Costa Coffee has built its reputation as one of the UK’s most beloved coffee chains, serving millions of customers with their signature slow-roasted beans and expertly crafted beverages. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast seeking your next favorite drink or a health-conscious consumer wanting detailed nutritional information, understanding Costa’s extensive menu can enhance your coffee experience.
Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks
Costa’s espresso-based drinks form the foundation of their menu, each crafted with their signature Mocha Italia blend. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their most popular options:
Classic Espresso Drinks
Drink | Price | Calories | Key Features |
Espresso | £1.95 | 6 kcal | Pure coffee intensity in a single shot |
Americano | £3.80 | 12 kcal | Espresso diluted with hot water |
Latte | £4.40 | 96 kcal | Smooth espresso with steamed milk and thin foam layer |
Cappuccino | £4.40 | 123 kcal | Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick foam |
Flat White | £4.35 | 135 kcal | Double espresso with velvety microfoam |
Flat Black | £4.35 | 11 kcal | Double espresso with hot water |
Mocha | £4.60 | 182 kcal | Espresso with chocolate syrup and steamed milk |
Specialty Cortados
Costa’s cortado selection offers a Spanish-inspired twist on traditional coffee drinks:
- Cortado: £3.70, 65 kcal – Equal parts espresso and warm milk
- Caramel Cortado: £3.80, 90 kcal – Cortado enhanced with caramel flavor
- Mocha Cortado: £3.90, 100 kcal – Combines cortado with rich chocolate
Popular Drink Comparisons
Understanding the differences between Costa’s signature drinks helps you choose the perfect option for your taste preferences:
Latte vs. Cappuccino
Latte (£4.40, 96 kcal): Features a higher milk-to-coffee ratio with smooth, creamy texture and a thin layer of microfoam. The larger serving size creates a milder coffee flavor that appeals to those who prefer less intensity.
Cappuccino (£4.40, 123 kcal): Offers equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick, airy foam. The substantial foam layer provides a different mouthfeel and allows the coffee flavor to shine through more prominently than in a latte.
Flat White vs. Latte
Flat White (£4.35, 135 kcal): Uses a double shot of espresso with a smaller volume of velvety microfoam, creating a stronger coffee flavor. The microfoam integrates seamlessly with the coffee, providing richness without overwhelming the espresso.
Latte (£4.40, 96 kcal): Contains more milk and a lighter coffee taste due to the single espresso shot and larger serving size. The additional milk creates a smoother, more mellow drinking experience.
Americano vs. Espresso
Americano (£3.80, 12 kcal): Hot water dilutes the espresso, creating a longer drink with similar strength to filter coffee. Perfect for those who want to savor their coffee over a longer period.
Espresso (£1.95, 6 kcal): Concentrated coffee served in a small cup, delivering intense flavor and caffeine in just a few sips. Ideal for a quick energy boost.
Hot Chocolates & Specialty Beverages
Costa’s hot chocolate range caters to those seeking indulgent, non-coffee options:
Drink | Price | Calories |
Hot Chocolate | £4.50 | 182 kcal |
White Hot Chocolate | £4.50 | 197 kcal |
Chai Latte | £4.60 | 143 kcal |
After Eight® Hot Chocolate | £5.15 | 363 kcal |
Terry’s Chocolate Orange® Hot Chocolate | £5.15 | 363 kcal |
These specialty drinks often feature seasonal availability and premium pricing, reflecting their branded ingredients and enhanced flavor profiles.
Iced Coffee Selection
Costa’s iced coffee range provides refreshing alternatives to hot beverages:
Core Iced Drinks
Drink | Price | Calories |
Iced Latte | £4.40 | 92 kcal |
Iced Cappuccino | £4.40 | 76 kcal |
Iced Mocha | £4.40 | 134 kcal |
Iced Flat White | £4.35 | 84 kcal |
Iced Americano | £3.80 | 12 kcal |
Premium Frappés
Costa’s frappé selection offers indulgent blended beverages:
- Salted Caramel Frappé: £5.45, 291 kcal
- Strawberries & Cream Frappé: £5.45, 371 kcal
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie Frappé: £5.45, 392 kcal
- Tropical Mango Bubble Frappé: £5.60, 343 kcal
Seasonal & Limited Edition Drinks
Costa regularly introduces seasonal beverages that capture current trends and flavors:
Summer Highlights
Tiramisu Collection:
- Tiramisu Frappé: Coffee blended with tiramisu-inspired sauce, topped with whipped cream and cocoa dusting
- Tiramisu Iced Whipped Latte: Layered iced latte with tiramisu flavor and velvety whipped coffee
Floral & Fruit Options:
- Vanilla Lavender Iced Whipped Latte: Previously exclusive to Costa Club members, now available to all customers
- Pistachio Latte and Iced Pistachio Latte: Available exclusively at Costa Express machines
New Refreshers:
- Strawberry, Watermelon and Mint Refresher
- Dragon Fruit and Guava Refresher
These seasonal drinks typically command premium pricing (£5.15-£5.60) but offer unique flavor experiences unavailable year-round.
Tea & Refreshing Alternatives
Traditional Teas
Tea Type | Price | Calories |
English Breakfast | £3.20 | 3 kcal |
Earl Grey | £3.20 | 3 kcal |
Green Tea | £3.20 | 3 kcal |
Mint Tea | £3.20 | 3 kcal |
Wellness Infusions
Costa’s wellness-focused infusions provide functional benefits:
- Superfruity Infusion: £3.35, 10 kcal
- Mellow Mango with Zinc: £3.35, 6 kcal
- Spiced Apple with Vitamin B6: £3.35, 8 kcal
- Citrus Zing with Vitamin C: £3.35, 3 kcal
Cold Refreshers
Refresher | Price | Calories |
Pink Refresher | £4.95 | 123 kcal |
Mango & Passion Fruit Refresher | £4.95 | 118 kcal |
Tropical Mango Bubble Fizz | £5.60 | 168 kcal |
Lemonade | £3.95 | 89 kcal |
Food Pairings & New Options
Costa has expanded their food menu to complement their beverage offerings:
New Food Additions
Gluten-Free Options:
- Gluten Free Mozzarella & Pesto Toastie with Roasted Pepper Sauce: Approved by Coeliac UK, featuring gooey mozzarella, mature Cheddar, smoky roast red pepper sauce, and green pesto in gluten-free seeded bread.
Returning Flatbreads:
- Chicken Shawarma Flatbread: Shawarma chicken with garlic yogurt, sweet chili sauce, pink pickled onions, and spinach in harissa-spiced flatbread
- Tandoori Bhaji Flatbread: Vegetarian option with tandoori spiced bhajis, cucumber and red onion raita, mango chutney, and spinach in garlic herb flatbread
Fresh & Sweet Options:
- Watermelon Pot: Perfect refreshing snack for warm weather
- Iced Gingerbread Biscuit: Seasonal treat with Bubble Frappé-inspired designs
- Chocolate and Pistachio Cookie Sandwich
- Strawberry & Vanilla Cake
- Triple Chocolate Muffin
Nutritional Considerations & Health Tips
Understanding the nutritional content of Costa drinks helps make informed choices:
Lower-Calorie Options
- Espresso (6 kcal): Maximum flavor, minimal calories
- Americano (12 kcal): Full coffee experience without added milk calories
- All traditional teas (3 kcal): Virtually calorie-free hydration
Moderate-Calorie Choices
- Iced Cappuccino (76 kcal): Refreshing with reasonable calorie content
- Cortado (65 kcal): Balanced coffee-to-milk ratio
- Iced Latte (92 kcal): Satisfying without excessive calories
Indulgent Options
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie Frappé (392 kcal): Dessert-like experience
- After Eight® Hot Chocolate (363 kcal): Premium branded indulgence
- Strawberries & Cream Frappé (371 kcal): Fruit-forward sweetness
Tips for Healthier Choices
- Request skimmed or plant-based milk alternatives
- Ask for reduced syrup pumps or sugar-free options
- Choose smaller sizes when available
- Pair high-calorie drinks with lighter food options
Costa Club Loyalty Benefits
Costa’s loyalty program offers significant value for regular customers:
Core Benefits:
- Earn 1 bean per drink purchase
- Collect 8 beans = 1 free drink
- Double beans when using reusable cups
- Exclusive app-based offers and promotions
Additional Perks:
- Early access to seasonal drinks
- Member-only flavor previews
- Regular double bean days
- Birthday rewards and special occasion offers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Costa Coffee’s most popular drink?
The Latte remains Costa’s bestselling beverage, offering the perfect balance of espresso and milk that appeals to a broad range of coffee drinkers.
Are Costa drinks suitable for dietary restrictions?
Costa offers various milk alternatives including oat, almond, and soy milk. They also provide detailed allergen information and have introduced gluten-free food options.
How often does Costa update their seasonal menu?
Costa typically introduces new seasonal offerings quarterly, with major menu updates occurring for summer and winter seasons.
Can I customize my Costa drink?
Yes, Costa allows extensive customization including milk alternatives, syrup adjustments, extra shots, and temperature preferences.
What’s the difference between Costa’s regular and large sizes?
Costa offers multiple sizing options, with regular sizes typically containing the standard measurements listed in this guide, while larger sizes increase milk volume and may include additional espresso shots.
Making the Most of Your Costa Experience
Costa Coffee’s extensive menu caters to diverse preferences, from coffee purists who appreciate a perfectly extracted espresso to those seeking indulgent seasonal creations. The combination of competitive pricing, detailed nutritional information, and loyalty rewards creates value for regular customers.
Explore the Full Menu at your nearest Costa Coffee location or through their mobile app to discover seasonal specials, unlock loyalty rewards, and customize your perfect drink combination.