How many calories in a Starbucks Vietnamese iced coffee? Your guide to a diet-friendly order

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk, a key component in authentic Vietnamese coffee, can contain over 60 calories. This sweet addition is the primary reason why answering the question how many calories in a Starbucks Vietnamese iced coffee? is not a simple matter of checking the standard menu, but rather requires a deeper understanding of customization and ingredients.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Starbucks Vietnamese iced coffee is highly variable, as it is a custom 'secret menu' drink. The total depends heavily on the amount of sweetened condensed milk or substitute syrup used, as well as the size and base. An average estimate for a Grande version can be around 250 calories, but careful customization can significantly lower the count.

Key Points

Secret Menu Item: A Starbucks Vietnamese iced coffee is a custom order, not a standard menu item, and its nutritional content is not listed on the official menu.
Condensed Milk Drives Calories: The primary source of calories in this drink comes from the sweetened condensed milk or the white chocolate mocha syrup substitute, which is high in sugar.
Calorie Count Varies: A typical custom Grande with white mocha can have around 250 calories, but the exact total depends on the number of pumps, base, and milk choice.
Customize to Cut Calories: You can drastically lower the calorie count by requesting fewer pumps of syrup, using sugar-free alternatives, or opting for a low-fat milk substitute.
Use the Nutrition Calculator: For the most accurate calorie estimate for your specific custom order, use the nutritional calculator available on the Starbucks website or app.
Regional Differences Exist: A specific Vietnamese Cold Brew menu item might exist in international Starbucks markets (like India), with its own standard calorie count, which differs from US custom orders.

What's in a Starbucks "Vietnamese" Iced Coffee?

Unlike traditional menu items, a Starbucks Vietnamese iced coffee is not a pre-defined beverage you can simply order by name in many regions, especially the US. Instead, it's a popular 'secret menu' drink that requires specific instructions for the barista. A typical order involves combining a strong coffee base with a substitute for the traditional sweetened condensed milk, such as white chocolate mocha sauce, which contains sweetened condensed milk as an ingredient. The standard process for a custom order often includes:

An iced espresso or cold brew base
Pumps of white chocolate mocha sauce to mimic the condensed milk's sweetness and creaminess
Sometimes, a splash of standard milk or half-and-half for added richness
Ice to create the signature chilled beverage

The calories in this drink are not listed on the standard Starbucks nutritional information because of its custom nature. The final nutritional value is the sum of its individual components, which makes it essential for health-conscious individuals to understand each ingredient's contribution.

Estimating the Calories of a Custom Order

To figure out the calories, you need to break down the ingredients. The caffeine-rich base, whether it's cold brew or espresso, contributes very few calories on its own. For instance, a Grande-sized cold brew from Starbucks has a negligible calorie count of approximately 5 calories. The significant calorie intake comes from the addition of the white chocolate mocha sauce, which is a calorie-dense sweetener. Each pump of white chocolate mocha sauce can add an estimated 60 calories. A standard Grande-sized drink might contain around four pumps, bringing the total from the sauce alone to roughly 240 calories. Combined with the coffee base and ice (0 calories), the total for this typical custom order would be approximately 245 calories.

Another point of consideration is regional variations. For example, some international markets, like Starbucks in India, have featured a specific menu item called 'Vietnamese Cold Brew.' A 'Short' size (237 ml) of this drink was listed at 220 kcal. This illustrates that product definitions and nutritional information can vary widely depending on the country, ingredients, and size.

Customizing for Your Diet

For those looking to enjoy the flavors of a Vietnamese iced coffee without the high calorie count, customization is key. The Starbucks mobile app and website provide a nutritional calculator that can help you track the impact of each substitution in real-time. Here are a few ways to make your custom order more diet-friendly:

Reduce the pumps: Requesting fewer pumps of white chocolate mocha sauce is the most direct way to cut calories and sugar. Start with half the number of pumps typically used for your size.
Switch to a sugar-free alternative: Ask for sugar-free vanilla syrup instead of white chocolate mocha. While it won't perfectly replicate the flavor, it will provide sweetness with a fraction of the calories.
Change the dairy: Instead of a full-cream version, request a splash of almond milk, coconut milk, or skim milk to reduce fat and calories.
Try a different base: Consider ordering a simple iced quad espresso with your custom modifications, which some Reddit users recommend for a lower-calorie, high-caffeine base.

Comparison: Homemade vs. Starbucks vs. International Options

To put the Starbucks version into perspective, here's a comparison of different Vietnamese iced coffee options.


Feature	Homemade Vietnamese Iced Coffee	Custom Starbucks "Vietnamese"	Starbucks India "Vietnamese Cold Brew"
Preparation	Strong coffee brewed with a phin filter, combined with condensed milk.	Cold Brew or Espresso base with pumps of white mocha sauce and optional milk.	Ready-made menu item with condensed milk added to cold brew.
Calories (Est.)	~128-157 kcal per 8 oz serving, depending on condensed milk quantity.	~245 kcal for a Grande (16 oz) with 4 pumps white mocha.	220 kcal for a Short (8 oz / 237 ml).
Customization	Full control over the amount of condensed milk and coffee used.	Extensive options available through the Starbucks app; real-time calorie calculation.	Standard menu item with limited customization options beyond size.
Flavor Profile	Known for its distinctive, intense flavor and creamy texture from condensed milk.	Mimics the flavor profile but uses a different sweetener, potentially lacking the robust flavor of traditional preparation.	A specific flavor profile designed by Starbucks for a particular market.

Making it a Sustainable Choice for Your Diet

As with any treat, moderation is key when incorporating a custom Starbucks Vietnamese iced coffee into your diet. By using the customization strategies outlined above, you can still enjoy this unique beverage while keeping your health goals on track. For instance, opting for fewer pumps of syrup can save you over 100 calories, which can make a significant difference over time. Remember to account for the calories from your beverage within your daily nutritional budget, especially if you are watching your sugar intake. Being informed allows for mindful choices rather than outright elimination, a cornerstone of successful diet management. For more specific nutritional information and to experiment with your own custom orders, you can utilize the official Starbucks nutrition page at any time.

Conclusion

There is no one definitive answer to the question of how many calories in a Starbucks Vietnamese iced coffee? because it is a highly customizable beverage. Calorie content is primarily determined by the amount of sweetened condensed milk (or a syrup substitute like white chocolate mocha sauce) and the drink's size. A typical custom Grande order with four pumps of white mocha can approach 250 calories. However, by using the Starbucks online nutritional tools and making smart substitutions, you can significantly reduce the calorie count and enjoy a more diet-friendly version of this delicious treat. Informed customization empowers you to control your nutritional intake without sacrificing your favorite flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

A common recipe involves ordering a Cold Brew or iced espresso with pumps of white chocolate mocha sauce, which acts as a substitute for traditional sweetened condensed milk, and serving it over ice.

For most custom orders, baristas will use white chocolate mocha sauce, which includes sweetened condensed milk as one of its ingredients, rather than adding a separate, direct condensed milk product.

To reduce calories, you can ask for fewer pumps of white chocolate mocha sauce, substitute it with a sugar-free syrup, and use a low-fat milk alternative like almond milk or a splash of half-and-half.

Each pump of white chocolate mocha sauce contains an estimated 60 calories, making it the highest calorie-contributing ingredient in the custom drink.

The calorie count will increase with the size of the drink. A larger size means more cold brew base and a higher standard number of pumps of syrup, significantly increasing the total calories.

Yes, nutritional information can vary by country. For example, a Short Vietnamese Cold Brew offered by Starbucks in India was listed at 220 kcal, which differs from custom orders in the US based on white mocha sauce.

For the most accurate information, use the Starbucks app or website's nutritional calculator, which updates the calorie count in real-time as you customize your beverage.