Which is Healthier, a Latte or a Macchiato?

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

With 95 million cups of coffee consumed daily in the UK alone, many are curious about the nutritional profile of their favorite drinks. But when comparing a latte versus a macchiato, which is truly healthier? The answer depends on several key factors, including ingredients, preparation, and serving size.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the core differences between lattes and macchiatos, examining their caloric content, caffeine levels, and nutritional value. It offers a detailed comparison to help you determine which coffee beverage better aligns with your health and wellness goals.

Key Points

Less Milk, Fewer Calories: A traditional macchiato uses minimal milk, making it significantly lower in calories and fat compared to a milk-heavy latte.
Add-Ins Impact Health: Syrups and flavorings dramatically increase the calorie and sugar count in both drinks; opt for natural spices instead.
Serving Size is Key: While a macchiato is smaller by design, large chain-store versions can add significant calories and caffeine.
Caffeine Kick Varies: A macchiato has a higher caffeine concentration per fluid ounce, but a larger latte may contain more total caffeine due to size.
Choose Your Milk Wisely: Using low-fat or plant-based milk in a latte can make it a much healthier alternative to one made with whole milk.
Antioxidants in Both: Both espresso-based drinks are rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial for overall health.

Comparing the Basics: What's in a Latte vs. a Macchiato?

To determine which is healthier, latte or macchiato, one must first understand their fundamental compositions. The primary difference lies in the ratio of espresso to milk and foam.

The Anatomy of a Latte

A traditional latte consists of one part espresso, four parts steamed milk, and a thin layer of milk foam. The high proportion of milk gives it a creamy, mild flavor that many find comforting. Lattes are typically served in larger sizes, from 8 to 16 ounces or more. This larger volume and high milk content directly impact its nutritional value.

The Anatomy of a Macchiato

The term "macchiato" translates to "stained" or "marked" in Italian, which is exactly what a macchiato is: a shot of espresso marked with just a small dollop of milk or milk foam. This minimal addition of milk results in a bolder, more espresso-forward flavor and a much smaller serving size, typically 2 ounces.

Nutritional and Caloric Comparison

From a purely nutritional standpoint, a macchiato is almost always the healthier choice in its traditional form. The minimal milk content means significantly fewer calories, fat, and sugar. However, the health profile of both drinks is dramatically altered by additives like syrups and larger serving sizes, as seen in popular coffee chains.

The Milk and Calorie Factor

Milk Type: A macchiato typically uses a splash of milk, while a latte relies on a substantial amount. The type of milk used—whole, low-fat, or non-dairy—will heavily influence the calorie, fat, and protein content.
Serving Size: A standard 2-ounce macchiato might contain as few as 13 calories, whereas a large 16-ounce latte can exceed 200 calories before any sweeteners are added.
Added Sugars: Syrups, whipped cream, and other flavorings can turn either drink into a high-calorie dessert. A caramel macchiato from a popular chain, for example, can have a calorie count much higher than a traditional version.

Caffeine and Antioxidant Content

When considering caffeine, the comparison depends on serving size. A macchiato, with its high concentration of espresso, has more caffeine per fluid ounce than a latte. However, a large latte often contains a double shot of espresso, giving it a higher total caffeine content than a single-shot macchiato. Both coffee drinks offer antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals in the body. The milk in a latte can provide a gentler caffeine absorption for those with sensitive stomachs.

Comparison Table: Latte vs. Macchiato (Standard Servings)


Feature	Latte	Macchiato
Ingredients	Espresso, steamed milk, thin foam	Espresso, splash of milk/foam
Serving Size	Typically 8-16 oz	Typically 2 oz
Calories (approx.)*	120-200+	13-20
Caffeine (approx.)*	80-173 mg	80-85 mg
Flavor Profile	Creamy, mild, balanced	Bold, espresso-forward
Primary Health Concern	Higher calories/fat from milk & additives	Less milk-based nutrition
Best For	Creamier texture, milder taste	Strong coffee flavor, low calories

*Note: Values for calories and caffeine can vary significantly based on serving size, milk type, and added sweeteners.

How to Make the Healthier Choice for Your Body

The healthiest option isn't just about calories; it's also about how the drink fits into your personal diet and lifestyle. To enjoy either coffee beverage healthily, consider these strategies:

Modify your milk: Choose low-fat or plant-based milks like almond or oat milk to significantly reduce calories and fat.
Skip the extras: Avoid sugary syrups, flavored powders, and whipped cream. Instead, use natural, calorie-free sweeteners like cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor.
Size matters: Opt for a smaller serving size. A short latte or a standard macchiato keeps calories and caffeine in check.
Consider caffeine tolerance: If you are sensitive to caffeine, the smaller, concentrated shot of a macchiato might hit harder initially, while a latte provides a more gradual dose.

Conclusion: Personalize Your Perfect Cup

In the traditional sense, a macchiato is healthier than a latte due to its minimal milk and low-calorie content. However, the health of either drink is largely determined by milk choice, serving size, and added ingredients. If you prioritize a bold, low-calorie coffee experience, the macchiato is the winner. If you prefer a milder, creamier beverage and are mindful of your milk and sugar choices, a latte can still be a healthy, antioxidant-rich option. Ultimately, the healthiest choice is the one that best suits your taste preferences and wellness goals.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For a deeper look into coffee and its potential health benefits, the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology provides insights on how filtered coffee may be better for heart health.

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology: Filtered coffee consumption is associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality

Frequently Asked Questions

A latte consists of a shot of espresso with a large amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. A macchiato is a shot of espresso that is only "marked" with a small amount of milk or foam, resulting in a much stronger coffee flavor.

In their traditional forms, a macchiato has significantly fewer calories than a latte because it contains very little milk. A standard macchiato can have as low as 13 calories, while a larger latte with more milk can have over 200 calories.

Per fluid ounce, a macchiato has a higher caffeine concentration. However, a large latte often contains more total caffeine because it is a much larger drink and can be made with more espresso shots than a standard macchiato.

Yes, a latte can be a healthy choice, especially if you modify it. Opt for low-fat or non-dairy milk, choose a smaller size, and avoid adding sugary syrups or whipped cream to keep the calories and fat in check.

This can be misleading. While traditional macchiatos are healthier, chain-store versions like the Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks include multiple pumps of syrup and are loaded with calories and sugar. Always check the nutritional information for these customized drinks.

The healthiest way to enjoy coffee is black, as it contains virtually no calories, fat, or sugar and is packed with antioxidants. For milk-based drinks, sticking to a small, traditional macchiato or a modified latte with low-fat milk and no added sugars is best.

For weight loss, a traditional macchiato is the better option due to its minimal calorie count. It provides a caffeine boost without the high milk and sugar content that can sabotage weight-management efforts.