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What is a Cappuccino?

The cappuccino. The frothy, milky delight that's become a coffee staple worldwide. Whether you need a morning coffee or an afternoon treat, a cappuccino always hits the spot. But have you ever wondered what makes a cappuccino so special, and where it came from?

Well, a classic cappuccino is a beautiful blend of three equal parts: rich espresso, smooth steamed milk, and a cloud of fluffy milk froth. It's this perfect balance that makes it so irresistible. The cappuccino's story begins in Italy way back in the early 1900s when it was a popular breakfast drink. And the name? It's inspired by Italy’s Capuchin friars, whose brown robes were the same colour as this delicious coffee creation.

How to make a cappuccino?

1. Insert a cappuccino pod: Begin by choosing your favourite Cappuccino pod. Open the machine's pod holder and gently place the pod inside, ensuring it's properly seated. Close the holder securely.
2. Initiate brewing: Select the appropriate cup size for your cappuccino, usually indicated on the pod packaging. Once you've selected the size, press the start button on your NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® coffee pod machine. The machine will begin brewing a rich and flavourful espresso shot, the foundation of your cappuccino.
3. Add the milk: Once the espresso has finished brewing, carefully remove the used coffee pod and insert the milk pod that comes with your cappuccino selection. Press the start button again, and the machine will dispense the perfect amount of hot, frothy milk, creating that signature cappuccino texture.
4. Serve and enjoy: Your delicious cappuccino is now ready! Pour it into your mug and savour the rich aroma and milky texture. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a bit of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top.
Glass of frappé
How to make cappuccino without a machine?
We all love the convenience of our espresso machines, but if you don’t have one, there are other ways to achieve a delicious cappuccino at home. First, you’ll need to make the coffee base. While a traditional espresso machine is ideal for extracting the perfect shot, with an Aeropress, Moka pot, or French press you can create a rich, concentrated brew similar to espresso.

Differences between cappuccino and latte

While both cappuccinos and lattes are espresso-based beverages that incorporate steamed milk, their distinct characteristics lie in their milk-to-espresso ratios and foam textures.
A latte typically features a higher proportion of steamed milk to espresso, resulting in a smoother, milder flavour profile. A thin layer of foam adds a touch of visual appeal. Whereas, a cappuccino maintains a balanced ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and a prominent layer of airy foam. This balance creates a lighter texture while allowing the bold espresso flavour to take centre stage.
Ultimately, the choice between a cappuccino and a latte depends on individual preferences. Those seeking a more intense coffee experience often gravitate towards the cappuccino, while those who prefer a smoother, milkier beverage tend to favour the latte.


Types of cappuccinos

The cappuccino has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a simple Italian breakfast drink. These days, the cappuccino has evolved into a global coffee phenomenon, embracing a diverse range of flavours and variations to satisfy every palate and dietary preference.


Low-calorie options for cappuccino

Our skinny cappuccino has 50 calories per cup and provides the same creamy texture as our regular cappuccino. Be mindful of added sugars and syrups. Instead, opt for sweeteners like stevia or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a touch of sweet flavour. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious cappuccino that fits in with your lifestyle.
A person pouring milk into a cappuccino cup
Flavoured cappuccino
For those who like to venture beyond the classic cappuccino, there’s endless flavour combinations waiting. From the rich indulgence of chocolate to the sweet warmth of caramel or hazelnut, there's a flavoured cappuccino to suit every taste.

What is the difference between cappuccino and cortado?

Hailing from sunny Spain, the cortado is a coffee drink that's perfect for those who like their espresso with a little extra kick. It's made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, but unlike a cappuccino, it has very little foam. This means you get a much stronger coffee flavour that really shines through. It's a smaller, hotter drink than a cappuccino, making it ideal for those who prefer a quicker coffee fix without sacrificing taste.


Cappuccino pods vs freshly brewed?

While a freshly brewed cappuccino is delicious, it takes time to brew. Cappuccino pods deliver a close experience to a freshly brewed cup, but without any of the hassle. Our pods contain blended coffee and milk powder, sealed for freshness and pre-measured for perfect brewing every time. With a pod in your coffee machine and the press of a button, your cappuccino will be ready in seconds. Ultimately, the cappuccino's perfect balance of espresso, milk, and foam is what has solidified its status as a timeless coffee classic.
Whether you savour the traditional simplicity or prefer to experiment with different flavour combinations, there's a cappuccino to suit every taste. For more coffee insights, check out our World of Coffee blog.
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