Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Sizes, Prices, Calories, Ingredients and Nutrition 2024
If you’ve ever walked into a coffee shop, you’ve probably seen the Caramel Macchiato on the menu. This drink is super popular, and for good reason! It has the perfect mix of espresso, creamy milk, sweet vanilla, and drizzled caramel. It’s one of those drinks that looks fancy and tastes even better. Whether you’re a coffee newbie or a seasoned sipper, a Caramel Macchiato is sure to be a treat!
Let’s dig into everything you need to know about this delicious drink. We’ll talk about its ingredients, sizes, calories, price, and all the ways you can customize it to make it your own!
What is a Caramel Macchiato?
So, what makes the Caramel Macchiato so special? The word “macchiato” means “marked” in Italian, which refers to how the espresso “marks” the milk in this drink. The Caramel Macchiato is different from a traditional macchiato. It has vanilla syrup and caramel drizzle added to it. Instead of mixing everything together, pour the espresso over the steamed milk. This creates a layered look.
Espresso and milk create a smooth, balanced flavor. The vanilla syrup and caramel drizzle add sweetness. It’s not too strong, not too sweet – it’s right!
What's in a Caramel Macchiato?
The Caramel Macchiato may seem fancy, but it only has a few key ingredients. Here’s what’s inside this popular drink:
Espresso: This strong coffee shot is the star of the drink. It adds that bold coffee flavor and the caffeine boost.
Vanilla Syrup: “Vanilla syrup adds a sweet base to the drink. It complements the espresso flavor well.”
Steamed Milk: The milk makes the Caramel Macchiato creamy and smooth. Starbucks usually uses 2% milk, but you can swap it for other types.
Caramel Drizzle: The caramel drizzle on top gives the drink its unique look. It also adds a burst of sweetness.
Sizes, Prices And Calories
Ready to order your Caramel Macchiato? Here’s a quick guide to the sizes, calorie counts, and price. Keep in mind, the numbers might vary based on how much syrup and milk you use, usually Caramel Macchiato that comes in four different sizes. Here’s a quick look at the sizes, calories and their prices:
| Sizes | Prices | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Short (8 oz) | $6.37 | 120 |
| Tall (12 oz) | $6.48 | 190 |
| Grande (16 oz) | $7.02 | 250 |
| Venti (20 oz) | $7.57 | 310 |
Note: Prices may vary slightly depending on the location
As you can see, each size gives you a good balance of flavor, calories, and price. If you’re watching your calories, try a “skinny” version. Just swap regular milk and syrup for lighter options.
Nutrition Information
If you’re interested in the nutritional details, here’s what you can expect from a Caramel Macchiato, available in four sizes: Short (8 oz), Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz), and Venti (20 oz).
| Nutrition | Short (8 oz) | Tall (12 oz) | Grande (16 oz) | Venti (20 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 120 | 190 | 250 | 310 |
| Fat | 4 g | 6 g | 7 g | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 20 mg | 25 mg | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 80 mg | 120 mg | 150 mg | 190 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g | 26 g | 35 g | 44 g |
| Protein | 5 g | 8 g | 10 g | 13 g |
| Caffeine | 75 mg** | 75 mg** | 150 mg** | 150 mg** |
** Caffeine is an approximate value.↩
This drink is creamy and sweet, with just enough caffeine to perk you up. However, if you want a lower-calorie version, there are a few easy customizations you can try (more on that later!).
Type of Caramel Macchiato coffee in Starbucks
At Starbucks, the main types of Caramel Macchiatos you can find are:
Hot Caramel Macchiato
Iced Caramel Macchiato
Blended Caramel Macchiato (also referred to as a Caramel Frappuccino)
You can customize these drinks in several ways. Choose from different milk options, like almond or oat milk, and add various flavor syrups. There are three main types of Caramel Macchiatos to enjoy!
Customization Options
One of the best things about Starbucks drinks is that you can customize them to suit your taste. Here are some fun ways to tweak your Caramel Macchiato:
Change the Milk
The Caramel Macchiato usually has 2% milk. You can also choose other types, like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Each milk has a different taste and texture. For example, almond milk gives a nutty flavor, while oat milk makes the drink extra creamy.
Add Extra Espresso Shots
If you want a stronger coffee flavor, ask for an extra shot of espresso. Each shot adds about 75 mg of caffeine. It also adds some bitterness, which balances the sweetness of the caramel and vanilla.
Make It Iced
Not in the mood for a hot drink? Try an Iced Caramel Macchiato! It has the same ingredients but served over ice, which makes it refreshing and perfect for warm days.
Go Light on the Syrup
If you’re watching your sugar, you can ask for half the usual amount of vanilla syrup. You can also choose a sugar-free vanilla option. It still tastes delicious but has fewer calories and sugar.
Extra Caramel Drizzle
If you’re a caramel lover, go ahead and ask for extra caramel drizzle. This doesn’t change the drink too much but adds a bit more sweetness and, of course, more caramel flavor!
Try It with Different Flavors
Feeling adventurous? Try adding other flavors, like hazelnut or toffee nut syrup. These can give your Caramel Macchiato a unique twist, making it even more fun and flavorful.
Why People Love it
It’s no wonder that the Caramel Macchiato has fans all over the world. Here’s why people keep coming back for it:
Sweet but balanced: The caramel and vanilla add sweetness, but the espresso keeps it from being too sugary.
Customizable: You can tweak this drink in so many ways, from different milks to extra flavors. No two Caramel Macchiatos have to taste the same.
Just enough caffeine: With around 150mg of caffeine in a Grande, it’s strong enough to wake you up but not too strong to drink in the afternoon.
Fun Facts About the Caramel Macchiato
Let us get into some fun trivia about this delicious drink:
Invented in the 1990s: Starbucks created the Caramel Macchiato to celebrate their 25th anniversary. It quickly became a fan favorite.
Layered look: One thing that sets the Caramel Macchiato apart is its layered look. The milk goes in first, then the espresso, and finally the caramel drizzle. This layering gives the drink a unique flavor experience as you sip.
Loved worldwide: The Caramel Macchiato is available in many countries, and it’s just as popular wherever it goes. Some places even add their own twist to the classic recipe!
How to Make a Caramel Macchiato Coffee at Home
Can’t get to a Starbucks but still craving that Caramel Macchiato coffee? Here’s a simple recipe to try at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso
- 1 cup of milk (any kind)
- 1-2 pumps of vanilla syrup
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions:
- Start by steaming your milk or heating it in a microwave until warm.
- Pour the vanilla syrup into a cup, then add the steamed milk.
- Pour a shot of espresso over the milk to create that “marked” effect.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top, and you’re all set!
This recipe gives you the delicious taste of a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato at home. You can also adjust it to your taste. Add extra caramel, use different milk, or change the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
If you want a coffee drink that’s sweet and balanced, try the Caramel Macchiato. It’s also endlessly customizable and might become your new favorite. It’s perfect for any coffee lover who also has a bit of a sweet tooth. The Caramel Macchiato has layered flavors and a smooth taste. It’s more than just coffee—it’s an experience.
So next time you’re in line at Starbucks, give the Caramel Macchiato a try! Whether you go for the classic hot version or an iced twist, it’s bound to put a smile on your face.