How Many Calories Are in a Latte?

A medium latte made with whole milk (about 240 ml) contains an average of 120–150 calories. Most of those calories come from the milk, since a latte is espresso topped with steamed, frothed milk.

How does the type of milk affect the calorie count?
A latte made with reduced-fat milk contains about 90–110 calories because lower milk fat reduces its energy content. A latte made with nonfat milk may contain 70–90 calories. That difference can add up for someone who drinks several cups of the same size in a day. Plant-based alternatives such as almond or oat milk generally bring the count to 60–100 calories, although values vary by product. Unsweetened almond milk is often among the lower-calorie choices, while sweetened oat milk may have a calorie count close to cow's milk. Check whether the product contains added sugar. Some cafes may use sweetened almond milk by default, so state clearly when ordering whether you want sweetened or unsweetened.

How many calories do flavored syrups add?
One pump of caramel or vanilla syrup adds 20–25 calories. Since many cafes use 2–3 pumps by default, syrup can add 50–75 calories in total. Whipped cream can add another 50–100 calories on its own, bringing the drink closer to the calorie count of a dessert. If you are watching calories, you can ask for half a pump of syrup or none, and switch to reduced-fat or plant-based milk. Using these two changes together may lower a latte from 150 calories to 70–80. A large latte may contain almost half again as much milk as a medium one, which can help inform portion choice.

How does a latte compare with other coffee drinks?
Plain espresso contains almost no calories because it has no milk. Espresso or an Americano may be a lighter choice for someone trying to keep coffee calories low. A cappuccino has less milk and more foam than a latte and may contain 10–20 fewer calories in the same size. A flat white, which has less milk foam and a denser texture, may have a calorie count close to a latte; the main difference is how airy the foam is, not the amount of milk. Cup size is a useful factor when estimating the calories in a regular coffee habit. If you drink multiple cups during the day, small differences can add up; on a weekly basis, milk choice alone may account for a difference of several hundred, or even several thousand, calories.