How Many Calories Are in an Almond Latte?

December 13, 2025 •

5 min read

A standard 12-ounce caffè latte made with unsweetened almond milk can contain as few as 50-80 calories, making it a popular low-calorie alternative. This number, however, can vary significantly depending on added syrups, serving size, and the specific brand of almond milk used, so understanding the factors is key to knowing how many calories are in an almond latte.

Quick Summary

The exact calorie count of an almond latte depends on several variables, including the serving size, almond milk brand, and any added sweeteners. Simple modifications can significantly lower the final count.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A basic, unsweetened almond latte typically contains 50-80 calories for a 12-16 oz serving.
Added Syrups: Sweetened syrups can add significant calories, with just a few pumps potentially adding over 100 extra calories.
Milk Type: Using unsweetened almond milk is crucial, as barista blends or sweetened versions will increase the calorie count.
Serving Size Matters: A larger latte contains more almond milk, leading to a higher total calorie count.
Toppings Increase Calories: Extras like whipped cream and drizzles are calorie-dense and should be omitted for a lighter drink.
Almond vs. Oat: Almond lattes are generally much lower in calories than oat milk lattes, which can have double the calories due to higher carbs and fat.
DIY Saves Calories: Making your own almond latte at home with unsweetened ingredients gives you complete control over the nutrition.

The Basic Calorie Breakdown for an Almond Latte

At its core, a classic almond latte is a simple combination of espresso and steamed almond milk. The calorie count of this foundational drink is quite low, which is a major reason for its popularity among health-conscious coffee drinkers. An unsweetened almond milk latte typically contains between 50 and 80 calories for a medium (12-16 oz) serving. The majority of these calories come from the almond milk itself. Unsweetened almond milk is one of the lowest-calorie milk alternatives, clocking in at around 30-40 calories per cup. Espresso shots contribute a negligible amount of calories, usually less than 5 calories per shot. This base calorie count is what attracts many people looking for a light, satisfying coffee drink without the heavy caloric load of full-fat dairy or heavily sweetened beverages.

Why the Calorie Range Varies

The wide range of reported calories for almond lattes comes from several key factors, most notably the brand of milk and the additions. Barista-style almond milk blends, for example, often include stabilizers and added oils to improve foaming texture, which can slightly increase the calorie and fat content. Furthermore, when you order an almond latte from a coffee shop, you need to be aware of the default recipe. Many standard coffee shop recipes include flavored syrups unless specified otherwise. Just one or two pumps of a sweetened syrup can easily add 50 to 100 calories or more to your drink, transforming it from a low-calorie option into a moderate one.

What Factors Influence Your Almond Latte's Calories?

Understanding the components of your almond latte is the first step toward controlling its calorie count. A simple drink can quickly become a high-calorie treat with just a few modifications.

Almond Milk Type: Unsweetened almond milk is the lowest-calorie option, but many coffee shops use sweetened versions by default. Always specify "unsweetened" to keep sugar and calories in check.
Syrups and Flavorings: A single pump of vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup can add 20-30 calories. If you order a drink with multiple pumps, the calorie count can skyrocket. For example, a grande vanilla almond latte could have an extra 80-120 calories just from the syrup.
Serving Size: The size of your drink directly correlates with the volume of almond milk and therefore, the calories. A large or venti latte will contain more calories than a small or tall one.
Toppings and Extras: Toppings like whipped cream, caramel drizzles, or chocolate shavings can add a significant number of additional calories and sugars. Always ask for these on the side or omit them entirely to save calories.
Sugar Alternatives: If you need a touch of sweetness, consider adding a calorie-free natural sweetener like stevia. Many coffee shops offer these options as alternatives to high-sugar syrups.

Almond Latte vs. Other Popular Lattes: A Comparison

Here is a simple comparison to highlight how almond milk stacks up against other popular milk choices. Note that calorie counts are approximate for a medium (16 oz) unsweetened latte and can vary by brand and recipe.


Type of Milk	Approximate Calories (16 oz)	Notes
Unsweetened Almond Milk	50–80 kcal	Lowest in calories, but also low in protein and calcium (unless fortified).
Oat Milk (Barista Blend)	140–160 kcal	Significantly higher in calories and carbs than almond milk, offering a creamier texture.
Skim Milk (Dairy)	120–140 kcal	Higher in protein than almond milk, with a similar calorie count to some sweetened almond options.
Whole Milk (Dairy)	220+ kcal	Highest in calories and saturated fat, providing the richest, creamiest texture.
Soy Milk	140–160 kcal	Higher in protein than almond milk, with more calories and a distinct taste.

How to Reduce the Calories in Your Almond Latte

For those who enjoy an almond latte but want to keep the calorie count to a minimum, there are several easy strategies. You can still enjoy a delicious drink without compromising your health goals.

Always Choose Unsweetened: This is the single most effective way to cut down on calories. Requesting unsweetened almond milk and skipping any flavored syrups will drastically reduce your drink's calorie load.
Opt for Sugar-Free Syrups: If you enjoy flavored lattes, many coffee shops offer sugar-free versions of popular syrups. Just be mindful that they often contain artificial sweeteners.
DIY Sweetening: Add a small amount of your own zero-calorie sweetener, like stevia or monk fruit, to control the sweetness without the sugar.
Adjust Your Size: Ordering a smaller size, such as a tall instead of a grande, is a simple way to reduce the overall calories and milk volume.
Skip the Whipped Cream: Whipped cream and sugary drizzles are unnecessary calories. Enjoy the pure flavor of the latte instead.
Make It a 'Misto': A caffè misto, or a latte with half-espresso and half-steamed milk, will naturally use less milk and therefore have fewer calories.

Conclusion

An almond latte can be a healthy, low-calorie coffee choice, but its final nutritional value is in your hands. A simple, unsweetened almond latte can be a guilt-free pleasure, while one loaded with syrups and toppings can have a calorie count similar to a decadent dessert. By being aware of your choices, asking for unsweetened milk, and limiting extras, you can enjoy your favorite drink while staying on track with your nutritional goals. For more general information on milk alternatives, you can check out this helpful guide from Healthline on comparing different types of milk alternatives.

Making Your Own Low-Calorie Almond Latte

Creating a healthy and delicious almond latte at home is simple and puts you in complete control of the ingredients. Follow these steps for a perfect brew:

Brew Your Espresso: Pull one or two shots of your favorite espresso.
Steam the Milk: Heat about 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk using a steam wand, or by warming it on the stovetop and frothing with a hand frother until foamy.
Combine and Customize: Pour the steamed milk over your espresso. Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a few drops of liquid stevia for flavor without the calories.
Enjoy: This simple recipe ensures your almond latte is fresh, delicious, and perfectly suited to your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, an almond latte is only low-calorie if it's made with unsweetened almond milk and contains no added syrups or sugar. The inclusion of flavorings or sweetened milk can significantly increase its calorie count.

The calories in a Starbucks almond milk latte vary by size and additions. A tall caffè latte with almond milk may be around 82 calories, while a grande with added syrup can be over 150 calories.

An oat latte typically has significantly more calories than an almond latte. An unsweetened almond latte can be under 80 calories, whereas a comparable oat latte can be 140-160 calories or more, due to oat milk's higher carb content.

Yes, to get a sugar-free almond latte, you should specifically request unsweetened almond milk and use a sugar-free syrup option or an alternative sweetener like stevia.

The lowest-calorie latte is a caffè misto made with espresso and a small amount of unsweetened almond milk. If you still want a latte, an unsweetened almond milk latte is one of the lowest-calorie options available.

Yes, an unsweetened almond latte can be an excellent choice for weight loss due to its low calorie count. However, the benefits are negated if you add sugary syrups or other high-calorie toppings.

Yes, the core calorie count is the same, as it consists of the same amount of almond milk and espresso. However, iced versions often come in larger cup sizes, potentially increasing the total volume of milk and therefore the calories.

Yes, different brands have varying calorie counts. Barista-style blends, for instance, might be formulated with added oils for better frothing, which can slightly increase the fat and calorie content compared to standard unsweetened almond milk.

The amount of sugar varies greatly. A plain almond latte with unsweetened milk has virtually no sugar. However, a flavored latte with several pumps of syrup can have 20-30 grams or more of sugar added.