From liquid milk to microfoam
Steam adds heat and air. When the bubbles stay very small, the milk looks glossy and pours as one texture instead of separating into liquid and dry foam.
Spot the difference between foam and milk
- Fine microfoam has tiny bubbles and a glossy surface. It pours with the liquid milk rather than sitting as a stiff mound above it.
- A cappuccino has a fuller foam layer. A latte uses more liquid milk. Neither name guarantees a particular espresso dose.
- At home, start with cold milk and use your machine's steaming instructions. Overheating can give the milk a cooked flavour; making it hotter is not a shortcut to better foam.
What does it taste like?
Warm milk rounds acidity and bitterness. Thin microfoam feels silky; a larger foam cap feels lighter and airier on the first sip.
What about caffeine?
Steamed milk does not add caffeine. The espresso or tea beneath it determines the caffeine in the drink.
Who might enjoy it?
- You want to understand why milk drinks feel different.
- You are choosing between latte and cappuccino.
- You notice texture as much as flavour.