What is in a Starbucks iced skinny latte?

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Starbucks baristas, the term "skinny" refers to a drink made with nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup, and no whipped cream. This article breaks down the components of an iced skinny latte and how it differs from a traditional iced latte at Starbucks.

Quick Summary

An iced skinny latte consists of brewed espresso, nonfat milk, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and ice, resulting in a lower-calorie and lower-sugar alternative to the classic iced latte.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The drink is made with espresso, nonfat (skim) milk, and sugar-free vanilla syrup over ice.
Customization: You can customize it with other sugar-free syrups or different milk alternatives like almond milk.
Lower Calories: The primary benefit is a significantly lower calorie count compared to a standard latte, often around 60 calories for a tall.
Reduced Sugar: The use of sugar-free vanilla syrup means no added sugar, only naturally occurring sugars from the milk.
No Whipped Cream: All skinny drinks from Starbucks are made without whipped cream.
Increased Caffeine: Skinny lattes may have a stronger espresso flavor and a higher caffeine content than regular lattes due to the lower fat content of the milk.

The Starbucks iced skinny latte is a popular choice for those seeking a lower-calorie, lower-sugar option without sacrificing flavor. It is a simple yet refreshing drink, essentially a customized version of the standard iced latte. The key changes lie in the type of milk and the sweetener used. By understanding these components, you can appreciate why it's a lighter beverage and even replicate it at home.

The Core Ingredients of an Iced Skinny Latte

The recipe for an iced skinny latte is straightforward, featuring only a few main components.

Brewed Espresso: The foundation of any latte is the espresso. Starbucks uses its signature high-quality, 100% arabica espresso roast. In an iced drink, the espresso is brewed hot and then poured over ice with the other ingredients.
Nonfat Milk: The "skinny" in the name primarily comes from the use of nonfat (or skim) milk instead of the traditional 2% or whole milk. This substitution dramatically reduces the fat and calorie content while still providing a creamy texture and dairy richness. This milk contains less fat than whole milk, which also means the foam produced will be lighter.
Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup: To provide the signature vanilla flavor without the added calories from sugar, a sugar-free vanilla syrup is used. As of 2022, sugar-free vanilla was the primary option available at many locations, although other sugar-free options may exist seasonally or in certain regions. The sugar-free sweetener used by Starbucks is derived from sucralose.
Ice: The drink is served over a cup full of ice to create a refreshing, cold beverage.

Customizing Your Iced Skinny Latte

While the basic recipe is set, many people customize their iced skinny latte to suit their taste or dietary needs. Here are a few common ways to tweak your order:

Milk Alternatives: You can swap the nonfat milk for other low-calorie options like almond milk, which has even fewer calories, or oat milk, which provides a nuttier, more earthy flavor profile. Keep in mind that different milk types create different textures and impact the flavor.
Espresso Shots: Some individuals prefer a bolder coffee taste and will add an extra shot of espresso to their drink. This also increases the caffeine content, providing an extra jolt of energy.
Additional Flavors: If you want to experiment with flavor without adding sugar, you can add different sugar-free syrups if your local Starbucks carries them, though vanilla is the most common. For example, you can get a sugar-free cinnamon dolce in some places.

How It Compares: Iced Skinny Latte vs. Standard Iced Latte

The key differences between an iced skinny latte and a regular iced latte boil down to milk type, sweetener, and calorie count.


Feature	Iced Skinny Latte	Standard Iced Latte
Milk	Nonfat/Skim milk	2% or whole milk
Sweetener	Sugar-free vanilla syrup	Regular vanilla syrup
Whipped Cream	No whipped cream	Often includes whipped cream (optional)
Calories	Significantly fewer calories (approx. 60 for a tall with nonfat milk)	Higher calories due to whole milk and sugar
Fat	Lower fat content	Higher fat content
Taste & Texture	Lighter body, more prominent espresso flavor	Richer, creamier texture, balanced flavor

Nutrition and Health Considerations

The primary health benefit of choosing an iced skinny latte is the reduction in calories, fat, and added sugar. A tall iced skinny flavored latte with nonfat milk can have as few as 60 calories, making it a diet-friendly option. The nonfat milk provides protein and calcium, while the espresso offers antioxidants and caffeine for a refreshing boost. However, it's important to be mindful of the added sugar from syrups if you opt for the regular version, which can increase both the calorie and sugar content significantly.

Conclusion

The Starbucks iced skinny latte is a simple, low-calorie beverage made with espresso, nonfat milk, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and ice. It is a delicious alternative to a traditional latte for those watching their calorie or sugar intake. The ability to customize the drink with milk alternatives and extra espresso shots adds to its appeal, making it a versatile choice for a refreshing pick-me-up. By opting for the skinny version, you can enjoy a classic flavor profile with a significantly lighter nutritional footprint.

How to Order an Iced Skinny Latte at Starbucks

Ordering an iced skinny latte is easy, though the process might involve some customization, especially when using the mobile app.

Start with an iced latte: Begin your order with a basic iced caffe latte.
Specify milk: Ask for nonfat milk (skim milk) as your dairy choice.
Add flavor: Request sugar-free vanilla syrup for flavoring.
Hold the whip: Explicitly ask for no whipped cream, though the skinny version automatically omits it.
Add ice: Confirm you want it served over ice.

Following these steps ensures you receive a perfectly crafted iced skinny latte, tailored to your lower-calorie preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starbucks uses nonfat (skim) milk for its skinny latte, a choice that reduces the fat and calorie content compared to the 2% or whole milk used in a traditional latte.

A standard skinny latte uses sugar-free syrup for flavor, but the nonfat milk still contains some naturally occurring sugars. For a completely sugar-free drink, you would need to specify no sweetener or use a sugar-free alternative.

A tall iced skinny flavored latte with nonfat milk typically contains about 60 calories, though this can vary slightly depending on size and specific customizations.

The main difference is in the milk and sweetener. A skinny latte uses nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup, while a regular latte is made with 2% or whole milk and standard, sugar-based syrup.

Yes, you can order a skinny caramel macchiato. This involves using nonfat milk, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and excluding the whipped cream. The caramel drizzle typically still contains sugar, though a light drizzle can be requested.

Yes, you can substitute the vanilla syrup with any other sugar-free syrup available at Starbucks. However, availability may vary by location and time of year, with sugar-free vanilla being the most common.

Yes, it does. The use of nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup results in a lighter, less creamy texture and a more prominent espresso flavor. Regular lattes are richer and creamier due to the higher fat content of the milk.