Is macchiato less calories than cappuccino? A Nutritional Showdown

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to health and coffee experts, a traditional espresso macchiato can have as few as 13 calories, while a standard cappuccino typically has over 100 calories. This stark difference proves that the answer to "Is macchiato less calories than cappuccino?" is a resounding yes, but the real explanation lies in the details of their preparation.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a macchiato versus a cappuccino depends on the milk ratio; a traditional macchiato uses minimal milk, making it far lower in calories than a standard cappuccino, which has more milk and foam. Variations at different coffee shops also play a major role.

Key Points

Less Milk, Fewer Calories: A traditional espresso macchiato uses only a small dollop of milk or foam, making it significantly lower in calories than a cappuccino.
Higher Calorie Cappuccino: The equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam in a standard cappuccino increase its calorie count substantially.
Commercial Confusion: Café chains often sell drinks named 'macchiato' that are actually closer to sugary lattes and contain far more calories than a traditional version.
Milk Matters: The type of milk used is the main calorie variable. Using skim or non-dairy milk will reduce the calories in both drinks.
Sugar is the Enemy: Flavored syrups, sugar, and toppings add the most hidden calories to both macchiatos and cappuccinos.
The Healthiest Pick: For a low-calorie espresso drink, the traditional macchiato or plain espresso is the healthiest option.

The Traditional Recipe Breakdown

To understand the calorie difference, one must first appreciate the fundamental recipes for a true, traditional espresso macchiato and a cappuccino. The variation in their ingredients, specifically the quantity of milk, is the deciding factor in their nutritional value.

What is a traditional macchiato?

The word 'macchiato' is Italian for 'marked' or 'stained'. An authentic macchiato is simply a single shot of espresso with a small dollop of steamed milk or milk foam on top. It's a small, potent drink designed to take the bitter edge off the espresso while maintaining its robust flavor profile. The milk component is minimal, often just a spoonful, which keeps the calorie count extremely low, typically in the 10-15 calorie range.

What is a traditional cappuccino?

A classic cappuccino, in contrast, is a drink of equal thirds: one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam. This much larger quantity of milk means a proportionally higher calorie count. While the espresso itself has negligible calories, the milk contains fat and sugar (lactose), both of which contribute to the total energy content. A standard 12-ounce cappuccino made with whole milk can contain upwards of 130 calories.

The Milk Factor: Why Calories Differ

The most significant ingredient influencing the calorie count is the milk. Different types of milk contain varying amounts of fat and carbohydrates, and the volume of milk used is paramount. Cappuccinos are essentially coffee with a significant amount of milk, whereas macchiatos are coffee with a hint of milk.

Macchiato's minimal milk: By using only a splash or dollop of foam, a traditional macchiato minimizes its calorie contribution from milk. This is the ideal choice for those watching their weight.
Cappuccino's milky volume: The combination of steamed milk and foam in a cappuccino provides a richer, creamier texture and a softer coffee flavor. However, this also introduces more calories from fat and sugar present in the dairy. The foaming process simply adds air and doesn't reduce the milk's inherent calories.
Milk Alternatives: The calorie difference can be managed by choosing alternatives. Using non-fat milk, almond milk, or other non-dairy options can significantly lower the calories in a cappuccino. However, the calorie advantage of a macchiato remains, as it uses so little milk to begin with.

Commercial Versions vs. Traditional Recipes

It is crucial to differentiate between traditional Italian-style preparations and modern, café-style drinks, which often go by the same name but have vastly different nutritional profiles. For example, the popular Starbucks Caramel Macchiato is a layered drink featuring vanilla syrup, steamed milk, espresso, and a caramel drizzle, which dramatically increases its calories to over 250 in some sizes. This is not a traditional macchiato. Always check the ingredients and nutritional information when ordering from a chain.

Calorie Comparison Table


Drink Type	Recipe	Calories (Approx.)	Key Takeaway
Traditional Macchiato	Espresso with a small amount of foamed milk	13-15	Minimalist and low-calorie.
Traditional Cappuccino	Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam	70-130	Balanced but higher in calories than a macchiato.
Starbucks Caramel Macchiato	Syrup, steamed milk, espresso, caramel drizzle	>250	Loaded with added sugars and high in calories.

The Bottom Line: Who Wins the Calorie Battle?

For those seeking the lowest calorie option, the traditional espresso macchiato is the undisputed winner. Its small size and minimal milk content ensure it provides a potent espresso kick with almost no added calories. The classic cappuccino, while still a respectable choice, is significantly higher in calories due to its milk volume. For diet-conscious coffee drinkers, the key is to be an informed consumer. Understanding the basic recipes and being aware of the commercial variations is essential to avoid hidden sugars and calories.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for taste and texture. If you want a bold, strong coffee with just a touch of milk, the macchiato is for you. If you prefer a richer, creamier, and milder coffee experience, the cappuccino is the classic choice. For an in-depth look at the differences between coffee beverages, Healthline provides a comprehensive comparison.

Conclusion

Yes, a macchiato is less calories than a cappuccino, provided we are comparing the traditional Italian-style versions. The difference is solely attributed to the quantity of milk used in each beverage. The macchiato's simple, espresso-forward nature makes it a minimalist and diet-friendly choice, while the cappuccino's equal balance of espresso, milk, and foam makes it a richer, more calorific treat. Remember to always question commercial recipes, as they often contain sugary syrups that inflate the calorie count beyond traditional standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

A traditional macchiato has significantly fewer calories than a cappuccino. A macchiato typically has around 13-15 calories, while a cappuccino can range from 70-130 calories depending on the milk and serving size.

The primary reason for the calorie difference is the amount of milk. A macchiato is just an espresso "marked" with a small amount of foam, while a cappuccino is composed of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, meaning it contains a much larger volume of milk.

A Starbucks Caramel Macchiato is very different from a traditional macchiato. A Grande version with full-fat milk and syrups can contain over 250 calories. In contrast, a standard Starbucks Grande Cappuccino is around 140 calories.

Yes, you can significantly reduce a cappuccino's calories by making a few changes. Opting for non-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk, and skipping any added sugar or syrups, will lower the calorie count.

In traditional recipes, both the macchiato and cappuccino are made with a single shot of espresso, so the caffeine content is the same. However, some cafés may serve larger cappuccinos with a double shot, which would increase the caffeine.

A traditional macchiato is espresso with a spot of milk, while a latte macchiato is a taller drink made with milk "stained" with a shot of espresso. The latte macchiato contains much more milk and therefore has more calories.

The milk foam itself is created by incorporating air into the milk. While it takes up a significant portion of the volume, it doesn't significantly add or subtract from the calorie count, which is derived from the liquid milk's fats and sugars.