Which Coffee Has Less Calories, Latte or Cappuccino?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

A traditional cappuccino generally has fewer calories than a standard latte. This is mostly due to the varying milk-to-espresso ratio, because milk content contributes the most to the caloric value of these popular drinks.

Quick Summary

Cappuccinos typically have fewer calories than lattes because they use less steamed milk and more foam. The total depends heavily on milk type and any added sweeteners or flavorings.

Key Points

Less Milk Means Fewer Calories: A cappuccino has fewer calories than a latte because it contains less steamed milk and more low-calorie foam.
Milk Choice is Crucial: The type of milk—whole, skim, or dairy-free—affects the final calorie count of both a latte and a cappuccino.
Beware of Sweeteners and Syrups: Flavor syrups, sugar, and toppings like whipped cream are a significant source of added calories, possibly increasing the calories.
Customization is Key: You can reduce calories by asking for less milk, a smaller size, or swapping regular milk for a low-fat or plant-based alternative.
A 'Dry' Cappuccino is Lowest: Ordering a 'dry' cappuccino with extra foam and less steamed milk is an effective way to minimize its calories.

The Core Calorie Difference: Milk Content

The main caloric difference between a latte and a cappuccino is due to the milk. Both use espresso as a base, but the amount of steamed milk and airy foam differs, which directly affects the calorie count.

A cappuccino is traditionally made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of milk foam. The foam adds volume and texture without adding many calories. A latte is made with espresso and a larger amount of steamed milk, with a thin layer of microfoam on top. The higher milk volume, especially whole milk, increases the calorie count compared to a cappuccino.

How Milk Type Influences the Calorie Count

The type of milk impacts the calories in both beverages. Switching whole milk for lower-fat or dairy-free options changes the nutritional profile.

Whole Milk: This is the highest-calorie option. A 12-ounce latte with whole milk can have 190 to 210 calories, while a cappuccino of similar size is closer to 120-130 calories.
Skim Milk: A common choice for those watching their calorie intake. Using skim milk can reduce a cappuccino to about 46 calories and a latte to 72 calories (for a full-size version).
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk has the fewest calories among dairy alternatives. This can significantly lower the overall calorie count.
Oat Milk: Oat milk tends to have more carbohydrates and calories than almond or skim milk. Check the nutrition label, as the calorie content varies by brand.

The Hidden Calories: Syrups and Sweeteners

The most significant contributors to hidden calories are syrups, sugars, and extra flavorings added to coffee. A basic latte or cappuccino is simply espresso and milk, but most cafe drinks include extra pumps of syrup, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzles, which can increase the sugar and calorie content.

Syrups and Sauces: A single pump of flavored syrup can add 20-30 calories. A large, sweetened latte can easily contain 400 or more calories, which overshadows the difference between the base drinks.
Whipped Cream: This topping adds a substantial number of calories and fat, which can be omitted for a healthier option.
Sugar Substitutes: Opting for sugar-free syrups or zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia can provide sweetness without adding calories.

Comparison Table: Latte vs. Cappuccino Calories

Here's a comparison based on typical 12-16 ounce servings, without added sugars or toppings, using different milk options.


Feature	Cappuccino	Latte
Milk Content	Less steamed milk, more airy foam	More steamed milk, less foam
Whole Milk Calories	Approx. 120-150 calories	Approx. 190-210 calories
Skim Milk Calories	Approx. 46-73 calories	Approx. 72-146 calories
Primary Factor for Low Calories	Lower milk volume due to high foam ratio	Higher milk volume creates a creamier drink, but higher calories
Taste Profile	Stronger espresso flavor	Milder, creamier espresso flavor

Expert Tips for Reducing Coffee Calories

You can control the final calorie count, whether you choose a latte or a cappuccino. You can enjoy your favorite coffee drink with fewer calories by making smart substitutions.

Choose a Smaller Size

Cafe sizes have grown over the years. A smaller, traditional 6-8 ounce cappuccino will have fewer calories than a 16-ounce latte, even with the same milk. Reducing your portion size is one of the easiest ways to cut calories.

Order It "Dry" or With Less Milk

For a cappuccino, ordering it "dry" means more foam and less steamed milk, which reduces calories. For lattes, asking for less milk will lower the calorie count.

Avoid the Sweeteners

This is the most impactful change. Syrups, sugar, and toppings are often the biggest sources of added calories. If you still want flavor, opt for sugar-free syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon instead.

Try Alternative Milks

Switching to low-fat, skim, or unsweetened dairy-free options like almond milk is a highly effective strategy for managing calories. The flavor might differ, but it offers a healthier alternative. You can check out health resources such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture food data for more nutritional comparisons on dairy alternatives. For more nutritional comparisons on dairy alternatives, you can check out health resources such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture food data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a cappuccino has fewer calories because it has less steamed milk. The thick foam adds volume without many calories, while a latte contains more milk.

If made without sweeteners, a latte will have more sugar than a cappuccino due to its higher milk content. The sugar in milk is lactose, so more milk means more sugar.

A small (about 6-8 ounce) cappuccino with whole milk has about 70 to 80 calories. This can vary slightly depending on the milk and proportions.

A latte can be lower in calories if modified. For example, a latte with skim milk could have fewer calories than a cappuccino with whole milk.

To reduce calories, ask for sugar-free syrup instead of regular syrup, use a low-fat or dairy-free milk alternative, and skip the whipped cream.

A 'skinny' latte, made with skim milk, can be lower in calories than a standard cappuccino with whole milk. A full-fat cappuccino might be about 73 calories, while a skinny latte can be 72 calories, showing that the milk choice is critical.

Black coffee or espresso has the fewest calories, about 2 to 5 calories per cup. An unsweetened, dry cappuccino with skim or almond milk is a low-calorie choice if you want a milk-based drink.