Are Cappuccinos High in Carbs? The Complete Guide

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

On its own, black coffee and espresso contain virtually zero carbohydrates. However, when asking if cappuccinos are high in carbs, the answer changes significantly depending on the type and amount of milk used, plus any added sweeteners.

Quick Summary

The carb count in a cappuccino largely depends on the milk used and any added sugar or syrups. While espresso is carb-free, milk and flavorings can increase the count, requiring conscious choices for a low-carb diet.

Key Points

Carb Source: The carbohydrates in a cappuccino come from the milk and any added sugars or syrups, not the espresso itself.
Milk Matters: A standard cappuccino made with cow's milk (whole, skim, or 2%) contains approximately 12-14 grams of carbs.
Low-Carb Options: Unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened coconut milk, or heavy cream are excellent low-carb milk alternatives for a cappuccino.
Avoid Syrups: Flavoring syrups are a major source of added sugar and carbs; opting for sugar-free versions is crucial for a low-carb diet.
Customization is Key: You can significantly reduce the carb count by requesting low-carb milk and avoiding added sugar, making it suitable for a keto or low-carb diet.

The Core of the Cappuccino: Why Espresso is Low-Carb

At its heart, a classic cappuccino is made with a shot of espresso. This coffee base is naturally low in carbohydrates. An 8-ounce cup of black coffee contains less than 1 gram of carbs, and a single shot of espresso offers an even more negligible amount, around 0.5 grams. The beans themselves do contain carbohydrates, but the roasting and brewing process removes nearly all of them, leaving the final drink with almost no carb content. Therefore, the carb count of a cappuccino is determined by what is added to the espresso, not the espresso itself.

The Main Culprit: Milk and Its Lactose Content

The primary source of carbohydrates in a standard cappuccino is the milk. Dairy milk contains a natural sugar called lactose, which contributes to the overall carb count. A standard cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, so the milk volume has a direct impact. A 16-ounce (480-ml) cappuccino from a major coffee chain, made with 2% milk, can contain around 14 grams of carbs. The carb count will also vary based on the type of cow's milk used:

Whole milk: Approximately 12 grams of carbs per cup.
2% milk: Around 12 grams of carbs per cup, similar to whole milk.
Skim milk: Roughly 13 grams of carbs per cup, often slightly higher due to processing.

Flavorings and Sugars: The Carb Explosion

Adding any flavored syrup or sugar is the fastest way to turn a moderately-carbed cappuccino into a sugar-laden beverage. A single pump of flavored syrup can add anywhere from 5 to 20 grams of sugar, and therefore carbs, to your drink. A caffè mocha, for instance, adds chocolate syrup and can contain upwards of 43 grams of carbs for a 16-ounce serving. Even just adding a spoonful of sugar can quickly add 4 or more grams of carbs. This makes custom ordering at a cafe crucial for those monitoring their intake.

Comparison Table: Standard vs. Low-Carb Cappuccinos

To illustrate the impact of ingredient choices, here's a comparison of the approximate carb content in a typical cappuccino versus its low-carb alternatives. Note that specific values can vary by brand and preparation.


Drink Type	Base Ingredients	Approx. Carb Count (16oz)	Notes
Standard Cappuccino (2% Milk)	Espresso, 2% Milk, Foam	14 g	Contains lactose from dairy milk.
Cappuccino (Whole Milk)	Espresso, Whole Milk, Foam	~13-14 g	Similar to 2% due to milk's lactose.
Low-Carb Cappuccino (Almond Milk)	Espresso, Unsweetened Almond Milk, Foam	~2-4 g	Uses unsweetened almond milk, significantly reducing carbs.
Low-Carb Cappuccino (Heavy Cream)	Espresso, Heavy Cream, Foam	< 2 g	Very low carb, but higher in fat.
Cappuccino (Skim Milk)	Espresso, Skim Milk, Foam	~13-15 g	Surprisingly similar to higher-fat milks due to lactose.
Caffè Mocha (2% Milk & Syrup)	Espresso, 2% Milk, Syrup, Foam	43+ g	The syrup adds a significant amount of sugar and carbs.

How to Enjoy a Low-Carb Cappuccino

For those on a keto diet or simply watching their carb intake, enjoying a cappuccino requires mindful ordering. Here are some simple, effective swaps:

Choose the right milk: Opt for unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened coconut milk, or a small amount of heavy cream. These are all excellent low-carb options that provide the creamy texture you expect.
Ditch the sugary syrups: Avoid pre-flavored cappuccinos, especially those with sugary additions like caramel, vanilla, or mocha syrup. These can contain a large amount of hidden carbs.
Use sugar-free sweeteners: If you need to sweeten your drink, opt for a sugar-free syrup or a natural, calorie-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
Ask for less milk: Many baristas can adjust the ratio of milk to espresso. A 'dry' cappuccino has more foam and less steamed milk, which can reduce the carb count.
Make it at home: There are plenty of low-carb cappuccino recipes online, such as a keto whipped coffee made with heavy cream and sugar-free instant cappuccino mix. This gives you complete control over the ingredients.

The Verdict: Are Cappuccinos High in Carbs?

Ultimately, a cappuccino's carb level is not fixed. A traditional cappuccino made with dairy milk contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates. For many people, this level is acceptable, but for those on a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet, it can be too high. Thankfully, with simple modifications like swapping dairy milk for a low-carb alternative, it is easy to enjoy a delicious cappuccino while keeping your carb intake in check. Understanding the source of the carbs—the milk and any sweeteners—is the key to making informed choices.

Resource: For more detailed nutritional breakdowns of specific coffee drinks, visit the Healthline nutrition page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a regular cappuccino made with cow's milk is typically not keto-friendly. The lactose in the milk contributes a moderate amount of carbs (around 12-14 grams for a standard size), which can exceed the daily limit for a strict ketogenic diet.

A cappuccino made with skim milk contains a similar amount of carbs as one made with whole milk, around 12-13 grams for a standard cup. This is because the carbs come from the milk's lactose, which is present regardless of the fat content.

The best low-carb milk alternatives for a cappuccino are unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened coconut milk, or heavy cream. These options have very low carb counts and can still provide a rich, creamy texture.

A latte is generally higher in carbs than a cappuccino. Since a latte contains a higher milk-to-espresso ratio, it contains more lactose and therefore a higher total carb count.

Most sugar-free syrups contain virtually no carbohydrates, as they are sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners. They are a great option for adding flavor without increasing the carb count.

To reduce carbs in a store-bought cappuccino, ask for unsweetened almond milk or a smaller amount of heavy cream instead of regular milk. Also, request a sugar-free syrup or no syrup at all.

Yes, the milk foam contains carbs because it is made from milk. The carb count depends on the type of milk used. A foam made from heavy cream would be much lower in carbs than one made with standard cow's milk.