How many calories are in a sugar free latte from Starbucks?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Starbucks' official nutrition information, a Grande (16 oz) hot Skinny Vanilla Latte made with nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup contains approximately 120 calories. If you are wondering how many calories are in a sugar free latte from Starbucks, the answer depends heavily on your specific order, primarily the size and the type of milk used. Customizing your beverage is key to keeping calorie counts low.

Quick Summary

The exact calorie count for a Starbucks sugar-free latte varies based on size and milk choice. Nonfat milk and almond milk are lower-calorie options, while a protein-boosted latte adds more. Customization is crucial for controlling nutritional intake. Different sizes and temperatures also affect the final calorie total.

Key Points

Calories vary by milk and size: The most significant factors determining calories in a sugar-free latte are the type of milk and the drink's size, not the syrup.
"Skinny" means nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup: The term "skinny" at Starbucks signifies that a drink is made with nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup, which is typically vanilla.
Nonfat and almond milk are lowest in calories: Nonfat dairy milk and almond milk are generally the lowest-calorie milk options for a sugar-free latte.
Protein-boosted milk adds calories: The newer protein-boosted milk option will significantly increase the calorie count of your sugar-free latte compared to nonfat milk.
The Starbucks app offers customization tools: Use the Starbucks app or website's nutrition calculator to see real-time calorie updates as you customize your drink.
Iced lattes can be lower in calories: Because they use less milk due to the space taken by ice, iced sugar-free lattes can have fewer calories than their hot counterparts.
Vanilla is the primary sugar-free flavor: While some old flavors are discontinued, vanilla is the most common and reliably available sugar-free syrup at Starbucks.

Demystifying the Sugar-Free Starbucks Latte

While the concept of a "sugar-free" latte implies a low-calorie drink, the final number is not zero. The primary sources of calories in a latte are the milk and any syrups or toppings added. A sugar-free latte from Starbucks simply uses a sugar-free syrup, which contains no sugar and negligible calories, but the milk still contributes a significant amount. Starbucks' menu items are highly customizable, and understanding how each modification impacts the final calorie total is essential for anyone tracking their intake.

The Impact of Milk Choices on Calorie Count

The most significant factor influencing the calorie count of a sugar-free latte is the type of milk used. Starbucks offers a variety of dairy and non-dairy options, all with different nutritional profiles. For instance, a Grande (16 fl oz) hot latte made with different milks will have a different calorie count even with sugar-free syrup. Choosing nonfat milk is the standard for the classic "Skinny" latte, but other options like almond, soy, or oat milk also offer different nutritional trade-offs.

Milk options and their impact:

Nonfat Milk: The go-to for a low-calorie option, as it has minimal fat content. A Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte with nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup is around 120 calories.
Almond Milk: A popular dairy alternative, almond milk offers a lower-calorie option compared to nonfat milk in some cases. An iced Grande with almond milk and sugar-free syrup can be around 120 calories.
Soy Milk: Starbucks' soy beverage is a good source of protein, but often has a higher calorie and sugar content than nonfat or almond milk, so always check the specific drink's nutrition details.
Oat Milk: As a creamier, richer non-dairy option, oat milk generally has more carbohydrates and calories than almond or nonfat milk. Consider this if watching your macros closely.
Whole Milk: Opting for whole milk will add the most calories and fat to your latte, even with sugar-free syrup.

How Temperature and Size Affect Calories

It is important to remember that whether you order your sugar-free latte hot or iced can also change the calories. Iced lattes typically contain less milk than their hot counterparts due to the added ice, which slightly lowers the total calorie count. For example, a Grande iced Skinny Vanilla Latte is often lower in calories than a hot one of the same size.

Size is another obvious but impactful factor. A Tall (12 oz) sugar-free latte will have fewer calories than a Grande (16 oz), and a Venti (20 oz) will have more. Being mindful of your serving size is one of the simplest ways to manage your calorie intake. For instance, a Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte has 160 calories, compared to 120 calories for a Grande.

Comparison of Starbucks Latte Options

To highlight the difference that milk choice and sweetness can make, here is a comparison table for a Grande (16 fl oz) latte at Starbucks.


Drink Type	Milk	Syrup	Estimated Calories (Grande)	Key Takeaway
Sugar-Free Vanilla Latte	Nonfat Milk	Sugar-Free Vanilla	~120 calories	Low-calorie, zero-sugar-added option.
Caffè Latte (Plain)	2% Milk	None	~190 calories	Default option, contains milk sugars but no added sugar.
Iced Caffe Latte (Plain)	2% Milk	None	~130 calories	Lower calories than the hot version due to ice displacement.
Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte (Hot)	Protein-boosted Milk	Sugar-Free Vanilla	~230 calories	Higher in calories and protein than a standard latte.
Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte	Protein-boosted Milk	Sugar-Free Vanilla	~200 calories	Offers significant protein while keeping added sugar low.
Caffè Latte with Almond Milk	Almond Milk	None	~105 calories	Good low-calorie, dairy-free base option.

Calorie-Saving Customization Tips

Ordering a sugar-free latte is a great start, but further customization can help you achieve your specific nutritional goals. Utilize the Starbucks app's nutrition calculator, or simply communicate your preferences to the barista to build the perfect low-calorie drink.

Here are some tips for a healthier latte:

Stick to nonfat or almond milk to reduce fat and calories.
Ask for fewer pumps of syrup. While sugar-free syrup adds zero calories, some people prefer less sweetness.
Decline whipped cream, as it can add 60 to 150 calories depending on the drink.
Use the Starbucks app or website's nutrition calculator for precise information before you order.

The Final Sip on Sugar-Free Lattes

In conclusion, a sugar-free latte from Starbucks is a smart choice for managing your sugar and calorie intake, but it is not calorie-free. The total calories depend on the base ingredients—the milk and size. By making informed decisions about milk selection and drink size, you can enjoy a delicious, custom-tailored beverage that fits your dietary needs. The Starbucks app is an invaluable tool for exploring all your options and ensuring your drink aligns with your nutritional goals. The "Skinny" designation, which typically includes nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup, remains a reliable benchmark for a lower-calorie option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starbucks once offered more sugar-free syrup options, but now vanilla is the most reliably available flavor. Check the specific store or use the app to confirm, as availability can vary.

Iced sugar-free lattes typically have fewer calories than hot ones of the same size because the ice displaces some of the milk. The exact difference depends on the size and milk chosen.

Yes, but adding whipped cream will significantly increase the calorie count, regardless of the sugar-free syrup. A standard order of whipped cream can add 60 to 150 calories.

The standard is four pumps of syrup for a Grande (16 oz) latte. You can request fewer pumps for a less sweet taste.

Yes, a Skinny Vanilla Latte is made with nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup, effectively making it a sugar-free version of the standard Vanilla Latte.

The Starbucks app and website both feature a nutrition calculator. By customizing your order digitally, you can see the updated calorie count in real-time.

Lattes contain milk, and all dairy milk contains naturally occurring milk sugars (lactose). Even with zero-calorie syrup, the natural sugars from the milk will be present in the nutritional information.