A grande (16 oz) Starbucks skinny vanilla latte contains about 120 calories. This is based on Starbucks’ nutrition information for their beverages.
What is a grande skinny vanilla latte?
A grande skinny vanilla latte from Starbucks is a 16 ounce drink made with fat-free milk, sugar-free vanilla syrup and espresso. It contains less calories and fat compared to Starbucks’ full-fat lattes as it uses nonfat milk and a sugar-free syrup.
Grande size
At Starbucks, “grande” refers to a medium-sized drink that is 16 fluid ounces. So a grande skinny vanilla latte is a medium-sized, 16 oz skinny vanilla latte.
Skinny vanilla syrup
The “skinny” vanilla syrup used in the latte is a sugar-free and calorie-free vanilla-flavored syrup that gives the drink a sweet vanilla taste without added sugar or calories.
Espresso
All lattes contain espresso, which is a concentrated coffee brew made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure. A grande latte contains two shots of espresso.
Calorie and nutrition information
According to Starbucks’ website, a grande skinny vanilla latte has the following nutrition facts:
- 120 calories
- 2.5 g fat
- 18 g carbohydrates
- 15 g sugar
- 10 mg sodium
- 165 mg caffeine
As you can see, a grande skinny vanilla latte contains about 120 calories. This is less than a regular grande vanilla latte, which contains 190 calories.
Low calorie compared to full-fat lattes
The skinny vanilla latte has fewer calories because it is made with fat-free milk and sugar-free syrup, while full-fat lattes use 2% milk and sugar-based syrups. Fat-free milk has about 15-20 calories per 1 cup compared to 125 calories in 1 cup of 2% milk.
Main nutrients
The main nutrients in a grande skinny vanilla latte come from the fat-free milk, which provides some protein, carbohydrates (lactose), calcium, vitamin D and vitamin A. The espresso adds a small amount of carbohydrates, potassium and niacin as well.
Comparing calories of sizes
Starbucks offers the skinny vanilla latte in four different sizes. The calorie count differs for each size:
| Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| Tall (12 oz) | 100 |
| Grande (16 oz) | 120 |
| Venti (24 oz) | 180 |
| Trenta (30 oz) | 230 |
As shown, the grande (medium 16 oz) skinny vanilla latte contains 120 calories. The calories increase with larger sizes as they contain more milk and espresso shots.
Comparing to other skinny lattes
Starbucks offers several “skinny” lower calorie lattes in addition to skinny vanilla. Here is how the calorie counts of a grande size of each compare:
| Beverage | Calories (Grande 16 oz) |
|---|---|
| Skinny vanilla latte | 120 |
| Skinny cinnamon dolce latte | 120 |
| Skinny mocha latte | 150 |
| Skinny caramel macchiato | 140 |
The skinny vanilla and cinnamon dolce lattes contain the least amount of calories at 120 calories per 16 oz grande. The skinny mocha contains an additional 30 calories due to the chocolate sauce, while the caramel macchiato has 20 more calories thanks to the added caramel syrup.
Comparing to full-fat lattes
Here’s how the skinny vanilla latte compares to a full-fat grande vanilla latte in calories and other nutrients:
| Beverage | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grande skinny vanilla latte | 120 | 2.5 | 18 | 15 |
| Grande vanilla latte | 190 | 6 | 25 | 24 |
The regular grande vanilla latte contains significantly more calories, fat, carbohydrates and sugar compared to the skinny version. This is because the regular vanilla latte is made with 2% milk and a sugar-based vanilla syrup, providing more fat and sugar.
Ways to modify
There are a few easy ways to modify a Starbucks skinny vanilla latte to further reduce calories:
- Ask for nonfat milk: Ordering it with nonfat instead of fat-free milk reduces calories by 5-10 calories.
- Ask for less vanilla syrup: Less syrup means fewer carbs and calories. Ask for half or a quarter of the usual amount.
- Order a smaller size: Go for a tall or even short size to cut down on calories.
- Ask for an extra shot of espresso: Adds coffee flavor without extra calories.
- Add cinnamon: Has negligible calories and boosts flavor.
Healthiest ways to customize
To make your skinny vanilla latte even healthier, consider these customizations:
- Add a dash of cinnamon: Cinnamon adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Use stevia as sweetener: Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that won’t spike blood sugar.
- Add cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides polyphenols and antioxidants.
- Use almond milk: Swap dairy for almond milk to reduce calories and increase vitamin E.
- Add chia seeds: Chia seeds pack protein, fiber, omega-3s and calcium.
Sticking to sugar-free flavors like cinnamon and cocoa powder provides extra nutrients without the added calories and sugar.
Should you drink skinny vanilla lattes for weight loss?
Skinny vanilla lattes can be incorporated into a weight loss diet due to their low calorie content. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Limit portion size to a tall or grande latte.
- Be mindful of added caloric customizations like whipped cream.
- Watch your total calorie and sugar intake for the day.
- Include plenty of protein foods, vegetables and healthy fats in your diet.
- Burn more calories through exercise and activity.
Overall, skinny lattes can fit into a weight loss plan when consumed in moderation and as part of an overall healthy, calorie-controlled diet.
Potential downsides
While skinny vanilla lattes are lower in calories than full-fat lattes, there are some potential downsides to consider:
- Low protein: Unlike full-fat milk, nonfat milk is not a significant source of protein.
- Added sodium: Processed low-fat dairy products tend to contain more added salt.
- Sugar-free sweeteners: Skinny syrups use artificial sweeteners like sucralose which may negatively impact gut bacteria.
- Caffeine dependency: Frequent caffeine intake can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when stopping.
- Artificial flavor: The vanilla syrup provides artificial vanilla flavor, though natural options are available.
To limit possible downsides, enjoy skinny lattes in moderation as an occasional treat in an overall healthy diet.
Cost
At Starbucks, a grande skinny vanilla latte typically costs between $4-$5 on average in the United States. However, costs can vary by location. Expect to pay:
- $3.65-$4.75 for a tall size
- $4.45-$5.25 for a grande
- $4.95-$5.75 for a venti
The skinny vanilla latte costs the same as a regular vanilla latte. The only upcharge is for larger sizes or additions like extra shots or dairy alternatives.
Tips for ordering
Here are some useful tips for ordering a skinny vanilla latte at Starbucks:
- Know the size names: tall (12 oz), grande (16 oz), venti (24 oz).
- Specify that you want it “skinny” or “with sugar-free vanilla.”
- Customize the milk: nonfat, almond, oat, soy.
- Ask for less vanilla syrup if you want to reduce sweetness.
- Request an extra shot of espresso for a stronger coffee kick.
- Skip the whipped cream to save calories and fat.
- Check the menu board or app for seasonal “skinny” flavors.
- Order ahead on the app to save time.
Being aware of customization options and clearly specifying that you want a “skinny vanilla latte” will help ensure your drink order is correct.
Easy skinny vanilla latte recipe
You can also easily make a skinny vanilla latte at home with just a few ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- 1 cup nonfat or almond milk
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar-free vanilla syrup
- Optional: cinnamon, cocoa powder, vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Brew 2 shots of espresso or strongly brew 1/2 cup coffee.
- Heat 1 cup nonfat milk either on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot but not boiling.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons sugar-free vanilla syrup to the heated milk and stir to combine.
- Pour the hot milk into a mug. Add the espresso shots and stir to combine.
- Optional: Top with a dash of cinnamon, cocoa powder or vanilla extract.
This easy skinny vanilla latte only requires a few ingredients. Play around with less or more vanilla syrup to get the sweetness right for your tastebuds.
Conclusion
A Starbucks grande (16 oz) skinny vanilla latte contains around 120 calories and provides a lower calorie option compared to full-fat lattes. It’s made with fat-free milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup for a lighter, reduced calorie take on a classic latte flavor. While delicious, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Customizing your latte with healthy mix-ins and watching your portion size can help keep it a sensible treat. Knowing how to order it to your preferences and even making your own skinny vanilla latte at home makes it easy to enjoy while controlling calories.
