How many calories are in a large Starbucks cappuccino?

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Starbucks' official nutritional information, a grande (large) cappuccino made with whole milk contains 140 calories. However, this number can change dramatically depending on your choice of milk, which is a key factor to consider when evaluating how many calories are in a large Starbucks cappuccino.

Quick Summary

A grande Starbucks cappuccino has 140 calories with whole milk, which can be altered by switching to 2% milk (120 calories) or nonfat milk (80 calories). The total depends heavily on milk choice and any additional syrups or sugar.

Key Points

Standard Grande Calories: A large (grande, 16 fl oz) Starbucks cappuccino with whole milk contains 140 calories.
Milk Choice is Key: Calorie count is heavily dependent on milk. Using nonfat milk can reduce the grande cappuccino's calories to 80.
Other Milk Options: For a grande, almond milk results in 100 calories, while 2% milk is 120 calories.
Avoid Added Sugars: Flavor syrups and sugar can significantly increase the calorie and sugar content. Each pump of syrup adds approximately 20 calories.
Whipped Cream Impact: Adding whipped cream can add another 70-80 calories, so avoid it for a lower-calorie drink.
Size Variations: A tall (12 fl oz) cappuccino with whole milk has 110 calories, and a venti (20 fl oz) with whole milk has 180 calories.
Caffeine Content: A grande cappuccino contains 150mg of caffeine, providing an energy boost alongside its nutritional value.

The Core Calorie Count

When answering the question, "how many calories are in a large Starbucks cappuccino?", it's essential to define "large." At Starbucks, a grande is the large size for this beverage. As per Starbucks' own nutrition information, a standard grande (16 fl oz) cappuccino, prepared with whole milk, contains 140 calories. The base recipe includes espresso and milk, and the creamy foam is a distinguishing characteristic of the drink.

Breaking Down the Grande Cappuccino Nutrition

Let's take a closer look at what contributes to the calorie count of a standard large cappuccino. The nutritional data reveals the following breakdown:

Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 7g

The most significant contributors to the calories in a large Starbucks cappuccino are the milk's fat and sugar content. Unlike a latte, a cappuccino uses less milk, but the milk choice remains the primary influence on its caloric total. It's the simple combination of espresso and steamed milk that creates this classic beverage, making it a relatively low-calorie option compared to more elaborate, syrup-heavy coffee drinks.

Customizing Your Cappuccino for Lower Calories

For those watching their calorie intake, customizing your cappuccino is the most effective strategy. Starbucks offers a variety of milk alternatives that can drastically reduce the overall calorie count. Switching from whole milk is the most impactful change.

Milk Alternatives at Starbucks

Nonfat Milk: Choosing nonfat milk can drop the calorie count for a grande cappuccino to just 80 calories.
2% Milk: This option is a great middle ground, bringing the calories down to 120 for a grande.
Almondmilk: A grande cappuccino with almond milk contains 100 calories.
Oatmilk: Oatmilk is a popular alternative, with a grande cappuccino containing 140 calories.
Soy Milk: A grande with soy milk has 110 calories.

Comparison Table: Cappuccino Calories by Milk Type

To help visualize the difference, here is a comparison table outlining the calorie count for a grande (large) Starbucks cappuccino based on the type of milk used.


Milk Type	Grande (Large) Calories
Whole Milk	140
2% Milk	120
Nonfat Milk	80
Almondmilk	100
Soy Milk	110
Oatmilk	140

Additional Considerations for Calorie Count

Beyond the milk, other additions can impact your beverage's total caloric content.

Syrups: If you add any flavored syrups, such as vanilla or caramel, each pump adds roughly 20 calories and about 5 grams of sugar. A standard flavored grande drink usually includes four pumps, adding an extra 80 calories and 20 grams of sugar.
Toppings: Adding whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel will also increase the calorie count. A dollop of whipped cream can add around 70-80 calories, transforming the drink's nutritional profile significantly.

Making a Healthier Choice

When you ask, "how many calories are in a large Starbucks cappuccino?", the answer depends on your specific order. While the standard whole-milk version is a moderate-calorie choice, a nonfat version is among the healthier, lower-calorie options on the menu. For further details on healthy eating and portion control, visit the CDC's website on healthy eating.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a large Starbucks cappuccino can range from as low as 80 to over 140, primarily depending on the type of milk you choose. A standard grande made with whole milk is 140 calories, while opting for nonfat milk reduces it to 80 calories. By being mindful of your milk choice and avoiding extra sweeteners and toppings, you can enjoy this classic coffee drink while staying on track with your dietary goals. The best approach is to check the official Starbucks nutrition guide to confirm the most current information for your specific order.

Sources

Starbucks Coffee Company: https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/409/hot/nutrition
MyFoodDiary®: https://www.myfooddiary.com/foods/search?q=cappuccino+starbucks
Eat This Much: https://www.eatthismuch.com/calories/cappuccino-with-whole-milk-grande-2066860

Frequently Asked Questions

A large, or grande (16 fl oz), Starbucks cappuccino made with whole milk has 140 calories.

To reduce the calories, you can switch from whole milk to nonfat milk (80 calories for a grande), 2% milk (120 calories), or almond milk (100 calories).

Yes, the type of milk is the most significant factor affecting the calorie count. Switching from whole to nonfat milk can cut the calories of a grande cappuccino by nearly half.

A grande (large) Starbucks cappuccino made with oat milk contains 140 calories, the same as the whole milk version.

A grande (large) cappuccino with 2% milk has 120 calories.

Yes, adding flavor syrups increases the calorie count. Each pump of syrup adds about 20 calories and extra sugar.

Besides calories, a grande cappuccino with whole milk has 7g of fat, 12g of carbs (10g sugar), and 7g of protein. The specific nutritional profile changes with different milk choices.