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How many calories are in pistachio coffee syrup?

4 min read

A standard 2-tablespoon serving of traditional pistachio coffee syrup, like those from Monin or Torani, contains approximately 80 calories. This guide provides a detailed look into the caloric content of both brand-name and sugar-free versions, helping you understand the impact on your favorite drinks.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the calories found in pistachio coffee syrup, comparing various brands, analyzing serving sizes, and exploring lower-calorie and homemade alternatives.

Key Points

  • Standard Syrup Calories: A typical 2-tablespoon serving of regular pistachio syrup from brands like Monin or Torani contains about 80 calories.

  • Per Pump Variation: Calories per pump differ widely by brand and pump size; a Starbucks pump is roughly 20 calories, while other brands can be significantly higher.

  • Sugar-Free Options: Zero-calorie versions exist from brands such as Skinny Mixes, providing flavor without the sugar content.

  • Homemade Calorie Control: The caloric content of homemade syrups is determined by the specific recipe and sweeteners used, ranging from very low-calorie to similar to commercial syrups.

  • Reducing Calories: To lower calories, choose sugar-free syrups, reduce the number of pumps, use low-fat milk alternatives, and avoid extra toppings like whipped cream.

  • Primary Calorie Source: The calories in standard pistachio coffee syrup come almost entirely from the sugar, as these syrups contain virtually no fat or protein.

In This Article

When adding a touch of nutty, sweet flavor to your coffee, it is essential to understand the caloric impact. Flavored syrups, particularly popular varieties like pistachio, can add a significant amount of sugar and calories to your daily intake. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the nutritional information for commercial and homemade versions, helping you manage your consumption effectively.

Calorie Breakdown of Popular Pistachio Syrups

Not all syrups are created equal. The calorie count can vary significantly between brands, based on ingredients, sugar content, and serving size. Here is a comparison of some of the most popular pistachio syrup brands available on the market, with nutritional information based on their stated serving sizes.

Brand Serving Size Calories Sugar Notes
Monin Pistachio 1 fl oz (30mL) 80 19g Made with natural flavors and pure cane sugar.
Torani Pistachio 2 tbsp (30mL) 80 19g Uses pure cane sugar. Formula has 0g fat and protein.
Amoretti Pistachio Premium 1 pump* 35 8g A single pump contains fewer calories, but multiple pumps are often used.
Starbucks Pistachio 1 pump* 20 5g A standard pump at Starbucks. A larger size latte may contain 4 or more pumps.

*Note: Serving sizes vary by brand and pump mechanism, so comparing ounces or milliliters is more accurate.

Understanding "Per Pump" Calories

For many coffee shop patrons, the syrup is added via a pump dispenser, leading to the common question: how many calories are in a pump? The answer depends entirely on the brand and the pump itself. As seen in the table above, a Starbucks pump is smaller, contributing about 20 calories and 5g of sugar. In contrast, an Amoretti pump is closer to 30-35 calories. This highlights how a single order of a flavored coffee drink can quickly accumulate calories. For example, a grande Starbucks Pistachio Latte with four pumps of syrup adds 80 calories and 20g of sugar just from the syrup, not including the milk or toppings.

Sugar-Free and Low-Calorie Alternatives

For those watching their sugar or calorie intake, several brands offer sugar-free pistachio syrup options. These syrups use alternative sweeteners to provide flavor without the added calories from sugar. Brands like Skinny Mixes, for instance, offer a sugar-free pistachio syrup with 0 calories, 0 sugar, and 0 carbs per serving. It is important to note that while these can be a healthier choice, they contain artificial sweeteners, and some individuals may prefer to avoid them. When choosing a sugar-free option, always check the nutritional label and ingredient list.

Homemade Pistachio Syrup: Variable Calorie Content

If you prefer to control your ingredients, making homemade pistachio syrup is a popular option. The calorie content for a homemade syrup will depend entirely on your recipe. For example, a sugar-free recipe using an alternative sweetener like allulose can be significantly lower in calories. A recipe from Home Cooked Harvest using sugar yields about 48 calories per tablespoon, while another from The Salty Pot lists 69 calories per tablespoon. The use of actual pistachios, rather than just extracts, can also add a small amount of fat and protein, though most of the calories will still come from the sweetener. Experimenting with different sweeteners and methods allows for custom-tailored nutritional profiles.

How to Reduce Calories in Your Flavored Coffee

For a delicious, flavorful coffee with fewer calories, consider implementing a few simple swaps:

  • Choose sugar-free syrups: This is the most direct way to cut calories from the syrup itself.
  • Reduce the number of pumps: Simply using less syrup will lower the total calorie and sugar count.
  • Opt for lower-calorie milk alternatives: Switching from whole milk to almond milk can save you a significant number of calories.
  • Make your own syrup: Creating a homemade, sugar-free version gives you complete control over the ingredients and calorie count.
  • Skip toppings and whipped cream: These add-ons often contain significant hidden calories.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in pistachio coffee syrup varies by brand and serving size, with most standard versions containing around 80 calories per two tablespoons. Sugar-free and homemade alternatives offer excellent options for reducing your calorie intake while still enjoying the rich, nutty flavor. By being mindful of serving sizes and choosing your ingredients wisely, you can enjoy your favorite flavored coffee without overdoing the calories. For more information on healthier coffee options, check out this guide on Hanstrom.com.

Sources

  • Monin Pistachio Syrup nutrition information: https://monin.us/products/pistachio-syrup
  • Torani Pistachio Syrup nutrition facts from Eat This Much: https://www.eatthismuch.com/calories/pistachio-syrup-2107768
  • Amoretti Pistachio Premium Syrups nutrition facts: https://www.eatthismuch.com/calories/pistachio-premium-syrups-3346942
  • Starbucks pistachio syrup calories per pump from pistachiomilk.org: https://pistachiomilk.org/what-pistachio-syrup-does-starbucks-use/
  • Skinny Mixes Sugar Free Pistachio Latte Syrup: https://skinnymixes.co.uk/products/sugar-free-pistachio-syrup
  • Homemade Pistachio Syrup Recipe by Home Cooked Harvest: https://homecookedharvest.com/pistachio-syrup/
  • Healthier Starbucks Pistachio Latte suggestions from Parade: https://parade.com/food/starbucks-pistachio-latte

Frequently Asked Questions

A grande Starbucks Pistachio Latte has approximately 320 calories and 45 grams of sugar. This total includes the milk, syrup, and salted brown butter topping.

Yes, several brands offer a sugar-free version of pistachio syrup. Brands like Skinny Mixes provide a syrup with 0 calories, 0 sugar, and 0 carbs per serving.

The calories per pump vary depending on the brand. For instance, a Starbucks pump is about 20 calories, whereas a pump from Amoretti can contain around 30-35 calories.

Yes, you can make a low-calorie version at home by using sugar-free sweeteners instead of standard sugar. One recipe uses allulose to achieve a significantly lower calorie count.

No, according to the nutritional facts, Monin pistachio syrup contains 0 grams of fat and 0 grams of protein per 1 fl oz serving.

It depends on the specific brand and how it's processed. While many syrups are primarily sugar and water, some commercial sugar is processed using bone char. To ensure it's vegan, look for brands specifying this or use organic sugar for homemade versions.

The primary source of calories in traditional pistachio coffee syrup is sugar. The syrup is essentially a flavored simple syrup, which is a concentration of sugar and water.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.