Quick Answer
4 pumps of brown sugar syrup at Starbucks contains approximately 80 calories.
How Many Calories are in Starbucks Syrups?
The calorie content of Starbucks syrups varies depending on the type of syrup:
| Syrup | Calories per Pump |
|---|---|
| Vanilla syrup | 20 calories |
| Caramel syrup | 20 calories |
| White mocha sauce | 20 calories |
| Dark caramel sauce | 25 calories |
| Pumpkin sauce | 30 calories |
| Toffee nut syrup | 20 calories |
| Peppermint syrup | 20 calories |
| Cinnamon dolce syrup | 20 calories |
| Hazelnut syrup | 20 calories |
| Raspberry syrup | 20 calories |
| Brown sugar syrup | 20 calories |
As you can see, most of the Starbucks syrups contain around 20 calories per pump. The exceptions are the dark caramel sauce and pumpkin sauce, which are slightly higher at 25-30 calories per pump.
Calorie Content of Brown Sugar Syrup
Specifically looking at the brown sugar syrup, each pump contains approximately 20 calories. This is the same calorie content as the vanilla, caramel, white mocha, and several other popular syrup flavors.
The brown sugar syrup has a sweet, rich flavor. It pairs especially well with coffee drinks like lattes, mochas, and macchiatos. The brown sugar taste comes through nicely without being overly sweet.
Calculating Calories for 4 Pumps of Brown Sugar Syrup
Given that each pump of brown sugar syrup contains about 20 calories, 4 pumps would contain:
4 pumps x 20 calories per pump = 80 calories
So 4 pumps of the Starbucks brown sugar syrup adds 80 calories to your coffee drink.
Typical Use of Brown Sugar Syrup
What drink sizes usually get 4 pumps of the brown sugar syrup at Starbucks? Here are some examples:
- Tall latte or mocha: Typically gets 3 pumps of syrup
- Grande latte or mocha: Typically gets 4 pumps of syrup
- Venti latte, mocha or iced coffee: Typically gets 5 pumps of syrup
So the grande 16 oz latte or mocha is a common drink size that uses 4 pumps of syrup. Going with 4 pumps of brown sugar syrup in a grande adds those roughly 80 calories to the drink.
Alternatives for Fewer Calories
If you are looking for ways to reduce the calories in your Starbucks drink using brown sugar syrup, here are some options:
- Order a tall size (12 oz) with 3 pumps of brown sugar syrup instead of 4 pumps. This saves around 20 calories.
- Order your drink with nonfat milk instead of 2% or whole milk to reduce calories.
- Ask for half the pumps of brown sugar syrup. For a grande drink, ask for 2 pumps instead of 4 to cut the calories in half.
- For hot coffee drinks, ask for sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup instead. This will remove the calories from the brown sugar syrup.
- Try ordering your drink with light or no whipped cream to reduce calories and fat.
- Ask for a Splenda or other zero-calorie sweetener instead of using brown sugar syrup.
Experiment with combinations like these to create a lower calorie drink while still getting that brown sugar taste you enjoy!
Sugar and Health Considerations
It’s also important to consider the sugar content when adding syrups like brown sugar to your coffee drink. Aside from calories, high amounts of added sugar can negatively impact your health.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than:
- Women: 25 grams or 6 teaspoons per day
- Men: 36 grams or 9 teaspoons per day
To keep your added sugar within the recommended limits, be mindful of pumps of syrup used. For example, 4 pumps of a typical Starbucks syrup adds around 16 grams of sugar to your drink.
Diabetes Risk
Those with diabetes are at an increased risk of health complications from added sugars. The American Diabetes Association recommends women with diabetes limit added sugar to 15-20 grams per day, and men with diabetes limit added sugar to 30-38 grams per day.
Obesity Risk
There is also evidence that large amounts of added sugar intake may contribute to weight gain and obesity over time. Going with lower calorie options like sugar-free syrups and lighter milk can help reduce this risk.
Cost of Adding Brown Sugar Syrup
What is the extra cost to add brown sugar syrup to your Starbucks drink? Here is the breakdown:
- Adding 1 pump of syrup: No extra charge
- Adding 2-4 pumps of syrup: $0.50 extra per size
- Adding 5+ pumps of syrup: $0.60 extra per size
So adding 4 pumps of brown sugar syrup to a grande drink would incur a $0.50 syrup charge. This helps cover the extra product cost for Starbucks.
Drink Ideas with Brown Sugar Syrup
Looking for tasty ways to enjoy brown sugar syrup at Starbucks? Here are some recommended drinks:
Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
This chilled espresso drink is shaken with oat milk and brown sugar syrup for a delicious pick-me-up any time of day. Order a grande with 4 pumps of brown sugar syrup.
Brown Sugar Cream Cold Brew
Slow-steeped cold brew coffee meets vanilla sweet cream cold foam and brown sugar syrup for an indulgent treat. Get it with 4 pumps of brown sugar syrup in a grande size.
Brown Sugar Latte
A cozy hot latte made with steamed milk and espresso, sweetened with pumps of brown sugar syrup to taste. Enjoy it topped with cinnamon for extra flair.
Iced Brown Sugar Americano
A refreshing iced coffee drink made by pulling espresso shots over ice and adding cold water. Add milk and 4 pumps of brown sugar syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Brown Sugar Mocha
This chocolatey mocha is made complete by adding 4 pumps of brown sugar syrup. Customize it to your liking with milk and whipped cream.
Copying the Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup Taste at Home
Want to recreate the Starbucks brown sugar syrup flavor at home for a fraction of the cost? Here is a simple homemade copycat recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon maple extract
Instructions:
- Combine brown sugar and water in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until sugar is fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in maple extract.
- Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator and use within 2 weeks.
Add 2-4 tablespoons of this easy homemade brown sugar syrup to your coffee, tea, oatmeal, or other beverages and enjoy!
Conclusion
To summarize, 4 pumps of Starbucks brown sugar syrup will add approximately 80 calories and 16 grams of sugar to your drink. Be mindful of added calories and sugar when customizing your beverages.
Opt for sugar-free flavorings, nonfat milk, and smaller sizes to reduce calories while still enjoying the flavors you love. But an occasional treat like a brown sugar mocha in a grande size won’t ruin your diet either. Just account for the extra calories and sugar in your daily intake.
Hope this helps provide insight on how many calories are in 4 pumps of Starbucks brown sugar syrup! Let the sweet taste inspire your next coffeehouse drink.
