How many calories are in a skinny Costa hot chocolate?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Costa's official nutrition information, a small skimmed milk hot chocolate can contain as few as 152 calories. If you're wondering "how many calories are in a skinny Costa hot chocolate?", the answer depends on the size and milk choice, but it's a significantly lower-calorie option than the standard version.

Quick Summary

A skinny Costa hot chocolate's calorie count varies by size and milk type. A small skimmed version is the lowest, but regular sizes and alternative milks impact the final value. Customizing toppings further alters the calorie content.

Key Points

Small Skimmed is Lowest: A small, in-store skimmed milk skinny hot chocolate contains approximately 152 calories.
Size Impacts Calories: Larger sizes (medio and massimo) increase the calorie count, even with skimmed milk.
Toppings Add Calories: The optional whipped cream and chocolate dusting add extra, easily avoidable calories.
Milk Alternatives Vary: Alternative milks like oat or soya can sometimes have more calories than skimmed milk, so check before ordering.
Customisation is Key: You can further reduce calories by using sugar-free syrups and requesting no toppings.
Consider Alternatives: Other low-calorie options at Costa include Americanos and skimmed cappuccinos.
Takeaway vs. In-store: Be aware that calorie counts may differ between takeaway and in-store servings due to size differences.

Demystifying the Skinny Costa Hot Chocolate

A skinny hot chocolate from Costa Coffee is a popular choice for those watching their calorie intake, offering the rich, comforting flavour of a hot chocolate with fewer calories. The term 'skinny' typically refers to the use of skimmed milk instead of semi-skimmed or whole milk. However, it's important to understand how different sizes and customisations affect the final calorie count. Costa's dedication to providing nutritional information allows consumers to make an informed choice, but navigating the options can be confusing.

The Impact of Size and Milk Type

The most significant factors influencing the calories in a skinny Costa hot chocolate are the drink's size and the type of milk used. A small 'primo' size will naturally contain fewer calories than a larger 'medio' or 'massimo'. Furthermore, while skimmed milk is the standard for a 'skinny' version, opting for an alternative milk like soya, coconut, or oat can change the nutritional profile. The calories can increase depending on the specific milk and size combination, so always double-check the latest figures. For instance, a small skimmed milk hot chocolate has a much lower calorie count than a medium version made with whole milk.

Customizing for a Lower Calorie Count

For those looking to minimise calories further, several customisation options are available. The standard hot chocolate comes with toppings like whipped cream and chocolate dusting, which add extra calories and sugar. Simply requesting your drink without these additions is one of the easiest ways to reduce the overall energy content. Additionally, Costa offers sugar-free syrups that can flavour your drink without adding significant calories. Asking for a half-sweetened version is another strategy to cut down on sugar intake. It's about being proactive and knowing which elements contribute the most to the final nutritional values.

Hot Chocolate Calorie Comparison Table


Drink Type	Milk Type	Size	Estimated Calories	Reference
Hot Chocolate	Skimmed	Small (In-store)	152 kcal
Hot Chocolate	Skimmed	Small (Takeaway)	193 kcal
Hot Chocolate	Whole	Small (Takeaway)	285 kcal
Hot Chocolate	Semi-Skimmed	Medium (In-store)	298 kcal
Hot Chocolate	Skimmed	Medium (Takeaway)	277 kcal
Hot Chocolate	Oat	Large (Takeaway)	~420 kcal	,

Note: Calorie counts can vary slightly based on location and preparation. 'Skinny' is generally associated with skimmed milk and no added toppings.

A Deeper Look into Milk Alternatives

Costa offers a range of milk alternatives, each with its own nutritional characteristics. For example, a small hot chocolate with soya milk might have a different calorie count than one with oat milk. Oat milk, in particular, can be higher in carbohydrates and sugar compared to skimmed or almond milk options. While these alternatives are great for dietary requirements, they are not always lower in calories. For those counting calories, skimmed milk remains the safest bet for the 'skinny' title. The key is to check the nutritional information for your specific order, especially if you're experimenting with different milk types.

Other Low-Calorie Alternatives at Costa

For those seeking even lower-calorie warm drinks, Costa has several options beyond the skinny hot chocolate. An Americano, which is simply espresso and hot water, contains very few calories (around 6 kcal). Adding a splash of skimmed milk will keep the calorie count low. A skimmed cappuccino is another excellent choice, offering a milky texture for a much lower calorie impact compared to a full-fat hot chocolate. Seasonal and specialty drinks can be calorie traps, so sticking to the standard menu items or customizing wisely is a smart strategy.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a skinny Costa hot chocolate is not a fixed number but varies based on size and milk type, with a small skimmed milk option being the lowest at around 152-193 calories. The 'skinny' designation primarily implies the use of skimmed milk, but consumers can further reduce calories by skipping whipped cream and chocolate toppings. For the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information, it is always recommended to consult Costa's official nutrition guide or ask staff. By making a few mindful choices, you can enjoy this treat while staying on track with your health goals.

Final Tip: Be an Informed Customer

The best way to enjoy your favourite Costa treat without derailing your diet is to be an informed customer. Costa Coffee provides detailed nutritional information online, which you can check before you visit. This gives you the power to select the size, milk, and toppings that best fit your dietary needs. Always feel comfortable asking your barista questions about ingredients and customisation options. It is also worth noting that the 'in-store' and 'takeaway' versions of drinks can sometimes differ slightly in portion size, which impacts calories.

Key Factors for Calorie Control

Size Matters: Opt for a smaller 'primo' size to significantly cut calories.
Ditch the Toppings: Skipping whipped cream and chocolate flakes is the quickest way to save calories.
Choose Wisely: Skimmed milk is the lowest-calorie base for a hot chocolate.
Consider Alternatives: An Americano or skimmed cappuccino offers a much lower calorie count.
Customize: Ask for sugar-free syrup or less sweetness to reduce the sugar content further.
Stay Informed: Check the official Costa nutrition guide for precise and up-to-date information.
Watch for Add-ons: Be mindful of extra syrups or marshmallows, as they add hidden calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest calorie hot chocolate at Costa is the small (primo) skinny hot chocolate made with skimmed milk, which contains approximately 152 calories for an in-store serving.

No, a 'skinny' hot chocolate means it is made with skimmed milk instead of whole milk, which reduces the fat and calories. It still contains sugar from the hot chocolate powder and the milk itself.

Not necessarily. Oat milk can often be higher in calories and carbohydrates than skimmed milk. Always check the nutritional guide, as a large oat milk hot chocolate can be significantly higher in calories than a skinny version.

To reduce calories further, you can ask for no whipped cream, no chocolate dusting, and request sugar-free syrup or half the normal amount of chocolate powder.

The difference is substantial. A small skinny (skimmed milk) hot chocolate is around 152 calories, while a small regular (whole milk) version is around 224 calories in-store, and the gap widens with larger sizes.

Yes, often the takeaway cups are slightly larger in volume than the in-store ceramic cups for the same size description, leading to a small increase in calorie count.

The official Costa nutritional information is available on their website, often in a downloadable PDF format, or you can ask staff in-store for details.