Is There Sugar in a Macchiato? Understanding the Sweet Difference

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a traditional espresso macchiato contains less than a gram of sugar, which comes from the milk alone. But this simple espresso drink is vastly different from its popular, syrup-heavy cafe counterparts, and whether there is sugar in a macchiato depends entirely on which version you're ordering.

Quick Summary

The sugar content of a macchiato varies drastically by its preparation. A traditional espresso macchiato has minimal sugar, while sweetened cafe versions are high in added syrups.

Key Points

Traditional vs. Cafe: An authentic espresso macchiato is a low-sugar drink, while sweetened, cafe-style macchiatos are very high in added sugar.
Minimal Milk Sugar: The only sugar in a traditional macchiato comes from the trace amount of natural lactose in the small splash of steamed milk.
Syrups are the Culprit: Syrups like vanilla and caramel are the primary source of high sugar content in drinks like the Starbucks Caramel Macchiato.
Customization is Key: You can significantly reduce the sugar in a flavored macchiato by requesting sugar-free syrups and going easy on the drizzle.
Understand the Name: The name "macchiato" simply means "marked" and doesn't guarantee a low-sugar drink, especially outside of traditional Italian preparation.
Caramel Macchiato Warning: Be aware that a caramel macchiato from a chain like Starbucks or McDonald's is a dessert drink with substantial added sugar.

The Core Components of an Authentic Macchiato

To answer the question, "Is there sugar in a macchiato?", you must first understand the drink's Italian origins. A traditional macchiato, or caffè macchiato, is incredibly simple, consisting of just two ingredients: espresso and a small dollop of steamed milk foam. The word "macchiato" means "stained" or "marked" in Italian, referring to the small amount of milk foam marking the espresso shot. The sugar content in this classic drink is therefore minimal, derived only from the natural lactose in the milk. A standard 2-ounce espresso macchiato can have as little as 0.5 grams of naturally occurring sugar. This is the pure, unsweetened version that coffee purists appreciate for its bold and intense flavor profile.

The Bare-Bones Ingredients

Espresso: A concentrated, strong coffee brewed by forcing hot, pressurized water through finely-ground coffee beans. By itself, it contains no sugar.
Steamed Milk Foam: A small amount of milk is frothed to create a delicate foam that is added on top of the espresso. The only sugar present is the natural lactose in the milk.

The Sweet Deception: How Cafe Macchiatos Get Their Sugar

The confusion around macchiato sugar content stems from the proliferation of dessert-like cafe drinks that share the name but bear little resemblance to the original. The most famous example is the Starbucks Caramel Macchiato. This popular beverage is a far cry from the classic Italian drink and is loaded with added sugars from multiple sources. Instead of being a marked espresso, it's essentially an upside-down vanilla latte with caramel drizzle.

Syrups, Sauces, and Toppings

Vanilla Syrup: Starbucks uses multiple pumps of vanilla syrup in their Caramel Macchiato, with each pump adding significant grams of added sugar.
Caramel Drizzle: A generous portion of caramel sauce is drizzled on top, adding even more sugar and calories.
Sweetened Milk: Many cafe versions use sweetened condensed milk or other sugary milk alternatives.

The Nutritional Reality of Flavored Macchiatos

A standard grande (16 oz) Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks contains 33 grams of sugar, with 26 grams of that being added sugar, along with 250 calories. For comparison, a traditional 2-ounce espresso macchiato has around 13 calories. This dramatic difference highlights why it's essential to specify your order if you are watching your sugar intake. Evidation reports that seasonal coffee drinks, which often include flavored macchiatos, can significantly increase calorie and sugar counts.

How to Order a Macchiato with Less Sugar

For those who prefer less sweetness or are managing their sugar intake, there are several ways to enjoy a macchiato without the added sugar overload:

Order the "Espresso Macchiato": This simple, classic drink is the lowest-sugar option. Make sure to specify you want an espresso macchiato to avoid a cafe-style drink.
Request Sugar-Free Syrups: If you still crave the flavor of a caramel or vanilla macchiato, ask for sugar-free syrup alternatives. For example, a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato with almond milk and sugar-free vanilla can significantly reduce its calorie and sugar content.
Go Light on the Drizzle: Ask for "light drizzle" or "no drizzle" when ordering a caramel macchiato. This can eliminate a substantial amount of added sugar.
Use Unsweetened Milk Alternatives: Opt for unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of standard milk, especially if you order a larger, latte-style macchiato.

Macchiato Comparison Table


Feature	Traditional Espresso Macchiato	Cafe-Style Caramel Macchiato
Ingredients	Espresso, small amount of steamed milk foam	Espresso, steamed milk, vanilla syrup, caramel drizzle
Serving Size	Typically 2-3 ounces	Varies, e.g., 16 ounces (grande)
Sugar Content	< 1 gram (natural)	High (e.g., 33g, 26g added)
Calorie Count	~13 calories	~250 calories
Flavor Profile	Intense, bold espresso with a hint of creaminess	Sweet, dessert-like, caramel and vanilla flavor
Best For	Purists, those watching sugar/calories	Sweet tooths, dessert drink

Conclusion: Know Your Macchiato

To conclude, whether there is sugar in a macchiato depends entirely on the type of drink you order. A traditional espresso macchiato is a low-sugar, minimalist coffee perfect for those who appreciate the robust flavor of espresso. Conversely, popular cafe-style macchiatos, like the caramel macchiato, are sweetened with generous amounts of syrup and drizzle, transforming them into a sugary, dessert-like beverage. By understanding the distinction and knowing how to customize your order, you can make a conscious choice that aligns with both your flavor preferences and dietary goals.

Evidation reports that seasonal coffee drinks can significantly increase calorie and sugar counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

An espresso macchiato is a simple drink with just espresso "marked" with a small amount of steamed milk foam. A caramel macchiato is a much sweeter, larger drink typically made with espresso, vanilla syrup, steamed milk, and a caramel drizzle.

A traditional espresso macchiato contains less than one gram of sugar, as the only sugar comes from the natural lactose in the small amount of milk foam.

To get a lower-sugar macchiato, order an espresso macchiato, or specify that you want a flavored version with sugar-free syrup and light or no drizzle.

The high sugar content in a caramel macchiato comes from the generous pumps of vanilla syrup and the caramel drizzle, not the espresso itself.

Yes, using unsweetened alternative milks like almond or oat milk will reduce the naturally occurring sugar compared to dairy milk in a cafe-style macchiato.

A traditional espresso macchiato is healthier and lower in both calories and sugar than a latte. However, a cafe-style caramel macchiato is often higher in sugar and calories than a standard latte.

Yes, because a traditional macchiato has a higher ratio of espresso to milk than a latte, it has a more intense coffee flavor and can seem to have a higher caffeine kick.