What is Starbucks vanilla latte (What is in a Starbucks vanilla latte, how do you make Starbucks vanilla latte + More information)

The Starbucks vanilla latte is among the most popular lattes at Starbucks. So, what is in a Starbucks vanilla latte?

The well-known vanilla latte at Starbucks is made up of just three ingredients; their brewed Signature espresso, steamed milk and vanilla syrup. They top it with whipped cream, but that is optional. The Starbucks vanilla syrup is comprised of natural vanilla flavours, citric acid, sugar, potassium sorbate, citric acid and water. Starbucks started serving lattes in 1984 and the vanilla latte was among the earliest lattes.

I appreciate the caffeine punch with the delicious vanilla flavour of this latte and its simplicity. Not only can you get this beverage at Starbucks, but you can also make it at home. To learn more about this Starbucks beverage and how to make it, keep reading.

How many calories does a Starbucks vanilla latte have?

The number of calories in the Starbucks vanilla latte varies depending on the latte size and the customizations made on the beverage. However, according to the Starbucks standard recipe, the calories range between 140 and 370 in a vanilla latte prepared with whole milk. The vanilla latte at Starbucks comes in four sizes; the short, tall, grande and venti.

The short (8fl oz.) vanilla latte at Starbucks has about 140 calories. The majority of these calories are from carbs, which make up for 49% of the calories and from fat, which contributes to 34% of the calories. The other dietary facts of the short Starbucks vanilla latte are; cholesterol-15mg, sodium- 70mg, dietary fibre- 0g, sugars-17g, protein- 6g, total carbs- 18g, saturated fat- 1.5g, fat- 3.5g and caffeine- 75mg.

A tall 12fl oz.) Starbucks vanilla latte has around 220 calories. Most of these calories are from fats and carbs, which contribute to 35% and 49% of the calories, respectively. Other nutritional facts of this beverage are; cholesterol- 25mg, sodium- 115mg, dietary fibre- 0g, sugars- 27g, Protein- 9g, fat- 5g, saturated fats- 2.5g and caffeine- 75mg.

The Starbucks vanilla latte in a grande (16fl oz.) size has about 270 calories. A lot of these calories are from carbs and fats, which make up 51% and 34% of the calories, respectively. The nutritional components of the Starbucks vanilla latte are; cholesterol- 35mg, sodium- 140mg, dietary fibre- 0g, sugars- 35g, Protein- 11g and caffeine- 170mg.

Starbucks vanilla latte in a venti (20fl oz.) has approximately 340 calories. Most of these calories are from carbs (50%), protein (15%) and fats (35%). The dietary facts of this drink are; cholesterol- 45mg, sodium- 190mg, dietary fibre- 0g, sugars- 44g, Protein- 14g, saturated fats- 4.5g, fats- 9g and caffeine- 170mg.

The dietary values provided above are based on a 2000 caloric diet and as mentioned earlier, may change depending on the customization made in the beverage. It is, therefore, possible, for same-size beverages, to have a different number of calories.

What does Starbucks vanilla latte taste like?

The Starbucks vanilla latte is slightly sugary with the bitterness of espresso subtly piercing through. This vanilla latte is delicious and flavourful with a smooth, creamy texture. The sweetness from the vanilla syrup perfectly balances the bitterness of the espresso. The frothy milk gives the beverage its creamy, smooth feel in the mouth.

You can adjust the sweetness or the bitterness of your Starbucks vanilla latte by requesting more or less vanilla syrup pumps or more or fewer shots of espresso. More vanilla syrup pumps will make a sweeter beverage and more espresso shots will make a more bitter latte.

How do you make a Starbucks vanilla latte?

To make a Starbucks vanilla latte, you’ll need three ingredients; milk (your preferred kind), vanilla syrup (homemade or store-bought) and espresso shots. Whipped cream can also be used as a topping, but it is optional.

To begin, prepare vanilla milk by mixing 1 cup of your favourite milk and 1 ½ tablespoon of vanilla syrup in a saucepan and stir until the milk warms up. Note that vanilla extract cannot replace vanilla syrup in this recipe, but using homemade syrup is fine.

To get the frothy, creamy consistency of the Starbucks vanilla latte, beat the warm vanilla milk until it foams up. To froth the milk, you can use a handheld mixer or an immersion blender. Although this step is optional, it is necessary, for you to get that Starbucks latte consistency.

To prepare the espresso shots, use ½ cup of your preferred milk and ¾ cup of strongly brewed coffee (Starbucks recommends their Pike Place Roast Whole Bean Coffees or their Single Origin Colombia by Nespresso). This is if you don’t have an espresso machine. Alternatively, you can prepare the espresso with an Aeropress.

Finally, to serve, pour the milk and one shot of espresso (1fl oz.) into a mug and enjoy. If you prefer, you can top your latte with vanilla whipped cream.

How to order a vanilla latte at Starbucks

To order the vanilla latte at Starbucks, request your barista for a “Caffé Latte” with vanilla syrup. Specify the beverage size you’d like, your preferred milk, the number of vanilla syrup pumps and the number of espressos you want. Let the barista know if you’d like your latte garnished with whipped cream. Generally, the number of vanilla syrup pumps used in the Starbucks vanilla latte is; 2 in a short, 3 in a tall, 4 in a grande and 5 in a venti size.

FAQ Section

What coffee is in a vanilla latte at Starbucks?

The coffee used in the Starbucks vanilla latte is the brewed Starbucks Signature espresso shots. Although, Starbucks has an alternative for the customers that find the signature espresso shots too bitter. Their blonde espresso is less bitter and sweeter compared to the Signature espresso and the customers can get it in the Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte.

How many shots are in a Starbucks vanilla latte?

The number of espresso shots in the Starbucks vanilla latte depends on the size of the latte and the customer’s preference. However, according to the company’s standard recipe, the number of espresso shots is 1 in a short (8fl oz.) and a tall (12fl oz.), 2 in a grande (16fl oz.) and a venti (20fl oz.).

One shot of the Starbucks Signature espresso has 75mg of caffeine, therefore the short and tall Starbucks vanilla latte have 75mg of caffeine, while the grande and the venti Starbucks vanilla latte have 150mg of caffeine.

How much sugar is in a Starbucks vanilla latte?

The amount of sugar in the Starbucks vanilla latte varies depending on the size of the latte and the customizations made in the latte. However, the vanilla latte at Starbucks typically has about 17g of sugar in the short size (8fl oz.), about 27g of sugar in the tall size (12fl oz.), around 35g of sugar in the grande size (16fl oz.) and approximately 44g of sugar in the venti size (20fl oz.).

One pump of the Starbucks vanilla syrup has about 5g of sugar, therefore, the more vanilla syrup pumps used, the more the sugar in the latte. Also, remember that whipped cream adds more sugar to the Starbucks vanilla latte, should you choose to have your latte garnished with it.