How many calories does a latte have at Starbucks?

October 23, 2025 •

3 min read

A grande caffè latte at Starbucks made with 2% milk contains 190 calories. The exact number of calories does a latte have at Starbucks can vary dramatically based on the size, milk type, and added syrups, offering a wide range of nutritional outcomes for consumers.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a Starbucks latte depends heavily on its size and milk choice. Selecting low-fat or dairy-free alternatives can significantly decrease the total calories.

Key Points

Grande Standard Latte: The default grande caffè latte at Starbucks, made with 2% milk, contains 190 calories.
Milk Choice is Key: Swapping from 2% milk to nonfat or almond milk can reduce the calorie count by 60 to 90 calories per grande size.
Flavor Adds Calories: A standard grande Blonde Vanilla Latte has 250 calories, 60 more than the plain version, due to the flavored syrup.
Go 'Skinny' for Less: Ordering a 'skinny' latte, which uses nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup, is the easiest way to drastically cut calories and sugar.
Customization is Control: Requesting fewer syrup pumps, opting for sugar-free alternatives, and skipping whipped cream are effective strategies to lower the calorie count.

Standard Latte Calories by Size

The classic Starbucks Caffè Latte is a simple yet popular drink consisting of espresso, steamed milk, and a light layer of foam. The standard preparation uses 2% milk unless specified otherwise. The calorie count increases with the size of the drink, as more milk is used.

Hot Caffè Latte with 2% Milk

Short (8 fl oz): 100 calories
Tall (12 fl oz): 150 calories
Grande (16 fl oz): 190 calories
Venti (20 fl oz): 240 calories

Iced Caffè Latte with 2% Milk

Tall (12 fl oz): 100 calories
Grande (16 fl oz): 130 calories
Venti (24 fl oz): 180 calories

The Impact of Milk Choices

One of the most significant factors influencing a latte's calorie count is the type of milk. Starbucks offers a variety of cow's milk and dairy-free options, each with a different nutritional profile. Making a simple milk swap can save you a substantial number of calories.

Cow's Milk Options

Nonfat Milk: The lowest-calorie dairy option. A grande latte with nonfat milk, often called a 'skinny' latte, has only 130 calories, a 60-calorie savings over the standard 2% milk version.
2% Milk: The standard default milk used in most Starbucks lattes. A grande is 190 calories.
Whole Milk: The highest-calorie dairy option, offering a richer, creamier taste but with more saturated fat. A tall latte with whole milk contains 180 calories.

Dairy-Free Alternatives

Almond Milk: One of the lowest-calorie milk alternatives. A grande latte with almond milk contains just 100 calories, a significant reduction.
Oat Milk: A creamy, popular non-dairy option. Calories are moderate compared to dairy milks. A Canadian grande oat latte has 190 calories, though regional varieties may differ.
Soy Milk: A high-protein dairy alternative, though it contains more sugar than others at Starbucks because it is often a pre-sweetened, vanilla-flavored blend. A grande soy latte contains 170 calories.
Coconut Milk: A vegan option that can add a tropical flavor. A grande coconut milk latte is 140 calories.

The Effect of Syrups and Flavors

While the base latte consists only of espresso and milk, many popular varieties include flavored syrups, which can dramatically increase the sugar and calorie content. For example, a grande Blonde Vanilla Latte with 2% milk jumps to 250 calories, 60 calories more than the standard latte, primarily due to the added syrup. Starbucks uses flavored syrups to create popular drinks like the Vanilla Latte, Caramel Macchiato, and seasonal specials.

How to Order a Lower-Calorie Latte

For those mindful of their calorie intake, a few simple customizations can make a big difference. These adjustments are easy to request from your barista.

Customization Tips

Go 'Skinny': By ordering a 'skinny' latte, you are requesting nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup, which drastically cuts calories and sugar.
Opt for Sugar-Free Syrups: Ask to swap the standard syrup for a sugar-free version, like sugar-free vanilla, which adds flavor without the calories.
Request Fewer Syrup Pumps: A grande latte comes with four pumps of syrup. Asking for only one or two pumps will reduce the sweetness and calorie load.
Skip the Whipped Cream: This simple omission on drinks like a Caramel Macchiato can save a significant number of calories and fat.
Choose Almond or Nonfat Milk: As shown in the table below, these milk options are the most calorie-conscious choices for your base latte.

Calories Comparison: Different Latte Configurations


Drink (Grande, 16 fl oz)	Calories	Milk Type	Notes
Caffè Latte (Standard)	190	2% Milk	Default preparation
Caffè Latte (Nonfat)	130	Nonfat Milk	A "skinny" version
Caffè Latte (Almond Milk)	100	Almond Milk	Lowest calorie alternative
Caffè Latte (Oat Milk)	~190	Oat Milk	Varies by region and formulation
Blonde Vanilla Latte (2%)	250	2% Milk + Vanilla Syrup	Extra calories from syrup

Conclusion

The calorie content of a latte at Starbucks is not a fixed number but a customizable range. The primary calorie drivers are the type of milk and the addition of sugary syrups. A basic grande caffè latte with 2% milk has 190 calories, but this number can be significantly lowered by switching to nonfat milk or almond milk, and even more by requesting sugar-free syrup. For the most precise nutritional data, it is always best to check the official Starbucks nutrition menu or use their mobile app. By understanding the options available, you can enjoy a delicious latte while staying in control of your dietary choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

A grande 'skinny' caffè latte at Starbucks, made with nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup, contains 130 calories.

Among the standard options, almond milk is the lowest calorie choice. A grande latte with almond milk has only 100 calories.

A grande hot Vanilla Latte made with 2% milk contains 250 calories. This includes the calories from both the standard 2% milk and the vanilla syrup.

The calories from oat milk in a latte can be comparable to or slightly higher than 2% milk, depending on the specific product used. A grande oat latte can have around 190 calories.

Yes. A grande iced caffè latte with almond milk has 100 calories. If you choose a smaller size like a tall or short with almond milk, the calorie count will drop even lower.

Flavored syrups are a major source of sugar and calories. A single pump of syrup typically adds about 20 calories. A grande latte with four pumps of standard syrup can easily add 80 calories or more.

To reduce calories, you can request nonfat milk, ask for sugar-free vanilla syrup instead of regular, and most importantly, skip the caramel drizzle. These modifications can significantly lower the final calorie count.