How many calories in a grande iced horchata? Breaking Down the Nutrition

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a grande Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso from Starbucks contains 150 calories. This article explores the full nutritional breakdown of this popular beverage, including its fat and sugar content, while also offering healthier modification tips for those monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

A grande iced horchata oatmilk shaken espresso from Starbucks typically contains 150 calories. This summary provides a detailed nutritional overview of the beverage, discusses what factors influence the calorie count, and suggests practical modifications to create a lower-calorie alternative.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: A grande Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso from Starbucks has 150 calories.
Sugar Content: The drink contains 16 grams of sugar in its standard grande size, largely from the cinnamon dolce syrup.
Healthy Modifications: To reduce calories, ask for fewer pumps of syrup, a sugar-free sweetener, or different milk alternatives.
Ingredient Impact: The calories come primarily from the oatmilk and sugary syrup, while the espresso contributes minimal calories.
Calorie Variations: Customizations like adding whipped cream or extra syrup dramatically increase the calorie and sugar count.
Frappuccino vs. Shaken Espresso: A significant difference exists between the current shaken espresso version and the older, limited-time Frappuccino, which was much higher in calories.
Homemade Alternatives: Making horchata at home with ingredients like almond milk and natural sweeteners offers a way to control and lower the calorie count.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of the Grande Iced Horchata

The grande iced horchata oatmilk shaken espresso is a flavorful and popular menu item at Starbucks, featuring a blend of espresso, creamy oatmilk, and cinnamon dolce syrup. While its taste is refreshing, understanding its nutritional components is essential for anyone tracking their daily intake. The standard grande size contains 150 calories, with 4.5 grams of fat and 16 grams of sugar. It is important to note that this specific beverage is part of a shaken espresso line and uses oatmilk, which is a key factor in its overall nutritional profile. The original, standard horchata in many cafes may vary widely depending on the ingredients used, such as different milks, sweeteners, and spices.

Deconstructing the Grande Iced Horchata

To fully appreciate the caloric content, it's helpful to break down the ingredients. The calories primarily come from three sources: the oatmilk, the cinnamon dolce syrup, and the espresso. While espresso itself has a negligible calorie count, the additions of milk and sugar are what contribute most significantly. Oatmilk, in particular, contributes more calories than a non-fat dairy option due to its higher fat and carbohydrate content. The cinnamon dolce syrup provides the bulk of the sugar, which, in a standard grande, accounts for 16 of the total 28 grams of carbohydrates. This combination results in a beverage that is more of a treat than a low-calorie daily staple.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

The calorie content of an iced horchata can fluctuate significantly based on several factors. At Starbucks, the size is the most obvious variable, with a tall having fewer calories and a venti having more. Beyond the size, customization plays a huge role. Adding extra pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup will increase the sugar and calorie count substantially, with each pump adding approximately 20 calories. The type of milk also makes a difference; while the standard comes with oatmilk, swapping to a different option like almond milk or non-fat dairy could alter the final count. Toppings are another major consideration. The Horchata Frappuccino from 2017, for instance, included whipped cream and caramel, bringing its calorie count to 390. The current shaken espresso version does not typically come with these additions, but requesting them would certainly drive up the numbers.

Healthier Customization for a Lighter Drink

For those who enjoy the flavor but want to reduce the calorie and sugar impact, several modifications are possible. Creating a "macro barista" inspired version by reducing or eliminating the standard syrup and adding a zero-calorie sweetener is an effective strategy. Ordering with fewer pumps of the cinnamon dolce syrup is the simplest way to cut sugar. You can also explore different milk options. While the standard uses oatmilk, alternative milks like almond milk can have different nutritional profiles. A final, simple hack is to ask for just a sprinkle of cinnamon powder on top instead of extra syrups or toppings, giving you the flavor without the added calories.

Comparison: Grande Iced Horchata vs. Other Beverages


Beverage	Size	Calories	Sugar (grams)
Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso	Grande	150	16
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso	Grande	150	16
Horchata Almond Milk Frappuccino (Limited Time)	Grande	390	66
Homemade Low-Calorie Horchata	1/2 cup	47	Not specified
Starbucks Iced Coffee (no syrup/milk)	Grande	0-10	0

This comparison table shows how the standard grande iced horchata shaken espresso stacks up against similar and alternative drinks, highlighting the significant difference when additional syrups, cream, and sugar-laden ingredients are added, as in the older Frappuccino version. It also illustrates the potential for dramatically lower calorie counts with a DIY approach.

Conclusion: Informed Choices for Your Cravings

So, how many calories in a grande iced horchata? A standard grande Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso from Starbucks contains 150 calories, with 16g of sugar and 4.5g of fat. This is a moderate number for a specialty coffee drink, but it is far from calorie-free. Your final tally can be significantly higher with added syrups, milks, or toppings. Making small adjustments, such as opting for fewer pumps of syrup or using zero-calorie sweeteners, can bring the count down substantially. By understanding these nutritional facts, you can make an informed decision and enjoy your treat while staying on track with your health goals. Whether you enjoy the full-calorie version or a lighter, customized alternative, being aware of what's in your cup allows you to indulge mindfully.

Your Latina Nutritionist offers great insights into traditional horchata's health benefits, exploring its nutrient density from ingredients like rice and spices.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard grande Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso from Starbucks contains 150 calories.

You can reduce calories by asking for fewer pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup, opting for a sugar-free sweetener, or using a different milk, such as almond milk instead of oatmilk.

The standard grande size has 16 grams of sugar, which comes mostly from the cinnamon dolce syrup.

The Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso was once a seasonal offering, but the availability of the base ingredients allows for a similar customized drink to be ordered year-round in many locations.

The iced horchata oatmilk shaken espresso (150 calories) is significantly lower in calories than the former limited-time horchata almond milk frappuccino, which had 390 calories.

The Starbucks version includes espresso, oatmilk, and cinnamon dolce syrup, shaken together and served over ice.

Yes, many recipes exist for healthier, low-calorie horchata that use alternative sweeteners and milks, with some recipes claiming as low as 47 calories per half-cup serving.

Yes, as a shaken espresso, the grande iced horchata contains multiple shots of espresso and is a caffeinated beverage.

Traditional horchata is often rich in nutrients from its rice or nut base but can be high in sugar, whereas modern versions like the Starbucks shaken espresso can be customized for a much lower calorie and sugar content.