How many calories does a mocha with almond milk have?

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Starbucks nutrition data, a Grande Caffe Mocha with almond milk and no whipped cream contains approximately 220 calories, while a Tall contains 170 calories. The final calorie count of your specific mocha depends on a variety of factors, including serving size, the type and amount of chocolate sauce, and any additional sweeteners or toppings.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a mocha with almond milk is influenced by its size, chocolate syrup type, and added ingredients like sweeteners and whipped cream. It typically ranges from 110 to over 300 calories, offering a lower-calorie alternative to dairy versions but with significant variation depending on the preparation.

Key Points

Serving Size Matters: The calorie count for a mocha with almond milk can vary significantly based on the size, ranging from around 110 calories for a small to over 220 for a large.
Unsweetened is Key: Opting for unsweetened almond milk over sweetened varieties is the simplest way to reduce both calories and sugar content.
Chocolate is a Major Factor: The type and amount of chocolate syrup used are major calorie contributors; sugar-free syrup can be a great alternative.
Toppings Add Up: Whipped cream can add an additional 70-100 calories, so skipping this topping is an easy way to save calories.
Homemade Offers Control: Making a mocha at home with unsweetened almond milk and cocoa powder allows for the most precise control over calorie content.
Check for Sweetened Syrups: Many coffee shop mochas, even with almond milk, use high-sugar sauces and syrups that significantly increase the calorie count.

Calorie Breakdown of a Mocha with Almond Milk

Understanding the calories in a mocha with almond milk requires looking at each component. A standard mocha is made from espresso, milk, and chocolate syrup. While black coffee is nearly calorie-free, the other ingredients contribute significantly to the total.

The Role of Almond Milk in Calorie Reduction

Switching from traditional dairy milk to almond milk is a common strategy for reducing a mocha's calorie count. Unsweetened almond milk is significantly lower in calories than cow's milk. For example, one cup of unsweetened almond milk has about 30–40 calories, compared to whole milk which can have over 140 calories per cup. This swap is one of the most effective ways to make your mocha more diet-friendly, but it's important to be mindful of sweetened almond milk varieties, which contain more sugar and calories.

The Impact of Chocolate Syrup and Sweeteners

The chocolate syrup is another major calorie contributor. A single pump of standard mocha sauce can add around 20 calories or more, depending on the brand. Most coffee shops use a sweet, high-sugar chocolate syrup. Opting for a sugar-free version or controlling the number of pumps can drastically reduce the total. Many homemade recipes recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder, which has very few calories and provides rich chocolate flavor. Similarly, adding extra sugar packets or flavored syrups will increase the total calorie count considerably.

Size and Toppings Matter

The size of your drink directly correlates with the calorie count, as a larger drink contains more milk and chocolate sauce. For instance, Starbucks' Tall (12 fl oz) almond milk mocha has 170 calories, while the Grande (16 fl oz) has 220, and a Venti would have even more. Toppings are another key factor. While whipped cream is a popular mocha addition, it can easily add 70-100 calories per serving. Skipping the whipped cream is a simple way to cut unnecessary calories and fat.

Making a Healthier Mocha at Home

Creating a lower-calorie mocha is easiest when you control the ingredients yourself. By using unsweetened almond milk and unsweetened cocoa powder, you can make a delicious, rich drink with a fraction of the calories found in a typical coffee shop beverage. For sweetness, consider natural, calorie-free sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Using a high-speed blender or an immersion blender can help achieve a frothy texture without the need for cream.

Comparison of Mocha Calories by Milk Type


Ingredient	Typical Calories (per 8-12 oz drink)*	Notes
Mocha with Unsweetened Almond Milk	~110-190 calories	Lower in sugar and calories, but check for added sweeteners in the milk.
Mocha with Whole Milk	~250-350+ calories	Highest in fat and calories, offers a richer, creamier texture.
Mocha with Skim Milk	~180-250 calories	Lower fat than whole milk, but still contains natural milk sugars (lactose).
Mocha with Oat Milk	~200-280+ calories	Often higher in calories than almond milk due to more carbs and fat.

*These are approximate values and will vary based on the specific brand of milk, chocolate syrup, and serving size. Coffee shop versions are often larger and include more ingredients.

Low-Calorie Mocha Recipe at Home

Here is a simple and delicious recipe to create a low-calorie mocha:

Brew 1 cup of strong coffee or a shot of espresso.
Heat 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk in a small saucepan until simmering, or in the microwave.
Whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder until dissolved.
Add a calorie-free sweetener to taste, such as stevia or monk fruit.
Pour the brewed coffee into the mug with the chocolate-almond milk mixture.
For a frothy top, use a frother or an immersion blender on the heated milk before combining.

Conclusion: Making Smarter Mocha Choices

While a coffee shop mocha with almond milk is typically lower in calories than one with dairy milk, the final count is heavily influenced by the drink's size, the type of chocolate syrup, and extra toppings. For those conscious of their calorie intake, the most control comes from making your mocha at home. By using unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened cocoa, and calorie-free sweeteners, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying drink with minimal calories. Even at a coffee shop, you can make healthier choices by requesting sugar-free syrup and skipping the whipped cream. Ultimately, being mindful of all the ingredients, not just the milk, is key to enjoying your mocha guilt-free. For a deeper dive into general coffee nutrition, you can consult a reputable source on the topic, such as the Coffee and Health organization.

Note: Calorie counts can fluctuate based on specific brands of ingredients, so always check nutrition labels for precise information, especially for store-bought products.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a mocha with almond milk is not automatically low-calorie. While almond milk itself is lower in calories than dairy milk, the total calorie count depends heavily on the amount of chocolate syrup, sweeteners, and any additional toppings like whipped cream.

A small (Tall, 12 fl oz) Caffe Mocha from Starbucks made with almond milk and no whipped cream contains approximately 170 calories.

You can reduce calories by using unsweetened almond milk, choosing a sugar-free chocolate syrup, opting for calorie-free sweeteners like stevia, and skipping the whipped cream.

Almond milk, particularly barist-style blends, can be frothed effectively for a mocha, though the texture may differ slightly from dairy milk. It is best to avoid overheating it to prevent curdling.

A homemade almond milk mocha is generally lower in calories because you have complete control over the type of almond milk, the amount of cocoa powder, and the sweetener used. Coffee shops often use pre-sweetened syrups.

The calorie difference is substantial. A mocha with almond milk will have significantly fewer calories than one made with whole milk, primarily because almond milk has a much lower calorie and fat content per serving.

Unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor with minimal calories, unlike high-sugar chocolate syrups. Using it is an excellent way to keep your mocha's calorie count low while maximizing flavor.