How Many Calories Are in a Latte Coffee? The Ultimate Guide

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

While a cup of black coffee contains a negligible amount of calories, adding milk and syrup can dramatically change its nutritional profile. This is why a simple latte can range anywhere from 70 to over 200 calories, depending heavily on the ingredients and serving size. Understanding how many calories are in a latte coffee is essential for managing your daily intake.

Quick Summary

A latte's calorie count varies significantly based on milk type, size, and added sweeteners. Whole milk and sugary syrups increase calories, while non-fat or plant-based milks and sugar-free options can drastically reduce them. Calorie counts typically range from 70 to over 200, making ingredient choices key for a healthier beverage.

Key Points

Milk is the primary factor: The type of milk, from whole to skim or non-dairy, has the biggest impact on a latte's calorie count.
Sweeteners add significant calories: Sugary syrups and whipped cream can add 80-100 calories or more to your drink.
Choose lower-fat or dairy-free options: Switching to skim or unsweetened almond milk is the simplest way to reduce calories.
Customize your order for flavor: Use sugar-free syrups, add fewer pumps of flavored syrup, or request extra foam to cut calories without losing taste.
Lattes can be part of a healthy diet: By making mindful ingredient swaps, a latte can still be enjoyed as a lower-calorie source of protein and energy.

The Core Components of a Latte

At its simplest, a latte is a coffee drink made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of foam. Black coffee itself has a minimal calorie count, often only 2-5 calories per cup. The vast majority of a latte's calories come from its two main additions: milk and any added sweeteners, such as flavored syrups.

Milk is the Main Calorie Culprit

The type of milk you choose is the most significant factor affecting your latte's calorie content. For example, a grande (16 oz) latte from a popular coffee chain can contain around 230 calories if made with whole milk. Switching to a lower-fat or dairy-free alternative can drastically cut this number. A tall (12 oz) latte with skim milk can have as few as 72 calories.

Sweeteners and Flavors Add Up

Beyond the milk, adding flavored syrups can turn a moderate-calorie drink into a high-calorie indulgence. Many standard syrups contain roughly 20 calories per pump. A regular-sized latte with 4 pumps of syrup can add an additional 80 calories or more. For context, a mocha latte, which includes chocolate syrup, can have over 300 calories. Topping with whipped cream can tack on another 50 to 100 calories.

Comparison of Latte Calorie Counts

Here is a comparison table to illustrate how different ingredients impact the calorie count of an average 12-ounce latte.


Milk Type	Sweetener	Estimated Calories	Notes
Whole Milk	None	150-170	Rich and creamy texture.
Whole Milk	Flavored Syrup (2 pumps)	190-210	Adds about 20 calories per pump.
2% Milk	None	120-140	Standard option at many cafes.
Skim Milk (Non-fat)	None	70-90	Lowest dairy milk option.
Almond Milk (Unsweetened)	None	50-70	Generally the lowest calorie non-dairy option.
Oat Milk (Unsweetened)	None	100-120	Creamier than almond milk, but higher in carbs.
Soy Milk (Unsweetened)	None	90-110	Good protein source among non-dairy milks.

How to Reduce the Calories in Your Latte

If you want to enjoy a latte while keeping your calorie intake in check, there are several simple modifications you can make. The key is to target the two main sources of calories: the milk and the added sugar.

Here are some actionable tips:

Choose non-fat or low-fat milk: This is the most impactful change you can make. For example, a tall Starbucks latte with non-fat milk has 100 calories, versus 190 calories with whole milk.
Opt for non-dairy alternatives: Unsweetened almond milk or soy milk can significantly reduce calories. For instance, an unsweetened almond milk latte might have 50-70 calories. Be mindful that flavored options, such as vanilla almond milk, can have added sugar.
Switch to sugar-free syrups: Many coffee shops offer sugar-free vanilla or other sugar-free options that provide flavor without the caloric impact of traditional syrups.
Limit the number of pumps: If you still prefer a regular flavored syrup, ask for fewer pumps than standard. Some shops default to 4 or more pumps, so asking for just 1 or 2 can cut a substantial amount of sugar and calories.
Skip the whipped cream: This simple topping can add 50-100 calories.
Ask for extra foam: More foam means less milk, which can help trim calories.

The Bigger Picture: Your Health

While it's easy to focus on just the calorie count, it's worth considering the overall health implications. Black coffee offers numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and liver disease. Lattes, especially those with added sugar, can be more of a treat than a health food. However, consuming a latte made with low-fat milk and minimal sugar can still be a good source of protein and calcium. The decision ultimately depends on your overall dietary goals and how you choose to enjoy your coffee.

For more in-depth nutritional information on coffee, you can review the extensive data published on Verywell Fit's Coffee Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in a latte coffee is crucial for making informed choices about your diet. The simple combination of espresso and milk can vary wildly in its calorie count, primarily influenced by the type of milk and whether you add sweeteners. By opting for lower-fat milk, sugar-free syrups, and smaller sizes, you can dramatically reduce the calories without sacrificing your daily coffee ritual. Ultimately, whether a latte fits into your health plan depends on the small decisions you make with each cup. For many, a moderately customized latte can be a perfectly acceptable indulgence that provides both enjoyment and energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

A grande (16 oz) Starbucks caffè latte with 2% milk contains 190 calories, while the same drink with non-fat milk has 130 calories.

A standard 12 oz latte made with unsweetened oat milk can contain around 100-120 calories, though this varies by brand and serving size.

No, a latte made with skim milk is one of the lowest-calorie options. A tall (12 oz) skim latte typically has 70-90 calories, far less than a whole milk version.

To make a healthier latte, use non-fat or low-fat milk, choose unsweetened non-dairy alternatives, use sugar-free syrups, limit the number of pumps, and skip the whipped cream.

Flavored lattes typically have a higher calorie count. For example, a 16 oz flavored latte can have 260 calories or more, depending on the number of pumps and type of syrup used.

Yes, lattes can provide protein and calcium from the milk, and coffee itself contains antioxidants. However, the benefits are reduced or outweighed by high sugar and fat content in heavily customized drinks.

A latte and a cappuccino can have similar calorie counts depending on the milk and size, but a traditional cappuccino has more foam and less milk, which often results in fewer calories than a milky latte.