How many calories are in a mocha at Starbucks?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

An official Starbucks Grande hot Caffè Mocha made with 2% milk and topped with whipped cream contains 370 calories. However, this number can change significantly depending on your specific customizations, such as the milk type, syrup, and whether or not you add whipped cream. A grande iced mocha, for instance, has a different calorie count entirely.

Quick Summary

A standard Starbucks mocha contains hundreds of calories, but this can be greatly reduced by customizing the order. Factors like drink size, milk choice, and adding whipped cream heavily influence the final nutritional value.

Key Points

Standard Grande Calories: A Grande hot Caffè Mocha with 2% milk and whipped cream has 370 calories.
Impact of Whipped Cream: Removing the whipped cream can save around 70-80 calories per drink.
Milk Choice Matters: Switching to nonfat or almond milk can lower calories significantly compared to whole or 2% milk.
'Skinny' Option: Ordering a 'Skinny Mocha' typically includes nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup, greatly reducing both sugar and calories.
Iced vs. Hot: Iced versions of the mocha also have a high calorie count but can be customized to be healthier, just like their hot counterparts.
Size Variation: The number of calories scales with the size of the drink, from a Short's 200 calories to a Venti's 450 (for the standard hot version with whipped cream).

Understanding the Standard Starbucks Caffè Mocha

When you order a classic Caffè Mocha at Starbucks, you get a combination of espresso, bittersweet mocha sauce, steamed milk, and a generous topping of sweetened whipped cream. The base milk used is typically 2% unless otherwise requested. This specific combination is what drives the calorie count to 370 for a grande size. The richness of the mocha sauce and the fat content from the milk and whipped cream all contribute substantially to the final caloric load.

Hot Caffè Mocha Calories by Size

The calorie content varies significantly with the size of your drink. Here is a breakdown of the standard hot Caffè Mocha with 2% milk and whipped cream:

Short (8 fl oz): 200 calories
Tall (12 fl oz): 270 calories
Grande (16 fl oz): 370 calories
Venti (20 fl oz): 450 calories

Customization is Key to Calorie Control

The most impactful way to control the calories in your Starbucks mocha is by modifying the ingredients. The standard drink is high in fat and sugar due to the whipped cream and the 2% milk. By making simple swaps, you can dramatically lower the caloric impact without sacrificing all the flavor. For example, opting for nonfat milk or an alternative like almond milk significantly reduces the overall count. For a full breakdown, compare the options in the table below.

Iced Caffè Mocha Calories

For those who prefer their mocha chilled, the calorie count is also substantial, again largely due to the 2% milk and whipped cream. An iced version will contain ice, which takes up some volume but does not lower the calories from the key ingredients. A grande Iced Caffè Mocha with 2% milk and whipped cream has 350 calories. The calorie count for iced mochas without whipped cream is also lower, with a grande version with 2% milk coming in at 230 calories.

Comparison Table: Hot Mocha with Different Milks (Grande)


Mocha Customization (Grande)	Milk Type	Whipped Cream	Calories	Sugars	Fat
Standard Hot Mocha	2% Milk	Yes	370	35g	15g
Hot Mocha (No Whip)	2% Milk	No	290	34g	8g
Hot Mocha (Dairy-Free)	Almond Milk	No	220	N/A	N/A
Hot Mocha (Leaner)	Nonfat Milk	No	250	N/A	N/A

How to Reduce Calories in Your Starbucks Mocha

Skip the Whipped Cream: The easiest and quickest way to cut calories. Whipped cream adds approximately 70-80 calories to a drink.
Change the Milk: Opt for nonfat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk instead of 2% or whole milk. This can save you 40-100+ calories depending on the size.
Choose Sugar-Free Syrup: Substitute the regular mocha sauce with the sugar-free mocha option. Combining this with a low-fat milk is a potent calorie-saving strategy.
Order a “Skinny Mocha”: Ask for this custom drink by name to automatically get a mocha made with nonfat milk and sugar-free mocha sauce, and no whipped cream.
Go with a Small Size: Simply ordering a smaller size, like a Tall instead of a Grande, naturally reduces the total calories and sugar content.

The Verdict on How Many Calories Are in a Mocha at Starbucks

The precise calorie count for a Starbucks mocha is not a single number, but rather a spectrum that depends on the specific drink and its customizations. A standard grande hot Caffè Mocha with whipped cream contains 370 calories. However, by making strategic changes like removing the whipped cream or switching to a lower-calorie milk, you can significantly reduce the intake, with a skinny grande mocha containing as few as 230 calories or less depending on the ingredients chosen. Always check the Starbucks nutrition information for the most accurate figures.

Conclusion

For many, a Starbucks mocha is a delicious and indulgent treat. The high calorie and sugar content in the standard version can be surprising, but it's important to recognize that a wide array of healthier choices are available. By using nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup, and forgoing the whipped cream, you can enjoy the classic chocolate-and-coffee flavor without the heavy calorie commitment. This makes it possible to enjoy your favorite drink while aligning with your nutritional goals.

Note: For the most up-to-date nutritional information, it is always best to consult the official Starbucks website or app.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Grande hot Caffè Mocha with 2% milk but no whipped cream has 290 calories.

A 'skinny mocha' is a customized mocha made with nonfat milk and sugar-free mocha sauce, without whipped cream. A Tall skinny mocha contains 190 calories, while a Grande has 250 calories.

A Grande hot mocha with 2% milk and whipped cream is 370 calories, while a Grande iced mocha with the same ingredients is 350 calories. The presence of ice displaces some milk, accounting for the slight difference.

To make your mocha healthier, you can request nonfat or almond milk, ask for sugar-free mocha sauce, and skip the whipped cream entirely.

A Grande hot White Chocolate Mocha, which uses a different sauce, has a higher calorie count of 390 calories.

Yes, swapping to almond milk significantly lowers the calorie count. A Grande hot Caffè Mocha with almond milk and no whipped cream has approximately 220 calories.

The whipped cream on a standard mocha adds a significant number of calories, estimated to be around 70-80, which is why removing it is an effective way to reduce the total.