Does a French Vanilla Latte Have Caffeine in It?

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

An average single shot of espresso contains roughly 63 milligrams of caffeine, and since a traditional French vanilla latte is made with espresso, it will certainly contain caffeine. The exact amount, however, can vary depending on the number of espresso shots, the coffee shop, and the preparation method.

Quick Summary

A French vanilla latte is caffeinated because it is an espresso-based drink. The specific caffeine level depends on the number of espresso shots used, typically ranging from 63 to 126 mg or more. You can request a decaffeinated version.

Key Points

Caffeine Source: The caffeine in a French vanilla latte comes from the espresso base, not the milk or vanilla flavoring.
Variable Content: The amount of caffeine can range from 63 mg for a single-shot latte to 150 mg or more for a double or triple shot.
Espresso Shots Matter: The number of espresso shots is the primary factor determining the caffeine level in your drink.
Decaf Option Available: You can order a decaf French vanilla latte to get the flavor with a minimal amount of caffeine.
Mildness is Deceptive: The creamy texture from the milk makes the caffeine feel less intense, but the total amount is still present.
Chain Variation: Standard caffeine content may differ between coffee chains and independent shops, depending on their specific recipes and espresso blends.

What is a French Vanilla Latte?

A French vanilla latte is a popular coffee drink that combines the rich flavor of espresso with steamed milk and a generous amount of French vanilla syrup. The "French vanilla" flavor is typically an added syrup, differentiating it from a standard latte. The foundational components are what determine its caffeine content: the espresso provides the stimulant, while the steamed milk and flavored syrup balance the strong coffee taste with sweetness and creaminess.

The Espresso Base

The caffeine in a French vanilla latte comes almost exclusively from the espresso. Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, resulting in a concentrated shot of coffee. The strength and size of this component are the primary factors affecting the final caffeine amount.

Flavoring and Milk

The addition of French vanilla syrup and steamed milk does not increase the caffeine content. Instead, they dilute the intensity of the espresso flavor and make the drink sweeter and creamier. For those sensitive to the strong taste of coffee but still seeking a caffeine boost, this balance is often appealing.

Factors Influencing Caffeine Content

While the base of a latte is consistent, several variables can cause the total caffeine to fluctuate. Understanding these can help you better manage your daily intake.

Number of Espresso Shots

The most significant factor is the number of espresso shots in the drink. A small or standard-size latte often contains one shot, while larger sizes or special requests might include two or even three shots.

Single-Shot Latte: A smaller latte typically has one shot of espresso, equating to approximately 63-75 mg of caffeine.
Double-Shot Latte: Larger drinks often come with two shots, doubling the caffeine content to around 126-150 mg.

Coffee Shop and Customization

Different coffee chains have varying standard recipes for their lattes. A large, standardized chain may use a different espresso blend and shot size than a smaller, independent cafe, leading to slight variations in caffeine levels. Most coffee shops also offer customizable options, such as extra shots of espresso, which will increase the caffeine.

Decaffeination Process

For those who prefer a non-caffeinated option, requesting a decaf French vanilla latte is the solution. While not entirely caffeine-free, decaf coffee has had at least 97% of its caffeine removed, with an average cup containing only about 2-5 mg of caffeine. This allows you to enjoy the flavor without the stimulating effects.

French Vanilla Latte vs. Other Coffee Drinks: Caffeine Comparison

To put the caffeine content of a French vanilla latte into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular coffee beverages. The caffeine content shown is an average and can vary by size and brand.


Drink	Serving Size	Approximate Caffeine Content	Key Difference
French Vanilla Latte	12-16 oz	63-150 mg (depends on shots)	Espresso with steamed milk and vanilla syrup
Brewed Coffee	8 oz	95 mg	More concentrated caffeine per oz than a latte
Cappuccino	6 oz	63-126 mg (depends on shots)	Less milk and more foam, creating a stronger coffee flavor
Espresso Shot	1 oz	63 mg	Highly concentrated coffee base
Cold Brew Coffee	12 oz	150-200 mg	Higher caffeine content from longer steeping process
Decaf Coffee	8 oz	2-5 mg	Very minimal caffeine due to decaffeination process

The Role of Milk and Flavorings

The milk and vanilla flavoring in a latte serve to balance and mellow the strong espresso flavor, not to change the caffeine level. The perception of a milder drink sometimes leads people to assume it has less caffeine, but the total amount is still present, albeit spread out within a larger, milk-heavy beverage. This can result in a more gradual absorption of caffeine into the body, avoiding the intense spike often associated with a straight shot of espresso.

Conclusion

In summary, a French vanilla latte does contain caffeine, as its foundation is one or more shots of espresso. The total amount can vary significantly based on how it is prepared, most notably the number of espresso shots included. For a typical medium-sized latte, you can expect a caffeine range between 63 and 150 mg, though requesting a decaf version is always an option for those seeking the flavor without the buzz. The added milk and vanilla syrup provide a creamy, sweet contrast but do not affect the stimulant content sourced from the espresso.

For more information on the caffeine content of common beverages, you can consult the Center for Science in the Public Interest's guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard medium French vanilla latte typically contains around 126 to 150 mg of caffeine from two shots of espresso, although smaller or customizable drinks may have less.

Yes, you can order a French vanilla latte made with decaffeinated espresso, which removes 97% or more of the caffeine. It will still contain a minimal amount, usually 2-5 mg.

No, the French vanilla syrup used to flavor the latte does not contain caffeine. The caffeine comes from the espresso shots.

The caffeine content can be similar, but lattes typically have slightly less caffeine per ounce due to the added milk. A regular 8 oz coffee might have around 95 mg, while a single-shot latte has about 63 mg.

Yes, if it's an espresso-based drink, a French vanilla cappuccino will contain caffeine. Like a latte, the amount depends on the number of espresso shots used.

Yes, generally. Cold brew coffee is known for having a higher caffeine content than most espresso-based drinks due to its longer steeping process. A 12 oz cold brew can have 150-200 mg of caffeine.

No, adding more vanilla syrup will only make the drink sweeter and will not increase the amount of caffeine. The caffeine level is determined by the espresso.