Latte Macchiato Caffeine Content – How Much Caffeine?

This article is entirely focused on one thing only, the latte macchiato caffeine content. In this article I will in a factual manner present the amount of caffeine that is in this coffee beverage from the three main outlets as a guideline for how much to expect from another coffee shop.

Keep reading to find out how much caffeine is in a latte macchiato.

Latte Macchiato Caffeine Content

The best way to detail the amount of caffeine in a latte macchiato is to present a table of the different drink sizes available and then different and popular coffee outlets.

A dash in the box means the drink size is not available.

Read: Café macchiato recipe

* At Dunkin’ Donuts a Macchiato Served Is A Latte Macchiato. 

** McDonald’s Caramel Macchiato is similar to a Latte Macchiato and contains a similar amount of caffeine. The only difference is the coffee syrup used to flavor it.

It is clear to see that a Dunkin’ Donuts Latte Macchiato 20 Oz size has the most caffeine at 371 mg with Starbucks Short 8 Oz (240 ml) and their tall 12 Oz (360 ml) having the last amount of caffeine.

The similar amounts of caffeine in the various sizes of drinks at Starbucks suggest that the same amount of coffee is used to make an 8 Oz (240 ml) and 12 Oz (360 ml) because more coffee equals more caffeine. 

That is a hard undisputable fact. It is likely that the drinks have more milk and more milk foam in the different sizes and not more coffee and thus will have a creamier, more milky taste. 

It appears that Starbucks is the only coffee shop that may do this. This is 100% speculation, and is based on my own opinion as a coffee enthusiast, expert and coffee lover. It is what it looks like and certainly may not be the case. 

(and I need to use language to cover my rear end legally and not get sued!). 

Read: Are macchiatos hot or cold? 

Why The Variation In The Amount Of Caffeine In A Latte Macchiato From Different Outlets?

This is much easier to explain. Much easier.

What influences the caffeine content in a coffee drink is, amongst other things, the coffee beans and roast used. Simply put, the other companies are using different coffee beans.

This perfectly explains why, for the same size of coffee drink, for the same coffee ordered, some coffee shops have differing amounts of caffeine in their drinks.

Also worthy of note is that different roasts also affect the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Latte Macchiato Caffeine Content

Does A Latte Or Macchiato Have More Caffeine?

A latte has more caffeine than a macchiato as it is 80 mg of caffeine Vs 150 mg respectively. The stronger coffee flavor comes from the macchiato due to being a stronger, bolder coffee drink in terms of flavor.

Does Macchiato Have The Most Caffeine?

 No, a macchiato does not have more caffeine as it has 80 milligrams of caffeine whereas there are many other coffee drinks that have more, much more caffeine. A latte for example can have as much as 150 mg of caffeine, a percolator coffee has 200 mg and a cold brew slightly more, and thus it is pretty clear that a macchiato does not have the most caffeine.

Worthy of note is a Macchiato does have more caffeine than a single shot of espresso but not by much – it’s 75 mg of caffeine vs 80 mg of caffeine.

Which Is Healthier Macchiato Or Latte?

A latte has more milk, a higher fat and protein content and is also the highest in calories, while a macchiato has only a tiny splash of milk and is lower in fat, calories and protein than a latte. It is in my opinion that a macchiato is healthier.

Read: What is a macchiato?

Is A Latte A Macchiato Coffee?

No, a latte is not a macchiato coffee. A latte and a macchiato are two distinct and different drinks.  A latte is a coffee that is made with a single or double shot of espresso and steamed milk. twice as much steamed milk is added and then topped with a thin layer of milk foam.

A macchiato is a shot of espresso with only a dash of milk and a little bit of foam added on top.

There is a drink that is a combination of the two, a latte macchiato. This coffee beverage is a macchiato with a lot more milk and is what is typically served at Starbucks when you request a macchiato.

Are Latte Macchiatos Good For You?

Yes, I’d consider a latte macchiato to be good for you, or at least better than other coffee drinks since it has only a small amount of milk and a little bit of milk foam used to make them.

Like all coffee drinks, they have a host of nutrients like niacin, magnesium, riboflavin, potassium and various phenolic compounds and antioxidants.

You can of course make the drink healthier by changing the type of milk in the drink to soy milk or another plant or nut based milk.

Is There More Caffeine In Latte Or Macchiato?

Generally speaking, a latte has more caffeine than a macchiato as, based on my own personal experience as a barista, most coffee shops serve a double shot of espresso in their lattes while a macchiato is a single shot of espresso.

Is Macchiato The Strongest Coffee?

No, while a macchiato is a very strong tasting coffee drink it is not the strongest. By far, the strongest tasting coffee and the strongest in terms of caffeine per fluid ounce is a ristretto. A ristretto is a smaller and stronger tasting espresso that is made with a more focused coffee to water ratio of 1:1.

Which Coffee Is Easiest To Drink?

The easiest coffee to drink is by far a mocha. It’s a coffee with milk and chocolate. The smooth, rich taste makes it easy to drink.

Final Thoughts – Latte Macchiato Caffeine Content

Now that you know a lot more about a latte and a latte macchiato caffeine content, you know which one and which size you can select to keep you within the recommended daily limit of 400 mg of caffeine per day. 

Join our online coffee community on Facebook/Meta and let us know what Latte Macchiato you tried and where, or did you make it at home?

Who served the best one? Did the larger sized ones at Starbucks taste oddly milky when compared to the smaller sized ones with the same caffeine content?

Derek Marshall

Derek Marshall, a certified barista by the Specialty Coffee Association possesses over two decades of experience in specialty coffee shops. He holds professional certifications for coffee brewing and barista skills. Derek is also an author with authoritative books covering various coffee topics including specialty coffee, sustainability and coffee, coffee brewing, coffee recipes, coffee cocktails and books focusing on Brazilian coffee, Vietnamese coffee, Indonesian coffee and Malaysian coffee. As a barista for over two decades, Derek Marshall has worked in specialty coffee shops across the United Kingdom, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. His expertise extends to the distinct coffee cultures, specialty beverages, and brewing techniques of each nation. Functioning as a coffee consultant, Derek charges US$50 per hour. To learn more about Derek Marshall and Latte Love Brew, visit his About Me Page. For coffee inquiries, contact him at +34-639-410-375 or Derek@LatteLoveBrew.com, mentioning your name and location