Introduction
The European continent is well-known for its obsession with caffeine. In fact, Europe is the largest importer of coffee, averaging almost 3.62 million tonnes in 2021 alone.
It’s no secret that caffeine has a stronger hold on the population than its milder counterpart—tea. The truest test of any barista’s skill is their ability to brew different varieties of coffee.
No version of coffee is as difficult as the one we plan to discuss in this blog—the cappuccino. Most of us who drink regular coffee might struggle to differentiate the cappuccino coffee from other types of coffee, so this blog will clear up all your confusion.
Also Check – The Best Lite Eat Foods at Jonah’s Bistro
What is a Cappuccino?
The cappuccino is the perfect treat for a long day that is well spent. The aroma of roasted coffee beans will fill your nostrils as this decadent drink is prepared precisely by the skilled barista at your local cafe.
But what is it? A cappuccino is a balancing act—almost like a circus in your mouth. It blends steamed milk and foam with a shot of espresso to give rise to a frothy yet tasty treat that coats your taste buds in the sweet and aromatic taste of rich caffeine.
Cappuccinos are meant to be earthy and flavourful—often with a gentle sprinkle of sugar on top. It is meant to be mildly sweet without giving off an acidic tinge. The milk added to this tasty concoction is not mixed in—and this offsets its strong tang and sweetness.
Cappuccino Origins: A Brief History of its Creation
Have you ever wondered how a drink made of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam became known as a cappuccino? According to history, this drink is named after the Capuchin friars of Italy.
The Capuchin friars of the Franciscan order were often recognised for their distinct robes. These robes were dark brown, with a long hood that hung around their shoulders. This hood was known as the cappuccio—this is where the name came from.
When the cappuccino was invented, its deep brown colour closely resembled the robes of the Capuchin order. The term cappuccino became a whimsical word that referred to the drink that resembled these priestly robes—and the name stuck.
The word was later borrowed into the English language in the late 1800s.
Cappuccino vs. Other Popular Coffee Varieties
For those of you who are budding coffee drinkers, all options might look the same. However, as you explore deeper into this caffeine rabbit hole, you will realise that there are plenty of different types of beverages that can be crafted from the simple coffee bean.
Here is a closer look at how popular coffee beverages stack up against one another. Each one has its own flavour profile and richness, so take a look and see which coffee beverage is perfect enough to supercharge your tastebuds.
| Feature | Cappuccino | Latte | Flat White | Macchiato |
| Espresso Content | 1 shot (or 2 shots in some cases) | 1-2 shots | 1-2 shots | 1 shot |
| Milk Proportion | Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam (1:1:1) | More steamed milk, less foam | Less milk, smooth microfoam | A small amount of milk foam |
| Foam Thickness | Thick, airy foam | Light foam on top | Thin layer of microfoam | Minimal foam |
| Texture & Mouthfeel | Light, airy, and balanced | Creamy, smooth, and rich | Velvety with a silky finish | Bold with minimal milk |
| Taste Strength | Balanced espresso and milk | Milder coffee flavour due to more milk | Stronger than a latte but smoother than a cappuccino | Strong coffee taste with slight milk hint |
| Serving Size | 6 oz (180 ml) | 8-12 oz (240-360 ml) | 5-6 oz (150-180 ml) | 2-3 oz (60-90 ml) |
| Best For | Morning coffee, a balance of milk and coffee | Those who prefer more milk with their coffee | Coffee lovers who enjoy a bold espresso flavour with a smooth finish | Strong espresso lovers with minimal milk |
| Common Variations | Wet/Dry, Iced, Flavoured | Flavoured lattes (vanilla, caramel, etc.) | Double shot flat white | Caramel or espresso macchiato |
The Many Health Benefits of Cappuccino Coffee
A cappuccino does more than just deliver your daily dose of tingling, tasty caffeine. There are many genuine health benefits to drinking coffee. Let’s take a closer look at how a healthy dose of cappuccino can enhance your daily life.
1. Cappuccino can Boost your Energy and Alertness
- A single shot of espresso in a cappuccino contains around 63 mg of caffeine. This can improve your concentration and reduce overall fatigue.
- Caffeine is great at blocking adenosine—which is a neurochemical responsible for making you feel tired. By blocking adenosine, you get a mental boost in concentration.
- Having a cappuccino in the morning or afternoon can act as a great pick-me-up for improving productivity.
2. Supports Mental Well-being
- Caffeine also acts as a mood enhancer by stimulating the release of dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical.
- Drinking cappuccinos at cafes with friends is a great way to keep your mood up and engage in healthy social interaction.
- The espresso used in making cappuccino also contains antioxidants like chlorogenic acid—which can combat inflammation and oxidative stress—and is good for supporting brain health.
3. Provides Essential Nutrients
- Cappuccino is made with steamed milk, which is a great source of essential nutrients like:
- Calcium, which supports bone health
- Multiple Proteins that are essential for muscle repair and growth
- Vitamin B12 which is crucial for both nerve function and red blood cell formation
- Espresso also contains trace amounts of micronutrients like magnesium, potassium, and niacin, which are important to overall health.
4. May Aid in Weight Management
- Caffeine is known to greatly improve metabolism. It promotes fat oxidation—acting as a possible supporter on your weight loss journey.
- Some people feel less hungry after drinking a cappuccino. This can help curb unnecessary snacking by suppressing your appetite.
- Unsweetened cappuccino is low in calories—making it a smart choice over other sugary beverages.
5. Improves Heart Health (in moderation)
- Research has shown that drinking 1-2 cups of coffee a day can help people reduce the risk of heart disease by staving off inflammation and amplifying the function of red blood vessels.
- Calcium and potassium in steamed milk are also essential for maintaining healthy blood vessels.
- Please note: Excessive consumption of caffeine can raise blood pressure as well as other adverse effects—use in moderation to get the best out of each cup of coffee.
- 6/ Supports Digestive Health
- Caffeine is known to stimulate gastric secretions—which is useful in digestion soon after a meal.
- Individuals with lactose intolerance can substitute steamed with oat or almond milk—which is much easier on the stomach.
Nutritional Breakdown of a Standard Cappuccino
Here is the nutritional breakdown of a typical cup of cappuccino.
Specification: 180 mL with 1 shot of espresso and whole milk (no added sugar or flavouring)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 65-80 |
| Total Fat | 3-4 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 2-3 grams |
| Cholesterol | 10-15 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | 6-8 grams |
| Sugars | 5-6 grams |
| Protein | 4-5 grams |
| Caffeine | Approximately 63 mg (1 shot of espresso) |
| Calcium | Approximately 120 mg (12% of daily use) |
| Vitamin B12 | Approximately 0.5 mg (20% of daily use) |
Jonah’s Bistro: Taste the Richness of Cappuccino and Experience Fine Dining in Chennai
Jonah’s Bistro was created with the vision of bringing the rich taste of fine dining to the streets of Chennai. We hold that to be true no matter what cuisine your mouth is watering for. We have an all-inclusive menu that contains everything from Italian and Asian cuisine to Pan-Asian and American delights.
Jonah’s Bistro was a vision borne from the minds of a father-son duo who felt that the culinary palette of the city was lacking a pop of vibrance. We endeavoured to change that dullness, livening up the culinary scene in Chennai with a chain of bistros that uphold our high standards.
Our chefs are given exemplary training to deliver the highest quality of service. This attention to detail also extends to our expert baristas, who are trained to deliver a caffeinated flavour profile that is out of this world.
If you are craving the richest cappuccino experience in Chennai—we’ve got your next caffeine hookup at Jonah’s Bistro.
Call ahead or walk right into any of our bistros in Chennai and let your taste buds soar.
Takeaways
- A cappuccino is a beverage that consists of espresso + steamed milk + milk foam in a ratio of 1:1:1
- The cappuccino gets its name from the Capuchin monks of Italy due to its rich brown colour that resembles the robes of the monks.
- Other popular coffee concoctions include the Latte, Machiatto and the Flat white—all of which differ in the way they are prepared.
- All these drinks offer caffeine, richness and texture in different doses, and avid coffee drinkers are free to choose according to their own preferences.
- There are many health benefits to caffeine when coffee is taken in moderation.
- Jonah’s Bistro is the premium spot for rich and flavourful cappuccinos in Chennai.
FAQs
1. Are cappuccinos and lattes the same thing?
Cappuccinos contain equal parts of foam, steamed milk and espresso. Lattes, on the other hand, are made with more steamed milk and less foam, making them creamier and lighter than cappuccinos.
2. Can cappuccinos be made with plant-based milk?
Yes, if you are not a fan of steamed milk, you can replace regular milk with alternatives like soy, almond, oat, etc.
3. How much caffeine does a cappuccino contain?
A standard cappuccino contains 1 shot of espresso—which is approximately 63 mg of caffeine.
4. Is cappuccino high in calories?
A standard 180 mL cappuccino contains roughly 65-80 calories. You can use plant-based milk to taper down the calorie count.
5. Can you drink cappuccinos every day?
Yes, it is possible to drink cappuccinos daily. It is recommended to exercise moderation—drinking only 1-2 cups daily. Overconsumption of coffee can cause side effects like insomnia, jitters, sleep disturbances, etc.
