How Many Calories Are in a Coffee K-Cup?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Keurig, all of its standard coffee and tea K-Cup pods contain no added fat or sugar. The calorie count for a K-Cup largely depends on the contents, ranging from almost zero for a plain black coffee to a much higher number for specialty beverages with added ingredients like milk, sugar, and flavoring. For those monitoring their intake, understanding the different types of K-Cups is essential for an accurate answer to how many calories are in a coffee K-Cup.

Quick Summary

The number of calories in a K-Cup varies significantly based on the beverage type. Black coffee pods contain minimal calories, whereas flavored coffee pods, lattes, and cappuccinos include added sugars and fats, raising their calorie count. Consumers should check nutritional labels for specific products, as these vary by brand and flavor.

Key Points

Black coffee K-Cups are virtually calorie-free: Standard K-Cup pods containing only ground coffee, like a medium or dark roast, have between 1 and 4 calories per serving.
Flavored coffee K-Cups are also typically low in calories: Most flavored options get their taste from extracts and contain only 2 to 5 calories, unless they also contain added sweeteners or dairy.
Specialty K-Cups can contain 70-100+ calories: Lattes, cappuccinos, and hot cocoa pods are loaded with powdered milk and sugar, significantly increasing their caloric content.
Add-ins add calories quickly: What you put into your cup after brewing—like sugar or flavored creamer—can easily add 30-50+ calories and should be considered for accurate tracking.
Always check the nutritional label: The precise calorie count and ingredients can vary greatly between brands and specific products, so check the packaging for the most accurate information.

The Surprising Answer for Plain Black Coffee K-Cups

For anyone counting calories, the best news is that standard black coffee K-Cups contain a negligible number of calories. The natural coffee bean itself has only minimal calories, and since these pods contain only ground coffee, they transfer almost none into your cup. Most plain K-Cup coffee pods have between 1 and 4 calories per 8-ounce serving, with zero fat and zero sugar. This makes a regular cup of black coffee from a K-Cup a virtually calorie-free beverage option.

To put this into perspective, think of the simplicity of the pod's ingredients. A standard K-Cup pod for a classic medium or dark roast contains only 100% Arabica coffee. When hot water is forced through it during brewing, it extracts the coffee's flavor, aroma, and caffeine, but leaves behind the negligible caloric content within the grounds. This means that if you're drinking your coffee black, the K-Cup itself is not contributing to your daily calorie count in any meaningful way.

The Calorie Impact of Flavored Coffee K-Cups

While plain black coffee K-Cups are low in calories, the same cannot always be said for flavored versions. Fortunately, most flavored coffee K-Cups are also very low in calories, provided they are not also sweetened or contain added dairy ingredients. Flavored coffee pods typically derive their taste from natural and artificial flavorings added to the coffee grounds, which do not contribute any significant nutritional value or calories.

For example, a variety pack of flavored coffee pods might list a calorie count of around 2 calories per serving. This is still an incredibly low amount. The important distinction is to check the packaging carefully to ensure the flavor is derived from extracts rather than a mix with added sweeteners or creamers. If the label specifies "light roast flavored coffee" or "French vanilla coffee," you are likely in the clear. However, if the name includes terms like "latte," "cappuccino," or "mocha," expect a significant jump in caloric content.

High-Calorie K-Cups: Lattes, Cappuccinos, and Hot Cocoa

This is where the calorie counting becomes critical. The convenience of a cafe-style beverage at home comes at a cost, and that cost is typically sugar and fat. K-Cups for lattes, cappuccinos, and hot cocoa contain a powdered mix of ingredients designed to mimic a classic espresso-based drink. These mixes often include powdered milk, sugar, cocoa, and flavorings. Consequently, their calorie counts are substantially higher than plain coffee pods.

For instance, some latte K-Cup pods can contain anywhere from 70 to 100 calories or more per pod. Hot cocoa K-Cups also fall into this higher-calorie category, with some varieties reporting up to 90 calories per pod. The primary sources of these calories are the added sugars and powdered dairy products. Always read the nutritional information on the box, as brands vary greatly in their formulations.

How Add-Ins Affect Your Cup

Even if you start with a low-calorie black coffee K-Cup, what you add afterward can dramatically increase the total calorie count. For those mindful of their intake, understanding the caloric value of common coffee additions is key.

Common Coffee Additives and Their Caloric Impact

Sugar: A single teaspoon of granulated sugar adds about 16 calories.
Creamer (Liquid): A standard tablespoon of flavored liquid creamer can add 30 to 40 calories.
Milk (Whole): A small splash (about 2 tablespoons) of whole milk adds approximately 20 calories.
Milk (Skim): The same amount of skim milk adds only about 10 calories.
Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners like sucralose (Splenda) are generally zero-calorie, though some products contain dextrose filler that adds a small number of calories.

Adding just one tablespoon of a sweet creamer and a teaspoon of sugar to your coffee can add over 50 calories to your morning brew, transforming a low-calorie drink into a more significant source of energy. This is a crucial consideration for anyone tracking their caloric intake.

A Comparison of K-Cup Types

To summarize the vast difference in caloric content, here is a helpful comparison table highlighting various K-Cup types and their approximate calorie ranges. Keep in mind that specific nutritional information varies by brand and flavor.


K-Cup Type	Approximate Calorie Range	Key Calorie Sources	Common Brands
Black Coffee	1–4 calories	Natural coffee beans	Donut Shop, Keurig, Folgers
Flavored Coffee	2–5 calories	Artificial/natural flavorings	Keurig Flavored, Starbucks Flavored
Cappuccino/Latte	70–100+ calories	Sugar, powdered milk	Donut Shop, McCafé, Smart Sips
Hot Cocoa	70–90+ calories	Sugar, cocoa, powdered milk	Swiss Miss, Starbucks, Café Escapes
Tea	0–50+ calories	Varies; can include added sugar for lattes	Twinings (plain tea is 0 cal)

The Final Word on K-Cup Calories

Determining how many calories are in a coffee K-Cup is not a one-size-fits-all answer. For plain coffee drinkers, the calorie count is virtually non-existent, making it a guilt-free beverage choice. For those who prefer flavored or specialty drinks, it is essential to be a diligent label-reader. Many flavored coffees maintain a low calorie count, but once you move into the territory of lattes, cappuccinos, or hot cocoa, you are consuming a product that contains powdered milk and sugar, drastically increasing its caloric value. The final factor is what you add to your cup after brewing, as sweeteners and creamers can add more calories than the pod itself. The key is to be mindful of the type of K-Cup you choose and any additional ingredients you mix in. This approach ensures you can continue to enjoy your favorite quick-brew coffee while keeping a close eye on your nutritional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all coffee K-Cups have calories. Standard black coffee and tea pods contain almost zero calories, generally ranging from 1 to 4 per serving, and no added sugars or fats.

A Keurig cappuccino K-Cup typically contains around 90 calories per pod, as they include a powdered mix with sugar and milk to create the classic frothy drink.

Flavored K-Cups are not necessarily higher in calories than regular coffee pods. Most rely on flavor extracts with minimal calories. However, sweetened or creamy flavored pods, like a latte or cappuccino, will have a higher count.

To make a low-calorie latte, use a plain, unsweetened coffee K-Cup and add low-calorie milk alternatives, such as unsweetened almond milk or skim milk. For flavor, use a zero-calorie sweetener or a splash of sugar-free syrup.

Hot cocoa K-Cups generally contain a powdered mix of cocoa, sugar, and milk, resulting in a significantly higher calorie count than coffee. The calories can range from 70 to over 90, depending on the brand.

The calorie count for a K-Cup is not impacted by whether the coffee is caffeinated or decaffeinated. The number of calories is determined by the pod's contents (plain coffee versus a mix with sugar and milk), not the caffeine level.

Reusable K-Cups themselves do not affect the calorie count. The calorie total is determined by the coffee grounds or other ingredients you fill the reusable pod with. Using plain ground coffee will result in a virtually calorie-free drink.