Does a macchiato have carbs? Understanding Coffee Shop Nutrition

A traditional espresso macchiato contains only about 1-2 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from a small dash of milk or foam. So, does a macchiato have carbs? The answer depends heavily on the type you're ordering, especially when dealing with sweetened coffee shop concoctions.

Quick Summary

A traditional macchiato has minimal carbs, but modern flavored versions can have a significant sugar load. The drink's carb count varies based on added milk, syrups, and drizzles. Adjustments like choosing sugar-free syrups or alternative milks can create a low-carb option.

Key Points

• Low Carb in Traditional Macchiato: An authentic espresso macchiato has minimal carbs, typically just 1-2 grams from a small amount of milk or foam.

• High Carbs in Flavored Versions: Modern coffee shop macchiatos, especially those with caramel, have high carb counts due to sugary syrups and drizzles.

• Milk Choice Influences Carbs: The type and amount of milk used is a primary carb source. Traditional macchiatos use very little, while latte macchiatos use more.

• Keto-Friendly Options Exist: You can order a low-carb macchiato by specifying unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream and using sugar-free syrups.

• Espresso is Carb-Free: The espresso base of the drink itself contains virtually no carbohydrates.

The Core Components: What’s in a Macchiato?

To answer the question, "Does a macchiato have carbs?", it's essential to understand its traditional makeup versus modern iterations. The term macchiato is Italian for “stained” or “marked,” and originally refers to a small amount of espresso “stained” with a touch of steamed milk or foam. This classic version is a very different beverage from the layered, often sugary drinks found at popular coffee chains today. The carb count is determined by the ingredients, which can vary dramatically.

Traditional Espresso Macchiato

In its most authentic form, an espresso macchiato has a very low carb count. The primary ingredients are simply espresso and a small amount of steamed milk or foam. Unsweetened espresso itself contains virtually no carbohydrates. A small splash of milk is the source of any carbs present, with the amount depending on the type of milk. For example, a single-shot espresso macchiato from Starbucks contains only 2 grams of total carbohydrates, with 0 grams of sugar, making it an excellent low-carb or keto-friendly choice.

Modern Flavored Macchiatos

The landscape changes entirely with flavored macchiatos, like the popular Caramel Macchiato. These drinks are often built on a latte macchiato foundation, meaning steamed milk is “marked” with espresso, rather than the other way around. The addition of sweetened syrups and caramel drizzles dramatically increases the carbohydrate and sugar content.

For instance, a Grande (16 oz) Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks contains 35 grams of total carbohydrates, with 33 grams of that coming from sugar alone. The carbs come from three main sources:

• Milk: A higher volume of milk, especially whole milk, contributes lactose (milk sugar).
• Syrup: Flavored syrups are a potent source of sugar. Starbucks' Caramel Macchiato uses vanilla syrup.
• Drizzle: The caramel drizzle on top adds even more sugar.

The Breakdown: Where the Carbs Come From

The source of carbohydrates in a macchiato is key to managing your intake. It all comes down to the milk and any added sweeteners.

• Dairy Milk: All dairy milk contains lactose, a natural milk sugar. The carb content varies slightly depending on the fat percentage. For example, a larger quantity of milk used in a latte macchiato will naturally contain more carbs than the small splash in an espresso macchiato.
• Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives: The carb content in plant-based milks varies. Unsweetened almond milk and coconut milk are typically very low in carbohydrates, often containing 1 gram or less per cup. On the other hand, oat milk can be higher in carbs.
• Flavored Syrups and Sauces: These are the biggest culprits for a high carb count. A single pump of standard coffee syrup can add several grams of sugar. Most coffee shops offer sugar-free syrup alternatives that use artificial sweeteners to provide flavor without the carbs.

Comparison Table: Carb Content by Macchiato Type

Macchiato Type	Key Ingredients	Estimated Total Carbs	Notes
Traditional Espresso Macchiato	Espresso, small amount of steamed milk/foam	~1-2g	Carb source is milk lactose; very low carb.
Cafe Macchiato	Espresso, small amount of milk/foam	~1g	Often similar to the traditional version; low carb.
Caramel Macchiato (Standard)	Espresso, milk, vanilla syrup, caramel drizzle	~35g	High in sugar from syrups and milk.
Latte Macchiato (Standard)	Milk, espresso, foam	~13-20g+	Higher milk content increases carbs; depends on size.
Keto Caramel Macchiato	Espresso, heavy cream or nut milk, sugar-free vanilla syrup, light sugar-free caramel drizzle	~5-7g	Modified version with reduced carbs.

Strategies for a Low-Carb Diet

If you are on a low-carb, keto, or other sugar-restricted diet, you can still enjoy a macchiato by making a few smart substitutions. The key is to control the source of carbohydrates, mainly the added sugars.

Here's how to craft a lower-carb macchiato:

1. Opt for a Traditional Espresso Macchiato: The simplest and safest option is to stick with the classic, which is naturally low in carbs.
2. Request Sugar-Free Syrups: Most major coffee chains offer sugar-free vanilla, caramel, and other flavors. Specify that you want sugar-free versions and ensure they don't add any regular syrup.
3. Use Alternative Milks: Swap dairy milk for a lower-carb alternative. Unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk are great choices. For a creamier, higher-fat option suitable for keto, use heavy cream.
4. Go Light on the Drizzle: If ordering a caramel macchiato, ask for either very light caramel drizzle or no drizzle at all, as this is a hidden source of carbs.
5. Be Specific with Your Order: At coffee shops, be precise. For example, "I'd like a tall macchiato with almond milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup, and light caramel drizzle." Double-checking with the barista is also a good practice.

Conclusion: The Right Macchiato for Your Diet

The carb count of a macchiato is not universal, ranging from nearly zero to a significant sugar load depending on preparation and customization. A traditional espresso macchiato is a fundamentally low-carb beverage due to its minimal milk content. However, the popular, flavored versions ubiquitous in modern coffee culture can be surprisingly high in sugar, mainly from syrups and added drizzles. By being aware of the ingredients and leveraging simple modifications—like using sugar-free syrups and low-carb milks—you can easily enjoy a macchiato that aligns with your nutritional goals.

References

• Starbucks Coffee Company. (n.d.). Espresso Macchiato: Nutrition. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/412/hot/nutrition
• Nutritionix. (n.d.). Calories in Cafe Macchiato. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.nutritionix.com/food/cafe-macchiato
• Starbucks Coffee Company. (n.d.). Caramel Macchiato: Nutrition. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/413/hot/nutrition
• Ketofocus. (2019, August 04). Coffeehouse Keto Caramel Macchiato Recipe. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.ketofocus.com/recipes/keto-caramel-macchiato/
• Nutritionix. (n.d.). Calories in Macchiato. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.nutritionix.com/food/macchiato
• Starbucks Coffee Company. (n.d.). Caramel Macchiato: Nutrition. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/413/hot/nutrition
• LEX18. (2018, July 31). 12 Keto-Friendly Starbucks Orders. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.lex18.com/keto-starbucks-orders/
• Ruled Me. (2022, January 05). 8+ Keto Starbucks Hacks + Low Carb Menu Options. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.ruled.me/starbucks-drinks-and-hacks-for-the-keto-diet/
• Onlymyhealth. (2022, April 27). Cappuccino Vs Macchiato Vs Latte: What Is The Difference? Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.onlymyhealth.com/difference-between-cappuccino-macchiato-latte-1651034432
• Carb Manager. (n.d.). Carbs in Espresso Regular Prepared Without Milk Or Sugar. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.carbmanager.com/food-detail/md:e36f48c2f5de818a63156a7c1da3228c/espresso-regular-prepared-without-milk-or-sugar
• Limini Coffee. (n.d.). Caffe latte, latte, macchiato, cappuccino... what does it all mean?. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.liminicoffee.co.uk/article_latte_cappuccino_etc
• staresso. (2024, June 17). What's the Difference Between Macchiato and Latte?. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://staresso.com/blogs/espresso/whats-the-difference-between-macchiato-and-latte

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a caramel macchiato have carbs?

Yes, a standard caramel macchiato contains a significant amount of carbohydrates and sugar, primarily due to the sweetened vanilla syrup and caramel drizzle added to the drink. A typical large-sized caramel macchiato can have over 30 grams of sugar and carbs.

What's the carb difference between a macchiato and a latte?

A traditional macchiato has far fewer carbs than a latte. A macchiato is mostly espresso with a 'stain' of milk foam, while a latte is mostly steamed milk with espresso. Since milk contains lactose (a sugar), the higher milk volume in a latte results in a higher carb count.

How can I order a low-carb macchiato at Starbucks?

To order a low-carb macchiato at Starbucks, ask for a traditional espresso macchiato. If you want a sweeter drink, request sugar-free vanilla syrup and replace regular milk with a low-carb alternative like unsweetened almond milk or a splash of heavy cream.

Do espresso shots contain carbs?

No, pure espresso contains a negligible amount of carbohydrates. The carbs in a macchiato come from the milk and any added syrups or sweeteners, not the coffee itself.

Is a macchiato keto-friendly?

A traditional espresso macchiato with just a dash of milk is keto-friendly due to its low carb count. However, flavored and large-sized macchiatos from coffee shops are not. To make them suitable for a keto diet, they must be customized with sugar-free syrups and low-carb milks.

What's the difference between an espresso macchiato and a latte macchiato?

An espresso macchiato is a shot of espresso marked with a small amount of milk foam. A latte macchiato is a glass of steamed milk marked with a shot of espresso, resulting in a much milkier and higher-carb drink.

Why does my macchiato from the coffee shop taste so sweet?

If your macchiato is very sweet, it is likely a latte macchiato from a popular coffee chain, not a traditional espresso macchiato. These drinks contain large amounts of sweetened syrup and milk, which significantly increases the sugar and carb content.