How many calories are in an iced coffee?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Plain black iced coffee typically contains only 2 to 5 calories per cup. How many calories are in an iced coffee, however, skyrockets with every pump of syrup, splash of cream, or scoop of ice cream, transforming a low-calorie refreshment into a decadent treat.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of iced coffee depends heavily on ingredients, with black coffee being lowest. Adding milk, syrups, and other toppings significantly increases the caloric value. Customizing your order with lighter options can help manage intake.

Key Points

Black iced coffee is low in calories: Plain, unsweetened iced coffee contains only a few calories, usually less than 5 per cup.
Additions significantly increase calories: Ingredients like milk, sugar, flavored syrups, and whipped cream drastically raise the calorie count, often into the hundreds.
Milk type matters: Opting for lower-fat or plant-based milks like almond or skim can save a significant number of calories compared to whole milk.
Sugar-free options are available: Many sweeteners and syrups are available in calorie-free versions, allowing for flavor without the extra sugar.
DIY is the best way to control calories: Making iced coffee at home gives you complete control over every ingredient and its nutritional content.

The Calorie Breakdown of Iced Coffee

Understanding how many calories are in an iced coffee begins with its base. Plain brewed coffee, whether hot or iced, contains a negligible amount of calories, usually just 2 to 5 calories per 8-ounce cup. This means the vast majority of calories in a flavored iced coffee come from the added ingredients. The calorie content of popular iced coffee variations can range dramatically.

Plain Iced Coffee

As the name suggests, a plain iced coffee is just coffee and ice. This is the most calorie-friendly option available. Because ice adds no calories and black coffee has very few, this version of the drink is almost entirely calorie-free. You get the full flavor of the coffee and a caffeine kick without any extra sugar or fat.

Iced Coffee with Milk and Sugar

Adding milk and sugar is the first step toward a more caloric drink. The type of milk and quantity of sugar are the main variables. An 8-ounce iced coffee with 1 ounce of whole milk and two teaspoons of sugar can have approximately 34 calories. Opting for skim milk and sugar substitutes can keep the calories lower, but the addition of sugar and fats will always raise the total. A single teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories, while a tablespoon of whole milk adds about 9. These small amounts can accumulate quickly, especially in larger drinks.

Flavored and Specialty Iced Coffees

This is where the calorie counts can get out of control. Specialty coffee shop drinks are often loaded with high-sugar syrups, full-fat creams, and other additions that turn a simple coffee into a dessert. For example, a single pump of flavored syrup can add around 35 calories, and a serving of whipped cream can contribute another 100. A caramel iced coffee can easily contain 150-200 calories, or more, for a standard size. The ingredients in these drinks often include not just coffee, but also:

Flavored Syrups: Often high in sugar and calories.
Creamers: Including heavy cream and half-and-half, which are rich in fat and calories.
Sweetened Milks: Such as sweetened condensed milk, adding both sugar and fat.
Toppings: Such as whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle, all contributing extra calories.

Making a Low-Calorie Iced Coffee at Home

For those who want to enjoy the taste of iced coffee without the high calorie count, making it at home is the best solution. You have complete control over every ingredient. Here's how to create a delicious, low-calorie version:

Start with the Coffee: Brew your favorite coffee and chill it, or use a cold brew concentrate. This ensures the base is virtually calorie-free.
Choose Your Milk Wisely: Instead of whole milk, consider using skim milk, unsweetened almond milk, or unsweetened oat milk. An ounce of almond milk adds only about 1-2 calories, a significant saving compared to whole milk.
Use Sugar-Free Sweeteners: There are numerous sugar alternatives, from stevia to erythritol, that add sweetness without any calories. If you prefer natural sweeteners, use honey sparingly, as each teaspoon has around 21 calories.
Embrace Sugar-Free Syrups: Many brands offer sugar-free versions of popular syrup flavors like vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut. These can provide the flavor you crave with zero calories.

Calorie Comparison: A Look at Iced Coffee Options

To illustrate the difference in calories, here is a comparison table of various 16-ounce (Grande) iced coffee options, using average figures based on market data and common recipes.


Drink Type	Milk Type	Sweetener	Approximate Calories (16 oz)	Notes
Black Iced Coffee	None	None	5	The base standard.
Iced Coffee w/ Milk & Sugar	Whole Milk (2 oz)	Sugar (2 tsp)	~50	A basic but still manageable option.
Iced Latte	Whole Milk (8 oz)	None	~150	The milk is the main calorie source here.
Iced Vanilla Latte	2% Milk (8 oz)	Vanilla Syrup (4 pumps)	~230	Common coffee shop option, with milk and syrup.
Iced Mocha	2% Milk (8 oz)	Mocha Sauce	~250+	Chocolate sauce adds significant calories.
Caramel Macchiato	Whole Milk (8 oz)	Vanilla Syrup + Caramel Drizzle	~280+	Very sweet, high-calorie treat.

Conclusion: Your Choices Matter

In short, the question of how many calories are in an iced coffee has a very wide range of answers. A plain black iced coffee is a virtually calorie-free refreshment, perfect for those watching their intake. However, the addition of common ingredients like whole milk, sugar, flavored syrups, and whipped cream can quickly turn it into a high-calorie indulgence. The key takeaway is that you have full control over the caloric content of your drink. By making smart substitutions at home or requesting lighter options at your local coffee shop, you can enjoy a delicious iced coffee while staying on track with your health goals. Always remember that knowledge about ingredients and portion sizes is the most powerful tool for informed choices. For more on making healthier coffee choices, the Center for Science in the Public Interest provides valuable resources on caffeine and nutrition.

Note: Calorie counts can vary based on specific brands, serving sizes, and the exact quantity of each ingredient. The values in this article are estimations.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the temperature of the coffee does not affect its calorie count. A black iced coffee has the same negligible number of calories as a black hot coffee. The only difference in calories comes from what you add to the drink.

The number of calories in a pump of syrup can vary, but flavored syrups often contain around 20-35 calories per pump. Sugar-free syrups are available that contain zero calories.

Yes, an iced latte is generally more caloric than a basic iced coffee because it contains a significant amount of milk. An iced coffee can be customized to be low-calorie, whereas a latte's base ingredient (milk) naturally contains more calories.

Yes, you can absolutely have iced coffee while on a diet. The key is to be mindful of your additions. A plain, black iced coffee is a perfectly fine and low-calorie beverage. Use sugar-free alternatives and lighter milk options to keep the calorie count down.

Unsweetened almond milk and skim milk are two of the best low-calorie milk options for iced coffee. Both provide a creamy texture without adding a large number of calories. A splash of unsweetened almond milk adds almost no calories at all.

For black versions of each, the calorie difference is negligible. Both cold brew and traditional iced coffee have only a handful of calories. The flavor profile is different, but the nutritional value for a plain black drink is essentially the same.

Whipped cream and caramel drizzle are high-calorie additions. A generous serving of whipped cream can easily add 100 calories or more, while a caramel drizzle adds extra sugar and calories as well.