Starbucks Caffè Americano: Sizes, Prices, Calories, Ingredients & Customization

Q: How many shots of espresso are in a Starbucks Americano?

A Short & Tall Americano has 2 shots, a Grande has 3 shots, and a Venti has 4 shots.

Q: Is an Americano stronger than brewed coffee?

No, a Grande Americano has 225 mg of caffeine, whereas a Grande brewed coffee has 310 mg.

Q: How much caffeine is in a Venti Americano?

A Venti Americano has approximately 300 mg of caffeine.

Q: Is Americano low calorie?

Yes, a Grande Americano has only 15 calories, making it a great low-calorie option.

Q: Can I add milk to an Americano?

Yes, you can add any type of milk including oat, almond, or whole milk.

The Caffè Americano is a bold yet smooth espresso-based coffee that’s a staple on Starbucks hot coffee menu. But what makes it so special? This guide covers its ingredients, caffeine content, customization options, and how it compares to other Starbucks coffee drinks.

Table of Contents

What is a Caffè Americano?

A Caffè Americano is a classic espresso drink made by adding hot water to shots of espresso. This process mellows out the strong espresso flavor while preserving its rich intensity.

Did You Know?

The Caffè Americano originated during World War II when American soldiers in Italy diluted espresso with water to create a coffee closer to what they were used to back home. (Source: Coffee History Journal)

Sizes, Prices And Calories

At Starbucks, the Caffè Americano comes in four different sizes. Here’s a quick look at the sizes, calories and their prices:

Sizes	Prices	Calories
Short (8 oz)	$4.74	5
Tall (12 oz)	$4.84	10
Grande (16 oz)	$5.17	15
Venti (20 oz)	$5.72	15

Above are average estimates for U.S. Starbucks locations. For the most accurate pricing, check the Starbucks website or visit a nearby store.

Ingredients

The beauty of a Caffè Americano is its simplicity:

Espresso shots
Hot water

💡 Barista Tip: If you want a bolder flavor, ask for an extra espresso shot instead of ordering a larger size.

Nutrition Information

The Starbucks Caffè Americano is a low-calorie, zero-fat coffee. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value:

Nutrition	Short (8 oz)	Tall (12 oz)	Grande (16 oz)	Venti (20 oz)
Calories	5	10	15	15
Fat	0 g	0 g	0 g	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg	0 mg	0 mg	0 mg
Sodium	5 mg	10 mg	10 mg	15 mg
Carbohydrates	1 g	1 g	2 g	3 g
Protein	0 g	1 g	1 g	1 g
Caffeine	75 mg*	150 mg*	225 mg*	300 mg*

** Caffeine is an approximate value.↩

The larger sizes have more espresso shots, so they have more caffeine. A Grande or Venti cup is perfect for those who need a serious energy boost.

Barista Tip: Want a stronger Americano? Ask for an extra espresso shot instead of a larger size to maintain a bolder flavor.

How Many Shots in a Caffè Americano?

Size	Espresso Shots
Short	1 shot
Tall	2 shots
Grande	3 shots
Venti	4 shots

If you want an even stronger caffeine, you can ask for an extra shot in your Americano.

How Does a Caffè Americano Compare to Other Starbucks Coffees?

Drink	Base	Caffeine (Grande 16 oz)	Calories	Flavor Profile
Caffè Americano	Espresso + hot water	225 mg	15	Bold, smooth
Brewed Coffee	Drip coffee	310 mg	5	Mellow, mild
Caffè Latte	Espresso + steamed milk	150 mg	190	Creamy, rich

💡 Best Choice? If you love bold coffee but find espresso too strong, a Caffè Americano is the perfect middle ground.

Why Choose a Caffè Americano?

Bold Flavor: Rich espresso taste, mellowed by water.
High Caffeine: More caffeine than a latte but smoother than straight espresso.
Low-Calorie Option: Perfect for those avoiding sugar and dairy.

💡 Pro Tip: Try a Blonde Americano for a sweeter, lighter taste or a Caffè Misto if you prefer a creamier texture.

Customization Options

One of the best things about ordering a Caffè Americano at Starbucks is the ability to make it your own:

Syrups: Caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, mocha
Milk Choices: Almond, oat, soy, coconut, or dairy
Extra Shots: More espresso = stronger coffee
Iced Version: Refreshing for warm days

Americano with Oat Milk Calories

If you prefer your Americano with oat milk, expect 30–40 additional calories per serving, depending on the size.

Calories in Customized Americanos

Customization	Calories (Grande 16 oz)
Black Americano	15
With Whole Milk	40
With Oat Milk	55
With Vanilla Syrup	80
With Mocha Sauce	120

FAQs About Starbucks Caffè Americano

How many shots of espresso are in a Starbucks Americano?

Short & Tall: 2 shots
Grande: 3 shots
Venti: 4 shots

Is an Americano stronger than brewed coffee?

Yes and no! A Caffè Americano has a bolder espresso flavor, but brewed coffee has more caffeine (310 mg in a Grande vs. 225 mg in an Americano).

Can I make a Starbucks Americano at home?

Absolutely! Use 1-2 espresso shots and add 6-8 oz of hot water for the classic taste.

How much caffeine is in a Venti Americano?

A Venti Americano (20 oz) contains 300 mg of caffeine, making it one of the strongest Starbucks drinks.

Is Americano low calorie?

Yes! A plain Americano is a low-calorie coffee option with only 5–15 calories, depending on the size.

Can I add milk to an Americano?

Absolutely! You can add any type of milk or cream, but it will increase the calorie count.

What’s the difference between an Americano and regular brewed coffee?

An Americano is made with espresso and hot water, giving it a bolder taste, while brewed coffee is made by steeping ground coffee beans.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a coffee expert or a newbie, the Starbucks Caffè Americano is a must-try. With its bold taste, low calories, and endless customizations, it’s easy to see why this drink is a Starbucks favorite!