Nutrition Diet Explained: Why is a macchiato less calories than a latte?

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know a traditional 2-ounce macchiato can contain as little as 13 calories, while a 16-ounce latte can easily exceed 200 calories? This significant nutritional difference is a key insight for those monitoring their intake, directly answering the question: why is a macchiato less calories than a latte?

Quick Summary

A macchiato has fewer calories than a latte primarily due to the vast difference in milk volume and serving size. A macchiato is a shot of espresso marked with a small amount of foam, whereas a latte is a much larger drink consisting mostly of steamed milk.

Key Points

Milk Volume: A macchiato contains only a small amount of foamed milk, while a latte is primarily made of steamed milk, which is the main source of calories.
Serving Size: A traditional macchiato is a small, 2-3 ounce drink, whereas a latte is a much larger beverage, typically 16 ounces, contributing to its higher calorie count.
Caloric Density: Milk and added syrups are the primary caloric contributors in coffee drinks; espresso itself has negligible calories.
Customization Impact: Flavored syrups and toppings like whipped cream can dramatically increase a coffee's calories, especially in drinks like a café-style caramel macchiato.
Healthy Alternatives: To reduce calories, opt for a traditional macchiato, order a latte with low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives, or choose a simple Americano.
Taste Profile: The flavor profiles differ significantly; a macchiato emphasizes the bold espresso, while a latte has a milder, creamier taste due to the high milk ratio.

The simple truth behind the calorie difference between a macchiato and a latte lies in their most fundamental components: the amount of milk and the overall serving size. While both are espresso-based, their construction leads to a major divergence in nutritional impact. Understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone conscious of their daily caloric intake, especially when a simple cup of coffee can inadvertently become a high-calorie indulgence.

The Core Difference: Milk Volume and Serving Size

At its heart, the variation comes down to the milk-to-espresso ratio. A traditional macchiato, whose name translates to "stained" or "marked" in Italian, is a shot of espresso with a small dollop of steamed milk foam. The goal is to slightly soften the espresso's robust flavor without adding significant volume or calories. In contrast, a latte, which means "milk coffee," is characterized by a generous amount of steamed milk topped with a thin layer of foam.

Macchiato: A shot of espresso is "marked" with a small spoon of frothed milk. Because the volume of milk is minimal, the calorie count remains very low, often around 13 calories for a traditional 2-ounce serving.
Latte: The recipe calls for a significant volume of steamed milk, which is poured over an espresso shot. This creamy base significantly boosts the overall caloric content, especially in larger 16-ounce cups, where the calories can climb to over 200.

The Caloric Impact of Your Coffee Choices

While black coffee or espresso is virtually calorie-free, the addition of milk, sugar, and syrups can transform a simple beverage into a dessert-like treat. The more milk you add, especially if it's full-fat, the more calories you consume. This is why a latte, with its high milk content, is inherently more caloric than a macchiato.

The Impact of Customization

Modern coffee shop variations and customizations further complicate the nutritional landscape. For example, a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato, which is actually a type of flavored latte macchiato, can contain 250 calories or more due to the added syrup and larger volume. If you're on a diet, being aware of what's truly in your cup is essential. Simple steps, like choosing low-fat milk or omitting extra syrups, can make a huge difference.

How to Choose a Lower-Calorie Coffee

For those seeking a low-calorie coffee fix, you have several options:

Order a traditional macchiato: By definition, it's one of the lowest-calorie options available, short of a straight espresso or black coffee.
Modify your latte: Ask for a smaller size, use low-fat or non-dairy milk (like unsweetened almond milk), and skip the added flavored syrups or whipped cream.
Opt for an Americano: This beverage is simply espresso diluted with hot water and contains very few calories.

Nutrition Comparison: Macchiato vs. Latte

This table outlines the typical nutritional profile of a standard traditional macchiato and a regular latte to highlight the key differences. Note that these values can vary based on milk type and additional ingredients.


Feature	Traditional Espresso Macchiato	Standard 16 oz Latte
Serving Size	~2 oz / 60 ml	~16 oz / 475 ml
Milk Content	Small amount of foamed milk	Large volume of steamed milk
Total Calories	~13 kcal	~206 kcal (with whole milk)
Fat	Low (~0.5 g)	Higher (~8 g)
Protein	Low (~0.7 g)	Higher (~13 g)
Carbohydrates	Low (~1.6 g)	Higher (~20.5 g)
Primary Flavor	Strong, bold espresso	Mild, creamy, milky

Conclusion: Making Informed Coffee Choices

Ultimately, the choice between a macchiato and a latte comes down to personal taste and nutritional goals. The vast difference in milk content and serving size is the definitive answer to why is a macchiato less calories than a latte?. For those seeking a strong, low-calorie coffee kick, the macchiato is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a milder, creamier drink, a customized latte made with low-fat milk and minimal sugar can still fit into a balanced nutrition diet. By understanding the ingredients and making thoughtful choices, you can continue to enjoy your favorite coffee drinks without compromising your wellness objectives. For more detailed information on different coffee compositions, visit this informative article from Healthline: Cappuccino vs. Latte vs. Macchiato — What's the Difference?.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main reason is the difference in milk volume and serving size. A macchiato uses only a small amount of foamed milk, while a latte contains a much larger volume of steamed milk, which significantly increases its calorie content.

A traditional 2-ounce macchiato can have as few as 13 calories. In contrast, a 16-ounce latte made with whole milk can have over 200 calories.

Yes, you can. To reduce the calories in a latte, you can request a smaller size, use low-fat or non-dairy milk like unsweetened almond milk, and skip any added sugary syrups or whipped cream.

No, a shot of plain espresso is virtually calorie-free. The calories in espresso-based drinks come from the added ingredients like milk, sugar, and syrups.

Many chain coffee shops offer larger, sweeter versions of a macchiato that are closer to a flavored latte, including extra pumps of high-sugar syrups. For example, a Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks is not a traditional macchiato and has much higher calories.

Yes, a traditional macchiato is generally a healthier choice for weight management due to its minimal milk content and smaller size, resulting in a much lower calorie count compared to a standard latte.

Other low-calorie options include black coffee, espresso, and an Americano (espresso with hot water). For a creamy texture, a cappuccino with skim milk is a good middle-ground option.