How many calories are in a Starbucks caramel macchiato iced?: Your Complete Nutrition Diet Guide

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

A grande Iced Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks contains approximately 250 calories. However, this number can vary significantly depending on the size and your choice of milk and syrup. Understanding the nutritional breakdown is the first step toward enjoying your favorite drink while staying on track with your nutrition diet goals.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed look at the calories, sugar, and fat content of a standard Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato, and compares nutritional data across different sizes and popular modifications. Learn how to customize your order to reduce the calorie count and make it a more diet-friendly beverage. Gain insights into the health impacts of high-sugar drinks and discover simple ingredient swaps for a healthier twist on this classic coffee treat.

Key Points

Standard Grande Calorie Count: A standard grande (16 oz) Iced Caramel Macchiato with 2% milk contains approximately 250 calories.
High Sugar Content: The same grande contains about 34 grams of sugar, primarily from the vanilla syrup and caramel drizzle.
Customize to Reduce Calories: Swapping to a lighter milk like almond milk or using sugar-free vanilla syrup can significantly lower the calorie and sugar count.
Beware of Liquid Calories: Since liquid calories don't provide the same feeling of fullness as solid food, high-sugar beverages can lead to excess calorie consumption.
Healthier Ordering Options: To order a lighter version, ask for a smaller size, use sugar-free syrups, opt for a milk alternative, and request a light caramel drizzle.
Monitor Blood Sugar: High-sugar drinks can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose, making them less ideal for those monitoring blood sugar levels.

The Nutritional Breakdown of a Standard Iced Caramel Macchiato

A standard grande (16 oz) Iced Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks is made with vanilla-flavored syrup, milk, espresso, ice, and a caramel drizzle. According to Starbucks' official nutritional information, a grande made with 2% milk contains approximately 250 calories, 34 grams of sugar, and 7 grams of fat. This calorie count is a significant portion of an average daily caloric intake, especially for a single beverage.

The majority of the sugar content comes from the vanilla syrup and the caramel drizzle. These rapidly absorbed carbohydrates can lead to a sharp spike in blood glucose. Over time, high consumption of sugary beverages like this one has been linked to potential health issues such as weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Understanding these components is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake.

Comparing Caramel Macchiato Nutritional Information by Size

To better illustrate the nutritional impact, here is a comparison of the standard Iced Caramel Macchiato across three popular sizes, using 2% milk as the default. The values show how the calories, fat, and sugar content change with the serving size.


Size	Calories (approx.)	Sugars (g) (approx.)	Fat (g) (approx.)
Tall (12 fl oz)	210	25.5	8.3
Grande (16 fl oz)	250	34	7
Venti (24 fl oz)	350*	44*	13*

*Note: Venti nutritional information for the iced version is not explicitly stated in the provided sources, but can be extrapolated from standard menu information, representing a significant jump in all categories.

Smart Swaps for a Lighter Version

If you love the flavor but not the nutritional load, there are many simple ways to modify your Iced Caramel Macchiato to make it a more diet-friendly option.

Swap the milk: The standard recipe uses 2% milk, but switching to a lighter option can significantly reduce calories and fat.
- Nonfat milk can lower the calorie count.
- Almond milk (usually unsweetened) offers a nutty flavor while drastically reducing calories.
- Oat milk also provides a creamy texture with fewer calories.
Choose sugar-free syrups: A significant portion of the sugar comes from the vanilla syrup. Asking for sugar-free vanilla syrup can eliminate these added sugars entirely without sacrificing flavor.
Reduce caramel drizzle: The caramel drizzle is primarily for flavor and presentation. You can ask for a "light" drizzle or no drizzle at all to cut down on extra calories and sugar.

The Health Implications of High-Sugar Coffee Drinks

While an Iced Caramel Macchiato can be a delicious treat, frequent consumption of high-sugar beverages should be considered within the context of an overall healthy nutrition diet. Studies have shown a strong link between sugary drink intake and weight gain, as well as an increased risk of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes. Liquid calories from sugary drinks do not provide the same feeling of fullness as solid food, which can lead to consuming more calories overall throughout the day. For individuals tracking their blood glucose, a high-sugar beverage can cause a rapid spike, which is not ideal for metabolic health. Mindful enjoyment and customization are key to fitting treats like this into a balanced lifestyle.

How to Order Your Healthier Iced Caramel Macchiato

Ordering a healthier version is easy. Here is a sample order for a lower-calorie grande Iced Caramel Macchiato:

Order a grande iced coffee instead of the standard espresso base, which is already naturally lower in calories.
Ask for a splash of your preferred lighter milk alternative, such as almond milk or oat milk.
Request three pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
Ask for a light caramel drizzle.

This simple adjustment provides a satisfying, flavorful experience with a significantly reduced calorie count, making it a much more sustainable option for a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion: Mindful Enjoyment is Key

While a standard Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato is a high-calorie, high-sugar beverage, this doesn't mean it's off-limits entirely. Understanding the nutritional components and knowing how to customize your order empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your health and diet goals. By making simple substitutions, such as choosing a lighter milk or sugar-free syrup, you can still indulge in your favorite treat without derailing your progress. Ultimately, moderation and mindful consumption are the most important factors for enjoying these drinks as part of a balanced and healthy nutrition diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard grande (16 fl oz) Iced Caramel Macchiato at Starbucks contains approximately 250 calories when made with 2% milk.

A standard grande Iced Caramel Macchiato with 2% milk contains about 34 grams of sugar, most of which comes from the vanilla syrup and caramel drizzle.

To reduce calories, you can ask for a smaller size, opt for a lower-calorie milk like nonfat, almond, or oat milk, use sugar-free vanilla syrup, and request a light caramel drizzle.

A traditional macchiato has a higher proportion of espresso and less milk than a latte, which typically results in fewer calories if no sugar is added. However, with added syrups and drizzles, both can become high in calories and sugar.

High-sugar beverages, like a standard Iced Caramel Macchiato, can lead to blood sugar spikes, contribute to weight gain, and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes if consumed frequently.

Yes, you can order a keto-friendly version by asking for a grande iced coffee with sugar-free vanilla syrup, a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream, and light caramel drizzle or no drizzle at all.

The body doesn't register liquid calories as it does calories from solid food, meaning you don't feel as full. This can lead to consuming more calories throughout the day, as high-calorie drinks often don't compensate for later meals.