An apple macchiato is a popular coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and apple flavor. But how many calories are actually in one of these sweet coffee beverages? Let’s take a closer look.
The Calorie Count of An Apple Macchiato
On average, a small (12 oz) apple macchiato from Starbucks contains approximately:
- 230 calories
- 11 grams of fat
- 28 grams of carbs
- 24 grams of sugar
- 12 grams of protein
The calorie count can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and preparation method, but this gives a good ballpark estimate.
Calories from Each Ingredient
An apple macchiato is made up of several key ingredients, each contributing calories and other nutrients:
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| 2 shots espresso | 10 |
| 1 cup steamed milk | 103 |
| 2 pumps vanilla syrup | 60 |
| Apple sauce or flavoring | 30-50 |
| Whipped cream | 50 |
As you can see, the steamed milk and vanilla syrup provide the majority of calories. The espresso itself is quite low calorie, but the other additions create an indulgent, higher calorie drink.
Comparing Apple Macchiato Calories to Other Drinks
At around 230 calories for a small, an apple macchiato has a similar calorie count to many other popular coffee drinks. Here’s how it compares:
| Drink (12 oz small) | Calories |
|---|---|
| Caffe latte | 190 |
| Cappuccino | 140 |
| Apple macchiato | 230 |
| Caramel macchiato | 250 |
| White chocolate mocha | 330 |
| Frappuccino | 300-500 |
The apple macchiato has a moderate amount of calories for a coffee drink. It’s more than a plain latte or cappuccino, but less than very sweet blended drinks like the Frappuccino or white mocha.
Tips for Lightening Up Your Apple Macchiato
If you want to trim some calories from your apple macchiato, here are some tips:
- Ask for skim or nonfat milk instead of whole or 2% milk
- Go easy on whipped cream or skip it altogether
- Ask for less vanilla syrup or fewer pumps
- Order a small size instead of a large
- Request light apple sauce instead of regular
- Substitute sugar-free vanilla and cinnamon dolce syrups
With a few adjustments, you can shave off 70+ calories from a small apple macchiato.
The Nutritional Value of An Apple Macchiato
Beyond just calories, an apple macchiato does provide some key nutrients thanks to the milk, espresso, apple flavoring, and other ingredients. Let’s analyze the nutritional value of a 12 oz small apple macchiato from Starbucks:
Protein
With 12g of protein, an apple macchiato provides 24% of the recommended daily value. The protein comes mostly from the milk.
Fat
There are 11g of fat in a small apple macchiato. This represents 14% of the daily recommended value. The fat content is moderate thanks to the lowfat milk.
Carbohydrates
At 28g of carbs, an apple macchiato contains about 10% of the daily recommended value. However, 24g of this is sugar. The carbs come from the vanilla syrup and milk.
Sugar
The 24g of sugar is on the high side, accounting for 48% of the daily recommended maximum. The vanilla syrup and whipped cream provide most of the sugar.
Vitamins and Minerals
The steamed milk provides a good amount of calcium and vitamin D. An apple macchiato also contains small amounts of B vitamins like riboflavin, vitamin B12, and pantothenic acid.
The Caffeine Content of An Apple Macchiato
In addition to calories and other nutrients, many people wonder about the caffeine content of an apple macchiato.
Since it contains two shots of espresso, a small 12 oz apple macchiato has approximately:
- 150mg caffeine
This is a moderate amount of caffeine, comparable to other coffee drinks made with standard espresso shots. It’s enough to give you a energizing boost without being excessively high in caffeine.
Comparing Apple Macchiato Caffeine to Other Drinks
| Beverage (12 oz) | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|
| Apple macchiato | 150 |
| Latte | 150 |
| Cappuccino | 150 |
| Brewed coffee | 200 |
| Espresso | 240 |
| Energy drink | 80 |
As you can see, the apple macchiato provides a similar caffeine kick as other espresso-based drinks. It has more caffeine than soda or energy drinks, but less than a cup of regular brewed coffee.
Health Benefits of Apple Macchiato Ingredients
Some of the ingredients that go into an apple macchiato are actually quite healthy on their own. Here are some of the health benefits of key ingredients:
Espresso
- Provides antioxidants
- May boost metabolism
- Contains anti-inflammatory compounds
Milk
- Provides protein, calcium, vitamin D
- Contains beneficial enzymes like lactase
- May reduce risk of osteoporosis
Apple Flavoring
- High in fiber and vitamin C
- Contains quercetin, an antioxidant
- May help regulate blood sugar
While the combination of ingredients like syrup and whipped cream add calories and sugar, some of the individual components of an apple macchiato do boast health advantages.
Potential Downsides of An Apple Macchiato
Despite some nutritional benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider with an apple macchiato:
- High in calories and sugar if ordering a large size
- Contains saturated fat from the milk
- Adds excess calories on top of your daily needs
- The sugar rush can lead to an energy crash later
- Caffeine can cause jitteriness or sleep issues if consumed too late in the day
To prevent side effects, enjoy your apple macchiato in moderation as an occasional treat. Be mindful of your overall calorie and caffeine intake for the day.
How to Make a Healthier Apple Macchiato at Home
You can make a lower calorie, healthier version of an apple macchiato at home by swapping in some lower sugar ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 shot espresso
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp sugar-free vanilla syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 apple, diced
- 1 tsp whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew 1 shot of espresso and let cool slightly.
- Steam or heat the almond milk until hot but not boiling.
- Add vanilla syrup and cinnamon to the milk and stir well.
- Pour milk over the espresso shot.
- Top with diced apple pieces and lightly whipped cream if desired.
This lightened up version cuts the calories significantly by using almond milk, a sugar-free syrup, and skipping excess toppings. You still get the delicious apple and coffee flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the size affect the calorie count?
Yes, the calorie count will be higher if you order a larger 16 oz or 20 oz apple macchiato rather than a 12 oz small. For example, a Starbucks venti apple macchiato has 320 calories compared to 230 calories in a tall.
Are apple macchiatos gluten-free?
Most apple macchiatos are gluten-free, but it’s best to specify this when ordering as some ingredients or toppings may contain traces of gluten.
Do apple macchiatos have any fat?
Yes, a small apple macchiato contains around 11 grams of fat, mostly coming from the milk. Using skim or nonfat milk can reduce the fat content.
Are apple macchiatos vegetarian?
Traditional apple macchiatos made with dairy milk are considered vegetarian but not vegan. An apple macchiato made with non-dairy milk such as almond milk could be both vegetarian and vegan.
Do apple macchiatos have caffeine?
Yes, an apple macchiato made with espresso contains approximately 150mg of caffeine in a small 12 oz drink. Decaf espresso can be requested to eliminate the caffeine content.
The Bottom Line
An apple macchiato is a delicious coffee drink that offers flavor from espresso, creamy steamed milk, sweet vanilla, and fresh apple. In a 12 oz small size, it provides around 230 calories and 150mg caffeine. While relatively high in sugar, an apple macchiato can be part of a healthy diet in moderation and customized to have less sugar and fat. Pay attention to your size choice and added syrups, whipped cream, and toppings to keep your drink from becoming too calorie-laden. With some adjustments, an apple macchiato can be a tasty caffeinated treat!
