What's in a Costa Skinny Latte?

According to Costa Coffee, their skinny latte is made with slow-roasted coffee combined with skimmed milk to create a smooth, lighter drink. This differs fundamentally from a classic latte, which uses whole milk for a creamier texture.

Quick Summary

A Costa skinny latte is a lighter version of their classic latte, made with signature espresso and skimmed milk to reduce the fat and calorie content. It is typically served without added sugar or with sugar-free syrup alternatives.

Key Points

• Skimmed Milk: The key ingredient that makes a Costa latte 'skinny', resulting in a drink with significantly fewer calories and less fat compared to a standard latte made with whole milk.

• Costa Signature Blend Espresso: The base of the drink is a shot of Costa's proprietary espresso, providing the authentic coffee flavor.

• Lower in Calories and Fat: By using low-fat milk and excluding sugary syrups, the skinny latte is a much lighter option.

• Flavour Profile: The use of skimmed milk allows the robust, intense flavor of the espresso to be more prominent than in a creamier whole milk latte.

• Optional Sugar-Free Syrup: Customers can choose to add sugar-free flavorings for sweetness without increasing the calorie count.

• Lighter Foam: The foam on a skinny latte is typically lighter and less dense due to the lower fat content of the skimmed milk.

Core Components of a Costa Skinny Latte

At its heart, a Costa skinny latte is a straightforward beverage built on three key components: espresso, skimmed milk, and a thin layer of foam. The "skinny" label primarily signifies the choice of milk and the absence of added sugar-based syrups, making it a lower-calorie alternative to the standard latte.

The foundation is a shot (or two, depending on the size) of Costa's Signature Blend espresso. This proprietary mix of roasted coffee beans provides the robust coffee flavor that defines the drink. Unlike the whole milk used in a traditional latte, a skinny latte uses steamed skimmed milk, also known as non-fat milk. This choice significantly reduces the fat content and overall calories. For those who prefer a touch of sweetness, a sugar-free vanilla or other flavored syrup can be added, ensuring the drink remains low in calories. The final touch is a smaller, lighter layer of milk foam compared to the dense, rich foam found on a whole milk latte.

Customisation and Add-ons

While the basic recipe is simple, customers have options to further tailor their drink to their taste and dietary needs. Some popular customisations include:

• Sugar-free syrup: For a sweeter flavour without the added sugar, like vanilla or caramel.
• Extra shot of espresso: A second shot of espresso will increase the caffeine content and result in a more intense coffee flavour.
• Alternative milk: Although the standard skinny latte uses skimmed milk, other plant-based alternatives such as oat, almond, or soy milk can be requested.

Nutritional Information: Costa Skinny Latte vs. Standard Latte

The key differences between a standard Costa latte and its skinny counterpart lie in the nutritional profile, primarily due to the choice of milk and sweeteners. For a medium-sized drink, the skinny version offers a noticeable reduction in calories and fat.

Feature	Costa Skinny Latte (Medium)	Costa Standard Latte (Medium)	Key Difference
Milk	Skimmed (low-fat) milk	Semi-skimmed or whole milk	Skimmed milk has less fat and fewer calories.
Calories	~109 kcal	Significantly more (not cited, but based on whole milk)	Reduced calorie count due to skimmed milk.
Fat	0.5g total fat	Higher (from whole or semi-skimmed milk)	Skimmed milk is virtually fat-free.
Sugar	Low/No added sugar (unless syrup added)	Contains natural milk sugars plus any added syrup	Absence of added sugar is a key component.
Espresso	Standard Costa Signature Blend	Standard Costa Signature Blend	The coffee base is the same for both.

How is a Costa Skinny Latte Prepared?

The preparation process for a Costa skinny latte is similar to a standard latte, with the crucial substitution of skimmed milk. Here is the general process:

1. Pull the espresso: A barista prepares one or more shots of Costa's Signature Blend espresso, brewing it into the cup.
2. Steam the milk: Skimmed milk is steamed using the coffee machine's steam wand. Due to its lower fat content, skimmed milk creates a lighter, less creamy foam than whole milk.
3. Pour the milk: The steamed skimmed milk is poured over the espresso, blending the two components.
4. Top with foam: A thin layer of the frothed milk is added to the top of the drink.
5. Optional additions: Any requested sugar-free syrups or toppings are added at the appropriate step.

This method ensures the rich, bold flavour of the espresso is the star of the show, complemented by the lighter, less indulgent texture of the skimmed milk.

Conclusion

In summary, what's in a Costa skinny latte is an espresso base made with skimmed milk instead of whole milk, resulting in a significantly lower calorie and fat count. By omitting the additional sugar found in many flavored drinks, it offers a simple, healthier alternative for coffee lovers. For those controlling their calorie intake or preferring a more prominent espresso flavour, the skinny latte is a great choice. The ability to customise with sugar-free syrups and alternative milks further enhances its appeal, allowing for a personalized and enjoyable café experience.

For more detailed information on nutrition and ingredients, always check the official Costa Coffee website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between a Costa skinny latte and a standard latte?

The main difference is the type of milk used. A Costa skinny latte uses skimmed (non-fat) milk, while a standard latte typically uses semi-skimmed or whole milk, which makes it higher in fat and calories.

Does a skinny latte at Costa contain any sugar?

The standard skinny latte at Costa does not have any added sugar, though it does contain some natural milk sugars. If you add a sugar-free flavoured syrup, it will remain low in sugar.

How many calories are in a medium Costa skinny latte?

A medium Costa skinny latte contains approximately 109 calories. The exact nutritional information can be found on Costa's website.

Can I get a skinny latte with an alternative milk at Costa?

Yes, Costa offers a range of alternative milks, including oat, soy, and almond, which can be used to customise a skinny latte to suit specific dietary preferences.

Is the espresso in a skinny latte different from a regular one?

No, both the skinny latte and the standard latte at Costa use the same Signature Blend espresso.

Does a skinny latte have less caffeine than a regular latte?

The caffeine content is generally the same, as it depends on the number of espresso shots, not the milk. A double-shot skinny latte will have a higher caffeine content than a single-shot regular latte.

What makes the foam on a skinny latte different?

Skimmed milk contains less fat, which results in a lighter, less dense, and faster-dissolving foam compared to the richer, creamier foam created with whole milk.