Quick Answer
A Grande (16 oz) Iced Almondmilk Latte with no customizations contains approximately 150 calories. This is based on Starbucks’ published nutrition information for their Almondmilk beverages. The exact calorie count may vary slightly depending on factors like the specific almond milk used and precise portion sizes. But in general, a Grande Iced Almondmilk Latte without any added syrups, toppings or modifications contains around 150 calories.
Calculating the Calories in an Iced Almondmilk Latte
To determine the calorie count of an Iced Almondmilk Latte from Starbucks, we need to look at the nutritional information they provide on their website. Starbucks uses a blend of almond milk and water in their iced latte beverages. Here are some key details:
- A Grande (16 oz) size Iced Almondmilk Latte is made with 150 ml of almondmilk and 150 ml of water according to Starbucks.
- The almondmilk used in Starbucks lattes contains 30 calories per 250 ml.
- With 150 ml of almondmilk being used in a Grande latte, that contributes 90 calories (30 calories x 150ml/250ml).
- The espresso shots used in a Grande latte add minimal calories, estimated around 5-10 calories.
- Therefore, a Grande Iced Almondmilk Latte contains approximately 150 calories (90 from almondmilk + 10 from espresso).
This calorie estimate matches what is listed on the Starbucks app and website nutrition info for an unmodified Grande Iced Almondmilk Latte. Of course, any customizations or additions like flavored syrups or toppings would increase the calorie count further.
Nutrition Facts for Almondmilk
To better understand where the calories in an almondmilk latte come from, let’s look at the general nutrition facts for unsweetened almond milk:
| Nutrient | Per 1 Cup (240ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 30 |
| Fat | 2.5g |
| Carbs | 1g |
| Protein | 1g |
As you can see, the calories in unsweetened almond milk come mostly from the small amount of fat it contains. Almond milk has very little carbohydrates or protein. Starbucks uses a branded almondmilk that contains 30 calories per 250ml, or about 25 calories per 240ml cup. So their almondmilk appears to be very close to regular unsweetened almond milk nutritionally.
The small amount of calories contributed by the espresso comes primarily from trace fats and carbohydrates. So when you combine the unsweetened almondmilk and freshly brewed espresso, an unmodified Iced Almondmilk Latte lands right around 150 calories for a Grande.
Comparing Almondmilk and Regular Milk Calories
How does the calorie count of an almondmilk latte compare to a traditional dairy milk latte? Let’s look:
| Beverage | Calories (Grande 16 oz) |
|---|---|
| Iced Almondmilk Latte | 150 |
| Iced Coffee Latte with 2% Milk | 190 |
As you can see, the almondmilk latte contains around 40 fewer calories than the same size iced latte made with 2% dairy milk. This calorie difference comes down to the lower fat and carb content in the unsweetened almond base. So almondmilk is a good option if you are looking to cut some calories compared to regular milk in your Starbucks latte.
Ways to Modify Your Almondmilk Latte
While an unmodified Iced Almondmilk Latte clocks in at 150 calories for a Grande, there are ways to alter the drink to further reduce or increase the calories:
Ways to Reduce Calories:
- Ask for less pumps of syrup if flavored. Each pump adds about 20 calories.
- Order a smaller size like Tall (12 oz) to cut down on portion size.
- Request light ice to get more milk and less solid ice.
- Substitute stevia or other zero-calorie sweeteners for simple syrup.
- Avoid high-calorie toppings like whipped cream.
- Ask for half the amount of any added syrups or sauces.
Ways to Increase Calories:
- Add more pumps of flavored syrup like vanilla, caramel, or mocha.
- Order a larger size like Venti (20 oz).
- Add toppings like whipped cream, mocha drizzle, or buttery caramel sauce.
- Use full-fat coconut milk instead of almondmilk for a higher fat content.
- Add a bakery item like a muffin, brownie, or coffee cake.
So you have many options to customize your Iced Almondmilk Latte to meet your calorie goals for the day. Follow the lower calorie options for a guilt-free treat or go for the full-fat indulgent version if you want something more decadent.
Calories Compared to Other Starbucks Beverages
How does an Iced Almondmilk Latte stack up against some other popular Starbucks drinks calorie-wise? Here is a comparison:
| Beverage | Calories (Grande 16 oz) |
|---|---|
| Iced Caramel Macchiato | 250 |
| Iced White Chocolate Mocha | 420 |
| Iced Caffe Americano | 15 |
| Iced Coffee with Cream and Sugar | 100 |
| Iced Chai Tea Latte | 230 |
As you can see, an unmodified Iced Almondmilk Latte is lower in calories than popular milk-based espresso drinks like caramel macchiatos and mochas. It also has fewer calories than a classic iced coffee or chai latte with cream and sugar. But an americano or black coffee still provides the lowest calorie option if you don’t add any milk or sweeteners.
So an Iced Almondmilk Latte made according to standard recipes clocks in at a reasonable 150 calories for 16oz. It’s a nice light option if you want a milk-based espresso drink without excessive calories. And you can always customize it further to suit your preferences and calorie needs.
The Health Profile of Almondmilk
Beyond just calories, what are some of the other health considerations with drinking almond milk? Here are a few key points:
- Low in saturated fat – Almond milk provides unsaturated fats, which are healthier than the saturated fats found in whole dairy milk.
- Plant-based – Being made from almonds, it can fit into a vegan or vegetarian diet.
- Potential nutritional deficits – Almond milk is not a great source of protein or nutrients like vitamin D compared to dairy milk.
- Added sugars – Some brands add sugar, so check labels if you want to avoid added sweeteners.
- Allergies – Almond milk contains tree nuts, so those with nut allergies need to avoid it.
- Gut health – Some find dairy milk causes digestive issues that plant milks may help avoid.
Overall, unsweetened and unmodified almond milk is generally considered a healthy plant-based beverage by most nutrition standards. So incorporating it into your coffee drink is unlikely to have major downsides for most people. But each individual may have unique nutritional needs, intolerances, or health goals to consider.
Tips for Ordering an Almondmilk Latte at Starbucks
If you want to order an Iced Almondmilk Latte and get close to that 150 calorie count, here are some tips for customizing at Starbucks:
- Request no flavoring or syrups added if you want an unmodified latte.
- Ask them to go light or easy on any syrup if you do want flavoring.
- Specify no whipped cream or toppings to avoid extra calories and fat.
- Choose Almondmilk as the milk substitute if you want the lowest calorie nut milk option.
- Ask for light ice to get more almond milk and less watered-down drink.
- Feel free to adjust size based on your calorie needs and hunger level.
Being specific with your ordering choices will help you get as close as possible to that 150 calorie count in a Grande. The baristas may automatically include pumps of syrup or toppings, so speak up if you want an unmodified latte.
Should You Make Your Own Almondmilk Latte?
Instead of going to Starbucks, you may be wondering if it’s better for the calories and nutrition to make your own almondmilk latte at home. Let’s compare:
Homemade Almondmilk Latte:
- Typically contains about 90 calories in a 16oz latte.
- Can control ingredients and sweeteners added.
- More affordable than buying out regularly.
- Requires espresso machine or stovetop equipment.
- Takes 5-10 minutes to make yourself.
Starbucks Almondmilk Latte:
- Contains approximately 150 calories in a 16oz latte.
- Standard recipe includes syrups and toppings.
- More expensive at $5-6 per latte.
- Easy and fast if you’re away from home.
- Consistent flavor without brewing yourself.
So while a homemade version may offer slightly fewer calories and more control, Starbucks provides convenience and flavor consistency. It comes down to your priorities like time, cost, customization options, and calorie goals. But both remain reasonable options.
Conclusion
Based on Starbucks’ nutrition data, a 16oz Grande Iced Almondmilk Latte contains around 150 calories if ordered unmodified and according to standard recipes. This is less than a comparable dairy milk latte thanks to almond milk’s low fat and carb content. You can further reduce the calories by customizing the beverage with fewer pumps of syrup, lower fat milk alternatives, and avoiding high-calorie toppings. Or you can add flavors and indulgent extras if you want a higher calorie treat. At 150 calories, an Iced Almondmilk Latte remains a nice lighter option for an on-the-go coffeehouse-style beverage.
