How many calories are in salted caramel coffee? The complete breakdown

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

A single large chain salted caramel coffee can contain hundreds of calories, with some topping out over 300 depending on the size and add-ons. Understanding how many calories are in salted caramel coffee is crucial for anyone watching their intake, as the number can vary dramatically based on how it is prepared and what ingredients are used.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for salted caramel coffee differs widely depending on ingredients like milk, syrup, and toppings. This guide breaks down typical calorie ranges and offers actionable tips for making lower-calorie versions at home or when ordering.

Key Points

Calories Vary Widely: A standard salted caramel coffee from a chain like Starbucks can contain over 300 calories, while a homemade low-calorie version might have fewer than 100.
Ingredients Drive Calorie Count: The type of milk, amount of syrup, and addition of whipped cream or drizzles are the main factors increasing calorie content.
Low-Calorie Swaps Exist: You can significantly reduce calories by using sugar-free syrups and unsweetened milk alternatives like almond milk.
Homemade is Healthiest: Making your own salted caramel coffee at home offers the most control over ingredients and calorie count.
Check Commercial Nutrition Info: Always check the nutrition facts on a coffee shop's website, as calorie counts differ by size and customization.

The Surprising Calorie Count of Salted Caramel Coffee

While a cup of black coffee contains virtually zero calories, the additions that make a salted caramel coffee so delicious are what pack on the sugar and fat. A basic version with milk and syrup will have a moderate calorie count, but once you add high-fat creamers, whipped cream, and extra drizzles of caramel sauce, the calorie count can skyrocket to that of a small meal.

Commercial Salted Caramel Coffee Calorie Breakdown

Most people get their salted caramel fix from popular coffee chains. The calorie counts below illustrate the significant difference between offerings and sizes.

Starbucks Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

One of the most popular items, the calorie count for this drink is substantial, and it increases with size.

Grande (16 oz): 230 calories.
Venti (20 oz): 280 calories.
Trenta (30 oz): 340 calories.

These figures can vary slightly depending on regional menus and customizations. The cream and syrups are the main drivers of these calorie totals.

Dunkin' Iced Salted Caramel Latte

While not offering a cold brew version like Starbucks, their lattes also have a range of calories depending on size and preparation.

Small (approx. 16 oz): 110 calories (for a basic iced caramel swirl, no caramel drizzle).
Medium (approx. 24 oz): 113 calories (based on UK allergen menu, can vary).

Factors That Increase Calories in Commercial Coffee

Sweetened Syrups: The primary source of sugar and calories. Standard salted caramel syrups are high in both.
Whole Milk and Cream: Switching from skim or almond milk to whole milk or heavy cream adds significant fat and calories.
Whipped Cream: A fluffy topping adds a surprising amount of fat and sugar.
Caramel Drizzle: The extra drizzle on top provides more sugar and calories.

Homemade vs. Coffee Shop Calories

Making your own salted caramel coffee at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to create a much healthier version. Here’s a comparison to illustrate the potential savings.


Drink Type	Milk	Syrup	Toppings	Approximate Calories
Starbucks Grande SCC Cold Brew	Cream, Skim Milk	Standard	Salted Cold Foam	~230 calories
Homemade Low-Cal Iced Coffee	Unsweetened Almond Milk	Sugar-Free	Minimal	~50-75 calories
Homemade Standard Iced Coffee	Whole Milk	Standard	Drizzle	~200 calories
Dunkin' Small Iced Caramel Swirl	Milk/Cream	Standard	None	~110 calories

How to Reduce Calories in Your Salted Caramel Coffee

To enjoy the taste of salted caramel without the high calorie count, consider these simple modifications:

Use Sugar-Free Syrup: Opt for a sugar-free salted caramel syrup to drastically cut down on sugar and calories. Many brands, like Skinny Mixes or Torani, offer zero-calorie versions.
Switch Your Milk: Substitute whole or 2% milk with a lower-calorie alternative like unsweetened almond milk (30-40 calories per cup), skim milk, or oat milk.
Skip the Whipped Cream: This simple choice removes a significant amount of fat and calories from your drink instantly.
Reduce Syrup Pumps: When ordering at a coffee shop, ask for fewer pumps of the sweetened caramel syrup.
Make Your Own: Control every ingredient by making your drink from scratch at home. You can use natural sweeteners like Medjool dates blended with milk for a caramel flavor without refined sugar.

Example Low-Calorie Salted Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe

Here's a quick recipe to make a delicious, diet-friendly version at home. This recipe uses readily available ingredients and takes just minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

1 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1-2 tablespoons sugar-free salted caramel syrup
A pinch of sea salt
Ice cubes

Instructions

Brew Coffee: Brew a fresh cup of strong coffee and let it cool completely. For best results, brew the night before and refrigerate.
Combine Ingredients: In a glass, combine the chilled coffee, unsweetened almond milk, sugar-free salted caramel syrup, and sea salt.
Mix and Serve: Stir well to ensure the syrup is fully incorporated. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Enjoy: For an extra touch, you can use a frother to make a cold foam with a little extra almond milk and syrup to top it off. Enjoy immediately.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in salted caramel coffee empowers you to make smarter beverage choices. While coffee shop versions can be high in sugar and calories, simple substitutions can make this popular drink much healthier. By opting for sugar-free syrups, low-calorie milk alternatives, and skipping the extra toppings, you can enjoy the rich, sweet-and-salty flavor without derailing your health goals. Making your own at home provides the ultimate control and is often the best path to a delicious, low-calorie treat.

For more nutritional information and guidance on making informed food choices, consider visiting the official U.S. Department of Agriculture food data page: https://www.nal.usda.gov/programs/fnic/usda-food-composition-databases

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard salted caramel coffee, especially from a coffee shop, can be high in sugar and fat due to flavored syrups and added creams. While not inherently 'bad,' excessive consumption can contribute to a high-sugar diet. Low-calorie, homemade versions are a healthier alternative.

Order a cold brew or iced coffee with sugar-free salted caramel syrup and a splash of low-calorie milk, such as almond milk. Skip the whipped cream and ask for minimal or no caramel drizzle.

Yes, using sugar-free salted caramel syrup is one of the easiest ways to dramatically reduce calories and sugar in your homemade coffee without sacrificing flavor.

Unsweetened almond milk is an excellent low-calorie milk alternative, typically containing only 30-40 calories per cup. Skim milk is also a good option for reducing fat and calories compared to whole milk.

The calorie count for whipped cream varies, but a typical dollop can add anywhere from 50 to 100 calories or more, depending on the amount and brand.

Yes, some people use blended Medjool dates to achieve a natural caramel flavor and sweetness. This adds fiber and reduces refined sugar, though it still contributes calories.

The temperature of the coffee does not affect its calories. The calorie count depends entirely on the ingredients, such as milk, syrup, and toppings, used in the preparation, whether hot or iced.