A skinny caramel latte is a popular low-calorie espresso drink offered at Starbucks coffee shops. It contains espresso, steamed low-fat milk, sugar-free caramel syrup, and is topped with caramel drizzle. The “skinny” versions of Starbucks lattes use nonfat milk and sugar-free syrups to cut down on calories and fat.
Contents of a Skinny Caramel Latte
The main ingredients in a Starbucks skinny caramel latte are:
- Espresso: Starbucks uses a bold, rich espresso roast for the base of lattes. A solo (small) skinny caramel latte contains one shot of espresso.
- Nonfat steamed milk: The milk is steamed to create a light, frothy texture. Nonfat milk contains 0-0.5g fat per serving.
- Sugar-free caramel syrup: Starbucks sugar-free caramel sauce tastes sweet but contains 0g sugar and 0 calories.
- Caramel drizzle: Thick caramel sauce is drizzled on top of the latte for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition facts for a solo (small) Starbucks skinny caramel latte are:
- Calories: 90
- Total fat: 2g
- Saturated fat: 1g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total carbs: 9g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 10g
A small skinny caramel latte is significantly lower in calories, fat, and sugar compared to a regular small caramel latte with whole milk and regular caramel syrup. Starbucks skinny lattes range from 90-150 calories for a short (small) size.
Ordering Tips
Here are some tips for ordering a skinny caramel latte:
- Specify size: Choose from solo (small, 12 oz), tall (medium, 16 oz), grande (large, 20 oz), or venti (extra large, 24 oz).
- Select milk: Request nonfat milk to make it a skinny latte.
- Customize sweetness: Ask for less pumps of sugar-free caramel syrup to reduce sweetness.
- Add-ons: Consider adding a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for extra flavor.
- Iced or hot: Order it hot or request it iced.
How to Make a Skinny Caramel Latte at Home
You can also make a skinny caramel latte at home with just a few ingredients:
- Brew 1/3 cup strongly concentrated espresso. Use a stovetop espresso maker or espresso machine.
- Steam together 1 cup nonfat milk and 1-2 tablespoons sugar-free caramel syrup until frothy.
- Combine steamed milk and espresso in a large cup.
- Top with a drizzle of thick caramel sauce and enjoy!
Homemade Sugar-Free Caramel Syrup
To make your own healthy sugar-free caramel syrup:
- Heat 1 cup nonfat milk and 1 cup Splenda on the stove.
- Add 1/4 tsp salt and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk briskly for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool before drizzling over coffee drinks.
Benefits of Ordering It Skinny
Some benefits of ordering a skinny caramel latte include:
- Lower in calories and fat – A skinny latte contains about 1/3 the calories of a regular latte made with whole milk and sugar-based syrups.
- Less sugar – Skinny lattes use sugar-free syrups to reduce sugar and carbs.
- Customizable – You can adjust the sweetness and calories by asking for less pumps of syrup.
- Satisfies cravings – It offers richer flavor with the taste of caramel and espresso.
- Better nutrition – Nonfat milk provides protein without excess saturated fat.
Possible Downsides
There are a couple potential downsides to ordering a skinny latte:
- Artificial sweeteners – Sugar-free syrups contain non-nutritive zero-calorie sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame.
- Less creamy – Nonfat milk does not have the same full, creamy texture as whole milk.
- Upcharges – Customizing a drink to make it “skinny” often costs extra.
Other Low Calorie Starbucks Drinks
In addition to skinny lattes, Starbucks offers other low calorie coffee drinks including:
- Skinny Cappuccino – 75 calories for solo
- Skinny Vanilla Latte – 90 calories for solo
- Skinny Mocha – 100 calories for solo
- Caffe Americano – 15 calories for solo
- Caffe Misto – 45 calories for solo
- Iced Coffee – 5 calories for tall
- Cold Brew Coffee – 0 calories for tall
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a skinny latte healthy?
Skinny lattes are a healthier alternative to full-fat lattes, thanks to lower calorie nonfat milk and sugar-free syrups. However, some artificial sweeteners may not be the healthiest choice. Overall, skinny lattes are lower in calories, fat, and sugar.
Do skinny lattes taste good?
Yes, skinny lattes can taste delicious! The espresso and sugar-free caramel syrup provide rich flavor. The nonfat foamed milk gives it a creamy, frothy texture. The taste is similar to regular lattes but with fewer calories.
Is it okay to drink skinny lattes every day?
While skinny lattes are lower in calories and fat than regular lattes, drinking them every day may not be the healthiest habit due to the artificial sweeteners. Enjoying a skinny latte as an occasional treat in moderation is fine for most healthy adults.
Do skinny lattes have caffeine?
Yes, skinny lattes contain caffeine from the espresso. A solo (small) skinny latte has approximately 75mg caffeine. Caffeine content increases for larger grande and venti sized lattes.
Are artificial sweeteners in skinny lattes bad for you?
According to the FDA, approved artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia are safe for consumption in moderation by most healthy adults. However, some people prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners when possible. If this is a concern, request sugar-free syrups to be left out of your skinny latte.
The Bottom Line
Overall, ordering a skinny caramel latte is a tasty lower calorie option compared to the full-fat version. It provides the indulgence of caramel flavor and espresso in a lighter beverage. Customize your skinny latte to your preferences for the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and coffee flavor. Enjoy your skinny caramel latte guilt-free as an occasional treat!