Espresso Con Panna: Rich & Decadent
$3.75 -30 Calories
$4.05 – 35 Calories
$4.35 – 40 Calories
$4.55 – 45 Calories
The Starbucks Espresso Con Panna is a classic Italian espresso drink featuring freshly pulled Signature Espresso shots topped with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. “Con panna” means “with cream” in Italian. Available in Solo through Quad sizes starting at $3.75, the Espresso Con Panna adds a touch of creamy indulgence to the intensity of straight espresso, making it the perfect middle ground between a pure Espresso Macchiato and a full latte in 2026.

Starbucks Espresso Con Panna Quick Facts (2026)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Drink Type | Espresso + whipped cream |
| Espresso Roast | Signature Espresso Roast |
| Sweetener | None (whipped cream has vanilla) |
| Topping | Sweetened whipped cream dollop |
| Available Iced? | No |
| Sizes | Solo, Doppio, Triple, Quad |
| Caffeine (Doppio) | 150 mg |
| Calories (Doppio) | 35 calories |
What Is a Starbucks Espresso Con Panna?
“Espresso Con Panna” translates literally to “espresso with cream” in Italian. At Starbucks, it is one or more shots of Signature Espresso topped with a generous dollop of sweetened whipped cream. Unlike the Espresso Macchiato, which uses a tiny dot of steamed milk foam, the Con Panna uses rich, sweetened whipped cream that slowly melts into the hot espresso as you drink it.
The result is a drink that evolves with every sip: the first sip is mostly sweet, cold cream; the middle sips are a blend of melted cream and bold espresso; and the final sips are pure, concentrated espresso. This layered experience makes the Espresso Con Panna one of the most interesting and satisfying small drinks at Starbucks — a miniature dessert that takes less than two minutes to enjoy.
Starbucks Espresso Con Panna Price 2026 (All Sizes)
| Size | Fluid Ounces | Espresso Shots | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | 0.75 fl oz | 1 | $3.75 |
| Doppio | 1.5 fl oz | 2 | $4.05 |
| Triple | 2.25 fl oz | 3 | $4.35 |
| Quad | 3 fl oz | 4 | $4.55 |
Note: The Espresso Con Panna costs about $0.40 to $0.60 more than the Espresso Macchiato across all sizes, reflecting the included whipped cream. It remains one of the most affordable espresso drinks at Starbucks.
What Affects Espresso Con Panna Prices?
The base price includes the espresso and whipped cream. Additional costs come from switching to Blonde Espresso (free), adding a flavored syrup ($0.70), or extra shots. Location is the main price variable — airport and licensed stores charge $0.50 to $1.00 more. This is already a minimal drink, so customization costs are typically low.
Starbucks Espresso Con Panna Calories by Size
| Size | Shots | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | 1 | 30 cal |
| Doppio | 2 | 35 cal |
| Triple | 3 | 40 cal |
| Quad | 4 | 45 cal |
The Espresso Con Panna is extremely low in calories despite the whipped cream — the dollop of cream adds only about 20 to 25 calories to the nearly-zero-calorie espresso. A Doppio Con Panna at 35 calories is dramatically lighter than even the smallest latte (130+ calories). For comparison, a Cortado has 90 calories and a plain Caffè Latte starts at 130.
Starbucks Espresso Con Panna Nutrition Facts (Doppio)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35 |
| Total Fat | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Total Carbs | 2 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Caffeine | 150 mg |
With only 1 gram of sugar, 2 grams of fat, and 35 total calories, the Espresso Con Panna is one of the most nutritionally efficient ways to get an indulgent coffee experience at Starbucks. The whipped cream adds a touch of sweetness and richness without the calorie load of a full latte.
Starbucks Espresso Con Panna Caffeine Content
| Size | Espresso Shots | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | 1 | 75 mg |
| Doppio | 2 | 150 mg |
| Triple | 3 | 225 mg |
| Quad | 4 | 300 mg |
Caffeine scales at 75 mg per shot, identical to the Espresso Macchiato. The whipped cream adds zero caffeine. A Quad delivers 300 mg — an intense caffeine boost in a tiny cup. Switch to Blonde Espresso for approximately 85 mg per shot if you want a lighter taste with slightly more caffeine.
Starbucks Espresso Con Panna Ingredients
Core Ingredients
- Espresso: Starbucks Signature Espresso Roast — dark, rich, caramelly shots pulled fresh to order
- Whipped Cream: Sweetened whipped cream made from heavy cream and vanilla syrup — a generous dollop placed directly on top of the espresso
The simplicity is the appeal. Two ingredients, one tiny cup, and an evolving flavor experience as the cold cream melts into the hot espresso. The whipped cream at Starbucks is house-made with heavy cream and a touch of vanilla, giving it a sweet, slightly vanilla-infused character that complements the dark espresso.
Starbucks Espresso Con Panna Allergen Information
The Espresso Con Panna contains milk from the whipped cream (heavy cream is dairy). If you have a dairy allergy, you can request plant-based whipped cream where available, or ask for a dollop of coconut cream. The espresso itself is allergen-free.
Starbucks Espresso Con Panna Flavor Profile and Taste Review
The Espresso Con Panna delivers a unique layered experience that no other Starbucks drink can replicate. The whipped cream sits on top of the espresso, creating three distinct flavor phases: the initial sip is cool, sweet whipped cream; the middle sips blend melting cream with bold, hot espresso — creating a rich, almost dessert-like harmony; and the final sips are pure concentrated espresso. The sweetness from the whipped cream softens the espresso’s intensity without diluting it the way milk does.
Who Will Love the Espresso Con Panna
- Espresso fans who want a touch of indulgence
- People who enjoy affogato-style experiences (cream + espresso)
- Budget-conscious drinkers who want a cheap treat ($3.75 to start)
- Calorie-watchers who crave something sweet (just 30-45 cal)
- Italian coffee culture enthusiasts
Who Might Not Like It
- People who want a large, long-lasting drink
- Anyone who dislikes strong, concentrated espresso
- Strict dairy-free customers (whipped cream contains heavy cream)
Is Starbucks Espresso Con Panna Worth It in 2026?
At $3.75 to $4.55, the Espresso Con Panna is one of the best values at Starbucks for espresso lovers. You get premium espresso plus whipped cream for less than most Tall lattes. The calorie count is minimal (30-45), the caffeine is strong (75-300 mg), and the flavor experience is genuinely unique. Compared to the Espresso Macchiato ($3.15-$4.65), you pay a small premium for the upgrade from a foam dot to rich whipped cream — and many customers find that premium well worth it.
Espresso Con Panna vs Espresso Macchiato vs Cortado
| Feature | Espresso Con Panna | Espresso Macchiato | Cortado |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topping/Milk | Whipped cream | Foam dot | Equal steamed milk |
| Sweetness | Slightly sweet (from cream) | None | None |
| Volume | 0.75-3 fl oz | 0.8-3.1 fl oz | 8 fl oz |
| Calories (comparable) | 35 (Doppio) | 15 (Doppio) | 90 |
| Price | $3.75-$4.55 | $3.15-$4.65 | $5.25 |
| Experience | Layered cream-to-espresso | Pure espresso | Balanced espresso-milk |
Espresso Con Panna vs Espresso Macchiato
The Espresso Macchiato is the purest espresso drink — just shots plus a tiny foam dot. The Con Panna adds sweetened whipped cream, which introduces sweetness, richness, and a layered drinking experience. Choose the Macchiato for pure espresso intensity; choose the Con Panna for a touch of indulgence without committing to a full latte.
Espresso Con Panna vs Cortado
The Cortado has significantly more milk in a larger 8-ounce cup. The Con Panna is a tiny espresso drink with just a cream topping — much smaller, more concentrated, and more espresso-forward. If you want a quick, intense experience, choose the Con Panna. If you want something to sip over 10 minutes, choose the Cortado.
How to Order a Starbucks Espresso Con Panna (2026)
Standard In-Store Order
Say: “I’d like a [size] Espresso Con Panna.” Use the Italian sizes: Solo, Doppio, Triple, or Quad. The name literally translates to “espresso with cream” — if the barista is unfamiliar, you can say “espresso with a dollop of whipped cream.”
Mobile App Ordering
Search “Espresso Con Panna” in the Starbucks app. Select your shot count and customize the espresso type if desired. The app correctly handles the Solo/Doppio/Triple/Quad sizing.
Best Espresso Con Panna Customizations (2026)
Blonde Espresso Con Panna (Smoother)
Switch to Blonde Espresso for a smoother, sweeter, more citrusy base. The Blonde Roast’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the vanilla whipped cream, creating an even more dessert-like experience — all for free.
Caramel Con Panna (Mini Caramel Treat)
Ask for caramel drizzle on top of the whipped cream for a mini caramel espresso treat. The caramel adds about 10 calories and creates a visual and flavor addition that transforms the simple Con Panna into something special.
Ristretto Con Panna (Sweetest Version)
Ask for ristretto shots for the sweetest, most concentrated espresso possible. Ristretto shots extract only the sweetest part of the coffee, complementing the whipped cream perfectly.
Is Starbucks Espresso Con Panna Healthy?
Pros
- Extremely low calories (30-45 cal)
- Only 1 gram of sugar
- Strong caffeine (75-300 mg)
- Satisfies a sweet craving with minimal caloric impact
Cons
- Contains dairy from whipped cream
- Very small volume — may not feel satisfying alone
- High caffeine concentration per ounce
Best Food Pairings with Espresso Con Panna
The Espresso Con Panna is traditionally enjoyed as a small after-meal treat or alongside a pastry. A Butter Croissant from the Starbucks Bakery is the classic Italian-style pairing. A chocolate brownie or biscotti works beautifully with the sweet cream and bold espresso combination. For breakfast, pair a Doppio Con Panna with Bacon & Gruyère Egg Bites for a satisfying low-calorie morning combo under 200 calories total.
How to Make a Starbucks Espresso Con Panna at Home
DIY Recipe
- Pull 1 to 2 shots of espresso into a small espresso cup or demitasse
- Whip heavy cream with a tiny amount of vanilla extract and sugar until it forms soft peaks
- Spoon a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of the hot espresso
- Drink immediately — the experience of the cream melting into the espresso is the whole point
A homemade Espresso Con Panna costs about $0.30 per serving. The key is using properly sweetened whipped cream (not unsweetened) to replicate the Starbucks version’s subtle vanilla sweetness.
Customer Favorites and Popular Feedback
The Espresso Con Panna is a hidden gem at Starbucks — less well-known than the Macchiato or Cortado but beloved by those who discover it. Fans describe it as “the perfect mini dessert” and “the most underrated drink at Starbucks.” Many customers order it as a quick afternoon pick-me-up or a post-meal treat. The most common praise is the layered flavor experience as the cream melts. The most common criticism is the small size, but regular Con Panna drinkers view that as a feature, not a bug.
How to Save Money on Espresso Con Panna
- It is already affordable: Starting at $3.75, it is one of the cheapest espresso drinks
- Join Starbucks Rewards: Redeem at 150 Stars for free
- No add-ons needed: The drink is complete as-is
- Make it at home: About $0.30 per serving with an espresso machine
Frequently Asked Questions About Starbucks Espresso Con Panna
How much is a Starbucks Espresso Con Panna in 2026?
A Solo costs $3.75, a Doppio costs $4.05, a Triple costs $4.35, and a Quad costs $4.55 at most U.S. locations.
What does “con panna” mean?
“Con panna” is Italian for “with cream.” An Espresso Con Panna is espresso topped with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream.
How many calories are in an Espresso Con Panna?
A Solo has 30 calories, a Doppio has 35, a Triple has 40, and a Quad has 45. It is one of the lowest-calorie sweet treats at Starbucks.
What is the difference between Espresso Con Panna and Espresso Macchiato?
The Espresso Macchiato uses a tiny dot of steamed milk foam. The Con Panna uses sweetened whipped cream, which adds more sweetness, richness, and a layered drinking experience.
How much caffeine is in an Espresso Con Panna?
Each shot has 75 mg: Solo = 75 mg, Doppio = 150 mg, Triple = 225 mg, Quad = 300 mg.
Can you get it iced?
The Espresso Con Panna is not available iced on the standard menu. For a cold espresso with cream, try an Iced Espresso with whipped cream.
Is the Espresso Con Panna available all year?
Yes, it is a permanent menu item at all U.S. Starbucks locations year-round.
Final Verdict: Is the Starbucks Espresso Con Panna Worth It?
The Starbucks Espresso Con Panna is a delightful, affordable, and underrated espresso drink. At $3.75 to $4.55 with only 30 to 45 calories, it delivers a unique layered experience of sweet whipped cream melting into bold espresso. It is perfect as a quick treat, an after-meal dessert replacement, or an afternoon pick-me-up. If you love espresso and have never tried the Con Panna, it is one of the best-kept secrets on the Starbucks menu. Compare it with the Espresso Macchiato for a pure espresso experience, or the Cortado for a larger milk-balanced option.






