Yes, Starbucks does offer a vanilla macchiato as one of its handcrafted espresso drinks. The Starbucks vanilla macchiato is made with espresso, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup, topped with a light layer of foamed milk.
What is a Vanilla Macchiato?
A macchiato is an espresso-based drink that originated in Italy. The name “macchiato” comes from the Italian word “macchiare” which means “to stain or spot”. This refers to how the steamed milk in a traditional macchiato leaves a “spot” or “stain” of foam on the espresso.
The Starbucks vanilla macchiato is a sweetened variation of the traditional macchiato. It contains vanilla-flavored syrup added to the espresso and steamed milk. The vanilla pairs nicely with the slightly bitter espresso to create a sweet and creamy drink.
How is the Starbucks Vanilla Macchiato Made?
The Starbucks vanilla macchiato is made according to the following recipe:
– 1-2 shots of espresso
– Steamed milk
– Vanilla syrup to taste
– Top with a dollop of foamed milk
The espresso provides the base and rich coffee flavor. Steamed milk helps mellow out the espresso’s bitterness. Vanilla syrupsweetens the drink and adds signature vanilla notes. Finally, the foamed milk crowns the macchiato and adds a light, frothy texture.
Baristas make sure to only add a small amount of steamed milk so the espresso remains the prominent flavor. The foamed milk also helps maintain the “stain” or spot that gives the macchiato its name.
Customization Options
The Starbucks vanilla macchiato can be customized in the following ways:
- Number of shots – Customers can request either 1 or 2 shots of espresso
- Milk – Non-dairy milk substitutes like soy, almond or oat milk are available
- Syrups – Other flavored syrups can be substituted or added, such as caramel, hazelnut, cinnamon dolce, etc.
- Temperature – Drinks can be made hot, iced, or blended
- Sweetness – The amount of vanilla syrup can be adjusted
- Extra toppings – Whipped cream, drizzle, spices, caramel crunch topping can be added
These customizations allow customers to tailor the vanilla macchiato to their personal preferences.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information for a grande (16 oz) hot Starbucks vanilla macchiato made with 2% milk and 2 shots of espresso is:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 4.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 7g |
As we can see, the Starbucks vanilla macchiato is relatively low in calories and fat compared to other coffee drinks. However, it does contain a significant amount of added sugar from the vanilla syrup. Customers can request less vanilla syrup to reduce the amount of sugar in their drink.
Caffeine Content
The caffeine content of a Starbucks vanilla macchiato depends on the number of shots of espresso and the cup size:
| Cup Size | 1 Shot | 2 Shots |
|---|---|---|
| Tall (12 oz) | 75mg | 150mg |
| Grande (16 oz) | 75mg | 150mg |
| Venti (20 oz) | 75mg | 150mg |
As shown, a solo 1 shot macchiato contains 75mg of caffeine while a standard 2 shots contains 150mg per cup. For reference, the average 8oz cup of coffee contains around 95mg caffeine. So the Starbucks vanilla macchiato provides a significant caffeine boost.
Those sensitive to caffeine may want to opt for a single 1 shot macchiato or request a decaf espresso shot.
Price
The latest prices for a Starbucks vanilla macchiato are:
| Cup Size | 1 Shot | 2 Shots |
|---|---|---|
| Tall (12 oz) | $3.95 | $4.45 |
| Grande (16 oz) | $4.45 | $4.95 |
| Venti (20 oz) | $4.95 | $5.45 |
These prices may vary a bit by location. Additional customizations like extra shots, milk alternatives, and toppings will add to the total price.
Overall the Starbucks vanilla macchiato provides a moderately priced way to enjoy a sweet and creamy coffee drink. It’s a popular menu item for vanilla latte lovers who want something a bit stronger and less milky than a traditional latte.
Availability
The vanilla macchiato is available year-round at Starbucks locations in the United States, Canada, and many other countries globally. As a permanent menu item, customers don’t have to worry about it being a limited time seasonal drink.
The vanilla macchiato can be ordered at Starbucks café stores as well as:
- Starbucks Drive Thrus
- Starbucks located inside Target, airports, hotels, etc.
- On the Starbucks mobile app for order ahead and pickup
- Via Starbucks Delivery service through Uber Eats
Some locations also serve a larger Trenta (31 oz) size upon request for an extra charge.
So the Starbucks vanilla macchiato is widely accessible and can fit into a customer’s daily coffee routine. Fans can enjoy it in-store or order it to-go through the app anytime.
Alternatives
Some alternatives customers may want to try instead of the Starbucks vanilla macchiato include:
Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino
The Frappuccino is a popular blended coffee drink made with milk, coffee, ice, and sweetened with vanilla syrup. It has a thicker, creamier texture and stronger vanilla flavor than the hot macchiato.
Iced Vanilla Latte
This combines espresso with chilled milk and vanilla over ice. It contains more steamed milk than the macchiato for a milky, latte-like texture.
Vanilla Cappuccino
A cappuccino also contains espresso and steamed milk but is finished with foamed milk on top. It has less vanilla sweetness than the macchiato.
Caramel Macchiato
For a different flavor profile, customers can substitute vanilla syrup for Starbucks’ signature caramel sauce in a macchiato.
Skinny Vanilla Latte
This lighter option uses sugar-free vanilla and non-fat milk for fewer calories and fat.
So while Starbucks offers some indulgent options, there are ways to customize or substitute items to achieve a healthier vanilla coffee drink.
Conclusion
In summary, the Starbucks vanilla macchiato provides an espresso-forward drink sweetened with vanilla syrup and rounded out by steamed milk. Customers can customize everything from the number of shots to the milk and syrups used to tailor it to their liking.
This handcrafted espresso beverage offers a nice dose of caffeine along with the classic vanilla and caramel flavors Starbucks is known for. It’s available year-round at locations worldwide for an affordable price, making it an accessible everyday treat. Fans of Starbucks’ seasonal vanilla lattes may want to give the permanent menu vanilla macchiato a try for their vanilla coffee fix all year long.