Is Macchiato Coffee Good for You?

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a review of studies published in the British Medical Journal, moderate coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, making the macchiato a potentially beneficial choice, depending on how it's prepared. This article explores whether is macchiato coffee good for you by examining its ingredients, nutritional profile, and impact on health.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the health aspects of macchiato coffee, covering its low-calorie, high-caffeine profile and weighing the benefits of espresso's antioxidants against potential caffeine-related drawbacks. It explains how preparation methods significantly influence its nutritional value.

Key Points

Low Calorie: Traditional espresso macchiatos, with minimal milk, are one of the lowest-calorie coffee options, often under 20 calories.
Rich in Antioxidants: The espresso base is high in antioxidants, which can protect against cellular damage and contribute to a lower risk of certain chronic diseases.
Natural Energy Boost: The concentrated caffeine in a macchiato provides a potent energy and focus boost with less liquid volume compared to other coffee drinks.
Be Mindful of Additives: The major health risk comes from sugary syrups and high-fat milk used in flavored varieties like caramel macchiatos, which can add significant calories.
Consider Your Sensitivity: Individuals with caffeine sensitivity may experience anxiety, jitters, or sleep problems due to the high concentration of caffeine in a small serving.
Customization is Key: You can make a macchiato healthier by using low-fat or plant-based milk and avoiding sugar or syrups.

Understanding the Macchiato: Two Distinct Drinks

Before discussing its health merits, it's crucial to distinguish between the two main types of macchiato. The original espresso macchiato is a shot of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk or foam added. The latte macchiato is a much larger drink consisting mostly of steamed milk with a shot of espresso poured over it. For health-conscious individuals, the espresso macchiato is the clear winner due to its minimal milk content and lower overall calories.

The Health Benefits of Macchiato Coffee

The core of any macchiato is espresso, and coffee itself is loaded with potential health advantages. Many of these benefits carry over to a traditional macchiato, which contains very few additives.

Rich in Antioxidants: Coffee beans contain numerous antioxidants, like polyphenols, which help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. Regular coffee intake is associated with a lower risk of several diseases, including certain cancers and type 2 diabetes.
Boosts Energy and Focus: The caffeine in a macchiato acts as a central nervous system stimulant, helping to reduce fatigue, increase alertness, and improve cognitive function. For those who need a quick, concentrated energy boost, the high espresso-to-milk ratio delivers a potent dose of caffeine.
Supports Heart Health: Moderate coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. While not a cure-all, the antioxidants and compounds in coffee can contribute to overall cardiovascular well-being.
Low in Calories (when prepared traditionally): A simple espresso macchiato contains very few calories—often as low as 13 calories per two-ounce serving—making it a better option for weight management than larger, milk-heavy coffee beverages or sugary drinks.

Potential Downsides and Risks

While a macchiato can be a healthy choice, it is not without potential risks, most of which are tied to caffeine consumption and how the drink is prepared.

Caffeine Sensitivity and Side Effects: For individuals sensitive to caffeine, a macchiato's high concentration can lead to side effects such as anxiety, jitteriness, upset stomach, and sleep problems. The diuretic effect of caffeine also means proper hydration is important.
Added Sugars and Syrups: The biggest health detractor comes from popular café-style versions like the caramel macchiato, which can be loaded with sugars, syrups, and flavored creamers. These additions drastically increase the calorie count and eliminate most of the drink's inherent health benefits.
Unfiltered Coffee and Cholesterol: The espresso used in a macchiato is made using pressure, and some studies suggest that unfiltered coffee brewing methods may raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. However, this effect is debated and often minimal with moderate consumption.

Comparison: Macchiato vs. Other Coffee Drinks

The following table compares a traditional espresso macchiato with other popular coffee beverages to help you make an informed choice based on your health goals.


Feature	Espresso Macchiato	Latte	Cappuccino	Drip Coffee
Milk Content	Very little, just a spot of foam	Significant amount of steamed milk	Balanced espresso, milk, and foam	None
Calories	Very low (~13 kcal)	High (~206 kcal)	Moderate (~130 kcal)	Very low (~2 kcal)
Caffeine per oz	Highest concentration	Moderate, diluted with milk	Moderate, diluted with milk	Lower concentration
Sweetness Potential	Naturally bitter; additions are unhealthy	High potential with syrups	Moderate potential	Only with added sugar
Best For...	Quick, low-calorie caffeine boost	Creamy, mild coffee flavor	Balanced, milky coffee	Everyday, reliable energy

How to Make a Healthier Macchiato

To maximize the health benefits of your macchiato, follow these simple tips, especially when preparing it at home:

Go Classic: Order or make a traditional espresso macchiato with just a touch of foam. This keeps the calories and sugar minimal.
Use Low-Fat or Plant-Based Milk: If you prefer a latte macchiato, switch from full-fat milk to a lower-calorie alternative like skim, oat, or almond milk.
Ditch the Sugar and Syrups: Avoid adding sugar, caramel, or other flavored syrups. Use a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a low-calorie flavor boost.
Explore Unsweetened Alternatives: Consider experimenting with alternative sweeteners like stevia, but be mindful of their impact on your blood sugar.
Check Your Coffee: Choose high-quality, organic coffee beans to avoid pesticides and other harmful chemicals. For the lowest cholesterol impact, use filtered brewing methods, although pressure-based espresso has a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

So, is macchiato coffee good for you? The answer largely depends on the type of macchiato you choose and how you prepare it. The traditional espresso macchiato is a low-calorie, high-antioxidant, and potent source of caffeine, making it a relatively healthy choice when consumed in moderation. However, modern, larger-sized, and sugar-laden versions like the caramel macchiato can be unhealthy indulgence filled with calories and sugar. By opting for a classic, sugar-free macchiato, you can enjoy the energizing and health-boosting properties of espresso while keeping your calorie intake in check.

Ultimately, a macchiato is only as healthy as its ingredients. For most people, a moderate intake of a traditionally prepared macchiato can easily be part of a balanced diet. Individuals with caffeine sensitivities or specific health concerns should monitor their intake and consult a doctor if necessary. For those seeking even healthier alternatives, options like green tea or chicory coffee offer different benefits with less caffeine.

For more information on the health impacts of different coffee types, check out the article on Healthline: 9 Health Benefits of Coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

A traditional espresso macchiato contains very few calories, typically around 13 calories for a standard two-ounce serving, as it consists of just espresso and a small amount of steamed milk or foam.

A macchiato has a higher espresso-to-milk ratio, making it lower in calories, fat, and protein than a latte, which contains a larger amount of steamed milk. For low-calorie intake, a traditional macchiato is the healthier choice.

No, a caramel macchiato is generally not considered healthy. The version served by many coffee chains is loaded with sugary syrups and sauces, which can drastically increase the calorie count, sometimes exceeding 250 calories for a single drink.

Per ounce, an espresso macchiato has a higher concentration of caffeine than a latte or cappuccino. However, its smaller serving size means the total caffeine content per serving is typically lower than a medium latte.

Yes, you can easily make a healthier macchiato at home. Use low-fat or non-dairy milk, skip the sugary syrups, and consider a natural, zero-calorie sweetener if needed. A sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa can add flavor without the calories.

A traditional espresso macchiato can be a good option for weight loss due to its low-calorie count. It provides a caffeine boost with minimal calories, unlike high-calorie, sugary coffee shop concoctions that can hinder weight loss efforts.

People with caffeine sensitivity, pregnant women, and individuals with heart conditions or anxiety disorders should be cautious and may want to limit or avoid macchiato coffee. High caffeine intake can cause anxiety, jitters, and sleep issues.