An almond milk cappuccino can be a delicious and healthier alternative to a traditional cappuccino made with cow’s milk. But exactly how many calories are in an almond milk cappuccino? The answer depends on several factors.
Cappuccino Basics
First, let’s review the basics of what makes up a cappuccino. A traditional cappuccino contains:
- 1/3 espresso
- 1/3 steamed milk
- 1/3 foamed milk
An 8 oz (240 ml) cappuccino made with 2 oz (60 ml) of whole milk would contain approximately:
- 2 oz (60 ml) espresso: 2 calories
- 2 oz (60 ml) steamed whole milk: 17 calories
- 2 oz (60 ml) foamed whole milk: 17 calories
That’s a total of about 36 calories for an 8 oz cappuccino made with regular whole milk. However, when you substitute almond milk, the calorie count changes.
Calories in Almond Milk
To determine how many calories are in an almond milk cappuccino, we need to know the calories in almond milk itself. This can vary by brand.
Here is the nutrition information for some popular brands of almond milk, per 1 cup (240 ml):
| Brand | Calories |
|---|---|
| Silk Original Almond Milk | 30 |
| Blue Diamond Almond Breeze | 30 |
| Califia Farms | 25 |
| Elmhurst Milked Almonds | 50 |
As you can see, the calories in almond milk can range from 25-50 calories per cup, depending on the brand. Silk and Blue Diamond, two popular brands, both contain 30 calories per cup. For the purposes of this article, we’ll use the 30 calories per cup number for almond milk in our calculations.
Calculating Calories in an Almond Milk Cappuccino
Now that we know approximately how many calories are in one cup of almond milk, we can calculate the calories for an 8 oz (240 ml) almond milk cappuccino.
Using the standard 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foamed milk ratio, an 8 oz almond milk cappuccino made with 2 oz (60 ml) of almond milk for both the steamed and foamed portions would contain:
- 2 oz (60 ml) espresso: 2 calories
- 2 oz (60 ml) steamed almond milk: 15 calories (based on 30 calories per cup)
- 2 oz (60 ml) foamed almond milk: 15 calories
That brings the total calorie count to:
- Espresso: 2 calories
- Steamed almond milk: 15 calories
- Foamed almond milk: 15 calories
- Total: 32 calories
So an 8 oz almond milk cappuccino made with a typical almond milk containing 30 calories per cup would contain about 32 calories.
Variables that Impact Calories
There are a few variables that can alter the calorie count of an almond milk cappuccino. These include:
- Size: The example above is based on an 8 oz drink. A larger 12 oz cappuccino would contain more calories.
- Type of almond milk: As noted above, some almond milk brands contain 25-50 calories per cup. Using a higher calorie milk would increase calories.
- Added flavorings: Vanilla or other flavor extracts, sugar, and syrups can significantly increase calorie count.
- Whipped cream topping: Adding whipped cream or other toppings adds more calories.
Also keep in mind that the calorie totals above are based on unsweetened almond milk and black espresso. Many coffee shops will use sweetened vanilla almond milk and/or sweeten the cappuccino itself, which adds sugar and calories.
How to Order a Low Calorie Almond Milk Cappuccino
If you want to keep your almond milk cappuccino low in calories, here are some tips for ordering:
- Ask for unsweetened almond milk
- Ask for sugar-free flavorings like cinnamon instead of syrups
- Skip the whipped cream topping
- Ask for a single shot of espresso instead of a double
- Opt for a small size (8 oz vs 12 oz)
With these customizations, you can enjoy an almond milk cappuccino with minimal calories. A small, unsweetened almond milk cappuccino made with a single shot of espresso could have as little as 15-20 calories.
Nutrition Benefits of Almond Milk
Using almond milk not only lightens up your cappuccino calorie-wise, but it also boosts the nutritional value compared to using cow’s milk. Here are some of the nutrition benefits of almond milk:
- More vitamin E – about 50% DV per cup compared to only 2% DV in whole milk
- Significantly more vitamin A – 10% DV vs 6% DV in whole milk
- Contains calcium, averaging about 30% DV per cup
- Significant amounts of vitamin D, iron, potassium, magnesium
- Low in calories and sugar compared to sweetened dairy milks
- Dairy-free and vegan
Almond milk has a nutritional profile similar to reduced fat dairy milk, but with the added benefits of being plant-based, low calorie, and free of saturated fat, lactose, and cholesterol. So substituting almond milk in your cappuccino or coffee drink allows you to cut calories without sacrificing nutrition.
Almond Milk vs Other Dairy-Free Milks
How does almond milk compare to other popular dairy-free “milks” like soy, coconut, and oat milk when it comes to making lighter cappuccinos?
Here’s a nutrition comparison of some top dairy-free milk options:
| Milk Type | Calories per cup | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almond milk | 30 | 1g | 2.5g | 1g |
| Soy milk | 80 | 7g | 4g | 4g |
| Coconut milk | 50 | 0g | 5g | 0g |
| Oat milk | 120 | 3g | 5g | 16g |
Almond milk is the lowest in calories and carbs, making it the most calorie-friendly option for cappuccinos. Coconut milk is low carb but higher in fat and calories than almond milk. Oat milk is rich and creamy but substantially higher in carbs and calories. Soy provides more protein but is higher in calories than almond milk as well.
How to Make Almond Milk Cappuccino at Home
It’s easy to make a frothy, delicious almond milk cappuccino at home. Here’s a simple recipe and directions:
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso, freshly brewed
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- Ice (optional)
Directions
- Brew 2 shots of espresso, about 1-2 oz.
- Heat almond milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- Transfer hot almond milk to a frothing pitcher or mason jar.
- Use a milk frother to froth the milk until light and foamy.
- Pour the shots of espresso into your cup.
- Spoon the foamed milk over the espresso.
- Top with a light sprinkling of cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired.
- Enjoy immediately!
Tips for making the perfect almond milk foam:
- Use very cold almond milk – chill it overnight if possible.
- Heat the milk to about 160-170°F. Hot but not boiling.
- Use a milk frother wand or for a low-tech option, shake milk vigorously in a jar.
- Froth until milk doubles in volume and holds soft peaks.
- Avoid overheating or the foam will deflate.
With a little practice, you can make café-quality almond milk foam at home. Adjust the milk heating temperature and frothing time to achieve your ideal foam texture.
Pre-Made and Store Bought Almond Milk Cappuccinos
If you don’t have time to make an almond milk cappuccino from scratch, there are some shortcuts available:
Refrigerated Almond Milk Cappuccinos
Many grocery stores now sell ready-to-drink cappuccinos made with almond milk in the refrigerated coffee section. For example, Califia Farms makes an “Unsweetened Almond Milk Cappuccino” with 60 calories per 8 oz bottle. These bottled drinks offer convenience, but may be higher in calories than a homemade version.
Frozen Almond Milk Cappuccinos
Brands like Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf sell frozen almond milk cappuccinos that can be heated at home for an instant frothy drink. For example, Starbucks’ Iced Cappuccino with almond milk has 100 calories for a 16 oz serving. So the calorie count is a little higher but provides an easy weeknight treat.
Cappuccino Mixes
Nestle, Dunkin’ Donuts and other brands make powdered cappuccino mixes or ready-to-drink bottled beverages made with almond milk. These tend to be higher in added sugars – a 10 oz Dunkin Almond Milk Cappuccino has 140 calories. But they require minimal prep which is helpful when you need a cappuccino fix fast.
Cappuccino Calories at Popular Coffee Shops
Wondering how many calories are in the almond milk cappuccino options at your favorite coffee shops? Here’s a run-down of popular chains:
| Coffee Shop | Beverage | Calories (8 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | Cappuccino with almond milk | 60 |
| Peet’s | Almond milk cappuccino | 100 |
| Caribou | Almond milk cappuccino | 130 |
| Dunkin’ | Almond milk cappuccino | 140 |
| McCafe | Small Cappuccino with almond milk | 120 |
| The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf | Frozen almond milk cappuccino (16 oz) | 100 |
As you can see, calories can vary quite a bit from 60-140 per 8 ounce serving depending on the coffee shop. Customizing your drink with fewer pumps of flavor, smaller sizes, and avoiding whipped cream can help cut down the calories.
Low Calorie Cappuccino Alternatives
If you’re looking to enjoy a cup of frothy, foamy coffee with even less calories than an almond milk cappuccino, here are some light options to consider:
Skinny Cappuccino
Order a “skinny” cappuccino made with nonfat milk. At 35 calories per cup, nonfat milk contains about 1/3 the calories of almond milk. A skinny capp has about 1/3 fewer calories than using almond milk.
Dry Cappuccino
A dry cappuccino prepared without steamed milk cuts around 30 calories. Opt for a double shot of espresso topped with foamed nonfat or almond milk.
Cappuccino with Froth Only
Order your cappuccino with foamed milk only, no steamed milk. This saves you 15 or so calories compared to a traditional wet capp.
Mocha Light Cappuccino
For chocolate lovers – a mocha cappuccino made with sugar-free syrup, a splash of nonfat milk and light whipped topping can satisfy your craving for about 50 calories.
Iced Skinny Cappuccino
Going iced is an easy way cut calories. An iced skinny cappuccino can clock in at 50 calories or less for a 16 oz serving.
Conclusion
An almond milk cappuccino made properly with unsweetened almond milk contains approximately 30-35 calories for an 8 oz drink. This makes it a lighter alternative to a traditional cappuccino at about 1/3 the calories. Customizing your drink by size, avoiding flavor syrups and whipped cream, and choosing “skinny” milk alternatives can reduce the calories even more.
While not as low-cal as black coffee, an almond milk cappuccino can be a nice occasional treat. It provides the frothy, foamy caffeine boost you crave with less guilt.
