with whole milk therefore contributes meaningful amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fat, while fiber is practically absent. The caffeine content comes mainly from the double espresso shot and is typically around 120–140 mg per 200 ml serving, making Flat White a relatively high-caffeine milk coffee drink.[2][3] In line with the EU nutrition declaration requirements, packaged products and many nutrition databases list values both per 100 ml and per serving, allowing consumers to easily compare calories, sugar, fat and salt content.[1][5]

Within the framework of the EU nutrition labeling, the key aspects for a Flat White are the natural sugar content of milk (about 5 g per 100 ml in whole milk) as well as the amounts of total fat and saturated fat.[1][2] A typical Flat White with around 200 ml of whole milk contains about 10 g of sugar, just over 7 g of fat and approximately 4–5 g of saturated fatty acids per serving, together with roughly 6 g of high-quality milk protein.[1][2][3] Milk also contributes some salt, around 0.18 g per 200 ml, corresponding to about 70–80 mg sodium; some ready-to-drink Flat White products on the market can show considerably higher salt values.[1][5] For caffeine-sensitive individuals or pregnant women, the relatively high caffeine content (around 120 mg per cup) is important, while the milk base makes Flat White a nutritious yet comparatively moderate option when contrasted with heavily sweetened, syrup-based coffee beverages.