How Many Calories Does a Salted Caramel Latte Have?

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

A medium salted caramel latte can contain anywhere from 250 to over 400 calories, depending on the cafe and ingredients. Understanding exactly how many calories does a salted caramel latte have is crucial for managing your daily intake and making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a salted caramel latte varies significantly based on size, milk type, and added syrups. This article examines the nutritional differences across major coffee chains and provides practical tips for ordering a lower-calorie version of this popular drink.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A salted caramel latte's calorie count changes significantly based on size and cafe, ranging from 250 to over 400 calories.
High-Calorie Ingredients: Calories primarily come from whole milk, sugary caramel syrup, and whipped cream toppings.
Low-Calorie Swaps: Opt for skim or unsweetened almond milk to save a substantial number of calories.
Sugar-Free is Key: Using sugar-free caramel syrup instead of the standard version is an easy way to cut sugar and calories.
Customization Matters: Asking for fewer syrup pumps or no whipped cream can significantly reduce the drink's caloric impact.
Homemade Control: Making a latte at home offers full control over ingredients and calorie content.

Understanding the Calorie Breakdown

To understand the total calorie count of a salted caramel latte, it's essential to break down its components. The primary sources of calories are:

Milk: Whole milk contains significantly more fat and calories than skimmed or plant-based alternatives. A standard latte typically contains a generous amount of steamed milk, making this a major calorie contributor.
Caramel Syrup: The signature flavor comes from caramel syrup, which is primarily sugar. Standard flavored syrups can add a substantial number of calories and a high sugar content to the drink.
Added Toppings: Many salted caramel lattes are topped with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel, further increasing the calorie and sugar content.

Espresso, the other main ingredient, contains a negligible number of calories.

Salted Caramel Latte Calories by Coffee Shop

The calorie content for a salted caramel latte is not standard and varies widely based on the size, ingredients, and recipe used by different coffee chains. Here's a look at some representative data gathered from the search results:

Dunkin': A medium Salted Caramel Swirl Hot Latte made with whole milk contains approximately 350 calories. A Caramel Craze Hot Latte with whole milk can be even higher, at 409 calories.
Starbucks: A Grande (16 oz) Salted Caramel Mocha made with nonfat milk is 290 calories. For the Iced Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew, the calorie count is 190. The specific latte calories will vary based on the milk and number of syrup pumps.
Coffee Culture: A medium salted caramel latte is reported to be 290 calories, while a large size is 420 calories.
Pret A Manger: A standard salted caramel latte is listed with 177 calories per serving.

How to Reduce the Calories in Your Latte

For those looking to enjoy the delicious flavor of a salted caramel latte without the high calorie count, several simple modifications can make a big difference. The key is to control the variables that contribute the most calories: milk, syrup, and toppings.

Practical Modifications for a Healthier Latte

Here are some steps to lower the calorie content of your drink:

Switch Your Milk: Replacing whole milk with a lower-fat option like skim milk or a plant-based alternative such as unsweetened almond milk can drastically reduce calories. Almond milk, for instance, can save you over 100 calories compared to whole milk.
Use Sugar-Free Syrups: Most coffee shops offer sugar-free syrup options. Opting for a sugar-free salted caramel syrup is an excellent way to maintain the flavor profile while cutting out the sugar and associated calories.
Request Fewer Syrup Pumps: If sugar-free isn't an option, simply asking for fewer pumps of the regular syrup will reduce the total sugar and calorie count.
Skip the Whipped Cream: Whipped cream is a significant source of calories and fat. Skipping this decadent topping is a quick and easy way to lighten your drink.
Go Smaller: Simply ordering a smaller size is the most straightforward way to reduce total calories. A smaller drink means less milk, less syrup, and fewer overall calories.

Calorie Comparison: Salted Caramel Latte vs. Other Drinks


Drink Type	Standard Serving	Typical Calorie Range	Primary Calorie Source
Salted Caramel Latte	12-16 oz	250 - 420	Milk, Syrup, Toppings
Standard Latte	12-16 oz	150 - 250	Milk, Optional Sugar
Cappuccino	12 oz	~130	Milk
Flat White	12 oz	~155	Milk, Extra Espresso
Mocha	12-16 oz	200 - 300	Milk, Chocolate Sauce
Plain Black Coffee	Any size	< 5	Negligible

The Homemade Option: Control Your Ingredients

For ultimate control over the nutritional content, consider making a salted caramel latte at home. This allows you to choose every ingredient and adjust the quantities to your preference. You can use unsweetened milk, sugar-free salted caramel syrup, and skip the whipped cream entirely. There are many recipes available online for creating a delicious, low-calorie version at home.

For creative ideas and variations, explore recipes like those found on Cooking With Elo: https://cookingwithelo.com/iced-salted-caramel-latte/.

Conclusion: Balancing Indulgence and Health

A salted caramel latte can be a high-calorie treat, with popular coffee shop versions ranging from approximately 250 to over 400 calories per serving, depending on the size and ingredients. However, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy this sweet and salty beverage. By making simple adjustments like swapping to a low-fat milk, using sugar-free syrup, or forgoing whipped cream, you can significantly reduce the calorie count. For the most precise control, a homemade version allows for complete customization. The key is to be aware of what is in your cup so you can balance your desire for a delicious treat with your health and dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The high calorie count comes from the combination of whole milk, which is high in fat, and the sugary caramel syrup. The addition of whipped cream adds even more calories and fat.

To order a healthier version, ask for skim milk or unsweetened almond milk, choose a sugar-free caramel syrup, and skip the whipped cream.

Yes, a salted caramel latte is generally more fattening than a regular latte because of the added, calorie-dense caramel syrup and often whipped cream. A standard latte only has milk and espresso.

Sugar-free syrups are designed to mimic the flavor of their regular counterparts but contain artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. Some people may notice a slight difference in taste or aftertaste, but many find them to be a suitable substitute.

Both chains offer customizations that can reduce calories. At Starbucks, you can order with nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup. At Dunkin', opting for skim milk and adjusting syrup pumps can lower the calorie count.

A Grande (16 oz) Salted Caramel Mocha from Starbucks, made with nonfat milk, contains 290 calories.

The sugar content can be very high, often exceeding 50 grams for a medium or large size, as much of the sweetness comes from the flavored syrup and milk. Opting for sugar-free syrup is the best way to control this.