Is there such a thing as a "Big Flat White"?

The flat white has been the subject of debate for some time now. At least, according to some. The issue that ignited the latest controversy is quite simple: milk. Or rather, too much milk. The fact that some cafes now serve flat whites in two different sizes, "small" and "large," is seen as almost a crime by those who consider this drink sacred.

The objection is: “A large flat white is an oxymoron. It’s a betrayal of the spirit of this drink that Australia gave to the world.” The answer, however, might be simpler: You might be a little late to this debate.

Why has the Flat White controversy flared up now?

This view was revived by an article published in The Guardian's "Petty Gripes" column. The article claimed that the large flat white spoils the essence of the drink, that it is "diluted" with too much milk, and that it ceases to be a true flat white.

However, the confusion over size and definition in espresso-based milk drinks is nothing new. Cappuccino, latte, cortado, and especially macchiato have been deviating from their original definitions for years. Flat white is now sharing the same fate.

But there is a crucial difference here.

The Real Problem with Flat White: It Lacks a Clear Definition

What sets flat white apart from other milk-based espresso drinks is that it doesn't actually have a clear definition. There's no consensus on either its volume or the ratio of espresso used.

A large-scale study conducted years ago failed to reach a common definition, even among Australians and New Zealanders. The only point of convergence was that flat white is a "small" drink—roughly like a small latte.

But single shot or double shot? What should the milk-to-espresso ratio be? How thin should the foam be?

There is no real agreement on any of these.

Why is the Size Debate Pointless?

It naturally becomes pointless to argue about the size of a beverage when its definition is unclear. To claim that a beverage cannot be "big," its "normal" size must first be precisely defined.

Otherwise, the issue becomes more about personal preference than the drink itself.

Where do the perceptions of "strong" and "mild" coffee come from?

There's a common phrase used in these discussions: More milk = mild coffee, Less milk = strong coffee.

These terms are actually normative. "Mild" is presented as bad, and "harsh" as good.

However, the purpose of espresso drinks with milk is precisely to balance the espresso with milk. Flat whites are no exception. Nobody drinks a flat white as a pure display of power. It's essentially warm milk with a touch of coffee. And in that form, it's incredibly delicious.

But it's not "hard".

Do customers really not know what they want?

The article makes another claim: if people are ordering things like "iced cappuccino," they don't actually know what they want.

This perspective is quite problematic. Most likely, people know exactly what they want, they just don't have the right words to express it. Reasons for this include:

• The fact that drinks like flat white are not clearly defined from the outset

• Global chains are using existing coffee names for completely different beverages.

There are factors such as these.

The problem isn't with the customer, it's with the coffee terminology itself.

"Beverage Shame" and the Coffee Hierarchy

One of the most disturbing aspects of the debate is the implicit judgments made based on beverages. Claims that those who order a large flat white actually want a latte but "can't admit it" reflect a hidden hierarchy that still exists in the coffee world.

However, none of the milk-based drinks are more "embarrassing" than the others. It's entirely a matter of personal preference.

What exactly is Flat White?

Let's be clear after all this talk:

A flat white is, in practice, a smaller version of a latte. It's slightly less frothy and has a slightly "cooler" name.

This is everything.

Serving it in a large size is neither a betrayal of coffee nor a cultural crime. It's simply another example of the shift in definition that the coffee world has been experiencing for years.

And yes, if you're ordering a flat white, that's probably exactly what you want.