Understanding How Many Calories Does Almond Milk Add at Starbucks?

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, one cup of Starbucks' unsweetened almond milk contains approximately 60 calories, making it one of the chain’s lowest-calorie milk alternatives. To accurately determine how many calories does almond milk add at Starbucks, however, you must also consider the drink size and other ingredients, as the final calorie count can vary significantly.

Quick Summary

Starbucks almond milk is a low-calorie, dairy-free option, but the total calories depend on the drink size and additional ingredients. Comparing it to other milks and learning customization hacks can help you manage your caloric intake effectively.

Key Points

Low-Calorie Base: A standard 8-ounce cup of Starbucks almond milk adds around 60 calories to your drink.
Drink Size Matters: The amount of almond milk used varies by drink size, adding more calories in larger cups and less in smaller ones.
Syrups Add Up: Flavored syrups contribute significant calories and sugar; opting for sugar-free versions is a simple calorie-cutting hack.
Beware of Toppings: Ingredients like whipped cream and drizzles can turn a low-calorie drink into a high-calorie one. Skipping them is an easy way to save calories.
Customize Your Order: Utilize the Starbucks app to customize your drink and track calories, or simply ask for fewer pumps of syrup and less milk.
Almond Milk vs. Oat Milk: Almond milk is typically lower in calories than oat milk, but oat milk offers a creamier texture and can have more protein.
Splash vs. Latte: A 'splash' of almond milk in a brewed coffee adds minimal calories (15-20), while a latte uses more milk and has a higher base calorie count.

Starbucks Almond Milk: The Calorie Breakdown

At Starbucks, the almond milk is one of the most popular non-dairy alternatives, particularly for those looking to reduce their calorie intake. A standard 8-ounce cup of Starbucks' unsweetened almond milk contains approximately 60 calories. This makes it a significantly lighter option compared to most dairy milks and even other non-dairy choices like oat milk, which typically has more calories and carbs.

How Milk Volume Impacts Calorie Count

Knowing the per-cup calorie count is just the starting point. The total calories from almond milk in your drink depend on how much milk is used, which varies by drink type and size.

For a simple splash of almond milk in a black coffee or Americano, you're only adding about 15-20 calories. A latte, however, is a different story, as the milk is a primary ingredient. For a grande (16 oz) latte with almond milk, the calorie count is around 100 calories total, which includes the espresso. Since espresso adds minimal calories, this suggests a grande latte uses slightly more than one cup of almond milk to fill the cup. This is far less than a standard grande latte with 2% milk, which starts at around 250 calories.

Factors That Push Calories Higher

While almond milk itself is a low-calorie choice, the calories in your Starbucks beverage can quickly add up due to other ingredients. Syrups, sauces, and toppings are the primary culprits for turning a simple coffee into a high-calorie treat.

Syrups: Each pump of a standard flavored syrup contains about 20 calories and 5 grams of sugar. A grande drink often comes with four pumps by default, adding an easy 80 calories. Opting for sugar-free syrups is a simple way to get flavor without the added calories.
Sauces and Toppings: Caramel drizzle, mocha sauce, and whipped cream can add significant calories. For instance, skipping whipped cream can save you around 85 calories.
Other Ingredients: In drinks like Frappuccinos, the base mix can also contribute a large number of calories. Making smart substitutions is key.

Comparison of Starbucks Milk Options

For a clear picture of how almond milk compares, here is a breakdown of calories per 8-ounce cup for Starbucks' milk options. Note that these values can vary slightly by region and specific ingredients, but they provide a good general comparison.


Milk Type	Calories (per 8 oz cup)	Protein	Sugar	Fat	Notes
Almond Milk	~60 kcal	2g	3-5g	4g	Lowest calorie non-dairy option.
Oat Milk	~120 kcal	2-4g	Higher	Varies	Creamier texture but higher calorie count.
Soy Milk	~130 kcal	7g	13g	Varies	Highest sugar non-dairy, but more protein.
Nonfat Milk	~80 kcal	8g	Varies	0g	Low-calorie dairy with higher protein.
2% Milk	~120 kcal	8g	Varies	5g	Standard milk option with moderate calories.
Whole Milk	~150 kcal	8g	Varies	8g	Highest calories and fat among standard milks.

Customizing Your Order for a Healthier Choice

Making mindful choices at the counter can dramatically impact your drink's nutritional profile. Consider these customization tips to reduce the overall calories while still enjoying your favorite Starbucks beverage.

Switch to Sugar-Free Syrups: This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cut calories. For example, swapping regular vanilla syrup for sugar-free vanilla can save a significant number of calories in a flavored latte.
Reduce Syrup Pumps: If you don't mind a less sweet drink, ask for fewer pumps of syrup. A grande with just two pumps instead of four can save 40 calories.
Go Light on Toppings: Skip the whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and other high-calorie toppings to keep your drink lean.
Ask for a 'Splash' or 'Light Milk': For coffee and cold brew, specifically asking for a small amount of almond milk can ensure a minimal calorie addition.
Use the Starbucks App: The mobile app's customization feature provides an accurate calorie estimate for your specific order, allowing you to see the nutritional impact of your choices in real-time.

For additional healthy drink ideas, consider exploring recipes and modifications online, such as those found on blogs focusing on low-calorie Starbucks options.

Low-Calorie Almond Milk Drink Examples

Iced Coffee with Almond Milk: For a refreshing, low-calorie boost, order an iced coffee with a splash of almond milk and a pump or two of sugar-free vanilla syrup. The calories from the almond milk and syrup are minimal, leaving you with a light, flavorful drink.
Hot Caffe Misto with Almond Milk: A Caffe Misto with almond milk and a couple of pumps of sugar-free vanilla is a cozy alternative to a full-calorie latte, clocking in at around 60 calories for a grande.
Iced Caffe Latte with Almond Milk: A grande iced caffe latte with almond milk and no syrup is a great way to enjoy the classic taste without a heavy calorie load, coming in at approximately 70 calories.

Conclusion

While almond milk is a low-calorie alternative at Starbucks, the final caloric impact on your beverage depends heavily on the specific drink and your customizations. For the most accurate and up-to-date calorie information, using the Starbucks app is your best bet. By being mindful of your additions, you can enjoy a delicious coffee that aligns with your nutritional goals without compromising flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

A grande (16 oz) caffe latte with almond milk contains approximately 100 calories. However, this count can increase depending on added syrups and toppings.

Starbucks' almond milk is the lowest-calorie non-dairy milk option, with about 60 calories per cup. Nonfat dairy milk is also a low-calorie choice, with around 80 calories per cup.

To reduce calories, opt for sugar-free syrups instead of regular ones, ask for fewer pumps of syrup, and skip high-calorie toppings like whipped cream and drizzles.

Yes, Starbucks' almond milk does contain some sugar, with nutrition facts showing 3-5 grams of sugar per cup. While still a low-sugar option, it is not completely sugar-free.

For calorie-conscious consumers, almond milk is the better choice as it is significantly lower in calories than oat milk. Oat milk typically contains more calories and carbs, though it offers a creamier texture.

The most accurate way to check the calories for your specific customized order is to use the Starbucks app or website's nutrition calculator, which updates the calorie count as you select and modify ingredients.

While a standard splash amount can vary by barista, it typically equates to a very small amount of milk, adding only around 15 to 20 calories to a brewed coffee or Americano.