Quick Answer
A grande (16 oz) white chocolate mocha at Starbucks contains 420 calories. The calories come from milk, white chocolate sauce, espresso, and whipped cream. A white chocolate mocha is a high calorie drink due to the sugar and fat from the white chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
Calories in Each Size of White Chocolate Mocha
| Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| Tall (12 oz) | 360 |
| Grande (16 oz) | 420 |
| Venti (20 oz) | 540 |
As shown in the table above, the calories in a Starbucks white chocolate mocha range from 360 calories for a tall size up to 540 calories for a venti. The grande at 420 calories is the most popular size.
Nutrition Facts for Grande White Chocolate Mocha
Here are the complete nutrition facts for a 16 ounce grande White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 51g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 50g |
| Protein | 13g |
As you can see, the white chocolate mocha is very high in calories, fat, and sugar. The 50 grams of sugar accounts for nearly all of the carbohydrates. There is a negligible amount of fiber.
Calorie Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of where the 420 calories in a grande white chocolate mocha come from:
| Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| 2% milk | 150 |
| White chocolate sauce | 170 |
| Espresso | 15 |
| Whipped cream | 85 |
| Total Calories | 420 |
The white chocolate sauce accounts for a large portion of the calories at 170. The 2% milk also contributes a significant 150 calories. The whipped cream tops it off with 85 calories. The espresso only provides 15 calories by itself.
Factors that Increase Calories
There are a few customizations that can further increase the calories in a Starbucks white chocolate mocha:
- Using whole milk instead of 2% milk adds 30 calories
- Whipped cream is standard, removing it subtracts 85 calories
- Adding extra pumps of white chocolate sauce increases calories
- Ordering a larger size increases calories
Some other high calorie customizations include:
- Adding an extra shot of espresso (15 calories per shot)
- Using heavy cream instead of 2% milk (adds 110 calories)
- Adding caramel or mocha drizzle (50 calories per drizzle)
- Topping with sweetened whipped cream (adds 60 calories)
As you can see, the white chocolate mocha can quickly become a very high calorie drink with some simple additions.
Low Calorie Customizations
Here are some ways to order a white chocolate mocha with reduced calories:
- Ask for nonfat milk instead of 2% to save 50 calories
- Order a tall size instead of a grande to save 60 calories
- Request less pumps of white chocolate sauce to reduce added sugar
- Skip the whipped cream to save 85 calories
- Ask for sugar free syrup instead of white chocolate sauce
- Order it skinny to have nonfat milk and no whipped cream
Getting it skinny with nonfat milk, no whipped cream, and less white chocolate sauce are your best options to lighten it up. A tall skinny white mocha would only have around 180 calories.
Comparable Drinks at Starbucks
Here’s how the white chocolate mocha compares to some other popular Starbucks drinks in terms of calories for a 16oz grande size:
| Drink | Calories (Grande 16 oz) |
|---|---|
| Caffe Mocha | 410 |
| Caramel Macchiato | 250 |
| White Chocolate Mocha | 420 |
| Pumpkin Spice Latte | 380 |
| Cappuccino | 140 |
| Caffe Latte | 190 |
The white chocolate mocha is on the higher end for Starbucks drinks, containing more calories than a caffe mocha, pumpkin spice latte, cappuccino, or latte. Only some layered frappuccinos and blended creme drinks have more calories.
Nutritional Value
The white chocolate mocha has minimal nutritional value. It is very high in sugar, calories, saturated fat, and contains no fiber. Any nutrients come from the milk, which provides calcium, vitamin D, and a small amount of protein. Overall, it should be considered an indulgent treat rather than a nutritious beverage.
Macronutrients
– Protein: 13g
– Fat: 19g (12g saturated fat)
– Carbohydrates: 51g (50g sugar)
– Fiber: 0g
The protein comes from the milk. The fat comes primarily from the white chocolate sauce and whipped cream. The carbohydrates are almost entirely from added sugar.
Micronutrients
– Calcium: 30% Daily Value
– Vitamin D: 10% DV
– Potassium: 10% DV
– Vitamin A: 10% DV
The milk provides the calcium, vitamin D, potassium and vitamin A. Otherwise, there are no significant micronutrients.
Health Considerations
There are a few health considerations to keep in mind when drinking white chocolate mochas or other high calorie coffee drinks:
- High in added sugar – the 50g of sugar equals nearly 13 teaspoons.
- High calorie and fat content can lead to weight gain if consumed regularly.
- Contains caffeine, which may cause anxiety or sleep issues for some people.
- Most of the calories are “empty” – they provide little to no nutritional value.
- Unhealthy for diabetics due to the high sugar and carb content.
In moderation, a white chocolate mocha can be enjoyed as an occasional treat by most healthy individuals. However, drinking them frequently or in large sizes may negatively impact your health over time. Those with diabetes or weight concerns may want to minimize intake.
Cost
The cost of a Starbucks white chocolate mocha depends on the size:
| Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tall (12 oz) | $4.45 – $4.75 |
| Grande (16 oz) | $4.95 – $5.25 |
| Venti (20 oz) | $5.45 – $5.75 |
Prices vary slightly by location. Expect to pay between $4.45 and $5.75 for any size. Additional customizations like extra shots or syrups will raise the price by $0.50 to $1.00 typically.
Compared to homemade, you are paying a premium for the convenience of grabbing a white mocha on the go at Starbucks. But many consumers consider it a worthwhile indulgence.
Taste and Reviews
The white chocolate mocha is one of Starbucks’ most popular seasonal drinks. Here’s an overview of its taste and customer reviews:
Taste Profile
- Sweet white chocolate flavor
- Slight coffee bitterness from espresso
- Creamy, velvety texture
- Topped with fluffy whipped cream
The white chocolate sauce is the star of the drink. It provides a sweet candy-like white chocolate taste that dominates over the subtle espresso. The whipped cream adds a nice finishing touch.
Positive Reviews
Many customers love the white chocolate mocha and consider it a seasonal treat. Positive reviews mention:
- Delicious indulgent flavor
- The sweetness satisfies a chocolate craving
- Creamy, smooth, and rich
- Feels and tastes like a dessert
- Whipped cream topping is the crowning touch
For those with a sweet tooth, the white chocolate mocha offers an decadent chocolate dessert-like experience. It’s an indulgence that many look forward to each holiday season.
Negative Reviews
Some less positive reviews of the white chocolate mocha include:
- Too sweet for some tastes
- Not enough chocolate or coffee flavor
- Too heavy and sweet to drink regularly
- Whipped cream makes it overly rich
- Too high in sugar and calories
People who prefer less sweet coffee drinks tend to find the white chocolate mocha overwhelmingly sweet with not enough coffee richness. The heavy whipped cream also makes it extra rich.
Tips for Best Taste
Here are some tips to get the best tasting white chocolate mocha:
- Customize the sweetness to your taste preferences. Order less pumps of syrup if too sweet.
- Specify the number of espresso shots. More will give a stronger coffee flavor.
- Use nonfat or 2% milk for a lighter texture.
- Ask for light or no whipped cream if you find it too rich.
- Stir well before drinking to evenly distribute flavors.
- Enjoy immediately for the hottest temperature.
The drink can be customized to suit your tastes – from super sweet to extra chocolatey and strong coffee flavor.
How to Make a Healthier Version at Home
You can make a lower calorie and healthier white chocolate mocha at home with these substitutions:
- Use fat free or low fat milk such as 1% or skim.
- Replace white chocolate sauce with a sugar-free version.
- Use less chocolate sauce or cocoa powder.
- Substitute powdered natural sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol for sugar.
- Brew espresso or strong coffee for a bold base.
- Top with light whipped cream or whipped coconut cream.
- Garnish with dark chocolate shavings rather than drizzle.
Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and proportions. You can create a delicious white chocolate mocha that suits your dietary needs.
Recipe
Here is a recipe for a homemade skinny white chocolate mocha:
Ingredients:
- 1 shot espresso or 1/4 cup strong coffee
- 3/4 cup nonfat milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar free white chocolate sauce
- 1 tablespoon nonfat milk powder
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Sweetener to taste (stevia or monkfruit recommended)
- Light whipped topping for garnish
Instructions:
- Brew one shot of espresso or 1/4 cup of coffee.
- Heat nonfat milk on the stove just until steaming, then whisk in white chocolate sauce and milk powder till smooth.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a blender.
- Add espresso, vanilla, cinnamon and sweetener.
- Blend until frothy.
- Pour into mug and top with light whipped cream.
- Garnish with dark chocolate shavings and enjoy!
This will make one 12 oz serving. To reduce calories further, use stevia drops instead of sugar free syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the white chocolate mocha available year round?
No, the white chocolate mocha is a seasonal drink at Starbucks. It’s typically available for a limited time from November to January during the holiday season.
What’s in the white chocolate sauce?
Starbucks white chocolate sauce contains sweetened condensed nonfat milk, sugar, cocoa butter, natural flavors, and salt. The sugar and condensed milk give it a very sweet, creamy texture.
Do they make a sugar free white chocolate mocha?
Starbucks doesn’t offer a sugar free version, but you can ask to modify a white mocha to make it lower sugar. Options include using sugar free syrup, requesting less pumps of white mocha sauce, or using nonfat milk and no whipped cream.
Does it contain real white chocolate?
Technically no, since the white “chocolate” sauce doesn’t contain cocoa solids. It’s made from cocoa butter but no actual chocolate or cocoa powder.
Is there caffeine in it?
Yes, the white chocolate mocha contains caffeine from the espresso. A grande has about 175mg of caffeine, which is comparable to other coffee-based drinks.
The Bottom Line
A Starbucks white chocolate mocha is a high calorie, sugary drink that should be enjoyed occasionally as a treat. The standard grande size delivers 420 calories, 19g fat, 51g carbs, and 50g sugar. Customizations like whole milk, extra syrup, and whipped cream can quickly increase the calories and sugar. To lighten it up, opt for nonfat milk, less syrup, and no whipped cream. Or better yet, recreate a skim version at home where you control the ingredients. Sipped in moderation, it’s a delicious holiday indulgence for chocolate and coffee lovers.
