A skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk from Starbucks is a popular lower calorie option for those looking to enjoy the cinnamon dolce flavor without all the extra calories and fat that come in the full-fat version. But just how many calories are actually in a skinny cinnamon dolce latte when made with almond milk?
The Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte
The skinny cinnamon dolce latte is a lighter version of the regular cinnamon dolce latte at Starbucks. It’s made with sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup, espresso, and steamed nonfat milk. Ordering it with almond milk instead of regular milk further reduces the calories and fat.
Here’s what goes into a grande (16 oz) skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk:
- 2 shots of espresso
- 3 pumps of sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup
- Steamed almond milk
Compared to the full-fat, full-sugar cinnamon dolce latte, using sugar-free syrup and nonfat or almond milk really slashes the calories. But how many calories does it actually have?
Calories in a Grande Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte with Almond Milk
A grande (16 oz) skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk from Starbucks contains approximately:
100 calories
That’s compared to 380 calories in the full-fat, full-sugar grande cinnamon dolce latte with 2% milk. So just by switching to sugar-free syrup, nonfat milk, and almond milk, you reduce the calories by about 75%.
Breakdown of Calories:
Here’s a breakdown of where those 100 calories come from:
- Almond milk: 60 calories – Almond milk has only 30 calories per 8 oz, so 16 oz contributes 60 calories to the drink.
- Espresso: 15 calories – There are 2 shots of espresso in a grande, each containing about 8 calories.
- Sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup: 25 calories – Sugar-free syrups still contain a small amount of calories.
As you can see, the almond milk makes up the majority of calories in the skinny cinnamon dolce latte. Choosing a non-dairy milk with even fewer calories, such as coconut milk, could further reduce the calorie count.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the full nutrition facts for a 16 oz skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk from Starbucks:
| Nutrition Facts | Grande 16 oz |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Total Fat | 2.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 2g |
As you can see, the skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk is very low in calories, fat, and other nutrients compared to most coffee drinks. It makes for a lighter option if you want that cinnamon dolce flavor without excess calories, fat, or sugar.
Ways to Further Reduce the Calories
If you want to further reduce the calories in a skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk, here are some tips:
- Ask for only 1 or 2 pumps of sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup instead of the standard 3 pumps.
- Choose a milk with fewer calories like coconut milk (45 calories per 8 oz) or soy milk (80 calories per 8 oz).
- Ask for only 1 shot of espresso instead of 2 shots.
- Order a smaller size – a tall (12 oz) has about 75 calories while a short (8 oz) has only 50 calories.
Implementing some of these tweaks can bring a grande skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk down to 70-80 calories.
Does Size Matter?
When it comes to skinny cinnamon dolce lattes, the size you order definitely affects the calorie count. Compare the calories in different Starbucks drink sizes:
| Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| Short (8 oz) | 50 |
| Tall (12 oz) | 75 |
| Grande (16 oz) | 100 |
| Venti (20 oz) | 125 |
The calories increase by about 25-30 for every 4 oz of liquid. So choosing a smaller size can be an easy way to slash calories from your drink.
Tips for Ordering:
- Order a short or tall rather than a grande or venti
- Ask for light almond milk or extra foam to reduce the liquid
- Split a grande or venti with a friend
Comparisons With Other Starbucks Drinks
Compared to other Starbucks lattes and coffee drinks, the skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk is one of the lowest in calories. Here’s how it compares:
| Drink | Calories (Grande 16 oz) |
|---|---|
| Caffe latte | 190 |
| Cappuccino | 140 |
| Caramel macchiato | 230 |
| White chocolate mocha | 420 |
| Skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk | 100 |
A skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk has about 100 fewer calories than a cafe latte, and over 300 fewer calories than a white chocolate mocha. It’s one of the lightest Starbucks drink options.
Other Low Calorie Starbucks Drink Options Include:
- Caffe Americano
- Caffe misto
- Cold brew coffee
- Iced coffee
- Tea drinks
Choosing skinny, sugar-free, or light versions of lattes and flavored drinks can also help minimize calorie intake.
Should You Have It Every Day?
At only 100 calories for a grande, a skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk fits into most daily calorie goals. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of having it every day:
- Sugar: Even though it’s made with sugar-free syrup, it still contains 9g naturally occurring sugars from the almond milk. Consuming this daily could impact blood sugar regulation.
- Caffeine: With 2 shots of espresso, you’re getting about 150mg of caffeine. Consuming this much daily long-term may have impacts on sleep, anxiety, digestion, etc.
- Cost: At $5-$6 per drink, purchasing one daily can quickly add up.
Given the considerations around sugar, caffeine, and cost, you may want to limit skinny cinnamon dolce lattes to 2-3 times per week rather than daily. Some healthier daily coffee options could include:
- Plain coffee
- Cold brew with a splash of milk
- Coffee with cinnamon instead of flavored syrup
Should You Have It at All?
If counting calories and macros, a skinny cinnamon dolce latte can likely fit into your diet in moderation. However, there are some negatives to consider from a health perspective:
- Processed sugar-free syrups with preservatives
- Antioxidant-containing compounds destroyed during roasting
- Acrylamide formed during roasting is a potential carcinogen
- Dairy increases inflammation for some individuals
While coffee and caffeine offer some health benefits like improved focus and antioxidant content, overly processed coffee drinks with syrups and dairy may not be the healthiest choice. Some healthier options to consider over heavily processed coffee drinks could include:
- Lightly roasted cold brew
- Organic black coffee
- Coffee substitutes like chicory root and dandelion tea
- Matcha latte
- Turmeric latte
However, an occasional skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk is unlikely to negatively impact your health if your overall diet is balanced. As with any treat, moderation is key.
The Bottom Line
A Starbucks grande (16 oz) skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk contains approximately 100 calories. Choosing sugar-free syrup, nonfat milk, and almond milk slashes the calories compared to a full-fat cinnamon dolce latte. Size matters too – smaller sizes have fewer calories. While a nice treat in moderation, those watching sugars, caffeine, cost, and food processing may want to limit frequency or choose healthier daily coffee options.
