Flat White Coffee Starbucks Style: What You Need to Know and How to Brew Better with Bazan Coffee

Flat white coffee Starbucks style has become a go-to choice for coffee lovers looking for something smoother and stronger than a latte, but not as foamy as a cappuccino. Originating from Down Under, this espresso-based drink made its way into Starbucks’ global menu in 2015 and has since sparked debates among baristas, coffee purists, and specialty roasters.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what a flat white coffee from Starbucks really is, how it compares to traditional versions, and why brewing it with Bazan Coffee’s specialty beans can elevate your experience.

What Is a Flat White Coffee at Starbucks?

At Starbucks, the flat white is made using:

• 2 ristretto shots of Starbucks’ Signature Espresso Roast

• Steamed whole milk with microfoam

• Served in a 6 oz ‘short’ cup (or larger if requested)

Starbucks Flat White Key Traits:

• Creamier than a latte

• Espresso-forward

• Served with a dot of milk foam on top

“The flat white is made with whole milk and a higher coffee-to-milk ratio than a latte, designed to highlight the espresso.”

Flat White Coffee Starbucks vs Traditional Flat White

Over-steamed milk can obscure espresso flavors in darker roasts, making origin clarity difficult.

How Starbucks’ Version Affects the Flavor

Flavor Profile:

• Creamy and bold

• Less acidic than a cappuccino

• Often has a smoky, roasty finish due to their dark roast

However, the over-roasted beans used at Starbucks can mask origin clarity, making the drink taste uniform regardless of the bean's original terroir.

“High-temp roasting like Starbucks' Italian-style roast tends to flatten out fruit and floral notes, replacing them with bitter or burnt sugar tones.”

Flat White Coffee Starbucks Calories and Nutrition

Starbucks Tall Flat White (12 oz):

• Calories: 170

• Fat: 9g

• Sugar: 13g

• Caffeine: ~130mg

Note: Customizations (plant milk, syrups, larger sizes) will significantly alter these values.

For health-conscious consumers, using a lighter roast with less milk or opting for oat milk can reduce calories while preserving complexity.

How to Make a Better Flat White at Home with Bazan Coffee

If you want more flavor complexity and a cleaner, brighter finish than what Starbucks offers, try crafting a flat white with Bazan beans.

What You Need:

• Espresso machine with steam wand

• Whole milk or oat milk

• 18g Bazan espresso-ground beans (recommendations below)

Flat White Coffee Recipe:

1. Pull a double espresso or double ristretto (18g in, 36g out)

2. Steam 120 ml milk to 60–65°C (140–150°F) with fine microfoam

3. Pour milk directly into the espresso with a flat, even surface no cappuccino foam

Best Bazan Beans for Flat White Coffee

Why Bazan?

Bazan’s small-batch, hand-picked Vietnamese beans grown on red volcanic soil produce caramel, chocolate, and spice tones that naturally complement milk.

“Medium-roast Robusta, when fermented properly, can outperform even Arabica in milk drinks due to its higher body and chocolate base.”

Starbucks vs Specialty Flat White: What’s the Difference?

Starbucks gives you consistency. Bazan gives you character.

FAQs About Flat White Coffee at Starbucks

What is a flat white coffee at Starbucks?

A bold espresso drink with steamed whole milk microfoam, richer and smaller than a latte.

Is Starbucks flat white stronger than a latte?

Yes, because of the double ristretto and lower milk volume, making it more concentrated.

Can I order a flat white with oat milk?

Yes. It’s a common customization that adds sweetness and reduces fat.

Does Starbucks use Robusta or Arabica?

Their Espresso Roast is a blend of mostly dark-roasted Arabica beans.

Final Thoughts: Better Flat Whites Begin with Better Beans

While Starbucks’ flat white is accessible and comforting, it lacks the nuance and transparency of a true specialty coffee experience. If you’re serious about flavor and want to experience how great beans behave in milk Bazan Coffee is a better choice.

With traceable sourcing, natural fermentation, and roast precision, Bazan delivers espresso blends designed for milk-based drinks, allowing you to recreate or upgrade your flat white at home.

Elevate Your Flat White Ritual with Bazan Coffee

• Hand-picked beans from Vietnam’s best terroirs

• Ideal roast profiles for microfoam integration

• Sustainable, small-batch quality

👉 Shop Bazan Coffee Now and brew better flat whites every morning.