How many calories are in a caramel latte with skimmed milk? A comprehensive nutritional guide

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

A grande Skinny Caramel Latte with nonfat milk from Starbucks contains roughly 130 calories, according to some nutrition tracking sites. But the final count for how many calories are in a caramel latte with skimmed milk depends heavily on the specific recipe, serving size, and brand.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a skim milk caramel latte varies by brand and size, typically ranging from 130 to over 200 calories due to added sugars and syrups.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A caramel latte with skimmed milk can contain anywhere from 130 to over 200 calories, depending on brand, size, and added ingredients.
Skim vs. Whole Milk: Switching from whole milk to skim milk reduces calories and fat, saving around 60-70 calories per cup.
Caramel Syrup is Key: The vast majority of a caramel latte's calories come from the high-sugar caramel syrup or sauce, not the milk or espresso.
Customizations Matter: Opting for sugar-free caramel syrup and skipping the caramel drizzle are the most effective ways to lower the calorie count.
Check Brand Nutrition: Different coffee chains have different recipes and serving sizes, so check the specific brand's nutritional facts for an accurate count.

Decoding the Caramel Latte: The Calorie Breakdown

At its core, a caramel latte with skimmed milk is made of three primary components: espresso, skim milk, and caramel sauce or syrup. While the espresso contributes a negligible amount of calories (just 1-5 calories per shot), the milk and syrup are where the calories add up. Choosing skim milk significantly reduces the overall fat and calorie content compared to whole milk, but the sugar-laden caramel syrup remains the dominant caloric factor.

The Role of Skim Milk vs. Whole Milk

Skim milk is essentially whole milk with its fat removed, which directly impacts the caloric value. A cup of skim milk contains around 83 calories, while a cup of whole milk can contain up to 150 calories. This makes skim milk an excellent choice for reducing the calorie load of a latte without sacrificing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. However, some coffee connoisseurs might argue that the creaminess and mouthfeel of whole milk are superior. For those watching their weight or saturated fat intake, the lower-calorie option of skim milk is a clear winner.

The Sweet, Caloric Truth About Caramel Syrup

Traditional caramel syrups and sauces are packed with sugar and are the primary source of calories in a flavored latte. For example, some caramel sauces can add nearly 90 calories per tablespoon, though this varies significantly by brand. Coffee shop brands often use high-sugar syrups and sometimes add a caramel drizzle on top, pushing the final calorie count higher than expected. It is this single ingredient that turns a low-calorie base into a sugary indulgence.

How Brands and Sizes Influence the Final Tally

The final calorie count of a caramel latte with skimmed milk is not uniform across all coffee shops. Different brands use varying amounts of ingredients, and portion sizes differ. Examining data from various sources reveals a wide range:

Starbucks: A grande Skinny Caramel Latte (with nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup) is approximately 130 calories. A standard grande Caramel Latte with nonfat milk is higher, around 200 calories, due to the sugar content of the standard syrup and caramel drizzle.
Dunkin': A small hot Caramel Swirl Latte with skim milk contains about 180 calories, while an iced version can have slightly more.
McDonald's McCafé: A medium Caramel Latte with skim milk is listed as 159 calories.
Pret A Manger: A 12 fl oz hot Caramel Latte with skim milk is reported to be 160 calories.

This variation highlights the importance of checking a specific brand's nutritional information. Even within the same brand, customizations can dramatically alter the calorie content.

Comparison Table: Standard vs. Reduced-Calorie Caramel Lattes


Feature	Standard Skim Milk Caramel Latte	Reduced-Calorie Skim Milk Caramel Latte
Milk	Skim Milk	Skim Milk (or unsweetened almond/oat)
Syrup	Full-sugar caramel syrup	Sugar-free caramel syrup
Caramel Drizzle	Often included	Optional or omitted
Sweeteners	Regular sugar	Stevia or other zero-calorie alternative
Approx. Calories	160-200+ (depending on brand)	80-130 (depending on brand)
Flavor Profile	Very sweet, rich caramel flavor	Less sweet, more emphasis on coffee

Customizing Your Latte for a Lower Calorie Count

For those who love the taste of a caramel latte but want to manage their calorie intake, making a few simple modifications can have a significant impact. Choosing skim milk is the first step, but there's more you can do, both at home and when ordering out.

Simple Modifications for a Lighter Latte

Use Sugar-Free Syrup: This is the single most effective change. Sugar-free syrups often use sweeteners like stevia or erythritol and contain virtually zero calories while providing the desired flavor.
Skip the Drizzle: The caramel drizzle, while decorative, adds extra calories and sugar. Ask for it to be omitted.
Control Portion Size: Ordering a smaller size will naturally reduce the total calorie count by using less milk and syrup.
Use Natural Sweeteners: At home, consider using a natural, zero-calorie sweetener if you need extra sweetness beyond the syrup.

Homemade Low-Calorie Caramel Latte Ingredients

Espresso: One or two shots of espresso, or strongly brewed coffee.
Skim Milk: Cold for an iced latte, or steamed for a hot one.
Sugar-Free Caramel Syrup: Brands like Torani or The Skinny Food Co. offer zero-calorie options.
Optional: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor without calories.
Ice: For a refreshing iced latte.

Conclusion: Savor the Flavor, Manage the Calories

How many calories are in a caramel latte with skimmed milk? The answer is not a single number but rather a range, typically falling between 130 and 200+ calories, depending on the specifics. While skim milk saves significant fat and calories compared to whole milk, the caramel syrup remains the dominant calorie source. By being mindful of brand, size, and customizations like using sugar-free syrup, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of a caramel latte without derailing your health goals. Whether you prefer a coffee shop version or a homemade concoction, a low-calorie caramel latte is entirely achievable and can be a satisfying treat as part of a balanced diet.

For more information on the nutritional content of popular coffee shop items, you can consult a resource like My Food Diary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, skim milk has significantly less fat than whole milk. A skim milk latte will contain almost no fat, while a whole milk latte will have a much higher fat content, with a single cup of whole milk containing about 8 grams of fat.

While using skim milk reduces fat and calories, the high sugar content from the caramel syrup means it's still best considered an occasional treat. For a healthier version, opt for a sugar-free syrup.

Most brands of sugar-free caramel syrup contain virtually zero calories, as they use artificial or natural zero-calorie sweeteners. This is the most impactful way to reduce the overall calorie count.

The calorie count for iced versus hot lattes with skim milk is generally very similar, as the ingredients are typically the same. Any minor difference would be based on the specific volume of milk or syrup used.

Yes, a homemade version is easier to control. Use brewed espresso or strong coffee, steamed or cold skim milk, and a sugar-free caramel syrup for a delicious, low-calorie treat.

The main difference is the use of sugar-free syrup instead of regular syrup. For a Grande at Starbucks, this can reduce the calorie count from around 200 down to 130 or less.

The caramel drizzle, often added as a topping, contributes additional sugar and calories to the drink. Omitting it is a simple way to slightly reduce the overall calorie total.