How many calories are in a Costa hot chocolate with coconut milk?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to official nutritional data, a small Costa hot chocolate with coconut milk contains approximately 193 calories. This beverage's total calorie count can vary significantly depending on the cup size, as well as any added syrups, cream, or toppings. A medium offers 254 calories, and a large contains 377 calories.

Quick Summary

This guide details the calorie count for small, medium, and large Costa hot chocolates made with coconut milk. It breaks down the macronutrients and compares the calorie impact of various customizations like whipped cream, chocolate curls, and syrups. The article also provides a comparison with alternative milk options available at Costa and suggests ways to reduce the calorie count of your order.

Key Points

Small size is 193 calories: A small Costa hot chocolate with coconut milk contains 193 calories, a significantly lower option than larger sizes.
Medium size contains 254 calories: The medium hot chocolate with coconut milk has a calorie count of 254 kcal.
Large size contains 377 calories: Opting for a large version of the drink increases the calorie count to 377 kcal.
Customizations increase calories: Add-ons like whipped cream, chocolate flakes, and flavoured syrups will add extra calories to your order.
Lower-calorie alternatives exist: The coconut milk hot chocolate is generally lower in calories than options made with whole or semi-skimmed dairy milk, but is higher in fat than skimmed milk versions.
MCTs provide energy: Coconut milk contains Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized for a quick energy source.
Dietary restrictions: Coconut milk is a dairy-free and vegan alternative, suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Reduce calories with simple swaps: To decrease the calorie count, ask for sugar-free syrup, no whipped cream, or opt for a smaller size.
High in saturated fat: While a good alternative, be mindful that coconut milk is relatively high in saturated fat.

Calorie Breakdown by Costa Hot Chocolate Size

When ordering a hot chocolate from Costa Coffee, the calorie count is significantly influenced by the size you choose. The nutritional information provided here is for the standard hot chocolate made with coconut milk, without any added toppings like whipped cream or chocolate flakes.

Small (approx. 297 ml): A small hot chocolate with coconut milk from Costa has approximately 193 calories (kcal).
Medium (approx. 355 ml): The medium-sized option contains about 254 calories (kcal).
Large (approx. 497 ml): For a large hot chocolate, you can expect the calorie content to be around 377 calories (kcal).

It is important to note that these values represent the base drink. Any additions will increase the overall energy content.

Impact of Add-ons and Customizations

Customizing your Costa hot chocolate is a great way to personalize your drink, but it will affect the nutritional information. Here's a look at how popular add-ons can change the calorie count:

Whipped Cream: Adding a swirl of whipped cream is a decadent treat, but it can add a substantial number of calories. A standard serving can contribute an additional 50-100 calories or more, depending on the amount.
Flavoured Syrups: Syrups are a popular way to enhance the flavour. A single pump of most standard syrups, such as caramel or vanilla, can add around 20-30 calories. Ordering multiple pumps will increase this accordingly. Sugar-free syrups are an excellent alternative if you want the flavour without the added sugar and calories.
Chocolate Flakes: The delicious chocolate curls sprinkled on top of a hot chocolate also contribute to the calorie count. The exact amount varies, but it's typically a small addition.

Comparison of Milk Alternatives at Costa

To help you make an informed choice, here is a comparison of the calorie content of a medium-sized Costa hot chocolate with different milk options. The figures below are approximate and may vary based on regional recipes and specific ingredient suppliers. This table uses publicly available data and provides a general comparison for clarity.


Milk Type	Approx. Calories (Medium Hot Chocolate)	Saturated Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Carbohydrates (g)
Coconut Milk	254	6.9	7.1	38.4
Whole Milk	361	14.8	12.8	42.2
Semi-Skimmed Milk	298	7.9	13.4	42.8
Skimmed Milk	Data not specified	Data not specified	Data not specified	Data not specified

Please note that official nutritional information can change, and it's always best to check the latest data directly from Costa Coffee.

Tips for a Lower-Calorie Costa Hot Chocolate

If you're watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy a hot chocolate, here are some strategies you can use when you place your order:

Opt for the small size: The most straightforward way to reduce calories is to order the smallest size available. A small cup is a satisfying treat with a significantly lower calorie count than a large.
Skip the whipped cream and flakes: This simple request eliminates a significant portion of the added fat and calories without compromising the rich chocolate flavour of the drink itself.
Use sugar-free syrup: If you enjoy a flavoured hot chocolate, ask for a sugar-free syrup instead of the standard option. This keeps the taste but cuts down on sugar and calories.
Try half-and-half milk: You can ask your barista to use a smaller portion of coconut milk and top the rest up with hot water. This can dilute the richness but also lowers the calorie and fat content.
Mix-and-match milk options: Some stores may allow you to combine different milk types. For example, a mixture of coconut milk and a lower-calorie option like skimmed milk or almond milk could work if available.
Order without syrup: Costa's hot chocolate is already sweetened. If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can ask for fewer pumps of chocolate syrup or no syrup at all. This is a great way to control the sugar content.

Understanding the Nutritional Components

The calorie information for a Costa hot chocolate with coconut milk isn't just about the total number. The breakdown of macronutrients provides a clearer picture of what you're consuming. The main components are carbohydrates, fat, and protein.

Carbohydrates: A large portion of the calories in hot chocolate comes from sugar, which is a type of carbohydrate. A medium Costa hot chocolate with coconut milk contains 38.4g of carbs, much of which is likely from the chocolate powder or sauce.
Fat: Coconut milk is known for being higher in fat, particularly saturated fat, compared to other plant-based milks. The medium drink contains 6.9g of fat. This creamy fat content is what gives the drink its richness.
Protein: A medium hot chocolate with coconut milk provides 7.1g of protein. While this is a decent amount for a hot drink, it is generally lower than drinks made with dairy milk.

Coconut Milk and Health Considerations

Choosing coconut milk as your milk alternative has several implications beyond just the calorie count. Coconut milk is naturally dairy-free and suitable for vegans and individuals with lactose intolerance. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that is metabolized differently and can provide a quick source of energy. Some studies suggest MCTs may even aid in weight management and boost metabolism, but more research is needed. However, it's also high in saturated fat, so moderation is key. For those concerned about saturated fat intake, it is important to balance this with other dietary choices.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a Costa hot chocolate with coconut milk depends primarily on the size ordered: approximately 193 kcal for a small, 254 kcal for a medium, and 377 kcal for a large. Customizations like whipped cream or extra syrup will increase these values. Compared to whole and semi-skimmed milk versions, the coconut milk option offers a lower-calorie alternative while still delivering a creamy, rich flavour. By choosing a smaller size or opting for fewer additions, you can enjoy this dairy-free treat while keeping your calorie count in check.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small Costa hot chocolate made with coconut milk contains approximately 193 calories (kcal). This is the lowest-calorie option for a hot chocolate with coconut milk.

A medium hot chocolate with coconut milk has around 254 calories, while a large version contains approximately 377 calories.

Yes, adding whipped cream and chocolate flakes will increase the total calories. Skipping these toppings is a simple way to reduce the overall calorie count of your drink.

Compared to dairy milk, the coconut milk option is generally lower in calories than whole milk (which has about 361 kcal for a medium) and semi-skimmed milk (298 kcal for a medium), but higher in calories than drinks made with skimmed milk.

Yes, hot chocolate made with coconut milk is a suitable dairy-free and vegan option, assuming no other dairy-based ingredients are added, such as chocolate flakes that sometimes contain dairy.

Yes, to reduce the calorie and sugar content, you can ask for a sugar-free syrup instead of the regular flavoured syrups.

Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative with a rich, creamy flavour. It contains healthy fats known as MCTs, but it's also high in saturated fat, so it's best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The most accurate nutritional information can be found on Costa Coffee's official website or by asking for their nutritional guide in-store.