How many calories are in a large skinny latte? Understanding Your Low-Calorie Coffee Choice

October 11, 2025 •

5 min read

A large Starbucks Venti skinny latte contains around 155 to 170 calories, significantly less than a regular latte. Knowing exactly how many calories are in a large skinny latte is a great way to stay on track with your nutrition diet goals without giving up your favorite beverage. The calorie count depends on the brand and specific preparation methods, but the core ingredients keep the total low.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a large skinny latte typically ranges from 130 to 170 calories, but varies by coffee shop and ingredients. The lower count is achieved by using non-fat milk and sugar-free syrups instead of whole milk and sugary additions, providing a low-fat coffee option for your diet.

Key Points

Chain and Size are Key: A large skinny latte's calorie count depends heavily on the specific coffee shop and the size ordered, typically falling between 130 and 170 calories.
Milk is the Main Ingredient: The biggest calorie reduction comes from swapping whole milk for non-fat (skim) milk or a lower-calorie plant-based milk like unsweetened almond milk.
Sugar-Free Syrups are Standard: Most 'skinny' flavored lattes use zero-calorie syrups, but always confirm with your barista to avoid hidden sugars.
Customization is Your Friend: For the lowest calorie count, opt for skim milk, sugar-free flavor shots, extra foam, and skip high-calorie toppings like whipped cream.
Less Milk, Fewer Calories: Choosing a smaller size or a coffee with less milk, like a cappuccino, is an effective way to lower the drink's total calories.
Nutritional Trade-offs: While skinny lattes offer reduced calories and fat, they replace sugar with artificial sweeteners, which may have different health considerations.

What Makes a Latte 'Skinny'?

At its heart, the term 'skinny' in a latte refers to the substitution of high-fat ingredients for lower-calorie alternatives. A standard latte is made with espresso and steamed whole milk, topped with a thin layer of foam. The 'skinny' version swaps out the whole milk for non-fat (skim) milk. For flavored lattes, the sugary syrup is replaced with a sugar-free alternative. This combination of non-fat milk and zero-calorie syrup significantly reduces the total calorie and fat content while maintaining the essential coffee and milk flavor.

The espresso itself contributes a negligible amount of calories, with a single ounce containing just a few calories. Therefore, the bulk of a latte's calorie count comes directly from the milk and any added sweeteners. By making these two key ingredient swaps, a skinny latte offers a creamy, satisfying coffee experience with a fraction of the calories found in its regular counterpart.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Skinny Latte

Understanding how the ingredients contribute to the total calories can help you make informed choices. The components of a skinny latte and their general calorie contributions are as follows:

Espresso: A shot of espresso contains minimal calories, typically less than 5. The caffeine content and flavor remain the same regardless of milk choice.
Non-fat (Skim) Milk: This is the primary component and calorie source in a skinny latte. A 12-ounce serving (tall) uses around 10-12 ounces of milk. Skim milk contains about 90 calories per cup, compared to 150 calories for whole milk.
Sugar-Free Syrup: Most major coffee chains offer a variety of sugar-free syrup options. These syrups are sweetened with artificial sweeteners and contribute virtually no calories.

Calorie Comparison: Major Coffee Chains

The exact number of calories in a large skinny latte can vary between different coffee shops. Size definitions (e.g., Grande vs. Venti) and precise milk measurements can differ. Below is a comparison table using information from various nutritional databases to provide an estimated range for a large serving.


Coffee Chain	Size (approx.)	Typical Skinny Latte Calories (Estimated)	Primary Milk Used	Added Sweetener
Starbucks	Venti (20 fl oz)	155-170 kcal	Non-fat (skim) milk	Sugar-free syrup (if flavored)
Costa Coffee	Large (approx. 496 ml)	151 kcal	Skimmed milk	Often sugar-free (check with barista)
Dunkin'	Large (20 fl oz)	130 kcal	Skim milk	Sugar-free syrup (if flavored)

It's important to note that these are general figures. Variations in milk steaming, barista measurements, and specific flavors (e.g., vanilla vs. mocha) can affect the final number. For precise nutrition facts, always check the official website or in-store information of the specific coffee shop.

Factors Influencing Your Latte's Calorie Count

Even within the skinny latte category, several choices can impact your final calorie intake. Being mindful of these factors can help you better manage your daily nutrition diet goals.

Your Milk Choice: While skim milk is the standard for a 'skinny' latte, many shops offer other low-calorie, plant-based alternatives. Unsweetened almond milk, for instance, is often lower in calories than skim milk. Oat milk and soy milk are other options, but their calorie counts can be comparable to or even higher than skim milk.
Added Syrups and Sauces: The key to a low-calorie flavored latte is a sugar-free syrup. However, some special seasonal drinks or house specials may use regular syrups by default. Always specify "sugar-free" when ordering to ensure you are not adding dozens of unnecessary calories.
The Power of Size: It may seem obvious, but opting for a smaller size is one of the easiest ways to reduce your calorie intake. A large drink simply contains more milk, and therefore more calories, than a small or medium version, regardless of how it is prepared.
Skip the Toppings: Whipped cream and syrupy drizzles are common latte toppings that can add a significant number of calories and fat. Skipping these is an easy way to cut calories and keep your drink aligned with your diet.

Reducing Your Latte's Calories Even Further

For those who want to minimize calories even more without sacrificing flavor, here are some helpful tips:

Go Extra-Foamy: Ask for extra foam and less milk. The foam displaces the more calorically-dense liquid, effectively lowering the total calorie count.
Consider a Cappuccino: A cappuccino contains a greater proportion of foam to milk than a latte. Since foam has fewer calories than liquid milk, this is another option for a lower-calorie, milk-based coffee drink.
Add Your Own Sweeteners: Many coffee shops provide cinnamon or nutmeg shakers. These spices add flavor and warmth to your coffee with zero calories. Carrying a small packet of your preferred non-caloric sweetener can also give you control over the sweetness.
Order It 'Bone Dry': For an even more intense, lower-calorie experience, ask for a cappuccino “bone dry,” meaning the foam-to-milk ratio is maximized. This option gives you a very low-calorie, milk-based coffee with a rich texture.

Health Implications Beyond Calories

While skinny lattes offer a reduced-calorie option, it's worth considering the broader nutritional context. The switch from whole to non-fat milk reduces saturated fat intake, which is beneficial for heart health. Furthermore, a latte made with milk (even skim) provides a good source of protein and calcium, important for bone health. However, relying on artificial sweeteners in flavored skinny lattes is a trade-off. Some individuals may have sensitivities to these ingredients, and their long-term health effects are still a topic of ongoing study.

For a truly balanced approach, moderation is key. A daily skinny latte can be part of a healthy diet, but relying on natural ingredients and mindful portion control can provide the most benefits for your overall well-being. Using natural spices or even purees for flavor, as suggested by some nutritionists, can offer a more wholesome alternative. For more on making healthier coffee house orders, see Sharp HealthCare's guide.

Conclusion: The Skinny on the Skinny Latte

In summary, a large skinny latte from most major coffee chains is a low-calorie alternative, generally containing between 130 and 170 calories. This is achieved by substituting whole milk with non-fat milk and replacing sugary syrups with sugar-free versions. The exact calorie count will depend on the specific chain, cup size, and any extra flavorings or toppings. By being a mindful consumer—paying attention to your milk choice, avoiding high-sugar syrups, and considering extra foam—you can ensure your coffee choice aligns with your nutrition diet. For a simple and low-calorie drink, stick with a plain skinny latte or add natural spices for flavor, making it a sustainable choice for your health and weight management goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in the ingredients used. A skinny latte is made with non-fat (skim) milk instead of whole milk, and it uses sugar-free syrup instead of regular sugary syrup, resulting in significantly fewer calories and less fat.

A large (Venti, 20 fl oz) skinny latte from Starbucks made with non-fat milk and no added sugar typically contains between 155 and 170 calories.

No, sugar-free syrups are sweetened with non-nutritive artificial sweeteners and contain virtually no calories. They are a zero-calorie way to add flavor to a coffee drink.

To reduce calories further, you can order a smaller size, request extra foam and less milk, or skip the flavored syrup entirely and use natural spices like cinnamon for flavor.

A skinny latte is a better choice for weight management compared to a regular, high-fat, high-sugar latte. It offers a low-calorie way to enjoy coffee. However, it's still best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The milk choice has a major impact on calories. Switching from whole milk (approx. 150 calories per cup) to skim milk (approx. 90 calories per cup) significantly reduces the total. Plant-based milks like unsweetened almond milk can also be lower in calories than dairy milk.

If you enjoy coffee with milk, a cappuccino with extra foam is a great low-calorie alternative to a latte. For the lowest calorie option, black coffee or espresso is best.