How Many Calories in a Skinny Coffee Latte? Your Guide to a Lighter Brew

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

A small (8oz) skinny latte can contain as few as 90 calories, roughly half the amount of a traditional full-fat version. This article explains how many calories are in a skinny coffee latte and details all the factors that influence the final number in your cup.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a skinny latte depends on milk choice, serving size, and added syrups. Using non-fat milk and sugar-free flavoring is key to a lower-calorie result.

Key Points

Base Calorie Count: A plain, small skinny latte with skim milk can contain around 90 calories, significantly less than a regular latte.
Milk Choice is Crucial: Swapping from whole milk to skim milk or unsweetened non-dairy alternatives like almond milk drastically reduces the calorie count.
Syrup is a Major Factor: The use of sugar-free syrup instead of regular, sugary syrup is a key component of a skinny latte and prevents a significant calorie increase.
Serving Size Adds Up: A larger serving size means more milk is used, which increases the total calories, even in a skinny drink.
Customize Your Order: For even fewer calories, request unsweetened milk, sugar-free syrups, and more foam than milk.
Check for Hidden Sugars: Be aware that some non-dairy milks and flavorings contain added sugars that can increase the calorie count unexpectedly.

What Makes a Latte 'Skinny'?

At its core, the difference between a regular latte and a 'skinny' one comes down to two primary ingredients: the milk and the syrup. A traditional latte is made with espresso and steamed whole milk, which is higher in fat and calories due to its milkfat content. A skinny latte, by contrast, substitutes the whole milk for non-fat (skim) milk and replaces sugary syrups with sugar-free alternatives. This swap is the main reason for the significant reduction in calories.

Key Factors That Influence the Calorie Count

Your skinny latte's final calorie tally is not a single number but a variable sum determined by several choices. Understanding these factors will help you make the most informed decision.

Milk Choice: Dairy vs. Non-Dairy

The milk is the most calorically dense ingredient in a latte, even a skinny one. While non-fat milk is the standard for a 'skinny' drink, many people opt for plant-based alternatives. Here is a breakdown of how your milk choice affects the calories:

Skim Milk: The traditional choice for a skinny latte, offering a creamy texture with the lowest calorie count among dairy options. An 8oz serving of skim milk has around 89 calories.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: Often the lowest calorie dairy-free alternative, with an 8oz serving containing only about 40 calories. This is a great way to further reduce your drink's calorie load.
Oat Milk: Provides a creamier texture than almond milk but is typically higher in calories and carbohydrates, so it's essential to specify 'unsweetened' if possible.
Soy Milk: A good source of protein, with a calorie count comparable to skim milk. Make sure it's unsweetened to avoid extra calories from added sugars.

The Impact of Syrups and Sweeteners

Another critical factor is the syrup. Regular syrups are packed with sugar, which can add 50 to over 100 calories per pump. A true skinny latte uses a sugar-free syrup, which is sweetened with an artificial or natural zero-calorie sweetener, effectively keeping the total calorie count down. Always confirm with your barista that they are using the sugar-free version of your desired flavor.

Serving Size

This is a simple but often overlooked factor. The larger the cup, the more milk is used, and thus the higher the calorie count, even if it's made with skim milk. For example, a Venti skinny latte at Starbucks will have more calories than a Tall one simply because it contains more milk.

Skinny Latte vs. Regular Latte: A Calorie Comparison

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table using standard Starbucks sizes.


Drink Type	Size	Calorie Count (Approximate)	Primary Calorie Source
Skinny Caffe Latte	Tall (12 fl oz)	94 kcal	Skim milk
Regular Caffe Latte	Tall (12 fl oz)	150 kcal	Whole milk
Skinny Vanilla Latte	Tall (12 fl oz)	60 kcal	Skim milk, sugar-free syrup
Regular Vanilla Latte	Tall (12 fl oz)	130 kcal	Whole milk, sugar syrup
Black Coffee	Tall (12 fl oz)	~5 kcal	N/A

Customizing Your Low-Calorie Brew

If you prefer to make your coffee at home or want to further customize your order at a coffee shop, here are some tips:

Opt for Extra Foam: Ask your barista to add more foam and less milk. This simple trick can reduce the milk content by a noticeable amount, cutting down calories.
Half Sweet: If you're not a fan of sugar-free sweeteners, you can request half the standard pumps of syrup to cut the sugar and calorie content in half.
Go Non-Dairy and Unsweetened: Using unsweetened almond or cashew milk is one of the most effective ways to lower the calorie count of your latte, while still maintaining some creaminess.
Use Natural Sweeteners: At home, you can control your sugar intake precisely. Consider adding a small amount of honey, agave, or even a natural zero-calorie alternative like stevia to your taste.

Conclusion

A skinny coffee latte is a far lighter option than its traditional counterpart, making it an excellent choice for those managing their calorie intake. However, the term 'skinny' isn't a guarantee of an extremely low-calorie drink. The final nutritional information is heavily dependent on the type of milk, the presence of any flavored syrups, and the serving size. By being mindful of these factors, you can enjoy a delicious coffee drink that fits your dietary goals. For more low-calorie coffee options, check out this guide on low-calorie Starbucks drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'skinny' latte typically uses non-fat (skim) milk and sugar-free syrups instead of whole milk and traditional sugary syrups, resulting in a much lower calorie count.

An iced skinny latte can have a slightly different calorie count than a hot one, but the difference is minimal. The key factors affecting calories remain the milk, syrup, and size.

Yes, 'skinny' in most coffee shops implies the use of non-fat or skim milk. However, customers can often request other low-fat or plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk.

A skinny latte typically has fewer calories than a standard latte but might be comparable to or slightly higher than a cappuccino made with the same type of milk, as cappuccinos use less milk overall.

Not necessarily. An almond milk latte is only a 'skinny' latte if it is made with unsweetened almond milk and uses sugar-free syrup, as many almond milk products contain added sugar.

Yes, you can easily make a skinny latte at home by using unsweetened skim milk or a low-calorie milk alternative and a sugar-free sweetener or syrup to taste.

The main difference is the type of milk and syrup. A skinny version uses non-fat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup, while a regular version uses whole milk and standard vanilla syrup, making the regular version significantly higher in calories.