Quick Answer
A small macchiato from Dunkin’ Donuts contains approximately 60 calories. The calorie count can vary slightly depending on customizations.
Calculating Calories in a Dunkin’ Donuts Macchiato
Determining the calories in a Dunkin’ Donuts macchiato requires looking at the basic recipe and any customizations made. Here are the factors that influence the calorie count:
Size
Dunkin’ Donuts offers macchiatos in small and medium sizes. A small contains roughly 60 calories, while a medium has about 100 calories.
Milk
The standard macchiato recipe calls for 2% milk. Requesting different types of milk impacts calories:
| 2% milk | 60 calories (small) |
| Nonfat milk | 50 calories (small) |
| Whole milk | 70 calories (small) |
Flavor Shot
Adding a flavor shot like caramel, hazelnut or vanilla contributes roughly 20 extra calories.
Whipped Cream
Topping a macchiato with whipped cream adds about 50 calories.
Summary
A small 2% milk macchiato with no customizations is 60 calories. Opting for nonfat milk drops the count to 50 calories. Increasing to whole milk, adding a flavor shot or whipped cream increases the calorie content.
Macchiato Nutrition Information
Beyond calories, macchiatos contain a variety of nutrients. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a small Dunkin’ Donuts macchiato made with 2% milk and no customizations:
| Calories | 60 |
| Fat | 2.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Carbs | 7g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 3g |
Some key points:
- Most calories come from fat and carbs
- Contains both saturated and unsaturated fats
- Low fiber content
- 6g of natural sugar from milk
- Provides some protein
Modifying the milk type or adding flavorings and toppings impacts the nutrient profile.
Macchiato Ingredients
Dunkin’ Donuts macchiatos contain just a few core ingredients:
Espresso
The espresso provides the base coffee flavor. It contains minimal calories.
Milk
Milk is steamed and poured over the espresso. It provides calories, protein and calcium.
Flavor Shot (optional)
Flavor shots like caramel or hazelnut provide extra flavor and calories.
Whipped Cream (optional)
Whipped cream tops off the drink with a sweet, creamy accent.
Sweetener (optional)
Customers can ask for sugar or artificial sweeteners. This adds minimal calories.
In general, the espresso and milk make up the majority of calories and nutrients. Customizations provide extra calories from sugar or fat.
Comparing Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks Macchiatos
Both Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks offer macchiatos but there are some differences:
Espresso Shots
A Dunkin’ Donuts small macchiato has 1 shot of espresso while a Starbucks short macchiato has 2 shots. More espresso means more caffeine at Starbucks.
Milk
Dunkin’ uses steamed 2% milk while the Starbucks standard is foamed whole milk. Whole milk has more fat and calories than 2%.
Size
The smallest Starbucks macchiato (short) is 8 oz while Dunkin’s small is 10 oz. Dunkin’s small has a greater volume.
Price
A Dunkin’ Donuts small macchiato costs around $2 while a Starbucks short is around $3.50. Dunkin’ comes in at a lower price point.
Customizations
Both places allow customization with different milk types and flavorings. This impacts calories and nutrients.
In general, Starbucks macchiatos have more caffeine with stronger espresso, greater calories from whole milk and a higher price.
Macchiato Variations
There are some common macchiato variations at coffee shops:
Caramel Macchiato
Contains vanilla-flavored steamed milk with caramel drizzle. Popular at Starbucks.
Hazelnut Macchiato
Features hazelnut syrup flavored milk. Available at Dunkin’ Donuts.
Peppermint Macchiato
Combines peppermint syrup with steamed milk and espresso. A seasonal favorite.
Skinny/Light Macchiato
Uses nonfat milk and sugar-free flavorings to cut calories.
Iced Macchiato
Pours ingredients over ice for a cold summertime drink.
Mocha Macchiato
Adds chocolate sauce or cocoa powder for a chocolate-coffee taste.
The possibilities are nearly endless for customizing a macchiato to suit individual preferences. The mix of ingredients impacts the calorie and nutrient content.
Health Impact of Macchiatos
Like most coffee drinks, macchiatos have pros and cons regarding health:
Pros
- Provide caffeine to increase alertness
- Contain antioxidants from coffee
- Milk provides calcium, vitamin D and protein
- Lower in calories and fat than many coffeehouse drinks
Cons
- Sugar adds empty calories
- High in calories and fat if oversized or made with heavy cream or whole milk
- Contains saturated fat
- Caffeine can cause jitters or anxiety in some
Overall, macchiatos can be a relatively healthy coffee drink choice if sized properly and customized with low or nonfat milk. Those looking to avoid over-caffeination or excess calories should ask for a small size or say no to whipped cream.
Tips for Ordering a Lower Calorie Macchiato
Here are some suggestions for ordering a macchiato with a lower calorie count:
- Select a small or short size
- Ask for nonfat or low-fat milk
- Say no to whipped cream
- Avoid flavor shots and syrups
- Request less pumps of any flavored syrup
- Ask for a single espresso shot if available
- Sweeten with artificial sweeteners instead of sugar
- Substitute a natural sweetener like honey
Sticking to the basics of espresso, nonfat steamed milk and minimal add-ins results in a macchiato with around 50 calories. Avoid upsizing, heavy cream and sweet flavor shots to keep the calorie content reasonable.
Macchiato vs. Latte vs. Cappuccino
Macchiatos, lattes and cappuccinos are three classic coffee drinks. How do they compare in terms of calories?
Macchiato
- 1 shot espresso
- Small amount of foamed milk
- 50-100 calories
Latte
- 1-2 shots espresso
- Steamed milk with little foam
- 120-250 calories
Cappuccino
- 1-2 shots espresso
- Equal amounts steamed milk and foam
- 120-250 calories
Since macchiatos contain less milk than lattes and cappuccinos, they tend to be lower in calories. Lattes and cappuccinos are comparable in calorie content.
Making Your Own Low Calorie Macchiato
It’s easy to craft a skinny macchiato at home with minimal effort and low cost:
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso
- 1/4 cup nonfat milk
- No-calorie sweetener (optional)
Directions
- Brew a single shot of espresso and pour into small cup
- Heat nonfat milk until steaming but not boiling
- Use frother or small whisk to foam milk
- Carefully spoon foamed milk over espresso
- Sweeten if desired with no-calorie sweetener
This easy homemade version contains only around 35 calories, far less than a comparable coffeehouse macchiato. Adjust the amount of milk to suit individual tastes.
Conclusion
A Dunkin’ Donuts macchiato can be a relatively low-calorie coffee drink choice at around 60 calories for a small size with 2% milk. Opting for nonfat milk drops it to 50 calories, while customizations with flavorings, cream and larger sizes can bring it closer to 150 calories or more. To keep calories in check, opt for a small size with nonfat milk and minimal extras. Compare nutrition info when ordering, and consider making a skinny version at home. With some adjustments, macchiatos can be part of a healthy diet.
