Quick Answer
There are 20 calories in one pump or serving of Starbucks peppermint syrup. The syrup is very concentrated, so a small amount contains a decent number of calories. However, when added to coffee or espresso drinks, it contributes minimal calories per portion.
Calories per Pump
According to the Starbucks website, their peppermint syrup contains 140 calories per 1/4 cup or 4 servings[1]. Since there are 4 servings in 1/4 cup, dividing 140 by 4 tells us that there are 35 calories per serving, or per pump.
However, the nutrition information on the Starbucks app provides a different value. It states there are 20 calories per pump[2].
After comparing multiple sources, it appears the app contains the most accurate information. The syrup labels and Starbucks website info may be based on outdated formulas.
So to summarize:
– There are 20 calories per pump of Starbucks peppermint syrup
– Each pump is one serving size
This calorie count is for the regular peppermint syrup. Starbucks also offers a sugar-free (SF) version with 0 calories per pump[3].
Serving Size Details
The exact amount of syrup dispensed per pump can vary slightly. But in general, one pump provides about 1/2 fluid ounce (15 mL) of syrup[4].
For the peppermint syrup, that translates to 20 calories per:
– 1 pump
– 1/2 fl oz
– 15 mL
The standard serving size is 1 pump, regardless of the cup size. For example, a 12 oz tall coffee and a 24 oz venti coffee would both get the same 1 pump of syrup if ordered with peppermint flavor.
However, customers can always request extra pumps of syrup for additional flavor and sweetness.
Does Pump Size Matter?
The calories per pump are the same regardless of pump size. Starbucks uses two different pump sizes:
– Full dose pump – Provides 1/2 fl oz (15 mL)
– Half dose pump – Provides 1/4 fl oz (7 mL)
Both types of pumps dispense one serving of syrup. So the half dose pump simply delivers the syrup in a smaller volume while maintaining the standard sweetness and calories[4].
Therefore, the calorie count remains 20 per pump for either type of dispensing pump.
Peppermint Syrup Ingredients
The main ingredients in Starbucks peppermint syrup include[5]:
– Sugar
– Water
– Natural peppermint flavors
– Caramel color (for color)
The high sugar content contributes most of the calories. There are 4 grams of sugar per pump of peppermint syrup[2].
Since one pump weighs approximately 15 grams in total, the syrup is over 25% sugar. The water and small amounts of flavoring and coloring make up the rest.
How Many Pumps in Popular Drinks
Many Starbucks coffee, espresso, tea, and holiday drinks can be customized with peppermint syrup.
Here are some popular options with the standard number of pumps:
| Drink | Standard Pumps |
|---|---|
| Hot coffee (tall 12 oz) | 1 |
| Iced coffee (venti 24 oz) | 2 |
| Latte (grande 16 oz) | 2 |
| Mocha (any size) | 0 |
| Americano (tall) | 1 |
| Chai tea latte (venti) | 2 |
| Peppermint hot chocolate | 3 |
As you can see, a tall size hot coffee gets 1 pump total. A larger venti iced coffee gets 2 pumps.
Lattes get 2 pumps for a grande. And special holiday drinks like a peppermint hot chocolate made with steamed milk can get 3 full pumps of syrup.
Keep in mind, you can always ask for an extra pump or two if you want a stronger peppermint flavor!
Does Peppermint Syrup Have Caffeine?
No, Starbucks peppermint syrup does not contain any caffeine. The only ingredients are sugar, water, natural peppermint flavor, and caramel coloring.
This is unlike some of their other syrup flavors that do provide a small amount of caffeine:
– Caramel syrup – 25 mg caffeine per pump
– Vanilla syrup – 15 mg per pump
– Cinnamon Dolce syrup – 15 mg per pump
– White chocolate mocha – 10 mg per pump
So peppermint syrup can be enjoyed at any time of day and won’t provide an energy boost. Feel free to add it to decaf coffee or herbal teas later in the day.
Sugar-Free Peppermint vs Regular
As mentioned earlier, Starbucks also has a sugar-free peppermint syrup option. Here’s how it compares to the regular version:
| Syrup Type | Calories | Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Peppermint | 20 per pump | 4g per pump |
| Sugar Free Peppermint | 0 per pump | 0g per pump |
The sugar-free has no calories or sugar because it is sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). These are artificial sweeteners that provide sweetness without calories or blood sugar impact.
The regular syrup gets its sweetness entirely from sugar. So the sugar-free allows people to enjoy the peppermint taste while avoiding extra calories and carbohydrates.
Both versions contain natural peppermint flavors. The nutrition is really the only major difference between the two.
Taste Comparison
How does the taste compare between the regular and sugar-free peppermint syrups?
Most people find the two options taste nearly identical. The main flavors come from the natural peppermint extract in both.
However, some people with sensitive palates notice a slightly different aftertaste with the sugar-free version. Many don’t mind it, while some strongly dislike it.
So for most, the sugar-free makes an excellent lower calorie substitute. But personal taste preferences may vary.
Peppermint Syrup vs Peppermint Mocha Sauce
Starbucks also offers a peppermint mocha sauce during the holidays. How does this compare to the regular peppermint syrup?
Here are the key differences:
| Syrup Type | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| Peppermint Syrup | – Single flavor (just peppermint) – Added to any drink – Available year-round |
| Peppermint Mocha Sauce | – Sweet chocolate and peppermint combo – Used just for peppermint mocha – Seasonal for holidays |
The peppermint mocha sauce is a pre-made combination of chocolate sauce and peppermint syrup. It can only be used for making peppermint mochas.
The regular peppermint syrup has a single flavor and can customize all kinds of drinks year-round.
So in summary:
– Peppermint syrup – Single peppermint flavor added to various drinks anytime
– Peppermint mocha – Chocolate and peppermint combo for holiday peppermint mochas
Simple Ways to Order
Here are some easy ways to order popular Starbucks drinks with peppermint syrup:
– “Grande iced coffee with 2 pumps of peppermint syrup, please.”
– “I’ll get a tall peppermint mocha with whipped cream.”
– “Can I get a venti cold brew with an extra pump of sugar-free peppermint?”
– “May I have a grande hot chocolate with 3 pumps of peppermint syrup?”
– “I’d like a tall latte with 2 pumps each of peppermint and caramel syrups.”
You can substitute peppermint in place of almost any syrup, including vanilla, caramel, cinnamon dolce, etc. Feel free to get creative and make your favorite peppermint drink combo!
Saving Calories with Less Pumps
To lighten up your drink, ask for fewer pumps of syrup:
– Instead of 3 pumps in a venti, ask for 2
– Get just 1 pump in a tall size
– For an extra light option, ask for only 1/2 pump
This will provide subtle peppermint flavor with fewer calories and less sweetness.
For the biggest calorie saver, go for the sugar-free peppermint syrup. This allows you to enjoy the full peppermint taste without extra calories from sugar.
Price of Peppermint Syrup
There is no extra charge for adding peppermint or any other syrup flavor to drinks. The syrup is included in the price of the original beverage.
The one exception is if you ask for an excessive amount of syrup. Most stores will accommodate extra pumps at no cost. But some may charge $0.50 per extra pump if you order 6 or more pumps total.
Starbucks doesn’t sell their syrups bottled for home use. But you can find similar syrups in grocery stores to make your own peppermint drinks at home!
Conclusion
Starbucks peppermint syrup provides a delicious wintertime flavor to spice up coffee, cocoa, and espresso drinks. While sugary, a small amount of syrup adds just 20 calories per pump. Choosing sugar-free peppermint eliminates the extra calories while still providing the sweet peppermint taste.
Try your favorite Starbucks beverage with a pump or two of peppermint syrup for a refreshing seasonal treat. It’s sure to get you in the holiday mood!
