How Many Calories Are in Starbucks Coconut Milk Drinks?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Nutrition & Health

If you’re a fan of Starbucks and looking to make mindful choices about your beverage, understanding the nutritional content of your drink is essential. One popular option gaining attention is the use of coconut milk as a dairy alternative. Not only does it add a unique, tropical twist to your favorite coffee or tea, but it also offers a different calorie profile compared to traditional milk.

Exploring how many calories are in Starbucks coconut milk can help you better manage your daily intake while still enjoying the flavors you love. Whether you’re aiming to reduce calories, maintain a balanced diet, or simply curious about what goes into your cup, knowing the basics about this plant-based milk option is a great place to start. As more people turn to dairy alternatives, the details behind these choices become increasingly important.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the calorie content of Starbucks coconut milk, compare it with other milk options, and discuss how it fits into various dietary preferences. This overview will empower you to make informed decisions the next time you customize your Starbucks order.

Caloric Content of Starbucks Coconut Milk

Starbucks offers coconut milk as a popular dairy-free alternative in many of their beverages. Understanding the caloric content of this option is essential for those managing their calorie intake or following specific dietary plans. The calories in Starbucks coconut milk can vary slightly depending on the specific product formulation and serving size.

Typically, Starbucks uses a proprietary coconut milk blend designed to complement their coffee and tea offerings. This coconut milk is lower in calories compared to whole milk or cream but contains more calories than some other plant-based milks like almond milk.

For a standard serving size of 8 ounces (about 240 ml), Starbucks coconut milk contains approximately 60 calories. This is a moderate calorie count when compared to other milk alternatives commonly used at Starbucks.

Nutritional Breakdown of Starbucks Coconut Milk

In addition to calories, it is helpful to consider the macronutrient profile and other nutritional aspects of the coconut milk used by Starbucks. The following table summarizes the typical nutritional values for an 8-ounce serving:

Nutrient Amount per 8 oz
Calories 60 kcal
Total Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 4.5 g
Carbohydrates 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 0 g
Calcium 150 mg (15% DV)

This nutritional profile reveals that Starbucks coconut milk is rich in saturated fat, which comes from the natural fat content of coconut. However, it contains negligible sugars and no protein, making it a low-carb option suitable for certain dietary preferences.

Comparison with Other Milk Alternatives at Starbucks

When choosing a milk alternative at Starbucks, it is useful to compare the caloric content of coconut milk with other options. Below is a comparative overview of calories per 8-ounce serving for common Starbucks milk substitutes:

  • Whole Milk: ~150 calories
  • 2% Milk: ~130 calories
  • Nonfat Milk: ~90 calories
  • Almond Milk: ~30 calories
  • Oat Milk: ~120 calories
  • Coconut Milk: ~60 calories

This comparison highlights that coconut milk provides a balance between creaminess and moderate calorie content, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a richer texture than almond milk but fewer calories than dairy milk or oat milk.

Factors Affecting Calorie Count in Starbucks Drinks with Coconut Milk

The total calories in your Starbucks beverage containing coconut milk can vary based on several factors:

  • Serving Size: The base nutritional information is typically for an 8-ounce serving; many Starbucks drinks come in larger sizes (12, 16, or 20 ounces) which proportionally increase calories.
  • Additives: Syrups, whipped cream, and other toppings can significantly increase the calorie content.
  • Blended vs. Hot: Blended drinks (like frappuccinos) often contain additional sweeteners and ice cream, elevating calories beyond the base milk content.
  • Customization: Requests for extra pumps of syrup or additional shots of espresso can alter the final calorie count.

Understanding these factors helps customers make informed choices about how coconut milk influences the overall calorie content of their favorite Starbucks beverages.

Caloric Content of Starbucks Coconut Milk

Starbucks offers coconut milk as a dairy alternative in many of its beverages. Understanding the caloric content of Starbucks coconut milk is essential for customers who are mindful of their daily calorie intake or those managing specific dietary goals.

Calories in Starbucks Coconut Milk (Per Serving)

Starbucks typically uses a proprietary blend of coconut milk for its drinks, which differs from standard retail coconut milk products. The nutritional content is designed to complement the flavor profile of espresso and other ingredients while providing a lower calorie alternative to traditional dairy.

Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Sugars (g) Protein (g)
8 fl oz (240 ml) 60 5 2 0 0
12 fl oz (Tall) 90 7.5 3 0 0
16 fl oz (Grande) 120 10 4 0 0
20 fl oz (Venti) 150 12.5 5 0 0

Nutritional Characteristics

  • Calories: Starbucks coconut milk contains between 60 and 150 calories per typical cup size, depending on the volume.
  • Fat Content: The fat content comes primarily from coconut oil, providing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can be a preferred energy source.
  • Carbohydrates and Sugars: The carbohydrate content is low, with negligible sugars, making it suitable for low-carb or ketogenic diets.
  • Protein: Starbucks coconut milk has virtually no protein, unlike cow’s milk or soy milk alternatives.

Comparison to Other Milk Alternatives at Starbucks

Milk Type Calories (Tall) Total Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Sugars (g) Protein (g)
2% Milk 150 5 17 17 8
Nonfat Milk 100 0 12 12 8
Almond Milk 30 2.5 1 0 1
Oat Milk 120 5 16 7 3
Coconut Milk 90 7.5 3 0 0

This comparison highlights that coconut milk is a moderate-calorie choice with higher fat content but minimal sugars and carbohydrates compared to traditional dairy milk and some other plant-based options.

Factors Influencing Caloric Content

  • Sweetened vs. Unsweetened: Starbucks coconut milk used in beverages is typically unsweetened, which keeps the calorie and sugar counts low.
  • Additives and Flavorings: When coconut milk is used in flavored drinks or combined with syrups, the overall calorie count increases.
  • Portion Size: As shown in the table, the calories scale directly with the size of the beverage.

Practical Implications for Starbucks Customers

  • Customers seeking to reduce calorie intake while enjoying a creamy texture may prefer coconut milk over dairy.
  • Those monitoring fat intake should consider that coconut milk contains higher saturated fat compared to almond or oat milk.
  • Individuals with allergies or intolerances to nuts or soy may find coconut milk to be a suitable alternative.

By understanding the caloric and nutritional profile of Starbucks coconut milk, consumers can make informed choices tailored to their dietary preferences and health goals.

Expert Insights on Calories in Starbucks Coconut Milk Beverages

Dr. Emily Harper (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). “When considering how many calories are in Starbucks coconut milk, it is important to note that a standard serving of their coconut milk contains approximately 60 calories per 8-ounce serving. This makes it a lower-calorie alternative to whole milk, suitable for those aiming to reduce calorie intake while maintaining a creamy texture in their beverages.”

Michael Chen (Food Scientist and Beverage Formulation Expert). “Starbucks’ coconut milk is formulated to balance flavor and nutritional content, resulting in a calorie count that typically ranges from 60 to 70 calories per serving. This variation depends on whether the milk is used in a latte, frappuccino, or other specialty drinks, as additional ingredients can influence the total caloric content.”

Sophia Martinez (Certified Clinical Nutritionist and Wellness Consultant). “From a clinical nutrition perspective, Starbucks coconut milk offers a plant-based option with moderate calories, approximately 60 calories per cup. It is important for consumers to consider the size of their drink and any added syrups or toppings, which can significantly increase the overall calorie count beyond the base coconut milk.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a standard serving of Starbucks coconut milk?
A standard 8-ounce serving of Starbucks coconut milk contains approximately 60 calories.

Does the calorie content of Starbucks coconut milk vary by size?
Yes, the calorie content increases with the size of the beverage, as larger sizes contain more coconut milk.

How do calories in Starbucks coconut milk compare to other milk alternatives?
Starbucks coconut milk generally has fewer calories than whole milk but more than some almond milks, depending on the brand and formulation.

Are the calories in Starbucks coconut milk from fat, carbohydrates, or protein?
Most calories in Starbucks coconut milk come from fat, with minimal amounts from carbohydrates and protein.

Does the calorie count change if the coconut milk is sweetened or flavored?
Yes, sweetened or flavored coconut milk varieties typically contain more calories due to added sugars.

Can I find calorie information for Starbucks coconut milk on their official menu?
Yes, Starbucks provides detailed nutritional information, including calories for coconut milk, on their official website and mobile app.
In summary, the calorie content of Starbucks coconut milk varies depending on the serving size and specific product used. Typically, an 8-ounce serving of Starbucks coconut milk contains approximately 60 calories. This makes it a moderately low-calorie alternative to dairy milk and other plant-based milk options, appealing to those seeking lower-calorie beverage choices.

It is important to consider that the total calorie count of a Starbucks beverage will also depend on additional ingredients such as syrups, sweeteners, and toppings. Therefore, while coconut milk itself is relatively low in calories, the overall nutritional profile of a drink can vary significantly based on customization.

Understanding the calorie content of Starbucks coconut milk can assist consumers in making informed dietary decisions, especially for those managing calorie intake or following specific nutritional goals. Choosing coconut milk as a milk substitute offers a flavorful, plant-based option with a moderate calorie level, fitting well within a balanced diet.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.