Does Coffee Contain a Lot of Sodium? What You Need to Know

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 8-ounce cup of black brewed coffee contains only about 4.7 milligrams of sodium, which is a very small amount. However, the sodium content in your morning beverage can skyrocket depending on what you add, from milk to salted caramel syrup.

Quick Summary

Pure, black coffee contains a negligible amount of sodium, making it a low-sodium beverage. The significant sodium content often associated with coffee comes from additives like milk, syrups, and specialty flavorings, especially in pre-packaged or cafe-made drinks.

Key Points

Black Coffee is Low in Sodium: A regular 8-ounce cup contains only about 5 milligrams of sodium, which is a negligible amount for most people.
Additives Are the Main Culprit: The high sodium content in many coffee drinks comes from added ingredients like milk, creamers, and flavored syrups.
Specialty Cafe Drinks Can Be Very High: Lattes, mochas, and especially salted caramel beverages from coffee shops often contain hundreds of milligrams of sodium per serving.
Check Labels on Instant Mixes: Pre-packaged instant coffee mixes and creamers can also be a hidden source of significant sodium.
Health Concerns for Certain Individuals: For those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems, monitoring sodium from all sources, including coffee additives, is very important.
Experiment with Caution: While some add salt to reduce bitterness, a small amount is best. Excessive salt can lead to a noticeable salty taste and an increase in overall sodium intake.
Low-Sodium Choices are Simple: To keep your coffee low in sodium, simply stick to black coffee or use unsweetened, low-sodium milk alternatives.

The Baseline: Black Coffee and Sodium

At its core, coffee is not a significant source of sodium. A standard 8-ounce (237g) cup of black, brewed coffee contains around 4.7 to 5 milligrams of sodium, which is less than 1% of the recommended daily intake for a healthy adult. This minimal amount comes primarily from the natural mineral content of the water used for brewing. Therefore, if you are concerned about your sodium intake, enjoying black coffee is a safe choice. The brewing process itself does not add substantial sodium, and the coffee beans themselves are naturally very low in this mineral.

The Impact of Additives on Your Coffee's Sodium

The real changes in a coffee's sodium level happen when you start adding ingredients. Many popular coffee additives can turn a low-sodium drink into a high-sodium one. The most common culprits include dairy products, flavored syrups, and pre-packaged coffee mixes.

For example, a cup of whole milk adds about 120 milligrams of sodium, while a grande caffe latte from a popular coffee chain can contain around 170 mg. Even more surprising are some of the heavily flavored specialty drinks. Some salted caramel or white chocolate mochas can push the sodium count into the hundreds, with some reaching up to 330 mg or more per serving. This is because flavorings and syrups often contain significant amounts of added salt, sometimes used as a flavor enhancer to cut bitterness or enhance sweetness.

Specialty Coffee Shop Drinks: A Hidden Sodium Trap

While a basic cup from your home coffee maker is fine, many popular coffee shop creations are loaded with hidden sodium. Here are some examples of the types of drinks that can contain high sodium:

Salted Caramel Beverages: As the name suggests, the salted caramel syrup used in these drinks is a major source of sodium.
Flavored Mochas: Some chocolate flavorings, especially white chocolate, can contain high levels of sodium.
Pre-packaged or Instant Mixes: Coffee mixes often include powdered milk, flavorings, and stabilizers that are high in sodium. Always check the nutrition label for these products.
Coffee with Added Salt: Some people intentionally add salt to coffee to reduce bitterness. While a small pinch might be negligible, adding a saline solution or more can impact your overall intake.

Comparison Table: Sodium in Different Coffee Preparations


Coffee Type	Approximate Sodium (mg)	Notes
8 oz Black Coffee (Brewed)	5 mg	Based on standard preparation.
Grande Caffe Latte	170 mg	Includes milk, which adds significant sodium.
Grande Salted Caramel Cold Brew	330 mg	High sodium content due to flavored syrups.
Instant Coffee Mix (1 packet)	50-150 mg+	Varies widely; check the specific product label.
Black Coffee (with a pinch of salt)	10-20 mg+	The amount depends on the amount of salt added.
Espresso (shot)	Trace amounts	Like black coffee, very little to no sodium.

The Health Implications of High Sodium in Coffee

For the average person without health restrictions, the occasional high-sodium coffee drink is unlikely to cause issues. However, for those on a low-sodium diet, or with conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney issues, tracking the sodium in specialty coffees is crucial. Excessive sodium intake can contribute to elevated blood pressure, increased risk of heart disease, and water retention.

Conversely, some people deliberately add a pinch of salt to their coffee to cut bitterness, and a small amount of sodium is an essential electrolyte. It's about finding a healthy balance and being mindful of hidden sources, especially in highly processed and sweetened beverages.

Conclusion: Making Informed Coffee Choices

In summary, black coffee is naturally very low in sodium, posing no significant risk to your daily intake. The real concern lies in the additives and specialty preparations common in cafes. If you're managing your sodium, sticking to black coffee or opting for unsweetened dairy-free milks is the safest bet. Always check the nutritional information for specialty drinks or mixes, as they can contain surprisingly high amounts of hidden sodium. Ultimately, being aware of what's in your cup allows you to enjoy your coffee while staying in control of your health goals.

Mayo Clinic's Guide to Healthy Eating for more information on managing sodium intake

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the sodium content in black brewed coffee is extremely low (around 5mg per 8oz) and poses no health risk. It's the additives in specialty drinks that cause concern for those on low-sodium diets.

The sodium content in a cafe latte can vary, but a grande size from a popular chain can contain around 170mg of sodium, primarily from the milk.

Some add a pinch of salt to their coffee to neutralize bitterness and enhance other flavors, a technique popularized by some food experts.

If you are on a low-sodium diet, you should be wary of flavored mochas, especially white chocolate, and any drink with salted caramel or other sugary syrups, as they can contain significant amounts of hidden sodium.

Instant coffee mixes can contain notable amounts of sodium from added powders and flavorings. It is best to check the specific product's nutrition label.

Yes, caffeine has a diuretic effect, which can increase urine production and cause your body to excrete more sodium than usual. Regular, high consumption can potentially lead to an electrolyte imbalance.

No, sea salt coffee is not necessarily healthier and is often high in sodium due to the salted cream or topping used. The benefit lies in its flavor profile, not its nutritional value.

Beyond milk and syrups, certain water softeners can increase the sodium in your brewing water. High sodium levels can impair coffee extraction and affect the taste.