How many calories are in a 20 oz mocha latte?

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

A 20 oz mocha latte can contain anywhere from 350 to over 500 calories, with the exact number varying significantly based on the type of milk, chocolate syrup, and toppings used. This wide range means a simple ingredient swap can drastically change your drink's overall nutritional impact, and understanding the core components is essential for making an informed choice.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a 20 oz mocha latte varies considerably by vendor and ingredient choices, often ranging between 350 and 580+ calories, primarily influenced by the type of milk, the amount of chocolate, and the presence of whipped cream.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The number of calories in a 20 oz mocha latte depends heavily on ingredients and can range from 350 to over 500 calories.
Ingredient Impact: Milk choice, amount of chocolate syrup, and the addition of whipped cream are the main factors that influence the total calorie count.
Milk Matters: Swapping from whole milk to a lower-fat or non-dairy option like skim, almond, or soy milk is one of the most effective ways to cut calories.
Whipped Cream Tax: Omitting whipped cream is a simple way to reduce the total calorie and fat content by a significant amount.
Customization is Key: You can customize your mocha with sugar-free syrup and reduced pumps of chocolate to create a lighter, still flavorful beverage.
Brand Variations: Different coffee shops have different recipes, so the calorie count for a 20 oz mocha can vary significantly between vendors like Starbucks, The Coffee Bean, and Scooter's.

The Calorie Breakdown of a 20 oz Mocha

To understand the total number of calories in a 20 oz mocha latte, you have to look at its core components. The base of any mocha is espresso and steamed milk, but the major caloric additions come from chocolate and sweetener. The choice of milk and the generous addition of whipped cream can push a seemingly harmless coffee drink into a high-calorie indulgence.

The Major Calorie Contributors

Milk: A primary source of calories, with the fat content being the most impactful factor. A 20 oz mocha made with whole milk will have a much higher calorie count than one made with skim or a plant-based alternative.
Chocolate Syrup/Sauce: This ingredient is what turns a regular latte into a mocha. Depending on the brand and how much is used, a significant amount of sugar and calories are added. Some cafes may use less-caloric cocoa powder, while others might use a rich, sugary syrup.
Added Sugars and Flavorings: Many coffee shops use additional pumps of flavored syrups, which can increase the sugar and calorie count substantially.
Whipped Cream: This indulgent topping is a calorie-dense final flourish. It is often made with heavy cream and sugar, adding anywhere from 70 to 100+ calories on its own.

Comparison Table: 20 oz Mocha Calorie Counts

Below is a comparison of typical calorie counts for a 20 oz mocha latte from various popular coffee shops, illustrating the significant differences depending on the specific recipe and standard ingredients. Note that these can be altered with substitutions.


Vendor/Drink Description	Approximate Calories	Key Ingredients	Source
Starbucks Caffe Mocha (Venti, Whole Milk)	450	Espresso, mocha sauce, whole milk, whipped cream
The Coffee Bean 20 oz Mocha Latte	500	Espresso, chocolate powder/syrup, milk
Scooter's Coffee Mocha Latte (Large, Whole Milk)	490	Espresso, chocolate, whole milk
Moxie Java Caffe Mocha (20 oz)	350	Espresso, chocolate, milk
Moxie Java Mocha Breve (20 oz)	580	Espresso, chocolate, half-and-half

Customizing Your Mocha for Fewer Calories

If you love the taste of a mocha but want to reduce the calorie load, you have several options that can make a major difference without sacrificing flavor entirely. These simple swaps can transform your drink into a more health-conscious treat.

Lighter Ingredient Choices

Opt for Skim or Non-Dairy Milk: Switching from whole milk to skim milk, almond milk, or oat milk can cut a substantial number of calories. For example, a Starbucks Venti Caffe Mocha with almond milk is significantly lower in calories than the whole milk version.
Request Sugar-Free Syrup: Many coffee shops offer sugar-free chocolate syrup alternatives. While they use artificial sweeteners, they eliminate the sugar calories entirely.
Skip the Whipped Cream: Whipped cream is a significant calorie addition. Omitting this step is one of the easiest ways to save a large number of calories and fat without changing the fundamental espresso and chocolate flavor.
Ask for Half Syrup: Instead of the standard amount of chocolate syrup, ask for half the pumps. This will reduce the sweetness and the calorie count.
Choose a Smaller Size: A smaller drink inherently means fewer calories, assuming the same ingredients are used. Opting for a 16 oz or 12 oz size can be a simple solution.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie content of a 20 oz mocha latte is not a fixed number and typically falls between 350 and over 500 calories, heavily influenced by the type of milk, chocolate, and toppings. While a standard version is a high-calorie treat, consumers have numerous options to customize their drink and significantly reduce its nutritional impact. By making smarter choices with your ingredients, such as opting for skim milk, sugar-free syrup, or omitting whipped cream, you can enjoy the rich flavor of a mocha latte with fewer calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

A mocha typically has more calories than a standard latte of the same size because of the added chocolate syrup or powder, which introduces extra sugar and fat.

Yes, switching to skim milk from whole milk will reduce the calorie count of a mocha latte significantly, as whole milk contains more fat and calories.

Adding whipped cream can add a substantial number of calories, often ranging from 70 to over 100 calories, depending on the amount and recipe.

A sugar-free mocha can be a lower-calorie option, but the total count still depends on the milk and other ingredients. A sugar-free syrup helps, but it won't eliminate all calories, especially if whole milk or whipped cream is used.

For the same ingredients and size, the calorie count for hot versus iced mocha lattes will be similar. However, iced drinks may use less milk and more ice, which could slightly affect the total, or be served in larger cups.

Alternative milks vary widely. Unsweetened almond milk is generally one of the lowest-calorie options, while oat milk can be higher. This is a key factor to consider when estimating calories.

A mocha breve is made with half-and-half instead of milk. Because half-and-half is richer and higher in fat, a 20 oz mocha breve will have a significantly higher calorie count than a standard mocha latte, as shown by Moxie Java's 580-calorie breve.