Calories in Latte: Nutritional facts for Latte Types

One hundred grams (3.5oz) of a standard whole milk latte contains 40 calories.

One kilogram (1,000g or 35.3oz) of a standard whole milk latte contains 400 calories.

A 473mL (16 fl oz) Peet's Coffee Caffe Latte made with 2% milk contains 220 calories. A 473mL (16 fl oz) Starbucks Grande Caffe Latte made with 2% milk contains 190 calories. A 355mL (12 fl oz) McDonald’s McCafé Latte made with whole milk contains 140 calories. A 414mL (14 fl oz) Dunkin’ Medium Latte prepared with whole milk provides 120 calories.

A latte provides some health benefits like improved cognitive function and increased bone mineral density due to its combination of caffeine and milk-derived nutrients. This beverage, frequently known as a "caffe latte," "milky coffee," or "morning comfort," serves as a significant source of calcium and antioxidants. A list of the health benefits of a latte are shown below.

• Enhances Mental Alertness: The caffeine in the espresso shots blocks adenosine receptors to reduce fatigue. Research by Ruxton CHS (2008), "The impact of caffeine on mood, cognitive function, performance and hydration: a review of benefits and risks," confirmed that moderate caffeine intake sharpens reaction times and mood.
• Supports Bone Health: A whole milk latte provides 276 mg of calcium per 473 mL (16 fl oz) serving, which is 21% of the Daily Value (DV). Calcium is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the skeletal system.
• Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Polyphenols in coffee improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. A meta-analysis by Ding M, et al. (2014), "Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and a Dose-Response Meta-analysis," demonstrated that each cup of coffee per day correlates with a 7% lower risk of the disease.
• Protects Liver Function: Regular coffee consumption is linked to lower levels of liver enzymes and a reduced risk of cirrhosis. A study by Kennedy OJ, et al. (2016), "Coffee, including decaffeinated coffee, and liver cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis," found that drinking two cups daily lowers the risk of liver cirrhosis by 44%.
• Boosts Physical Performance: Caffeine increases adrenaline levels and releases fatty acids from fat tissues to be used as fuel. Research by Guest NS, et al. (2021), "International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance," highlights how coffee improves endurance and strength during exercise.
• High Antioxidant Source: Lattes provide hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols that neutralize free radicals. These compounds help prevent cellular damage and reduce systemic inflammation.
• May Prevent Neurodegenerative Diseases: Coffee intake is associated with a 65% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and a significant reduction in Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
• Provides Essential B-Vitamins: The milk in a latte offers Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), providing 0.4 mg (31% DV) per large serving, which supports energy production and cellular function.

A latte has been known to cause some unwanted effects like sleep disruption and digestive distress due to its high caffeine concentration and lactose content. A list of the downsides of a latte are shown below.

• Disruption of Sleep Patterns: Consuming a latte in the afternoon interferes with the body's ability to fall asleep. A study by Drake C, et al. (2013), "Caffeine effects on sleep taken 0, 3, or 6 hours before bedtime," found that caffeine intake six hours before bed reduces total sleep time by more than one hour.
• High Caloric Density: Unlike black coffee, a whole milk latte contains 190 calories, which can contribute to a caloric surplus and weight gain if consumed multiple times a day.
• Digestive Sensitivity: The presence of lactose in animal-based milk can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea in individuals with lactose intolerance.
• Increased Anxiety and Jitters: High doses of caffeine trigger the release of adrenaline, which can lead to nervousness and heart palpitations in sensitive individuals.

Yes, a latte is good for you because it delivers a balanced combination of high-quality dairy protein and potent antioxidants from coffee. Most healthy adults should consume between 240 mL (8 fl oz) and 473 mL (16 fl oz) per day to obtain the benefits of caffeine without exceeding the 400 mg daily limit. The major benefits include the support of bone density through calcium and the enhancement of mental focus. To ensure the drink remains healthy, it should be consumed without added refined sugars or high-calorie flavored syrups.

The calories in a latte change based on the fat content of the milk and the presence of flavored additives. A standard whole milk latte provides 190 calories per 473 mL (16 fl oz) serving. Switching to 2% milk reduces the energy content to 150 calories, while a nonfat latte made with skim milk contains 94 calories. If 30 mL (2 tbsp) of vanilla syrup is added, the calorie count increases by 80 calories, bringing a whole milk flavored latte to 270 calories. Iced versions are lower in calories, with a whole milk iced latte providing 130 calories, because the 150g of ice in the cup reduces the total volume of milk required.

Yes, milk choices significantly change latte coffee calories by altering the fat and sugar density of the beverage. A 473 mL (16 fl oz) latte made with whole milk contains 190 calories. Using 2% milk results in 150 calories, while nonfat skim milk provides 94 calories. Plant-based alternatives also vary the profile; an unsweetened almond milk latte provides 60 calories, a soy milk latte contains 150 calories, and an oat milk latte offers 170 calories. These differences are driven by the varied concentrations of lipids and carbohydrates in each milk source.

The origin of the latte is rooted in the 17th-century European tradition of combining coffee with milk, a practice documented in various forms such as the French "café au lait" and the German "Milchkaffee." However, the specific term "caffe latte" was first used in English by William Dean Howells in his 1867 essay "Italian Journeys," where he described the Italian custom of drinking coffee with milk during breakfast. Unlike the cappuccino, which has strict ratios, the latte was historically a home-brewed drink made with a large quantity of heated milk to make the strong coffee more palatable for a morning meal.