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How many calories in a grande latte with nonfat milk?

4 min read

According to official Starbucks nutrition information, a standard grande Caffe Latte made with nonfat milk contains just 130 calories. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a classic espresso beverage with significantly fewer calories and less fat than versions made with whole or 2% milk.

Quick Summary

A grande Caffe Latte with nonfat milk typically contains 130 calories, providing a low-fat and moderately low-calorie option for coffee lovers. The calorie count can vary with added sugars or syrups, so it's important to understand the base nutritional information.

Key Points

  • 130 Calories: A standard grande (16 fl oz) Caffe Latte with nonfat milk contains 130 calories.

  • Source of Calories: Calories primarily come from the natural lactose in the nonfat milk, with espresso contributing very little.

  • Significant Calorie Savings: Opting for nonfat milk over 2% (190 calories) or whole milk (220 calories) offers substantial calorie savings.

  • Flavor without the Fat: This option allows you to enjoy the classic latte flavor with virtually no fat.

  • Customize for Fewer Calories: Further reduce calories by using sugar-free syrups or choosing a milk alternative like almond milk.

  • Iced vs. Hot: An iced grande latte with nonfat milk has even fewer calories, at 90, compared to the hot version.

  • Protein Source: Despite being low in fat and calories, the nonfat milk provides a good source of protein.

In This Article

The Core Nutrition Facts of a Grande Latte with Nonfat Milk

A grande (16 fl oz) Caffe Latte from Starbucks, when prepared with nonfat (skim) milk and no added syrups, contains a surprisingly modest 130 calories. The majority of these calories come from the natural sugars (lactose) found in the nonfat milk, as the drink contains virtually no fat. It's essentially a simple combination of espresso and steamed, fat-free milk.

What contributes to the calorie count?

The caloric content of this beverage is primarily determined by its two main ingredients:

  • Nonfat Milk: The largest contributor of calories and carbohydrates. Nonfat milk still contains lactose, which is a milk sugar, contributing to the overall calorie count.
  • Espresso Shots: Espresso itself contains a negligible amount of calories, typically less than 5 calories per shot, so it doesn't significantly impact the total.

How to reduce the calorie count even further

While a nonfat latte is already a healthy choice, there are additional ways to reduce the calories:

  • Skip the Syrup: Adding flavored syrups, even just a few pumps, can dramatically increase the calorie count. For example, a grande Vanilla Latte with nonfat milk jumps to 200 calories. Opt for a sugar-free vanilla or other sugar-free syrup to maintain flavor without the added sugars and calories.
  • Use a Different Milk: For an even lower-calorie profile, consider a milk alternative. An almond milk latte will be even lower in calories than one made with nonfat milk. An iced latte with almond milk, for instance, has about 70 calories.
  • Order it Iced: An iced grande Caffe Latte with nonfat milk contains only 90 calories, which is even less than the hot version. The lower calorie count is because less milk is typically used to accommodate the ice.

Comparison Table: Grande Latte Calories by Milk Type

Milk Type Estimated Calories (Grande, 16 fl oz) Notes
Nonfat Milk 130 A classic low-calorie choice.
2% Milk 190 The standard, higher in fat and calories.
Whole Milk 220 The highest calorie and fat option.
Almond Milk 100 One of the lowest calorie milk alternatives.
Soy Milk 170 A plant-based option with a moderate calorie count.
Coconut Milk 140 A flavorful alternative with a slightly higher calorie count than nonfat.

List of Common Latte Modifications and Their Impact

  • Switch to almond milk: As seen in the table, this reduces the calorie count by 30 compared to nonfat milk.
  • Choose sugar-free syrups: A sugar-free vanilla syrup can save you 70 calories compared to regular vanilla syrup.
  • Get it iced: This simple swap reduces a grande nonfat latte from 130 to 90 calories.
  • Add extra shots of espresso: Espresso has almost no calories, so this adds more caffeine without significantly impacting the caloric content.

Conclusion: Making Smarter Latte Choices

For those who love the classic flavor of a Caffe Latte but are mindful of their caloric intake, ordering a grande with nonfat milk is an excellent starting point. The baseline 130 calories provide a satisfying and nutrient-rich beverage with a good protein count, all without the excess fat and calories of whole milk. Furthermore, by understanding the impact of simple modifications—such as opting for sugar-free syrups or choosing a different milk alternative like almond milk—you can have even greater control over the nutritional profile of your favorite coffee drink. This allows you to enjoy your daily ritual while staying on track with your health and wellness goals. When in doubt, always refer to the official nutrition information provided by the coffee shop for the most accurate data, or check trusted sources like Nutritionix.

For more detailed nutritional information, including serving sizes and comparisons, you can consult the Starbucks menu directly, or visit sites like Nutritionix that compile this data.

Citations

Starbucks Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions

A grande (16 fl oz) Starbucks Caffe Latte made with nonfat milk contains 130 calories, assuming no syrups or sugar are added.

A grande nonfat latte has fewer calories than a standard grande latte made with 2% milk (190 calories) or whole milk (220 calories).

The calories in a nonfat latte primarily come from the lactose (natural milk sugar) present in the nonfat milk. Espresso shots contribute a negligible number of calories.

To make your latte even lower in calories, you can switch to almond milk, which has fewer calories than nonfat milk, or use a sugar-free syrup instead of a regular flavored syrup.

Yes, an iced grande Caffe Latte with nonfat milk contains fewer calories (90 calories) than its hot counterpart (130 calories).

A grande nonfat latte contains 18 grams of naturally occurring sugar from the nonfat milk, with no added sugars.

A grande nonfat latte contains 13 grams of protein, making it a good source of protein for a beverage.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.