Which Iced Coffees Have the Most Calories?

If you’re trying to watch your calorie intake but love a cold coffee in summer, here’s something to think about: some of the most popular iced coffee drinks contain more calories than a full meal. In fact, certain iced coffees can have as many as 561 calories — nearly a quarter of a woman’s daily energy requirement or roughly the same as a small dinner.

The iced coffee with the highest calories? That would be Starbucks’ limited-edition Blackberry Mocha Frappuccino (large), coming in at 561 calories. Most other iced coffees range from 200 to over 450 calories depending on ingredients.

What the WCRF Found About Iced Coffee Calories

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) conducted a study revealing that many iced coffee drinks popular in summer are unexpectedly high in calories. According to data cited by the BBC, the majority of iced coffees contain more than 200 calories, with several exceeding 450 calories. The main culprits behind the high calorie counts? Added sugar, full-fat milk, and cream.

The Worst Offenders: Popular High-Calorie Iced Coffees

Among the worst examples is Starbucks’ large Blackberry Mocha Frappuccino, which delivers 561 calories. Even without whipped cream, it still contains 457 calories. Another high-calorie option comes from European chain Caffe Nero: their skimmed (non-fat) Mocha Iced Latte weighs in at 452 calories — showing that choosing skim milk doesn’t always guarantee a low-calorie drink.

How to Choose a Lower-Calorie Iced Coffee

WCRF’s scientific director, Dr. Thompson, advises that if you’re watching your calorie intake, your best bet is to opt for an iced coffee made with skimmed or low-fat milk, and skip the sugar, cream, and flavoured syrups. These add-ins — especially sweet fruit syrups and whipped cream — can significantly increase the calorie count of an otherwise simple coffee drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which iced coffee has the highest calories according to the WCRF?

The Starbucks Blackberry Mocha Frappuccino (large) has the highest recorded calories at 561, which is roughly 25% of a woman’s recommended daily intake. Without cream, it still contains 457 calories.

Are skim milk iced coffees always low in calories?

No. The Caffe Nero skimmed Mocha Iced Latte contains 452 calories despite using non-fat milk, proving that skim milk alone doesn't ensure a low-calorie drink.

What ingredients add the most calories to iced coffee?

Sugar, full-fat milk, cream, and sweet flavour syrups — especially fruit-based ones — are the main contributors to high calorie counts in iced coffee drinks.

Does Starbucks offer lower-calorie iced coffee options?

The article does not specify lower-calorie Starbucks options, but WCRF recommends choosing unsweetened coffee with skim or low-fat milk and avoiding whipped cream and syrups to reduce calories.

How many calories are in a typical iced coffee?

Most iced coffees contain over 200 calories, with many exceeding 450 calories depending on size, milk type, and added flavours or cream.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Iced Coffee

For iced coffee brewing, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe or Colombia Huila — both shine when brewed cold. The Ethiopia Yirgacheffe offers bright lemon, jasmine, and stone fruit notes, while the Colombia Huila delivers sweet caramel, dark chocolate, and mild citrus. Both beans work well for cold brew or iced pour-over, highlighting clarity and balance. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.