Caramel Macchiato
Caffeine
150 mg
Note: Caffeine amounts are based on Starbucks’ standard recipe for a Grande (16 fl oz) Caramel Macchiato. Actual values may vary slightly by location, preparation, and choice of espresso roast (Blonde espresso has slightly more caffeine). Flavored variations (e.g., iced versions) contain the same caffeine but may differ in calories and sugar due to size and added syrups.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Level | Moderate |
| Serving Size | 16 fl oz |
| Serving Size (ml) | 473 ml |
| Caffeine | 150 mg |
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Sugar | 33 g |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 9 mg/fl oz |
The caramel macchiato is one of Starbucks’ most popular espresso-based drinks, blending smooth milk, vanilla syrup, bold espresso, and a drizzle of caramel. While it’s known for its sweet flavor, many coffee lovers also wonder how much caffeine it delivers.
What Is a Caramel Macchiato?
A caramel macchiato is a layered espresso beverage that has been on the Starbucks menu since 1996. Unlike a traditional macchiato, which is mostly espresso with a small “mark” of milk, the caramel macchiato is sweeter and milkier.
- Base – Steamed milk with a touch of vanilla syrup
- Espresso – Poured on top of the milk, creating a layered effect
- Caramel Drizzle – Finished with a crosshatch caramel topping
- Hot or Iced – Available in both versions year-round
This drink is designed to balance espresso strength with creamy sweetness, making it approachable for those who don’t usually drink straight coffee.
Caffeine Content by Size (Short, Tall, Grande, Venti)
The caffeine in a caramel macchiato depends on the size you order. Starbucks uses the same number of espresso shots for some sizes, which explains why caffeine doesn’t always scale up.
- Short (8 fl oz) – 75 mg caffeine
- Tall (12 fl oz) – 75 mg caffeine
- Grande (16 fl oz) – 150 mg caffeine
- Venti Hot (20 fl oz) – 150 mg caffeine
- Venti Iced (24 fl oz) – 225 mg caffeine
This means the iced venti version packs the biggest punch, thanks to an extra shot of espresso.
Hot vs. Iced Caramel Macchiato: Does Caffeine Differ?
At first glance, hot and iced caramel macchiatos may seem identical in caffeine, but there’s a key difference.
- Hot Short/Tall – 1 espresso shot (75 mg)
- Hot Grande/Venti – 2 espresso shots (150 mg)
- Iced Grande – 2 espresso shots (150 mg)
- Iced Venti – 3 espresso shots (225 mg)
The iced venti stands out because it contains an additional shot, making it stronger than the hot venti.
How Caramel Macchiato Compares to Other Starbucks Drinks
If you’re deciding between drinks, it helps to know how the caramel macchiato stacks up against other favorites.
- Caramel Macchiato (Grande, 16 oz) – 150 mg
- Caffè Latte (Grande, 16 oz) – 150 mg
- Cappuccino (Grande, 16 oz) – 150 mg
- Cold Brew (Grande, 16 oz) – ~205 mg
- Nitro Cold Brew (Grande, 16 oz) – ~280 mg
Compared to cold brew options, the caramel macchiato is moderate in caffeine, but it’s on par with other espresso-milk drinks.
Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels in a Caramel Macchiato
While Starbucks recipes are standardized, a few factors can affect caffeine strength.
- Espresso Roast – Blonde espresso has slightly more caffeine than the standard dark roast.
- Extra Shots – Adding an extra shot increases caffeine by 75 mg.
- Milk Choice – Doesn’t affect caffeine, but changes calorie and sugar content.
- Customization – Ordering “Upside Down” (espresso first, then milk) doesn’t change caffeine, only flavor balance.
These adjustments let you tailor the drink to your taste and energy needs.
Decaf and Customization Options for Lower Caffeine
Not everyone wants the full caffeine hit, and Starbucks offers ways to reduce it.
- Decaf Espresso – Reduces caffeine to 3–15 mg per shot
- Half-Caff – A mix of regular and decaf shots for a lighter boost
- Smaller Sizes – Choosing a short or tall keeps caffeine at 75 mg
- Alternative Drinks – A caramel latte or crème-based Frappuccino offers sweetness with less caffeine
These options make it easy to enjoy the caramel macchiato flavor without overdoing caffeine.