How Many Calories Are in a McDonald's Medium Latte?

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard, hot McCafé medium latte made with whole milk contains approximately 190 calories. This article explores exactly how many calories are in a McDonald's medium latte and how your choices of milk and sweeteners can alter this number, giving you full control over your nutritional intake.

Quick Summary

A standard hot McDonald's medium latte with whole milk contains around 190 calories. The final count varies significantly based on milk type (skim, whole) and the addition of flavored syrups or extra sugar.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: A plain, medium McCafé hot latte with whole milk contains approximately 190 calories.
Low-Calorie Alternative: Opting for nonfat milk reduces the calorie count to just 110 for a medium size.
Iced vs. Hot: A medium iced latte with whole milk is 120 calories, making it a lower-calorie choice compared to the hot version.
Flavoring Impact: Adding sugary syrups, like caramel, can increase the calorie count substantially, with a medium iced caramel latte reaching 270 calories.
Primary Calorie Source: The majority of the calories in a McCafé latte come from the milk and any added sweeteners, not the espresso.
Customization is Key: To manage your calorie intake, customize your order by choosing milk type and avoiding sugary additions.

Understanding the Calorie Count of a McCafé Medium Latte

When you order a classic McCafé latte, its nutritional value hinges primarily on two ingredients: espresso and milk. While the espresso contributes a negligible amount of calories, the milk is the main source of fat and sugar that determines the final calorie count. For a plain, hot medium McCafé latte made with whole milk, you can expect the calorie count to be approximately 190. However, this figure is a starting point, and several factors can either decrease or increase it.

The Impact of Milk Choice

One of the most significant variables affecting your latte's calorie content is the type of milk you choose. McDonald's typically uses whole milk as its standard, which is why the baseline calorie count is around 190 for a medium size. Opting for a lower-fat alternative is the easiest way to cut down on calories without sacrificing the latte's core flavor profile. For example, a medium McCafé latte made with nonfat milk contains only 110 calories, a significant reduction.

Common McCafé Medium Latte Calorie Counts (Hot)

Whole Milk: ~190 calories
Nonfat Milk: ~110 calories

Hot vs. Iced Lattes: The Calorie Difference

Temperature also plays a role in the calorie count due to differences in composition. An iced latte often contains less milk than its hot counterpart because ice displaces some of the liquid volume. According to McDonald's, a medium iced latte with whole milk is listed at 120 calories, which is 70 calories less than the hot version. This is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a McCafé beverage with fewer calories, particularly on a hot day.

Syrups and Sugar: The Hidden Calorie Bombs

While the milk choice has a major impact, adding sweeteners is where calories can really start to accumulate. McDonald's offers various flavored syrups that can transform a standard latte into a decadent treat, but these come with a cost. The search results show that a medium iced caramel latte with whole milk jumps up to 270 calories, a full 150 calories higher than a standard iced latte with the same milk. A single pump of syrup, which is often sugary, can add 20-30 calories. If you frequently order flavored lattes, the extra calories can add up quickly over time.

Comparison Table: McCafé Latte Nutrition (Medium Size)


Drink Type	Milk	Temperature	Approx. Calories	Approx. Sugars	Notes
Standard Latte	Whole Milk	Hot	190	15g	Reference point
Standard Latte	Nonfat Milk	Hot	110	15g	Significantly lower calorie option
Standard Latte	Whole Milk	Iced	120	9g	Lower calories due to ice displacement
Caramel Latte	Whole Milk	Iced	270	36g	Example of a higher-calorie flavored version

Note: Nutritional information is based on US market data and may vary by region. For the most precise information, always consult the official McCafé nutritional guides.

Making Healthier Choices

For those watching their calorie intake, enjoying a McCafé latte doesn't have to be off the menu. By making a few simple adjustments, you can still get your caffeine fix without the extra calories.

Tips for a Lower-Calorie McCafé Latte:

Choose skim or nonfat milk. This is the single most effective way to reduce the fat and calories in your drink.
Skip the syrup. Stick with a plain latte or opt for a sugar-free syrup option if available. Syrups can be a major source of hidden calories.
Go for iced. A medium iced latte with whole milk already has 70 fewer calories than its hot counterpart, offering an easy reduction.
Add your own flavor. Instead of syrup, ask for a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. These spices add flavor without adding any calories.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a McDonald's medium latte is approximately 190 for the standard hot version with whole milk. However, this number is easily modified. By simply swapping to nonfat milk, you can reduce the calories to 110. An iced version of the standard whole milk latte comes in at 120 calories. For those seeking even more flavor, just be mindful that adding sugary syrups, such as caramel, can push the total calorie count to 270 or more. The best approach is to customize your order based on your dietary goals, as McDonald's offers flexible options to control the nutritional profile of your favorite McCafé drink.

For the most current and detailed nutritional information, you can always visit the official McDonald's nutritional calculator at www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-our-food/nutrition-calculator.html.

Frequently Asked Questions

A plain, medium McCafé latte with nonfat milk is a relatively low-calorie option at around 110 calories. However, adding whole milk, syrups, and other sweeteners increases the calorie count significantly, making it less healthy from a calorie and sugar perspective.

A medium McCafé latte made with nonfat milk contains approximately 110 calories, a much lower figure than the 190 calories found in the whole milk version.

Yes, an iced latte typically has fewer calories than a hot one of the same size. For example, a medium iced latte with whole milk contains 120 calories, whereas a hot one is 190 calories, because the ice displaces some of the milk.

You can reduce the calories in your McCafé latte by opting for nonfat milk, choosing an iced version over a hot one, and skipping sugary additions like flavored syrups or extra sugar.

Calorie counts can vary slightly, but a standard hot medium (16 oz) latte from Starbucks is comparable in calories to a standard McCafé medium (16 oz) latte. The exact number depends on the milk and any additions.

The most accurate and official nutrition information for McDonald's products can be found on their official website, which includes a comprehensive nutrition calculator.

While the exact calorie count per pump can vary, flavored syrups are typically high in sugar. Adding a pump of syrup to your latte can easily add 20 to 30 calories or more, depending on the flavor and formulation.