How many calories are in a latte with skimmed milk?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Typically, a Starbucks tall caffe latte with skim milk has roughly 100 calories. This popular, lower-calorie coffee option's precise calorie count fluctuates based on size, added syrups, and ingredients. Understanding these factors helps in making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

A latte made with skimmed milk has fewer calories than one made with whole milk. The exact number varies based on cup size, brand, and flavorings. Common brand sizes range from 63 to 170 calories. Opting for sugar-free syrups and smaller servings can further reduce the calorie impact. Black coffee is the lowest-calorie choice.

Key Points

Calorie Source: The majority of calories in a skim milk latte come from the milk; espresso contributes very few.
Calorie Variability: The final calorie total varies greatly based on serving size, brand, and additional ingredients.
Flavoring Impact: Adding sugary syrups or sweeteners can drastically increase calories, adding 20 to 30 calories per pump.
Calorie Reduction: To lower calories, choose a smaller size, use sugar-free syrups, or select alternative milks like unsweetened almond milk.
Skim vs. Whole Milk: Skim milk lattes are lower in calories and fat compared to whole milk lattes, providing a lighter option.

The Core Calorie Count

The calories in a skim milk latte primarily come from the espresso and the milk. Espresso itself is nearly calorie-free, with a single shot containing approximately 3 to 5 calories. Thus, the majority of the calories are from the skimmed milk. An 8-ounce (240ml) serving of skim milk contains roughly 90 calories. The amount of milk used is the most significant factor affecting the final calorie total.

Calorie Variations by Size and Brand

Coffee shop chains use standardized recipes, which results in varying calorie counts for the same size. Below is a breakdown of calorie counts, based on different sources:

Starbucks: A tall (12 oz) Caffe Latte with skim milk contains about 100 calories, a grande (16 oz) has 130 calories, and a venti (20 oz) has approximately 170 calories.
CalorieKing: A small (220ml) caffe latte with skim milk and no added sugar is reported as 71 calories.
Nutracheck: A small Caffe Latte with skimmed milk is approximately 78 calories, while a Starbucks Grande equivalent is 115 calories.
Nutritonix: A 16 fl oz skim latte is listed as 130 calories.

These variations show that a skim milk latte does not have a single, fixed calorie count, but rather a range based on portion size and preparation.

The Impact of Flavorings and Sweeteners

While the base skim milk latte is relatively low in calories, adding flavorings or sweeteners can greatly increase the total. One pump of flavored syrup can add 20 to 30 or more calories, and many drinks have multiple pumps. For example, a grande flavored latte might contain hundreds more calories than its unflavored counterpart. For a low-calorie option, it is best to avoid sugary syrups or request sugar-free versions. Many coffee shops offer sugar-free vanilla or caramel syrups, providing flavor without added calories.

Reducing the Calorie Impact of Your Latte

If seeking the lowest possible calorie count, consider these alternatives and modifications:

Choose a smaller size: Selecting a 'short' or 'small' size can reduce milk volume and overall calories.
Use non-dairy milk: Although skim milk is low in calories, some alternative milks can be even lower. For instance, unsweetened almond milk usually has fewer calories per cup than skimmed dairy milk, but it will change the flavor and texture.
Avoid sweeteners and syrups: Enjoying the pure flavor of espresso and milk keeps calories at a minimum.
Select a different drink: For the absolute lowest calories, opt for a black coffee, which contains about 2 calories per cup.

Comparison: Skim Milk vs. Whole Milk Latte

Using skim milk is a simple and efficient way to reduce the calorie count of a latte. The difference is most evident due to the milk's fat content. A cup of whole milk has roughly 150 calories and 8 grams of fat, while a cup of skim milk has roughly 90 calories and almost no fat. This difference increases with the size of the latte. Below is a comparison table for a standard 16 oz (grande) size, using approximate values.


Feature	Skim Milk Latte (Approx. 16 oz)	Whole Milk Latte (Approx. 16 oz)
Calories	130 kcal	230 kcal
Total Fat	Less than 1 g	7 to 8 g
Saturated Fat	Minimal	4.5 to 5 g
Carbohydrates	15 to 19 g	19 g
Protein	9 to 12 g	12 to 13 g
Texture	Lighter and less creamy	Richer and more creamy

Conclusion

In conclusion, a latte with skimmed milk is a low-calorie coffee choice. An unflavored tall version from a major chain contains approximately 100 calories. The overall calorie count is most influenced by the serving size and any added sweeteners. By choosing a small size, opting for sugar-free flavorings, or selecting a lower-calorie alternative such as black coffee, it is easy to control the calorie content. A skim milk latte remains a smart option for those watching their caloric intake, providing a creamy coffee experience with a fraction of the calories of whole milk or sugary coffee creations.

Note: For more detailed nutritional information on various milk options, consult reliable sources, including the USDA food database.

Frequently Asked Questions

A whole milk latte can have almost double the calories of a skim milk latte. For instance, a 16 oz whole milk latte has about 230 calories, while a same-sized skim milk latte has around 130 calories.

No, a single shot of espresso is very low in calories, generally contributing only 3 to 5 calories to a latte. The majority of the calories come from the milk.

To reduce calories, order a smaller size, ask for sugar-free flavored syrups instead of regular ones, or switch to a lower-calorie milk alternative like unsweetened almond milk.

Not necessarily. Although the skim milk base is low-calorie, the addition of sugary flavored syrups can add 20 to 30 calories per pump, significantly increasing the total.

A tall (12 oz) Caffe Latte with skim milk at Starbucks has around 100 calories.

Yes, if the same ingredients and proportions are used, the calorie count for an iced skim milk latte is very similar to a hot one. The calories come from the milk and any syrups, not the temperature.

Black coffee or black coffee with a small amount of skimmed milk are excellent low-calorie choices. A standard cup of black coffee has only about 2 calories.