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Understanding the Numbers: How many calories are in a Costa iced caramel latte with almond milk?

4 min read

According to reputable nutritional databases like CalorieKing, a medium (medio) Costa Salted Caramel Iced Latte with Almond Drink contains approximately 107 calories. Knowing how many calories are in a Costa iced caramel latte with almond milk? can significantly help you manage your daily dietary intake and make more informed choices about your favorite coffee treat.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed nutritional breakdown for a Costa iced caramel latte with almond milk. It explains how drink size and syrup choices influence the total calorie count, comparing almond milk to other alternatives and offering tips for ordering a healthier version.

Key Points

  • Medium Almond Milk Latte: A medium (medio) Salted Caramel Iced Latte with almond milk contains approximately 107 calories.

  • Syrup is the Calorie Culprit: The majority of the calories come from the caramel syrup, not the almond milk, which is relatively low in calories.

  • Sugar-Free is a Game-Changer: Switching to sugar-free caramel syrup is the most effective way to drastically reduce the sugar and calorie content of the drink.

  • Portion Size Matters: Choosing a smaller size, like a 'primo', will naturally lower the overall calorie and sugar intake.

  • Comparison with Dairy: An almond milk iced latte is generally lower in calories than one made with whole milk, but the final count depends heavily on the syrup.

  • Customization is Key: By specifying less syrup, or a sugar-free option, you have full control over the calorie density of your drink.

In This Article

A Detailed Look at the Calories in a Costa Iced Caramel Latte with Almond Milk

When you're trying to keep an eye on your caloric intake, every drink counts. A Costa iced caramel latte with almond milk might seem like a low-calorie choice compared to its dairy counterparts, but the reality depends on the specific ingredients and customization. While Costa's menu can vary by location and season, information for popular versions is available from nutritional databases. For example, a medium (medio) Salted Caramel Iced Latte with Almond Drink in the UK is listed at around 107 calories. The total count is influenced by several factors, including the type of almond milk, the amount of caramel syrup, and the size of the drink. Understanding these components is key to enjoying your coffee while staying on track with your health goals.

The Nutritional Breakdown

An iced latte is generally composed of espresso, milk, and flavorings. In the case of a caramel latte with almond milk, the primary contributors to the calorie count are the almond milk and the caramel syrup. Almond milk is a popular dairy alternative because it is significantly lower in calories than cow's milk. However, the caramel syrup adds a notable amount of sugar and calories. While a standard iced latte with almond milk is relatively low in calories, the addition of a sweet syrup pushes the total up. For instance, the 107-calorie figure for the salted caramel version reflects this combination of components.

Customizing Your Costa Drink to Reduce Calories

One of the best things about a custom-made coffee is the ability to control its contents. If you want to enjoy a caramel-flavored iced latte with almond milk but with fewer calories, there are several adjustments you can make:

  • Switch to sugar-free syrup: Opting for the sugar-free caramel syrup can drastically reduce the sugar content and, consequently, the calories. Costa offers sugar-free syrups for this exact reason.
  • Ask for fewer pumps of syrup: Even with regular syrup, you can ask for fewer pumps to reduce the overall sugar and calorie load. For example, requesting only one pump of syrup instead of the standard two or three can make a big difference.
  • Choose a smaller size: Simply ordering a 'primo' (small) instead of a 'medio' (medium) or 'maxi' (large) will result in a lower calorie count. As seen on calorie tracking sites, a smaller size of the salted caramel almond milk latte is only 74 calories.
  • Skip the extras: Avoid any optional additions like whipped cream or drizzles, which often add extra fats and sugars.

Comparison Table: Costa Iced Lattes (Medium)

To put the almond milk version into perspective, here is a comparison with other common iced latte choices at Costa Coffee. Please note that figures can vary slightly based on recipe changes and location, but these provide a general idea.

Drink Milk Type Approx. Calories Key Nutritional Difference
Iced Caramel Latte Almond Drink ~107 kcal* Lower in calories than dairy versions; contains added sugar from syrup.
Iced Caramel Latte Skimmed Milk ~112 kcal* Slightly higher in calories due to skimmed milk, but still relatively low fat.
Iced Caramel Latte Whole Milk ~250+ kcal Significantly higher in calories and saturated fat from the whole milk.
Iced Americano No Milk ~23 kcal Lowest calorie option; contains only coffee and water.

*Based on medium (medio) UK serving and data for the Salted Caramel variant. Calorie counts will differ for regular caramel syrup, which can have higher sugar.

The Role of Milk Alternatives

Choosing almond milk is a popular strategy for lowering calories in coffee drinks. However, it's worth remembering that it also impacts the flavor and nutritional profile. Almond milk is much lower in protein and fat than dairy milk. If your goal is to add some protein to your drink, other plant-based milks like soy might be a better choice, though they often contain more calories. Costa's menu offers a variety of non-dairy options, allowing for plenty of flexibility.

Conclusion: Making Mindful Choices

So, how many calories are in a Costa iced caramel latte with almond milk? A medium-sized drink typically falls in the range of 100-150 calories, depending on whether it's salted or standard caramel and the exact recipe. While this is significantly lower than a full-fat, sugar-laden beverage, the addition of syrup means it's not calorie-free. By being mindful of your choices—like opting for sugar-free syrup, a smaller size, or fewer pumps—you can still enjoy a tasty iced caramel latte without compromising your nutritional goals. Balancing these treats with a healthy diet is a key part of sustainable nutrition.

For more official nutritional details, you can visit the Costa Coffee website.

Frequently Asked Questions

For calorie-conscious individuals, almond milk is often the healthier choice as it has fewer calories than both skimmed and whole dairy milk. However, it is also lower in protein and lacks the same vitamin and mineral profile found in fortified dairy milk.

Choosing a sugar-free caramel syrup will significantly reduce the calories. A medium iced latte with sugar-free syrup and almond milk would likely be under 100 calories, making it a very low-calorie option.

The calorie count scales with the size. A small (primo) iced salted caramel latte with almond milk is around 74 calories, while a medium (medio) is approximately 107 calories. A large (maxi) would contain even more.

No, they are different products and may have slightly different recipes and nutritional information. However, publicly available data often uses the salted caramel version as a reference point for similar drinks. It is best to check the specific nutritional information for the standard caramel syrup if available.

Almond milk is slightly lower in calories than skimmed milk. For a medium iced latte, the difference is minimal if the syrup is the main calorie source. For example, a medium iced skimmed latte is about 112 kcal, compared to the 107 kcal found for the salted caramel almond version.

Yes, some brands of almond milk and Costa's own version may differ slightly in their calorie content, particularly if they contain added sugars or are made with more almonds. These differences are usually minor but can add up.

Yes, an iced Americano is one of the healthiest and lowest-calorie options, containing only around 23 calories for a medium size. You can add a splash of almond milk and sugar-free syrup for flavour while keeping the calories very low.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.