What is the difference between a skinny latte and a latte at Starbucks?

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

A grande regular latte from Starbucks contains 190 calories, while a grande skinny latte with sugar-free vanilla has only 120 calories. This significant calorie difference is just one of many key distinctions between these popular espresso beverages that customers should be aware of when ordering.

Quick Summary

Starbucks' skinny latte uses nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup (often vanilla) to reduce calories and fat, while a standard latte is made with 2% milk and regular syrup. This results in a lighter, less creamy beverage with a stronger espresso flavor profile.

Key Points

Milk Type: A skinny latte uses nonfat milk, while a standard latte is made with 2% milk, resulting in a significant calorie and fat reduction.
Calorie and Sugar Content: Skinny lattes are substantially lower in calories and sugar, especially flavored versions that use sugar-free syrups instead of regular ones.
Flavor Profile: The less creamy nature of nonfat milk allows the bold, intense espresso flavor to be more prominent in a skinny latte compared to a regular one.
Texture and Foam: Regular lattes have a rich, velvety texture and foam due to the higher fat content of 2% milk, whereas skinny lattes have a lighter, less stable foam.
No Whipped Cream: Skinny versions of drinks that would typically have whipped cream will automatically omit it, further cutting down on fat and calories.
Customization: You can further customize either latte by specifying milk alternatives, syrup types, and the number of syrup pumps to suit your specific taste and dietary needs.

A frequent point of confusion for Starbucks customers is the exact distinction between a standard latte and a 'skinny' version. While both beverages share a base of espresso, the primary differences lie in the milk, syrups, and toppings used, which significantly affect the drink's nutritional profile, flavor, and texture.

What Makes a Skinny Latte Different?

At Starbucks, ordering a 'skinny' drink is a shorthand request for three specific modifications to reduce calories and fat.

Nonfat Milk Instead of 2% Milk

The most significant change is the milk. A regular Starbucks latte is automatically made with 2% milk, offering a rich and creamy mouthfeel. In contrast, a skinny latte is made with nonfat (skim) milk. This switch dramatically cuts the fat and overall calorie count of the beverage.

Sugar-Free Syrup Options

For flavored drinks like the popular Vanilla Latte, ordering it 'skinny' indicates the use of sugar-free vanilla syrup instead of the regular, sweetened version. This further reduces the sugar and calorie content, though customers should be aware that Starbucks offers a limited selection of sugar-free syrups.

No Whipped Cream Topping

Any drink that would normally come with a dollop of whipped cream, such as a flavored seasonal latte, will omit this high-fat, high-sugar topping when ordered 'skinny.' This simple change is another step toward a lower-calorie drink.

The Taste and Texture Comparison

Beyond the ingredients, the flavor and texture of these two lattes are noticeably different, appealing to different preferences.

Flavor Profile

The full-fat milk and sweet syrup in a regular latte soften the espresso's robust flavor, creating a more balanced and mellow taste. The fat and sugars coat the palate, giving a smoother finish. A skinny latte, however, uses nonfat milk, which provides less sweetness and creaminess. This allows the intense, roasted flavor of the espresso to come through more prominently. For those who prefer a bold coffee taste, the skinny version can be a pleasant surprise.

Mouthfeel and Foam

The mouthfeel is another key differentiator. The whole and 2% milk used in regular lattes create a velvety, lasting foam that is a signature of a classic, well-crafted latte. Nonfat milk, while it can be frothed, tends to produce a less stable, lighter, and more delicate foam that dissolves more quickly. The overall texture of a skinny latte is thinner and less rich than its full-fat counterpart.

Skinny Latte vs. Regular Latte: A Comparison


Feature	Skinny Latte	Regular Latte
Milk	Nonfat (Skim) Milk	2% Milk
Sweetener	Sugar-Free Syrup (if flavored)	Regular Flavored Syrup (if flavored)
Topping	No Whipped Cream	Standard Whipped Cream (if applicable)
Calories	Significantly Lower	Higher, with more fat and sugar
Taste	More pronounced espresso flavor, less sweet	Mellow espresso flavor, rich and sweet
Texture	Thinner, less creamy mouthfeel, lighter foam	Richer, smoother texture, velvety foam
Price	No difference in price for milk substitution	Standard latte price

How to Order the Right Latte for You

Choosing between a skinny latte and a regular one depends entirely on your personal preferences and dietary goals. If you prioritize a lower calorie and sugar count and prefer a bolder coffee flavor, the skinny option is your best bet. If you enjoy a richer, creamier, and sweeter beverage, stick with the regular. It is also possible to customize your drink even further to find the perfect balance. For instance, you could order a regular latte with a different milk, such as almond or soy, and a reduced number of pumps of standard syrup. Starbucks allows for extensive customization, so don't be afraid to experiment to find your ideal combination.

Conclusion

The difference between a skinny latte and a regular latte at Starbucks ultimately comes down to a few key ingredient substitutions that have a domino effect on the drink's taste, texture, and nutritional value. By using nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup, the skinny version offers a lighter, lower-calorie alternative that accentuates the espresso's flavor. The regular latte, made with 2% milk and standard syrup, provides a sweeter, creamier, and more indulgent experience. Knowing these distinctions empowers you to make an informed choice that best suits your palate and health goals. For more in-depth nutritional information, visit the official Starbucks website and use their nutrition calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the milk and syrup used. A skinny latte is made with nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup (if flavored), while a regular latte uses 2% milk and standard syrup.

Yes, a skinny latte has significantly fewer calories. The use of nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup reduces the overall calorie and fat content of the drink.

The taste is different due to the milk choice. A skinny latte has a stronger espresso flavor and is less creamy, while a regular latte tastes sweeter and richer due to the higher fat milk.

The foam on a skinny latte is lighter and dissipates faster because nonfat milk contains less fat than 2% milk, which is essential for creating a stable, velvety microfoam.

Yes, you can order most lattes 'skinny,' which means it will be made with nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup (if available for that flavor), and no whipped cream.

No, there is typically no extra charge for substituting nonfat milk for 2% milk in a standard latte.

You can still order a latte with a milk alternative like almond or oat milk and specify sugar-free syrup to reduce calories. Starbucks baristas are able to customize drinks to your preference.