How many calories are in a large almond chai latte?

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

A large almond chai latte's calorie content can fluctuate dramatically, with figures from major coffee shops showing variations of over 100 calories depending on ingredients and brand. This popular beverage's nutritional value is not consistent and is influenced by more than just the almond milk.

Quick Summary

The calories in a large almond chai latte are not fixed, with significant variance across brands. The final count depends heavily on the concentrate, syrup, milk type, and serving size used in the preparation.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: A large almond chai latte's calories can vary by over 100 calories depending on the brand and specific recipe used.
Sugar-Laden Concentrates: Pre-made chai concentrates used by most coffee shops are often the biggest source of hidden calories and sugar.
Not All Almond Milks are Equal: Always request unsweetened almond milk, as sweetened or flavored versions add extra calories.
Customize Your Order: Ask for sugar-free syrup or fewer pumps to dramatically reduce the sugar and calorie content of your drink.
Homemade is Lowest Calorie: Making your own almond chai latte from scratch gives you complete control, resulting in a much lower calorie count compared to most store-bought versions.
Iced vs. Hot Impact: Iced versions often contain more calories than hot ones due to different ingredient ratios and potentially larger serving sizes.
Size Matters: Opting for a smaller size is a straightforward method to manage your calorie intake from this beverage.

The widespread popularity of the almond milk chai latte as a dairy-free alternative has led many to assume it's a consistently low-calorie choice. However, as with any handcrafted beverage, the total calorie count can vary significantly across different coffee shops. The final nutritional profile is determined by a complex interplay of ingredients, including the type of chai concentrate, the amount of added sugar, and the volume of the serving.

Understanding the Caloric Factors

Several factors contribute to the final calorie count of your large almond chai latte. A beverage from one chain can be surprisingly different from another. Understanding these elements is key to making an informed choice.

Chai Concentrate

Most coffee shops use a pre-made liquid concentrate rather than brewing their own spiced tea. These concentrates are often heavily sweetened with sugar, which can account for a significant portion of the drink's calories. The amount of concentrate used directly impacts the final sugar and calorie load.

Sweeteners and Syrups

Beyond the sugar in the concentrate, baristas may add extra pumps of sweetener, like vanilla syrup, to enhance the flavor. While almond milk itself is relatively low in sugar, these added syrups can cause the calorie count to spike. Choosing a sugar-free alternative or asking for fewer pumps is a simple way to reduce calories.

Almond Milk Variation

Not all almond milks are created equal. Unsweetened almond milk is very low in calories, but many cafes use a sweetened or vanilla-flavored version. Always clarify that you want unsweetened almond milk to minimize added sugars and calories.

Serving Size

The size of your drink is the most obvious factor affecting calorie count. A 'large' at one establishment might be 20 ounces, while another's 'large' could be 24 ounces, leading to a substantial difference in total calories.

Calorie Comparison: Major Coffee Chains

Here is a comparison of approximate calorie counts for a large or equivalent almond chai latte from several popular chains. Note that these are approximations and can change based on a brand's specific recipe and whether it's served hot or iced.


Coffee Shop	Beverage	Calories (Hot)	Calories (Iced)	Reference	Notes
Starbucks	Venti Chai Tea Latte w/ Almondmilk	230	270 (24oz)		Venti is approx. 20oz/24oz, not their largest size.
Scooter's Coffee	Large Chai Tea Latte w/ Almond Milk	300 (Hot, dirty)	250 (Iced, 20oz)	,	Figures vary slightly by flavor and preparation.
Costa Coffee (US)	Large Masala Chai Latte w/ Almond Drink	200 (20oz, sweet)	230 (20oz, sweet)	,	Figures for US menu.
McDonald's	Large Chai Latte w/ Almond Milk	305	Not specified		Regional variations may exist.

Tips for a Lower-Calorie Almond Chai Latte

Managing your chai latte's calorie count is simple with a few smart ordering strategies. By taking control of the ingredients, you can enjoy the spiced flavor without the sugar rush.

Request Sugar-Free Syrup: Ask if the coffee shop offers a sugar-free version of their chai concentrate or substitute. Some, like Starbucks, offer a 'light' version.
Ask for Less Syrup: If a sugar-free option isn't available, request fewer pumps of the standard chai syrup. This is the most impactful change you can make.
Use Unsweetened Almond Milk: Specify unsweetened almond milk to avoid any unnecessary added sugars.
Make it "Tea-Based": Ask your barista to use a teabag for the chai flavor instead of a concentrate. You can then add a touch of unsweetened almond milk and a non-caloric sweetener yourself.
Order a Smaller Size: Opt for a medium or small to instantly reduce the total calories and sugar.
Add Your Own Sweetener: Request the drink with no added sweetener or syrup, and add a calorie-free or low-calorie sweetener packet yourself.

The DIY Difference: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

For the ultimate control over your drink's nutrition, making a chai latte at home is the best option. A homemade almond milk chai can have significantly fewer calories, especially if you create your own chai concentrate with less sugar.

Here is what makes homemade better:

Control over Ingredients: You can choose high-quality spices and control the amount of sweetener used. Many online recipes show you how to do this.
Freshness: The flavor profile from freshly steeped spices is richer and more authentic than store-bought concentrates.
Lower Calorie Count: A homemade version using unsweetened almond milk and a modest amount of sweetener can bring the calories down to as little as 74 per cup, drastically lower than most large coffee shop offerings.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a large almond chai latte is not a fixed figure. It is heavily dependent on the specific coffee shop's recipe, the amount of sugar in the concentrate, and the serving size. While almond milk offers a lower-calorie alternative to cow's milk, the total sugar and calorie content can still be substantial. By being mindful of your choices—like requesting sugar-free options, reducing syrup, and ordering smaller sizes—you can significantly lower your drink's impact on your daily intake. For the ultimate control and lowest possible calorie count, making your own at home is the most effective solution.

For detailed nutritional information from a popular chain, you can consult a resource like CalorieKing's data on Starbucks almond chai lattes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, using unsweetened almond milk instead of full-fat dairy milk typically reduces the calorie count. However, the overall calories are highly dependent on the sugar in the chai concentrate and added syrups, which can still be significant.

The calorie range exists because different coffee chains use varying recipes, serving sizes, chai concentrates, and sweeteners. A large drink from one brand may contain different ingredient ratios or volumes compared to another.

To order a low-calorie version, request unsweetened almond milk, ask for sugar-free chai syrup, or reduce the number of syrup pumps. You can also opt for a smaller serving size.

An iced almond chai latte can often be higher in calories than its hot counterpart, as iced versions may use larger serving sizes and different ratios of syrup to liquid.

The sugar content can be very high, with some coffee shop versions containing over 60 grams of sugar, mostly from the pre-sweetened concentrate. A homemade version allows you to control and drastically reduce the sugar amount.

Yes, making a homemade chai latte is better for dietary goals because it gives you full control over the ingredients, particularly the amount of sugar and type of milk. This allows for a much lower calorie and sugar content.

Yes, many cafes offer caffeine-free chai options, and you can easily make one at home using decaffeinated chai teabags or a caffeine-free concentrate. The calorie count is not impacted by the presence of caffeine.