Coffee stands as one of the globe's most popular beverages, primarily celebrated for its invigorating caffeine content. While black coffee offers a refreshing energy boost with minimal calories, the inclusion of ingredients such as milk, sugar, and various flavorings can significantly increase its caloric value.

In this article, we delve into the caloric content of various popular coffee drinks, providing insights for coffee lovers looking to manage their calorie intake.

Caloric Content of Different Coffee Beverages

As coffee is primarily brewed from coffee beans, it consists mainly of water, resulting in an extremely low caloric content. However, it's essential to note that not all coffee-based beverages are low in calories. Below is a comprehensive table detailing the estimated caloric content of various coffee drinks.

Type of Drink Calories per 240 mL (8 ounces)
Black coffee 2
Iced black coffee 2
Espresso 20
Cold brew (nitro cold brew) 2
Brewed coffee from flavored beans 2
Coffee with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of French vanilla creamer 32
Coffee with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of skim milk 7
Coffee with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) half-and-half and 1 teaspoon of sugar 38
Nonfat latte 72
Flavored latte 134
Nonfat cappuccino 46
Nonfat macchiato 52
Nonfat mocha 129
Nonfat frozen coffee drink 146
Bulletproof coffee (2 cups or 470 mL of coffee, 2 tablespoons or 28 grams of butter, and 1 tablespoon or 14 grams of coconut oil) approximately 325

It's noteworthy that a shot of espresso is more calorically dense than brewed coffee when measured by ounce, as it’s a concentrated form. Nevertheless, a typical shot of espresso is only 30 mL (1 ounce) and contains roughly 2 calories. Furthermore, coffee beverages enriched with milk and sugar significantly increase caloric content compared to plain coffee. The specific caloric value of a milk-based coffee drink will vary based on the type of milk used.

While standard brewed coffee is virtually calorie-free, adding dairy products, sweeteners, and flavorings greatly raises its caloric value.

Coffee Beverages Can Accumulate Calories

The calorie content of your coffee can significantly increase based on the ingredients you choose to add and the quantity you consume. For many, especially those who indulge in several tablespoons of creamer (??? ?? ????) or sugar, the caloric intake may be surprisingly high.

This is particularly relevant for individuals who enjoy Bulletproof Coffee, a blend of brewed coffee with butter and coconut oil or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, which can substantially elevate your caloric consumption throughout the day. If you are mindful of your calorie consumption or on a weight loss journey, it may be wise to curtail coffee beverages that are laden with excessive sugars, creamers, or flavored syrups.

Moreover, sweetened coffee drinks often contain high levels of added sugars, which have been associated with various health concerns, including heart disease, obesity, and poor management of blood sugar levels. This means that indulging in coffee with excess milk, creamers, and sugar can lead to an unwanted spike in both calorie and sugar intake.

The Bottom Line

Black coffee is remarkably low in calories, making it a great choice for those watching their intake. However, many popular coffee beverages often include high-calorie additions like milk, cream, and sugar, which can significantly increase their caloric content.

While enjoying these indulgent drinks occasionally is perfectly fine, excessive consumption may lead to an intake of excess calories, which could derail your dietary goals.