Are macchiatos high in sugar? A nutritional guide to your favorite coffee

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

The amount of sugar in your macchiato varies dramatically depending on how it's prepared, with a traditional espresso macchiato containing minimal sugar while a popular chain's flavored caramel version can pack over 33 grams in a single serving. This significant nutritional gap means understanding what's in your cup is crucial for managing your dietary intake and making a healthier choice.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the nutritional content of different macchiato types, from the low-sugar espresso variety to the dessert-like caramel version. It details the added sugars and calories while providing actionable advice on how to customize your order for a healthier beverage.

Key Points

Two Types, Two Sugar Levels: A traditional espresso macchiato has minimal sugar, while a popular flavored caramel macchiato is typically very high in added sugar.
Syrups are the Culprit: The high sugar content in drinks like the caramel macchiato comes from multiple pumps of sweetened vanilla syrup and sugary caramel drizzle.
Less Milk, Less Sugar: Compared to a latte, a classic espresso macchiato is much lower in calories and sugar because it uses significantly less milk.
Smart Swaps are Key: You can greatly reduce sugar by using sugar-free syrups, unsweetened milk alternatives, or asking for a smaller size and light drizzle.
Control Your Ingredients at Home: The most effective way to manage sugar is to make your macchiato at home, allowing you to choose your ingredients and sweetness level precisely.

The Core Difference: Traditional vs. Flavored Macchiatos

When asking, "Are macchiatos high in sugar?" the first step is to clarify which type of macchiato is being discussed. The term "macchiato" actually refers to two very different beverages in the coffee world: the traditional caffè macchiato and the modern, popularized latte macchiato or flavored macchiato.

Caffè Macchiato (Espresso Macchiato)

Originating in Italy, the caffè macchiato is a simple, no-frills drink. Its name means "stained" or "marked" in Italian, referring to the small dollop of steamed milk or foam that "stains" the shot of espresso.

Ingredients: A shot of espresso and a small amount of steamed milk foam.
Sugar Content: The sugar content is extremely low, containing only the naturally occurring lactose from the tiny amount of milk used. For example, a Starbucks Espresso Macchiato (short size) contains 0 grams of added sugar.

Caramel Macchiato and Latte Macchiato

Unlike its traditional counterpart, the caramel macchiato is a layered dessert-like coffee beverage. The sugar in these drinks comes primarily from added syrups, not just the dairy.

Ingredients: Espresso, vanilla-flavored syrup, steamed milk, and a caramel sauce drizzle.
Sugar Content: This is where the sugar count skyrockets. A grande (16 oz) Starbucks Caramel Macchiato contains about 33 grams of sugar, mostly from the vanilla syrup and caramel topping. This is a significant amount and can lead to blood sugar spikes.

Deciphering the Sugar Content

Let's take a closer look at what contributes to the sugar in your cup. For a classic caffè macchiato, the only sugar present is the natural lactose found in milk. In contrast, for a flavored macchiato, the majority of the sugar is added and comes from several sources:

Syrups: A grande Starbucks Caramel Macchiato uses multiple pumps of vanilla syrup, each contributing a significant amount of sugar.
Caramel Drizzle: The caramel topping adds even more sugar and calories.
Milk: The larger quantity of steamed milk also adds more naturally occurring lactose compared to the small amount in a caffè macchiato.

Nutritional Information Breakdown

The table below highlights the dramatic difference in sugar and calorie content between a traditional espresso macchiato and a popular chain's version.


Feature	Classic Espresso Macchiato (2 oz)	Starbucks Caramel Macchiato (Grande)
Ingredients	Espresso, milk foam	Espresso, milk, vanilla syrup, caramel drizzle
Calories	~13 kcal	~250 kcal
Total Sugar	<1 g (from milk)	~33 g (mostly added)
Total Carbohydrates	<1 g	~35 g
Caffeine	~85 mg	~150 mg
Fat	<1 g	7 g

Strategies for a Healthier Macchiato

If you prefer the sweet, layered experience of a caramel macchiato but want to reduce your sugar intake, you can still enjoy your coffee with some smart modifications. Here's how to make a healthier choice:

Request Sugar-Free Syrups: Many coffee shops offer sugar-free vanilla syrup. This is the single most impactful change you can make to slash the sugar content.
Opt for Unsweetened Milk Alternatives: Switching from 2% or whole milk to unsweetened almond, coconut, or oat milk will further reduce calories and sugar.
Choose a Smaller Size: A smaller cup means fewer pumps of syrup and less milk, significantly lowering the sugar and calorie count.
Go Light on the Drizzle: Ask for a light drizzle of caramel or skip it entirely to cut back on the topping's high sugar content.
Add Natural Flavoring: For added flavor without extra sugar, try asking for a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Making Your Own Healthier Macchiato at Home

Controlling the ingredients is the best way to control the sugar. Making a macchiato at home gives you complete freedom to customize it to your dietary needs. Here is a simple recipe for a low-sugar alternative:

Low-Sugar Homemade Caramel Macchiato

Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1-2 tbsp sugar-free vanilla syrup
- 1-2 tbsp sugar-free caramel drizzle (or a very light, natural caramel sauce)
- Ice (for an iced version)
Instructions:
1. Brew your espresso shots and set them aside.
2. Pour the almond milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup into a glass.
3. For a hot macchiato, steam the milk and syrup together. For an iced version, add ice to the glass with the milk and syrup.
4. Pour the espresso shots over the milk to create the signature layered effect.
5. Top with a light drizzle of sugar-free caramel sauce.
6. Stir and enjoy!

The Impact of High Sugar Consumption on Your Diet

Regularly consuming high-sugar coffee drinks, such as a large flavored macchiato, can negatively impact your diet. High sugar intake is linked to weight gain and can cause blood sugar spikes, followed by a crash that can leave you feeling tired and craving more sugar. By understanding the sources of sugar in your coffee and making conscious choices, you can better manage your overall sugar consumption and support your health goals. Reducing your dependence on sugary additives also allows you to appreciate the nuanced flavors of the coffee itself.

Conclusion

In summary, the question "Are macchiatos high in sugar?" has two distinct answers. A traditional caffè macchiato is a low-sugar, espresso-forward beverage. However, a modern flavored macchiato, particularly the popular caramel version, is typically loaded with added sugar from syrups and drizzles. Your coffee choice can significantly impact your daily sugar intake. By understanding the composition of your drink and utilizing simple customizations like sugar-free syrups and alternative milks, you can enjoy a delicious macchiato that aligns with your nutritional goals without sacrificing flavor. Being mindful of these differences empowers you to make healthier, more informed decisions about your daily coffee ritual.

Learn more about healthy coffee options on Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a flavored caramel macchiato, like the popular grande size from Starbucks, is high in sugar, typically containing over 30 grams from added syrups and caramel drizzle.

No, a traditional espresso macchiato, which consists of just espresso and a dollop of milk foam, contains minimal sugar. Any sugar present is the naturally occurring lactose from the small amount of milk.

To reduce the sugar, you can ask for sugar-free syrups, use unsweetened non-dairy milk, request less or no caramel drizzle, and choose a smaller size.

A traditional espresso macchiato is healthier than a latte because it contains less milk, and therefore, fewer calories and sugar. However, a flavored caramel macchiato can be higher in sugar than many lattes due to added syrups.

Using unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or skim milk instead of whole milk can help lower the sugar and calorie count of your macchiato.

Yes, for a healthier option, you can experiment with natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or a small amount of maple syrup, which has a lower glycemic index.

A caffè macchiato is a shot of espresso with a small amount of milk foam on top. A latte macchiato contains significantly more steamed milk and is layered with a shot of espresso poured through the foam.