Which is more fattening, latte or cappuccino? A nutritional guide

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

While a standard 12-ounce latte made with whole milk can contain over 200 calories, a similarly prepared cappuccino is often significantly lower in calories. Understanding the fundamental differences in ingredients is key to determining which is more fattening, latte or cappuccino.

Quick Summary

A cappuccino is generally less fattening than a latte due to its higher proportion of foam to steamed milk, which contains fewer calories and less fat. The final nutritional value of either drink depends heavily on the type of milk, added sugars, and serving size.

Key Points

Winner for Lower Calories: A cappuccino is almost always the less fattening choice due to its higher proportion of foam to milk.
Milk is Key: The type of milk, such as whole, skim, or unsweetened plant-based, is the single biggest factor determining the calorie count.
Syrups Add Up: Flavored syrups and added sugar are major sources of hidden calories that can negate the benefits of a lower-calorie coffee choice.
Size Matters: Choosing a smaller serving size of either drink is a simple yet effective way to reduce overall calorie and fat intake.
Foam is Your Friend: The thick, airy foam on a cappuccino adds satisfying volume and texture without the high caloric density of steamed milk.
Black Coffee is Best: For the absolute lowest calorie count, black coffee or an Americano contains almost no calories and is the purest choice.

The Core Difference: Milk Volume and Foam

Both lattes and cappuccinos begin with the same key ingredient: a shot of espresso. The most significant nutritional variation comes from the quantity and texture of the milk added. While a latte is primarily composed of steamed milk with a thin layer of foam, a cappuccino uses equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and a substantial layer of airy foam. The volume of milk—and the fat and calories it contains—is the deciding factor.

The Latte: Creamier and Higher in Calories

By design, a latte is a milk-forward beverage. With a higher milk-to-espresso ratio, it delivers a milder, sweeter flavor and a creamy, velvety texture. An average 12-ounce latte uses a larger volume of steamed milk, which directly translates to a higher calorie and fat count. For example, a latte with whole milk can have approximately 190 calories and 10g of fat, according to some estimations. This makes it a heartier, more indulgent drink that can significantly impact your daily calorie intake, especially if consumed frequently.

The Cappuccino: Frothier and Lower in Calories

The defining feature of a cappuccino is its thick, luxurious foam. This froth, which is mostly air, adds volume to the drink without adding significant calories. With less steamed milk than a latte, the cappuccino has a stronger, more intense espresso flavor and a lighter, airier texture. Consequently, a standard cappuccino made with whole milk typically contains fewer calories and less fat than a latte, with estimates suggesting around 120 calories and 6g of fat for a similarly sized serving.

Calorie and Fat Comparison

The nutritional content of your coffee is not static; it changes dramatically based on your choices. The primary variable is the type of milk used. Here is a simple comparison using whole versus skim milk:

Whole Milk: A standard latte with whole milk can easily hit the 200-calorie mark, while a cappuccino is closer to 130 calories. The fat content will also be higher in the latte.
Skim Milk: The difference becomes even clearer when using skim milk. A latte made with skim milk might have around 130 calories, whereas a cappuccino with skim milk can be as low as 60-70 calories.

Factors Influencing the Calorie Count

Beyond the basic recipe, several other elements can turn your simple coffee into a high-calorie dessert.

Milk Type: The Biggest Factor

Your milk choice is the most impactful decision for your drink's calorie count. Switching from whole milk to a lower-fat alternative or a plant-based milk can make a huge difference. Low-fat (2%) or skim milk are obvious choices for cutting calories, but unsweetened plant-based milks can be even more effective. Unsweetened almond milk, for instance, is a very low-calorie option, while oat milk offers a creamier texture but can contain more calories.

Sugars and Syrups

The pumps of flavored syrups added to many coffee shop drinks are a major source of hidden calories and sugar. A single pump can add 25 calories, and many specialty drinks come with several. Opting for sugar-free syrups, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or just a little less sweetener can help you maintain control over your diet.

Serving Size

It's a simple but effective strategy: choosing a smaller drink size. A large (venti) latte can contain significantly more calories and fat than a small (tall) version simply due to the increased milk volume.

Choosing the Right Coffee for Your Diet

For those focused on weight loss or managing calorie intake, a cappuccino with skim or unsweetened almond milk is the clear winner. Its light, foamy texture provides a satisfying mouthfeel with a fraction of the calories of a rich, creamy latte. If you prefer a milder, creamier coffee, a latte with low-fat or non-dairy milk is a good compromise. However, if you are not watching your calorie intake as closely, the decision comes down to personal taste and texture preference.

Comparison Table: Latte vs. Cappuccino Nutrition


Feature	Latte (approx. 12 oz)	Cappuccino (approx. 12 oz)
Milk Volume	High	Low
Foam Level	Thin layer	Thick, airy layer
Whole Milk Calories	~190-210	~120-130
Whole Milk Fat	~10g	~6g
Skim Milk Calories	~130	~70
Espresso Flavor	Milder	Bolder, stronger
Best for Diets	Moderate choice, with modifications	Better choice, naturally lower in calories

Conclusion: Which is more fattening, latte or cappuccino?

Ultimately, a latte is more fattening than a cappuccino because it contains a higher volume of milk, the primary source of calories and fat in both drinks. For anyone watching their weight, a cappuccino is the more diet-friendly option. Nevertheless, the nutritional impact of either coffee is determined by a few critical factors you can control: the type of milk, the amount of sugar or syrup added, and the drink's size. By making conscious choices, you can enjoy your daily coffee ritual while staying on track with your nutritional goals. For further information on healthy coffee choices, consult resources from a trusted health authority like U.S. News Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie content of an iced latte versus a hot one depends on the ingredients, not the temperature. Since ice takes up space, an iced drink may contain slightly less milk, but any sugar or syrups will contribute the same amount of calories.

To make a latte less fattening, choose skim or a low-calorie, unsweetened plant-based milk like almond milk. You can also skip flavored syrups or use sugar-free versions and opt for a smaller size.

A traditional cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. A latte contains significantly more steamed milk and only a thin layer of foam, giving it a milder, creamier texture.

Neither drink is traditionally made with added sugar. However, because a latte contains more milk, it will have a higher content of natural milk sugar (lactose) than a cappuccino of the same size.

Yes, adding flavored syrups to your coffee can significantly increase the calorie and sugar content. A single pump of syrup can add around 25 calories, and many specialty drinks include multiple pumps.

For weight loss, a cappuccino is generally the better option because it has fewer calories and less fat due to a lower milk volume. Opting for low-fat milk further minimizes the impact.

Plant-based milks, such as unsweetened almond or oat milk, can be a lower-calorie alternative to whole or 2% dairy milk. Always check the nutritional label, as some versions can have added sugars and fats.