What is the average amount of calories in a latte?

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

An average 12-ounce caffe latte made with whole milk can contain approximately 180 calories, but this figure is highly variable depending on several key factors. The simple espresso base is nearly calorie-free, meaning the vast majority of calories in a latte come from the milk and any added sweeteners or flavorings.

Quick Summary

A latte's calorie count varies widely, influenced significantly by the milk type, serving size, and added syrups, ranging from under 100 calories for a small skim version to over 300 for a large, flavored one. Adjusting ingredients and size is key to managing the calorie impact.

Key Points

Significant Milk Impact: The type and amount of milk, not the espresso, contribute the majority of calories to a latte.
Whole vs. Skim: A whole milk latte has substantially more calories than a skim milk 'skinny' version due to its higher fat content.
Alternative Milk Options: Plant-based milks like almond or oat offer varying calorie levels, with unsweetened almond typically being the lowest.
Size Matters: A larger latte automatically contains more calories simply because it uses a greater volume of milk.
Flavor is a Calorie Bomb: Flavored syrups are a major source of added sugar and calories, often increasing the total count by over a hundred calories.
Calorie-Cutting Hacks: Choosing skim or almond milk, using sugar-free syrup, or opting for a smaller size are effective ways to reduce calories.

Deconstructing a Latte: The Role of Basic Ingredients

At its core, a traditional latte is a simple combination of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of foam. The espresso itself contributes a negligible amount of calories, typically just 1 to 5 calories per shot. This means the calorie content of your final drink is almost entirely dictated by the milk and any optional add-ins. A standard 8-ounce latte often contains around 150 calories when made with whole milk. However, this number can climb quickly with larger sizes and sweeter ingredients.

How Milk Choices Impact Calorie Count

Your selection of milk is the single most significant factor in determining the final calorie count of a latte. The fat and sugar content varies greatly among different milk types, from full-fat dairy to plant-based alternatives.

Whole Milk: The classic choice for a creamy latte, a cup of whole milk adds about 150 calories due to its fat content. This is the richest option but also the highest in calories.
Skim Milk: Often called a 'skinny' latte, using skim milk reduces calories significantly while maintaining a milky texture. A cup of skim milk contains around 90 calories, making it a popular choice for those watching their intake.
Oat Milk: This popular plant-based option has a creamy texture but a variable calorie count depending on the brand and sugar content. An average oat milk latte typically falls somewhere in the middle, containing around 130 calories per cup.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is one of the lowest-calorie options, with some varieties containing as little as 30-40 calories per cup. The taste is nutty and can be less creamy than dairy or oat milk.
Soy Milk: A standard unsweetened soy milk provides a moderate calorie count, around 80 calories per cup, along with a good amount of protein.

The Effect of Size and Add-ins

Beyond the base ingredients, the size of your drink and any syrups or toppings can cause the calorie count to skyrocket. A larger cup means more milk and therefore more calories.

For example, at a major coffee chain, a tall (12 oz) latte with whole milk might have 180 calories, while a grande (16 oz) with the same milk is around 220 calories, and a venti (20 oz) jumps to 290 calories. The impact is even more dramatic with flavored syrups, with each pump adding roughly 20 calories, and toppings like whipped cream adding another substantial amount.

Comparison Table: Calories in Different Lattes


Latte Type (12 oz)	Milk Choice	Approximate Calories	Notes
Standard Latte	Whole Milk	180 calories	Rich, classic taste; highest in calories.
Skinny Latte	Skim Milk	100 calories	Lower fat and calories.
Dairy-Free Latte	Unsweetened Almond Milk	80 calories	Very low calorie, nutty flavor.
Dairy-Free Latte	Oat Milk	110 calories	Creamy texture, moderate calories.
Flavored Latte	Whole Milk + 4 pumps syrup	~260 calories	Adds significant sugar and calories.
Chai Latte	Full-fat milk, pre-made mix	~240 calories	Pre-sweetened mixes are calorie-dense.

Strategies for Reducing Latte Calories

For those who enjoy lattes but want to manage their caloric intake, several simple swaps can make a big difference. The most effective changes involve adjusting the milk and sweeteners.

Choose Lighter Milk: Opting for skim milk or an unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or soy can slash dozens of calories per drink.
Request Less Syrup: Most flavored lattes come with several pumps of high-calorie syrup. You can ask for fewer pumps or switch to a sugar-free syrup option.
Skip the Whipped Cream: This simple topping can add a significant number of calories. Ask for your latte without it to save an easy 50-100 calories.
Go Smaller: Ordering a smaller size, like a tall instead of a venti, means less milk and therefore fewer calories.
Add Your Own Sweetener: If you must have a sweet latte, consider adding a low-calorie sweetener yourself instead of relying on sugary syrups from the barista.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the average amount of calories in a latte is not a fixed number but a range heavily influenced by customization. A classic latte can be a moderate calorie indulgence, but the calories can quickly add up with larger sizes, whole milk, and sugary flavorings. For calorie-conscious coffee lovers, choosing lower-fat milk, managing syrup intake, and controlling portion size are the most effective strategies for enjoying a satisfying drink while keeping calorie counts in check. The real power to control the calorie impact lies in understanding the ingredients and making intentional, small changes to your order.

Helpful Resources

For detailed nutritional information on many coffee shop drinks, the Starbucks menu is a valuable tool. For example, specific calorie counts for various latte sizes and milk options are available directly on their website: Starbucks Coffee Company - Caffè Latte Nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small or 'tall' 12-ounce latte can range from approximately 100 calories if made with nonfat milk to 180 calories or more if made with whole milk and added sugar.

The difference is significant, as a cup of whole milk adds about 150 calories, while a cup of skim milk adds only around 90 calories. This can mean a difference of 50-80 calories or more per latte.

Each pump of flavored syrup typically adds about 20 calories to your latte. A standard flavored latte with 3-4 pumps could therefore have an extra 60-80 calories from syrup alone.

An iced latte is not inherently lower in calories than a hot one of the same size with the same ingredients. The calorie count depends entirely on the type of milk and any added sweeteners, not the temperature.

Unsweetened almond milk is generally the lowest in calories among common milk alternatives, containing just 30-40 calories per cup.

No, latte art itself does not add calories. The design is created by manipulating the steamed milk and foam, which are already part of the drink's composition.

Yes, most coffee shops offer options to reduce calories. You can ask for nonfat milk, sugar-free syrups, or a smaller serving size to customize your drink and lower its caloric impact.