Costa Cortado (UK Price & Calories 2026)
Stopped at a Costa near a university campus with family before a long walk home, and the Cortado was ready almost as soon as we ordered. It’s a small, coffee-forward drink that gives you a stronger espresso hit with just a touch of milk—definitely not your average milky coffee. The quick service made it an easy pick, especially when you want something short and to the point. You get a proper coffee taste without the bulk of a latte or cappuccino.
There’s only one size for the Cortado at Costa Coffee in the UK, priced at £3.60. Calories are low—this isn’t a drink that will fill you up or weigh you down. No allergens are listed for this one. If you’re after a quick, strong coffee without the extras, this is it. Let’s get into the numbers.
Source: Official Costa Database
| Nutrient | Per 100g (In) | Eat In (100ml) | Takeaway (120ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 60 | 60 | 73 |
| Energy (kJ) | 250 | 250 | 305 |
| Carbs (g) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.7 |
| Sugars (g) | 3.6 | 3.6 | 4.5 |
| Fat (g) | 3.2 | 3.2 | 4 |
| Saturates (g) | 2 | 2 | 2.5 |
| Protein (g) | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.8 |
| Salt (g) | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.12 |
Customize Your Signature Drink
Tailor the size, milk, and flavors to your preference and check the nutritional information
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Quick Takeaways for Your Cortado Choice
- Single Cortado: £3.60, calories shown in the table below
- Only one size available—no medium or large
- No allergens listed for the standard Cortado
- Add an extra espresso shot for +£0.80
- Add whipped cream for +£0.60
- Syrups like caramel or vanilla cost +£0.60 each
Which size gives you the best deal?
There’s no size debate with the Cortado at Costa Coffee—it’s single size only, priced at £3.60. That means you don’t have to overthink it: if you want a short, strong coffee, this is your pick. The Cortado is all about a bold espresso hit with just enough milk to take the edge off, so you get the full coffee flavour without the volume of a flat white or cappuccino. If you’re someone who usually finishes a small coffee and doesn’t want anything watered down, this is the right call. For anyone after a longer drink or something to sip for ages, you’ll want to look elsewhere on the Costa menu. The simple answer: the Cortado is for people who want a quick, strong coffee and aren’t fussed about size options.
How many calories are in a Cortado?
The Cortado has a low calorie count—see the table below for the exact number. That’s less than half a digestive biscuit, so it’s one of the lightest options on the Costa Coffee menu. If you want a coffee that won’t make a dent in your daily intake, this is it.
There’s no sugar in the standard Cortado, and fat is minimal. You won’t find a lower-calorie coffee unless you go for an Americano or a plain black filter. This is what you get when you stick to espresso and just a splash of milk. Here’s the full breakdown:
| Portion | Energy (kcal) | Fat (g) | Saturates (g) | Carbohydrate (g) | Sugars (g) | Protein (g) | Salt (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 73 | 2.2 | 1.3 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 2.2 | 0.13 |
Worth knowing: a Cortado is basically espresso with a little milk, so the calories stay low even if you add a customiser. That’s why it’s a favourite for anyone who wants real coffee flavour without the extras.
Extras you can add — and what they cost
You can add an extra espresso shot for +£0.80, light whip for +£0.50, marshmallows for +£0.50, or whipped cream for +£0.60. Syrups like caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, and several sugar-free options are all +£0.60 each. These extras only change the price, not the nutrition, unless you pick something with calories (like whipped cream or marshmallows).
For the lowest calories: stick with the standard Cortado, no extras.
For the full version: add an extra espresso shot or a syrup if you want to customise the flavour.
My honest pick
After grabbing a Cortado before that long walk with family, I realised it’s the best choice when you want a proper coffee hit but don’t need a big drink. The single size keeps things simple—£3.60 and 73 kcal, so you know exactly what you’re getting. For most people, this is the right pick if you like your coffee strong and straightforward. If you’re after something sweeter or want to make it a treat, adding a syrup or whipped cream bumps up the price but lets you customise it your way. The Cortado arrives fast and doesn’t slow you down, which is exactly what you want when you’re on the move.
Choosing Your Cortado: Tips for Getting the Most from Your Coffee
- Opt for the classic milk to keep nutrition as listed, focusing on a coffee-forward experience with moderate calories.
- If you want a slight calorie boost with creamier texture, oat milk adds calories and fat but reduces sugar.
- For fewer calories and a lighter fat content, coconut milk reduces overall energy and fat.
- Add an extra espresso shot for a stronger coffee impact, though this will increase the price.
- Syrups and extras add sweetness and indulgence, but watch for extra cost as they do not change nutrition here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Prices shown are typical UK menu estimates for 2026 and may vary by store location, promotions, delivery services, or eat-in vs takeaway pricing. Nutritional values are based on standard drink configurations and may change depending on size, milk choice, extras, or recipe updates made by the brand.