Starbucks Macchiato Menu With Prices
Starbucks sells two completely different drinks under the macchiato name, and this 2026 menu covers both with prices and calories: the traditional Espresso Macchiato (a shot marked with foam, under $4) and the famous Caramel Macchiato (vanilla milk marked with espresso and caramel drizzle, from $4.95). Knowing which one you mean saves an awkward counter moment.
The Caramel Macchiato is one of the five most ordered drinks at Starbucks with about 250 calories and 150 mg of caffeine in a Grande, while the Espresso Macchiato is the espresso purist’s order at 15 calories. Both take free milk swaps and decaf shots.
Macchiato
The Espresso Macchiato is one or two shots “marked” with a spoonful of foam, the Italian original. The Caramel Macchiato inverts it: vanilla-infused steamed milk marked with shots poured through the foam, finished with caramel crosshatch. The iced version lives on the cold coffee menu.
Espresso Macchiato
$3.15 -10 Calories
$3.65 – 15 Calories
$4.15 – 20 Calories
$4.65 – 25 Calories
Caramel Macchiato
$4.85 -120 Calories
$4.95 – 190 Calories
$5.65 – 250 Calories
$5.95 – 310 Calories
Starbucks Macchiato Prices (2026)
| Drink | Size | Price | Calories | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso Macchiato (solo) | Short | $3.45 | 10 | 75 mg |
| Espresso Macchiato (doppio) | Short | $3.95 | 15 | 150 mg |
| Caramel Macchiato | Tall | $4.95 | 190 | 75 mg |
| Caramel Macchiato | Grande | $5.45 | 250 | 150 mg |
| Caramel Macchiato | Venti | $5.95 | 310 | 150 mg |
The Caramel Macchiato Venti hot carries the same two shots as the Grande; ask for an extra shot ($1.25) if you size up for strength rather than volume.
Why the Layers Matter
A Caramel Macchiato is built upside down on purpose: vanilla syrup first, steamed milk, foam, THEN the shots poured through, so the espresso stays concentrated at the top and the drink sweetens as you go. Stir it and you just have a vanilla latte with caramel. Sip it unstirred and you get three different drinks in one cup, which is the entire point and why regulars order it “upside down” (pre-mixed) only when they know they prefer it that way.
Best Macchiato Customizations
- Upside down: built like a latte, pre-mixed, sweeter first sip
- Extra caramel drizzle is about $0.80 and mostly free if you ask nicely
- Sugar-free vanilla swap drops roughly 20 g of sugar in a Grande
- Nondairy milks swap free; the foam layer works best with oatmilk
- The Espresso Macchiato takes any syrup for a tiny flavored espresso at under $4.50
FAQs About Starbucks Macchiatos
What is the difference between the two macchiatos?
The Espresso Macchiato is 95 percent espresso with a foam dollop; the Caramel Macchiato is 90 percent flavored milk with espresso on top. Same name, opposite drinks.
How much caffeine is in a Caramel Macchiato?
75 mg in a Tall (one shot), 150 mg in Grande and Venti hot (two shots). The iced Venti gets three shots at about 225 mg.
How many calories in a Grande Caramel Macchiato?
About 250 with 2% milk. Nonfat drops it to 200; sugar-free vanilla takes another 60 off the top.
Should I stir a Caramel Macchiato?
Traditionally no; the layered fade from strong to sweet is the design. If you want it uniform, order it upside down instead of stirring at the counter.
Is the Espresso Macchiato just an espresso with milk?
Almost: it is espresso with a single spoonful of foam, no steamed milk body. It is for people who want the shot slightly softened, not diluted.
Which is cheaper, a macchiato or a latte?
The Espresso Macchiato is the cheapest milk-touched espresso drink at about $3.45. The Caramel Macchiato costs about 50 cents more than a same-size latte because of the syrup and drizzle.
What is the difference between an Espresso Macchiato and a Caramel Macchiato?
An Espresso Macchiato is a small, concentrated 2–3 oz drink consisting of bold espresso with just a small “mark” (dollop) of steamed milk foam on top — simple, intense, and espresso-forward. In contrast, a Caramel Macchiato is a larger, latte-style beverage made with vanilla syrup, plenty of steamed milk, and a caramel drizzle or “mark” poured on top, creating a sweeter, creamier, layered experience.
Can I get the Ube Macchiato hot?
Yes, although the Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato is designed to highlight its stunning purple layers when cold, baristas can prepare a hot version by steaming ube syrup directly into coconut milk. Keep in mind that the hot preparation will not preserve the dramatic “purple foam” visual effect that makes the iced version so popular on social media.
Is the Caramel Macchiato “healthier” in 2026?
Yes, it can be significantly lighter in 2026. By choosing Sugar-Free Caramel syrup and either Almond Milk (~170 calories in a grande) or Non-fat Milk (~180 calories in a grande), you reduce calories and sugar compared to the classic version. Opting for the new sugar-free caramel drizzle cuts sugar content by nearly 40% while keeping the signature flavor.
Why is the espresso poured last in a Macchiato?
Unlike a latte, where espresso is poured first and then milk is added, a Macchiato is built by pouring the espresso shots last — directly through the steamed milk and foam. This technique creates a “gradual” flavor progression: you taste the bold, intense espresso first, followed by the creamy, sweetened milk, resulting in a more defined and layered drinking experience.
The Bottom Line
Order the Espresso Macchiato when you want coffee, the Caramel Macchiato when you want an experience, and never feel bad about either. The upside-down trick and sugar-free swap keep the famous one honest. Explore the rest of the espresso board on the Hot Coffee menu and Latte menu.
