How many calories are in an iced skinny latte?

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

A tall (12 fl oz) iced skinny vanilla latte from a major coffee chain like Starbucks can contain as few as 60 calories, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy a creamy espresso drink. Understanding how many calories are in an iced skinny latte and how various ingredients influence the total is essential for health-conscious coffee lovers.

Quick Summary

An iced skinny latte's calorie count depends primarily on the type of milk and syrup used. Versions using nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup are lowest in calories, typically staying under 100 calories per serving.

Key Points

Low Calorie: A standard tall (12 oz) iced skinny latte, made with nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup, contains approximately 60-70 calories.
Ingredient Impact: The biggest calorie difference comes from swapping whole milk for nonfat milk and using sugar-free syrup instead of regular, flavored syrup.
Milk Alternatives: Unsweetened almond milk can further lower the calorie count compared to dairy nonfat milk, but other options like oat milk can be higher.
Hidden Calories: Watch out for extra toppings like whipped cream and sugary drizzles, which can add 50 to over 100 calories per drink.
Customization is Key: To reduce calories, request less milk, fewer pumps of syrup, or choose calorie-free flavor enhancers like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Size Matters: Opting for a smaller size, like a tall, will naturally mean fewer calories than a larger grande or venti.

What is an Iced Skinny Latte?

An iced skinny latte is a low-calorie version of a traditional iced latte, designed for those who want a rich, coffee-forward drink without the high-calorie count. The "skinny" label primarily refers to the use of nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup alternatives. The standard components of an iced skinny latte include:

Espresso: The base of the drink, providing a bold coffee flavor with minimal calories (around 2-3 calories per shot).
Nonfat (Skim) Milk: Replaces whole or 2% milk, significantly reducing fat and calories while maintaining a creamy texture.
Sugar-Free Syrup: Used for flavor without adding significant calories or sugar. Common flavors include vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut.
Ice: Used to cool the drink and does not add any calories.

Calorie Breakdown of an Iced Skinny Latte

The total calorie count of an iced skinny latte is relatively low, but can vary based on the serving size and specific ingredients. For instance, a tall (12 fl oz) iced skinny vanilla latte with nonfat milk from Starbucks is often around 60 calories. A grande (16 fl oz) version might be closer to 80 calories. The majority of these calories come from the milk and naturally occurring milk sugars. By comparison, a standard iced latte made with whole milk and regular syrup can easily exceed 200 calories.

How Different Ingredients Affect the Calorie Count

Even in a "skinny" drink, modifications can increase the caloric value. Be mindful of the following additions:

Alternative Milks: While often low-calorie, some plant-based milks contain more sugar or fat than others. Unsweetened almond milk is a great low-calorie choice, while oat milk is naturally sweeter and has more calories.
Sweeteners: Always double-check if your syrup is sugar-free. If a regular syrup is used, each pump can add an extra 20 calories or more. Natural sweeteners like honey or agave will also add calories.
Toppings: Whipped cream and caramel or chocolate drizzles, while tempting, will significantly increase the calorie count. For example, whipped cream alone can add 50-110 calories depending on the serving size.

Comparison Table: Iced Lattes by Milk and Syrup


Drink Type	Milk	Syrup	Estimated Calories (Grande, 16oz)
Iced Skinny Latte	Nonfat Milk	Sugar-Free Vanilla	~80 calories
Iced Skinny Latte (Almond)	Unsweetened Almond Milk	Sugar-Free Vanilla	~70 calories
Iced Latte (Standard)	Whole Milk	Regular Vanilla	~200+ calories
Iced Latte (Low Fat)	2% Milk	Regular Vanilla	~170+ calories

Customizing Your Iced Skinny Latte for Fewer Calories

For those who are very particular about their calorie intake, here are a few simple tips for creating an even lighter beverage:

Request Less Milk: Ask for a "less milk" or "light milk" version to slightly reduce the overall calorie and sugar content.
Half the Syrup: If you find sugar-free syrups too sweet, request only half the standard number of pumps. Many coffee shops use 3-4 pumps of syrup in a grande.
Add Spice, Not Sugar: Instead of relying solely on syrups for flavor, ask for a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of vanilla extract. These add flavor without any calories.
Choose the Right Size: As shown with the Starbucks example, a smaller size, like a tall, will naturally have fewer calories than a grande or venti.
Consider Cold Brew: For the lowest-calorie option, switch to a black cold brew. It provides a similar caffeine boost with virtually no calories.

The Health Benefits of Moderation

While a low-calorie drink is a good choice for managing weight, it's also important to consider the overall health benefits of coffee. The espresso in your skinny latte contains antioxidants and can offer a metabolism boost. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that moderate coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of certain diseases, including heart failure and Parkinson's disease. The key is enjoying your coffee in moderation and being mindful of the ingredients you choose. A healthy lifestyle is a balance of making smart choices and enjoying your favorite treats in a controlled way.

Conclusion

An iced skinny latte is a smart choice for satisfying your coffee craving while keeping your calorie intake low. The final number of calories depends on your specific choices, but opting for nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup will keep you in the 60-100 calorie range for a standard serving. By being a bit more specific with your order—or by making it at home with controlled ingredients—you can enjoy a refreshing and flavorful drink that aligns with your health goals without any guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

A skinny latte uses nonfat (skim) milk and sugar-free syrup, while a regular latte is typically made with whole milk and regular, sugar-based syrup. This results in significantly fewer calories and less fat in the skinny version.

An iced skinny latte can be a healthy choice in moderation. It provides the caffeine boost and nutrients like calcium from milk with fewer calories than a traditional latte. However, it is not a low-calorie food overall, and the health impact of artificial sweeteners is still debated.

According to nutritional information, a tall (12 fl oz) Starbucks iced skinny vanilla latte with nonfat milk has 60 calories, while a grande (16 fl oz) has 80 calories.

To further reduce calories, you can request less milk, use fewer pumps of sugar-free syrup, or opt for a smaller drink size. Spices like cinnamon can add flavor without extra calories.

Yes. While nonfat milk is low in calories, unsweetened almond milk can be even lower. For example, a tall iced skinny latte made with almond milk would have slightly fewer calories than one made with dairy nonfat milk.

Yes, to be a true "skinny" latte, it uses a sugar-free syrup for flavor instead of a traditional sugar-based syrup. If you are unsure, you should confirm with the barista.

A standard shot of espresso contains a very small number of calories, typically around 2 to 3. The majority of the calories in a latte come from the milk and any added syrups.