How many calories are in egg yolk coffee?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

The average cup of traditional Vietnamese egg coffee, also known as Cà Phê Trứng, can contain between 175 and 350 calories, with the exact amount varying significantly based on the recipe. The rich, custardy topping, made from whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk, is the primary contributor to the high calorie count. While black coffee itself is virtually calorie-free, the indulgent additions are what make this beverage a more dessert-like treat.

Quick Summary

A single serving of egg yolk coffee typically ranges from 175 to 350 calories, driven primarily by the egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk. The final calorie count is heavily dependent on specific recipe ratios and portion sizes. This beverage, a treat in Vietnamese coffee culture, is notably rich in fat and sugar, making it a decadent drink rather than a standard daily brew.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A single serving of egg yolk coffee can contain between 175 and 350 calories, depending heavily on the recipe and portion size.
High-Calorie Ingredients: The calorie density comes primarily from the combination of nutrient-rich egg yolk and high-sugar sweetened condensed milk.
Negligible Base: The base of strong, black coffee contributes only a negligible number of calories, with the extras driving up the total.
Nutrient-Rich Yolk: Despite the high calorie count, the egg yolk provides essential nutrients, including healthy fats and vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12.
DIY Control: Making the drink at home allows you to control the portion of condensed milk and other high-calorie additions to reduce the total calorie count.
Occasional Indulgence: Given its richness and sugar content, egg yolk coffee is best viewed as a dessert-like treat rather than a daily staple.

Egg Yolk Coffee: A Calorie and Nutrition Deep Dive

For many, a cup of coffee is a low-calorie way to start the day, but the addition of ingredients like eggs and sweetened condensed milk completely changes its nutritional profile. Egg yolk coffee, a specialty from Hanoi, Vietnam, is a creamy, decadent beverage that feels more like a dessert. Understanding how many calories are in egg yolk coffee requires looking at each component individually.

The Calorie Breakdown of Key Ingredients

The final calorie count of your egg coffee depends entirely on the recipe used. Let's examine the common components and their approximate calorie contributions:

Egg Yolk: A raw yolk from one large egg contains about 55-65 calories, consisting of fats, protein, and nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is a major caloric component. A single tablespoon can add 60-70 calories, with many recipes calling for multiple tablespoons. The sugar content is high and contributes significantly to the overall energy.
Coffee: The base of espresso or brewed coffee contains almost no calories, typically 2-5 per cup.
Sugar (optional): Some recipes add extra sugar, with each teaspoon adding approximately 20 calories.
Whipping Cream (optional): Some variations include heavy whipping cream for extra richness, which further increases the calorie and fat content.

Comparison Table: Egg Yolk Coffee vs. Other Beverages


Beverage	Typical Calorie Range	Main Calorie Source	Macronutrient Profile	Indulgence Level
Egg Yolk Coffee	175–350 calories	Egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk	High fat, high sugar	High (Dessert-like)
Black Coffee	2–5 calories	Trace oils	Virtually none	Low
Cafe Latte	100–150 calories	Milk	Moderate protein, moderate fat	Medium
Mocha	250–400+ calories	Chocolate syrup, milk, whipped cream	High fat, high sugar	High (Dessert)
Cappuccino	70–100 calories	Milk foam	Moderate protein, low fat	Medium-Low

Factors Influencing the Calorie Count

Several factors can cause the calorie count of egg yolk coffee to fluctuate dramatically:

Portion Size: A standard serving can vary. Larger portions will, of course, have a higher calorie count.
Recipe Variations: The ratio of egg yolk to sweetened condensed milk, and any additional sugar, is the most important factor. Some homemade recipes use less condensed milk than traditional versions found in Vietnamese cafes.
Sweetener Type: Using different sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, can also change the final calorie count. For example, a recipe using maple syrup instead of condensed milk might alter the flavor and nutritional composition.
Egg Size: A larger egg will have a slightly higher calorie content than a smaller one.

The Nutritional Picture Beyond Calories

While high in calories, egg yolk coffee does offer some nutritional benefits due to its ingredients. The egg yolk is a powerhouse of nutrients.

Healthy Fats: The fats in egg yolks contribute to a sense of satiety, helping you feel full for longer.
Vitamins: Egg yolks are rich in fat-soluble vitamins, including A, D, E, and K.
Choline: A large egg yolk is a significant source of choline, an essential nutrient important for brain and nervous system function.

How to Make Egg Yolk Coffee at Home

Making this specialty coffee at home allows for precise control over the ingredients and, therefore, the calories. Here is a simple recipe based on the traditional Vietnamese method:

Ingredients:

1 large egg yolk
1-2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)
1 shot of strong espresso or 3-4 ounces of robustly brewed coffee
Optional: a pinch of vanilla extract or cinnamon for garnish

Method:

In a small bowl, combine the egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk.
Using a handheld mixer or whisk, beat the mixture vigorously for several minutes until it becomes thick, pale, and fluffy, reaching a meringue-like consistency.
Brew a hot shot of strong espresso into a cup.
Gently spoon the whipped egg yolk mixture over the hot coffee. The heat will slightly cook the egg mixture, creating a custard-like layer.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon if desired and serve immediately.

Conclusion: Indulgent Treat, Not Daily Staple

In summary, the number of calories in egg yolk coffee can range widely, but a single serving is typically well over 150 calories due to the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolk. While it offers some nutritional benefits, such as vitamins and healthy fats from the yolk, its richness and high sugar content mean it is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular morning brew. By making it at home, you have the flexibility to manage the ingredient amounts and control the overall calorie and sugar intake.

BBC Good Food offers a simple recipe with nutritional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, egg yolk coffee is not ideal for weight loss due to its high calorie, fat, and sugar content from the egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk. It is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a weight loss diet.

The main calorie sources in egg yolk coffee are the whipped egg yolk and, most significantly, the sweetened condensed milk. The strong black coffee base contains almost no calories.

Yes, an average egg yolk coffee typically contains more calories than a regular latte, though it can be comparable to an indulgent, flavored latte with whipped cream and syrups.

To reduce the calories, you can decrease the amount of sweetened condensed milk used or substitute it with a smaller quantity of a different sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Using a smaller portion size also helps.

The hot coffee poured over the whipped egg yolk mixture partially cooks it, resulting in a rich, custard-like consistency rather than a fully raw egg. Using high-quality, fresh eggs is recommended.

Beyond flavor, the egg yolk adds beneficial nutrients, including healthy fats and vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12. These nutrients can increase satiety and support metabolic function.

No, they are different. Vietnamese egg coffee features a sweet, whipped custard-like topping, while Scandinavian egg coffee is a brewing method where a whole egg is used to clarify the grounds, resulting in a smoother, less bitter black coffee.