Quick Answer
A Starbucks grande (16 oz) shaken espresso made with almond milk contains approximately 60 calories. This is based on Starbucks’ nutrition information that lists a grande shaken espresso as 60 calories and almond milk having minimal calories compared to regular milk. So substituting almond milk for regular milk does not significantly affect the total calorie count.
Calories in Starbucks Shaken Espressos
Starbucks offers shaken espressos in four sizes: tall (12 oz), grande (16 oz), venti (24 oz) and trenta (30 oz). Here are the calories for each size of a shaken espresso made with 2% milk according to Starbucks:
| Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| Tall | 50 |
| Grande | 60 |
| Venti | 75 |
| Trenta | 90 |
As you can see, a grande shaken espresso made with 2% milk contains 60 calories. When you substitute almond milk, the calorie count remains about the same.
Calories in Almond Milk vs Regular Milk
The reason that almond milk does not change the calorie count much compared to regular milk is that it is significantly lower in calories:
| Milk Type | Calories per 8 oz |
|---|---|
| 2% milk | 122 |
| Nonfat milk | 83 |
| Soy milk | 80 |
| Almond milk | 39 |
As you can see, almond milk only contains 39 calories per 8 oz compared to 122 calories in 2% dairy milk.
Since a grande Starbucks drink is 16 oz, it would contain about 24 calories worth of 2% milk. When you substitute almond milk, you reduce those milk calories down to around 10.
So in total, switching from 2% milk to almond milk only reduces the calorie count of a grande shaken espresso by around 14 calories. That brings the total down from 60 calories with regular milk to 46 calories with almond milk.
Exact Calories in Starbucks Shaken Espressos
The calorie counts provided by Starbucks are rounded estimates. To get the exact calories, we need to look at the detailed nutrition information:
| Item | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 0.75 oz (2 shots) | 3 |
| Milk | 6 oz | 73 (2% milk) |
| Ice | 9 oz | 0 |
| Total | 76 |
As you can see, a grande shaken espresso made with 2% milk contains exactly 76 calories. Once again, substituting almond milk reduces the milk calories by about 50 calories.
So the total calories in a grande shaken espresso with almond milk would be:
– Espresso: 3 calories
– Almond milk: 24 calories
– Ice: 0 calories
– **Total: 27 calories**
So the exact calorie count for a Starbucks grande shaken espresso with almond milk is **27 calories**.
Other Factors Affecting Calorie Counts
Keep in mind that the calorie count of a Starbucks shaken espresso can vary depending on other factors:
– **Milk fat content:** Using whole milk instead of 2% milk will increase the calorie count.
– **Added flavor:** Adding vanilla syrup or other flavored syrups will add calories.
– **Whipped cream:** Topping the drink with whipped cream can add 50 or more calories.
– **Alternative milk:** Different milk alternatives like oat milk or coconut milk may have slightly different calorie counts.
– **Coffee type:** Using different types of coffee, like blonde espresso, can slightly change the calorie count.
– **Sweetener:** Adding sugar or other sweeteners will increase the calorie count.
So be sure to account for any additions and modifications when determining the calories in your Starbucks shaken espresso.
Daily Calorie Needs
To put the 27 calories in a grande shaken espresso with almond milk into context, here is a look at typical daily calorie needs:
| Gender | Age | Sedentary | Moderate Activity | Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 19-25 | 1,800-2,400 | 2,000-2,200 | 2,400 |
| Female | 26-50 | 1,800-2,200 | 2,000-2,200 | 2,000-2,400 |
| Male | 19-25 | 2,400-3,000 | 2,600-2,800 | 3,000 |
| Male | 26-50 | 2,200-3,000 | 2,400-3,000 | 2,800-3,200 |
As you can see, most adults need between 1,800-3,000 calories per day depending on their age, gender and activity level. A 27 calorie Starbucks espresso accounts for just 1-2% of a typical day’s calories.
Comparison to Other Starbucks Drinks
To compare, here are the calories for some other Starbucks beverages in a grande 16 oz size:
| Drink | Calories |
|---|---|
| Caffe latte | 190 |
| Cappuccino | 140 |
| Caramel macchiato | 230 |
| White chocolate mocha | 420 |
| Frappuccino | 300-550 |
| Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino | 520 |
As you can see, most Starbucks specialty drinks range from 140-550 calories for a grande size. So a shaken espresso with almond milk at just 27 calories is one of Starbucks’ lowest calorie options.
Low Calorie Starbucks Drink Options
In addition to shaken espressos with almond milk, here are some other low calorie Starbucks drinks to consider:
– Black coffee (5 calories)
– Cold brew with almond milk (15-20 calories)
– Nitro Cold Brew (10 calories)
– Americano (5 calories)
– skinny Caffe Latte (70 calories)
– skinny Vanilla Latte (130 calories)
– Cappucino with nonfat milk (60 calories)
– Caffe Misto with nonfat milk (40 calories)
– Iced Coffee with almond milk (25-35 calories)
– Teavana Iced Tea (0 calories)
So if you are looking for low calorie options at Starbucks, focus on simpler drinks like brewed coffee, cold brews, americanos and mistos. Avoid frappuccinos, macchiatos, white chocolate mochas and blended specialty drinks as those contain much higher calories.
Tips for Ordering a Low Calorie Starbucks Drink
Here are some tips for ordering a low calorie Starbucks beverage:
– Opt for small/tall sizes rather than large/venti
– Choose brewed coffee or americanos instead of lattes, mochas, etc.
– Request sugar-free flavor syrups like cinnamon dolce and sugar-free vanilla
– Use nonfat or almond milk instead of 2% or whole milk
– Avoid whipped cream, toppings and drizzles
– Ask for less pumps of syrup if adding flavor to coffee or espresso
– Get drinks served hot or iced rather than blended
– Customize your drink order to make it low sugar and low calorie
Also keep in mind that many of the calories at Starbucks come from added sugar in syrups, sauces, toppings and whipped cream.
Nutritional Benefits of Starbucks Drinks
Along with calories, Starbucks drinks can also provide some key vitamins, minerals and antioxidants:
Coffee
– Caffeine: Improves alertness, focus and concentration
– Chlorogenic acids: Antioxidants that may lower blood pressure
– Diterpenes: Compounds that may reduce inflammation
Espresso
– Caffeine: A stimulant that boosts metabolism 3-11% temporarily
– B Vitamins: Help convert food into cellular energy
Milk
– Calcium: Essential for bone health, muscle and nerve function
– Protein: Important for building and repairing tissues
– Vitamin D: Boosts immunity and aids calcium absorption
Almond Milk
– Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects cells from damage
– Calcium: Important for bones, muscles and nerves
– Riboflavin: Helps produce energy from food
So while a Starbucks drink may provide a boost of energy from caffeine, some versions can also supply important vitamins and minerals.
Ways to Make Your Starbucks Order Healthier
If you enjoy Starbucks but want to lighten up your drink order, here are some healthy hacks to try:
– Ask for half water, half milk to cut calories and fat
– Request fewer pumps of syrup or use sugar-free versions
– Substitute 2% or whole milk for nonfat or almond milk
– Try cold brew or nitro coffee for a lower calorie option
– Choose a Tall size instead of Venti to limit portions
– Add a splash of cream instead of full-fat milk
– Ask for light drizzle of mocha or caramel sauce
– Top with cinnamon instead of sugary syrups or chocolate sauce
– Get extra shots of espresso to add flavor without sugar
– Sweeten with stevia or unsweetened flavor extracts
With small tweaks to your regular order, you can easily shave off calories, fat, sugar and carbs from your Starbucks drink. This allows you to enjoy your coffeehouse treat while still maintaining healthy nutrition goals.
Making Your Own Healthy Starbucks-Style Drinks at Home
An even more economical way to enjoy low calorie Starbucks copycat drinks is to make them yourself at home. Here are some healthy homemade Starbucks drink recipes:
Skinny Vanilla Latte
– Brew espresso either from an espresso machine or stovetop moka pot
– Heat up almond milk on the stovetop or microwave
– Add sugar-free vanilla syrup to taste
– Mix together hot espresso and steamed almond milk
– Top with cinnamon
Iced Sugar-free Caramel Macchiato
– Make cold brew coffee and let chill overnight
– Add sugar-free caramel syrup to the bottom of a glass
– Pour cold brew coffee over caramel sauce
– Top with just a splash of almond milk
– Drizzle with sugar-free caramel sauce
Skinny Mocha Frappuccino
– Brew espresso and let chill in fridge
– Pour into a blender with ice, almond milk, cocoa powder, and stevia
– Blend until smooth and frothy
– Top with light drizzle of chocolate sauce if desired
Not only are these homemade versions of Starbucks drinks much lower in calories and sugar, they also save you money compared to spending $5-7 per drink at the coffee shop multiple times a week.
Should You Drink Starbucks Drinks on a Diet
If you are following a calorie-controlled diet for weight loss, Starbucks drinks can definitely fit into your daily meal plan. Some tips:
– Budget for the extra calories by cutting back elsewhere
– Stick to tall or short sizes instead of venti or trenta
– Choose low calorie drinks under 100 calories when possible
– Avoid added sugars and heavy creams
– Watch out for high calorie bakery items like muffins
– Split a larger drink with a friend or save half for later
An occasional Starbucks treat will not sabotage your diet if you account for it and adjust your other meals accordingly. Just be sure to get your essential nutrients from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
Conclusion
A Starbucks grande shaken espresso made with almond milk contains approximately 27 calories, based on detailed nutrition information on the ingredients. This is one of the lowest calorie options on the Starbucks menu, as many specialty drinks contain 400-500+ calories.
Choosing almond milk instead of regular dairy milk reduces the calorie count by about 50 calories compared to a shaken espresso made with 2% milk. When crafted carefully, Starbucks beverages can fit into a healthy diet with a small calorie and sugar footprint. So enjoy your espresso – guilt free!