Nutrition Diet: Which has less calories, a latte or cappuccino?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 50% of people enjoy a coffee beverage daily, making the calorie content of popular drinks a common dietary consideration. For those mindful of their intake, understanding the difference is key, and the straightforward answer to which has less calories, a latte or cappuccino? lies in their distinct milk-to-espresso ratios.

Quick Summary

A cappuccino typically contains fewer calories than a latte because it uses less milk and more foam, adding volume without the calorie density. The main difference in calorie count stems from the milk volume.

Key Points

Cappuccino is Lower in Calories: A cappuccino has fewer calories than a latte because it contains less milk and more airy foam, which adds volume without calories.
Milk Volume is the Main Factor: The primary source of calories in both drinks is the milk; since a latte uses more steamed milk, it is more calorie-dense.
Skim Milk is a Great Alternative: Swapping whole milk for skim milk or unsweetened almond milk can significantly reduce the calorie count in both beverages.
Flavor vs. Calories: A cappuccino has a stronger, more intense coffee flavor due to its higher espresso-to-milk ratio, whereas a latte is milder and creamier.
Customization is Key: To reduce calories, you can ask for a smaller size, use sugar-free syrups, skip the whipped cream, or add spices like cinnamon instead.
Foam Equals Fewer Calories: Requesting extra foam in a cappuccino is a simple trick to replace calorie-rich steamed milk with calorie-free air.
Black Coffee is the Lowest Calorie Option: For the absolute lowest calorie choice, a black coffee or Americano contains only 2–5 calories per cup.

The Core Difference: Milk Volume and Texture

At their core, both lattes and cappuccinos are espresso-based drinks made with milk. However, their defining characteristics are found in the ratio of ingredients, specifically the amount of steamed milk versus foam. This critical difference is the sole factor influencing their respective calorie counts. A standard latte emphasizes steamed milk, resulting in a creamy, mild flavor, while a traditional cappuccino uses less steamed milk and a significant layer of froth, which intensifies the coffee's flavor.

Latte: Creamy and Higher in Calories

A latte, or caffè latte, translates to "milk coffee" and features a higher proportion of steamed milk with only a thin layer of foam on top. The substantial volume of steamed milk makes it a smoother, sweeter, and more calorie-dense beverage than a cappuccino. The exact calorie count will depend heavily on the type of milk used. For example, a grande (16 oz) latte with whole milk can range from 190 to over 200 calories.

Cappuccino: Frothy and Lower in Calories

A traditional cappuccino is built with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick, airy foam. Because foam is mostly air, it takes up space in the cup without adding significant calories. This means a cappuccino contains a lot less liquid milk than a latte of the same size, directly translating to fewer calories overall. A comparable 16 oz cappuccino with whole milk will have a significantly lower calorie count, often around 130 calories. The thicker layer of foam provides a rich, satisfying texture and a stronger espresso flavor without the caloric load of extra milk.

Comparison Table: Latte vs. Cappuccino Calories (Standard 16 oz serving)

To illustrate the difference, consider the approximate calorie counts for a standard serving size, keeping in mind that these figures can vary by coffee shop and precise milk preparation.


Drink (16 oz)	Whole Milk (approx.)	Skim Milk (approx.)	Unsweetened Almond Milk (approx.)
Latte	200–230 calories	120–150 calories	~80–100 calories
Cappuccino	130–150 calories	80–100 calories	~50–70 calories

Making Your Coffee Choice Healthier

If you prefer the creamy texture of a latte but want to manage your calorie intake, or simply want to lighten up your favorite cappuccino, several modifications can significantly reduce the calories.

Switch Your Milk: The simplest and most impactful change is to swap high-fat milk for a low-fat or plant-based option. Unsweetened almond milk and skim milk are excellent choices to reduce calories without sacrificing much of the creamy texture.
Hold the Syrup: Many specialty lattes and cappuccinos come with added flavored syrups. These are often packed with sugar and calories. Opt for sugar-free versions, use a natural calorie-free sweetener like stevia, or add a calorie-free spice like cinnamon for flavor instead.
Choose a Smaller Size: It may seem obvious, but ordering a small instead of a large size can cut your calorie intake by a significant amount.
Go with Extra Foam: For a cappuccino, requesting extra foam and less steamed milk is a great strategy. The air in the foam adds volume and texture with zero calories, leaving less room for the higher-calorie liquid milk.
Brew at Home: Brewing your coffee at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, portions, and cost. An inexpensive frother can create the luxurious foam of a cappuccino using a minimal amount of milk.

Beyond Calories: Flavor and Texture Differences

While calories are a key consideration for many, the choice between a latte and a cappuccino is also a matter of personal taste and texture preference. A cappuccino's flavor is more robust and coffee-forward, as the equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam create a balanced profile where the strength of the coffee is pronounced. A latte, with its higher milk content, has a milder, creamier taste that is often sweeter, especially if the milk has been properly steamed to enhance its natural sweetness. The textural difference is equally distinct, with the cappuccino offering a light and airy mouthful from its thick foam, while the latte provides a velvety and smooth finish with only a minimal layer of foam.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Nutrition Diet

When weighing your options for a lower-calorie espresso drink, the cappuccino is the clear winner, thanks to its higher foam-to-milk ratio. However, the best choice for your nutrition diet is the one that you can enjoy while staying within your calorie goals. By making simple adjustments, like swapping whole milk for a lower-fat or unsweetened plant-based alternative, you can enjoy either beverage guilt-free. Ultimately, your choice depends on your preference for a strong, frothy cup or a creamy, milder one, and your willingness to customize it for a healthier treat.

More resources for healthier coffee options

Frequently Asked Questions

A latte has more steamed milk and less foam than a cappuccino. A traditional cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam.

Generally, both a latte and a cappuccino contain the same amount of espresso, so the caffeine content is comparable. The strength of the coffee flavor may differ, but the caffeine level remains consistent.

You can make a low-calorie latte at home by using skim milk or an unsweetened, low-calorie plant-based milk like almond milk. Skip sugary syrups or use a calorie-free sweetener instead.

Yes, flavored syrups add significant calories and sugar to both lattes and cappuccinos. For example, each pump of syrup can add around 20 calories, so a standard drink with four pumps adds 80 calories from syrup alone.

Unsweetened almond milk is one of the lowest-calorie milk alternatives available, typically containing only 25 calories per 100ml. It's a great option for minimizing calories in coffee drinks.

Yes, many coffee shops offer 'skinny' versions, which are typically made with non-fat (skim) milk and sugar-free syrups. Since a cappuccino already has less milk, a 'skinny' version will be a very low-calorie option.

A cappuccino is a slightly better option for weight loss due to its lower milk content and calorie count. However, the best choice depends on how it's prepared and avoiding high-calorie additions.