How Many Calories in Coffee? Your Complete Guide to Every Cup

Ever wondered how many calories are in your morning coffee? Whether you’re tracking macros, aiming for weight loss, or just curious, knowing exactly how many calories are in coffee can help you make smarter choices. The answer isn’t as simple as you might think—because it all depends on what’s in your cup.

Let’s break down the facts, bust some myths, and give you practical tips so you can enjoy your coffee without hidden calories sneaking into your diet.

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How Many Calories in Black Coffee?

If you like your coffee black, you’re in luck. Plain black coffee is one of the lowest-calorie drinks you can find.

• An 8-ounce (240 mL) cup of black coffee contains about 2 calories.
  
• The calorie count stays the same whether it’s hot, iced, or cold brew.
  
• Espresso is more concentrated, but a single shot (1 oz/30 mL) has just about 2 calories.
  

Why so few calories?
Black coffee is made by brewing ground coffee beans with water. The beans contribute a tiny amount of energy (calories), but most of it stays in the grounds. The result: a cup that’s virtually calorie-free.

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How Additions Change the Calorie Count

Here’s where things get interesting. The real calories in coffee come from what you add to it.

Common Additions and Their Calorie Impact

Addition (per cup)	Calories Added
1 tablespoon (15 mL) skim milk	7
1 tablespoon (15 mL) whole milk	11
1 tablespoon (15 mL) half-and-half	20-22
1 tablespoon (15 mL) heavy cream	53
1 teaspoon (4g) sugar	16
1 tablespoon (15 mL) flavored creamer	32
1 pump flavored syrup	35-50
1 scoop collagen peptides	35-40

Example:
A cup of coffee with 2 tablespoons of whole milk and 2 teaspoons of sugar can add up to about 54 calories.

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Popular Coffee Drinks: Calorie Breakdown

Not all coffee drinks are created equal. Here’s a quick look at the calorie counts for some favorites:

Drink (8 oz unless noted)	Calories (approx.)
Black coffee	2
Iced black coffee	2
Espresso (1 oz shot)	2
Cold brew (black)	2
Coffee with 1 tbsp French vanilla creamer	32
Coffee with 1 tbsp skim milk	7
Coffee with 1 tbsp half-and-half + 1 tsp 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 coffee + 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp coconut oil)	325
Starbucks Short Cinnamon Dolce Latte	190
Dunkin’ Donuts Small Signature Latte	300

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Why Do Coffee Drinks Vary So Much in Calories?

• Milk and Cream: The more fat in the milk or cream, the higher the calories. Whole milk, half-and-half, and heavy cream add up quickly.
  
• Sugar and Syrups: Even a teaspoon of sugar adds 16 calories. Flavored syrups and sweetened creamers can add 30-50 calories (or more) per pump or tablespoon.
  
• Blended and Specialty Drinks: Frozen, blended, or dessert-style coffees (like mochas and frappes) can pack in 150-400+ calories per serving.
  
• Bulletproof Coffee: Adding butter and coconut or MCT oil for a “keto” coffee skyrockets the calorie count, sometimes over 300 per mug.
  

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How to Keep Your Coffee Low-Calorie

Want to enjoy your coffee without blowing your calorie budget? Here’s how:

• Stick to black coffee: Just 2 calories per cup.
  
• Use low-calorie milk alternatives: Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk add only 4-5 calories per tablespoon.
  
• Limit sugar and syrups: Try cinnamon, vanilla extract, or calorie-free sweeteners instead.
  
• Watch your portion sizes: A “medium” or “large” coffee drink can double or triple the calories.
  
• Skip the whipped cream: It adds about 100 calories per serving.
  

Pro tip: If you’re grabbing coffee on the go, check the nutrition info online. Chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ list calories for every drink and size.

Read more: Difference Between Espresso and Coffee: The Essential Guide

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Real-World Examples

• Homemade Black Coffee: Brew an 8 oz cup at home—just 2 calories.
  
• Coffee Shop Latte: A small (8 oz) nonfat latte is around 72 calories; a large (16 oz) with whole milk can be over 200.
  
• Bulletproof Coffee: Make it with 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp coconut oil—expect about 325 calories.
  
• Iced Coffee with Syrup: A medium iced coffee with two pumps of syrup and whole milk can easily top 150 calories.
  

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How Many Calories in Coffee? Quick Reference Table

Coffee Type	Calories (8 oz/240 mL)
Black coffee	2
Espresso (1 oz/30 mL)	2
Americano (black)	5
Coffee with 1 tbsp skim milk	7
Coffee with 1 tbsp whole milk	11
Coffee with 1 tbsp heavy cream	53
Coffee with 1 tbsp sugar	48
Nonfat latte	72
Flavored latte	134
Bulletproof coffee	325

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How Calories in Coffee Affect Your Diet

• Plain coffee is diet-friendly: If you’re watching your calories, black coffee is a safe bet.
  
• Add-ins add up: Even small amounts of milk, cream, or sugar can turn a low-calorie drink into a hidden calorie bomb.
  
• Specialty drinks can sabotage goals: If you’re trying to lose weight, be mindful of blended, sweetened, or dessert-style coffee drinks.
  

Remember: Calories from coffee can sneak into your daily intake, especially if you drink multiple cups or opt for sweetened, creamy drinks.

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Smart Swaps for Lower-Calorie Coffee

• Use unsweetened almond or soy milk instead of cream.
  
• Try calorie-free sweeteners or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  
• Order “skinny” or “light” versions at coffee shops.
  
• Skip whipped cream and extra syrups.
  
• Brew at home for full control over ingredients.
  

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FAQ: How Many Calories in Coffee?

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Bottom Line

If you want to keep your coffee calorie count low, stick to black or use minimal add-ins. Be mindful of what you pour into your cup—because when it comes to how many calories in coffee, the answer is almost always “it depends.”

Now you know exactly what’s in your mug—so you can sip smarter, every day.