What's the Lowest Calorie Milk from Starbucks?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Starbucks baristas and nutrition experts, almond milk is consistently cited as the lowest-calorie non-dairy option available. Choosing the right milk can dramatically impact the total calories in your favorite latte or iced coffee beverage, so understanding your options is key.

Quick Summary

An analysis of all available options at Starbucks reveals almond milk is the lowest-calorie choice. Comparing it to nonfat, oat, soy, and coconut milk shows significant differences in caloric content, which can affect your health goals. This guide helps you navigate the nutrition facts to make informed decisions.

Key Points

Almond milk is the lowest calorie option: Unsweetened almond milk contains approximately 60 calories per cup, making it the lightest milk choice at Starbucks.
Nonfat milk is the lowest calorie dairy choice: For those who prefer dairy, skim or nonfat milk is the lowest calorie option, providing a decent amount of protein and calcium.
Oat milk has the most calories among non-dairy: Despite its creamy texture, Starbucks' oat milk is higher in calories than its almond and coconut alternatives.
Customize your drink for maximum calorie savings: Order fewer pumps of syrup, skip the whipped cream, and consider a smaller size to further reduce your beverage's calorie count.
Nutritional facts vary by milk type: Not all milks are created equal. Different options offer varying levels of calories, fat, protein, and sugar, so it's important to understand the full breakdown.
Plant-based milks are no longer an upcharge at Starbucks: Since May 2023, there is no extra charge for alternative milks, making the lowest calorie option also the most accessible.

Your Guide to the Lowest Calorie Milk at Starbucks

When ordering your favorite coffee concoction at Starbucks, the type of milk you choose can make a significant difference in the final calorie count. While the default milk for many drinks is 2%, swapping it out for an alternative is an easy way to lighten up your beverage. The simple answer to what's the lowest calorie milk from Starbucks is unsweetened almond milk, but understanding the nuances of each option is crucial for making the best choice for your dietary needs and taste preferences.

Comparing the Milk Options: A Nutritional Breakdown

To make an informed decision, it's helpful to see a direct comparison of the different milks offered at Starbucks. Calories and other nutritional values can vary slightly based on drink size and preparation, but the following table provides a general overview based on standard 8-ounce (one-cup) servings.


Milk Type	Calories (per cup)	Notes
Almond Milk	60	The lowest calorie milk option. Contains fewer protein and fat grams than dairy milk.
Coconut Milk	80	The second-lowest non-dairy option. Has more fat and less protein than almond milk.
Nonfat Milk (Skim)	90	The lowest-calorie dairy milk option. Offers significantly more protein and calcium than plant-based milks.
2% Reduced-Fat Milk	120	Standard for most espresso drinks at Starbucks. Offers a creamier taste but higher calories.
Soy Milk	130	While plant-based, Starbucks' version is flavored and sweetened, making it higher in calories and sugar than other non-dairy choices.
Oat Milk	~140	One of the higher-calorie non-dairy options, but praised for its creamy texture.
Whole Milk	140	The highest calorie dairy milk, often used in Frappuccinos unless a different milk is requested.

The Lowest Calorie Non-Dairy Contender: Almond Milk

Unsweetened almond milk is the clear winner for those seeking the absolute lowest calorie count. It provides a creamy texture and nutty flavor without adding excess calories or sugar. A barista on Reddit noted that their almond milk contains just 60 calories per cup, making it a favorite for weight-conscious coffee drinkers. This is an ideal choice for plain lattes or adding a splash to your black coffee.

The Lowest Calorie Dairy Option: Nonfat Milk

For those who prefer dairy, nonfat milk (also known as skim milk) is the lowest-calorie choice. It offers a good balance of protein and calcium, which can help with satiety. A grande (16 oz) serving of steamed nonfat milk contains around 130 calories, with 13 grams of protein. This makes it a great option for classic espresso beverages like cappuccinos and lattes if you are not looking for a vegan alternative.

How to Order a Lower Calorie Drink

Switching to a lower-calorie milk is just one step in reducing the overall calories in your Starbucks beverage. Here are some other smart tips for a healthier order:

Choose smaller sizes: A simple size reduction from a Venti to a Grande can save a significant number of calories without sacrificing flavor.
Skip the whipped cream: Whipped cream is an easy way to add unnecessary fat and calories. Skipping it can save over 100 calories on some drinks.
Request fewer syrup pumps: Standard drinks often contain four or more pumps of sugary syrup. Ask for just one or two pumps, or opt for a sugar-free alternative.
Try a different beverage type: Consider an Iced Americano with a splash of almond milk, or a Caffè Misto with nonfat milk. Both are delicious alternatives to standard lattes.

Finding the Best Milk for Your Taste

While almond milk is the lowest in calories, it might not be the best fit for every taste preference. Oat milk, despite having more calories, is known for its extra-creamy texture and is often preferred for lattes for a richer mouthfeel. Coconut milk provides a distinct tropical flavor that can complement certain drinks perfectly. Soy milk, while higher in sugar at Starbucks, still provides a good protein content.

Ultimately, what's the lowest calorie milk from Starbucks is almond milk. However, the best choice depends on your specific goals regarding calories, flavor, and dietary needs. Experiment with different options to find the perfect combination that satisfies your cravings without derailing your health progress.

Conclusion

When counting calories, the milk you choose at Starbucks is a critical decision. Unsweetened almond milk is the clear winner for the lowest calorie count, followed closely by coconut and nonfat milk. By combining a low-calorie milk swap with other simple modifications, like reducing syrup pumps and skipping whipped cream, you can enjoy your favorite coffee drinks with significantly fewer calories. Knowing the nutritional facts of each milk option empowers you to make smarter, healthier choices with every order. Your low-calorie coffee fix is just a request away.

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest calorie milk available at Starbucks is the almond milk, which contains approximately 60 calories per 8-ounce serving.

For dairy milk options, the lowest calorie choice is nonfat milk (also known as skim milk), which has about 90 calories per 8-ounce cup.

No, oat milk has more calories than almond milk at Starbucks. While oat milk has a rich, creamy texture, it contains roughly 140 calories per cup compared to almond milk's 60.

No, since May 2023, Starbucks no longer charges extra for non-dairy milk alternatives, including almond and coconut milk.

To reduce calories in a latte, ask for almond or nonfat milk, opt for sugar-free syrup instead of regular, and skip the whipped cream.

The exact calories depend on the drink's other ingredients, but a Grande (16 oz) with almond milk is a low-calorie choice. For example, a simple Grande Caffè Misto with almond milk and sugar-free vanilla can have as few as 60 calories.

For a creamy texture with fewer calories, oat milk is often preferred, but remember it is higher in calories than both almond and coconut milk. Nonfat milk is the creamiest low-calorie dairy option.