How many calories are in espresso coffee with milk?

October 17, 2025 •

3 min read

A single shot of black espresso contains under 5 calories, but the addition of milk is what increases the calorie count of coffee drinks. This article provides a guide to how many calories are in espresso coffee with milk? and how to choose the right options for your diet.

Quick Summary

The calories in espresso with milk vary greatly depending on the milk type and amount used. The total is also influenced by portion size and any added sweeteners, ranging from low-calorie skim milk to high-calorie whole milk options.

Key Points

Milk Type Matters: The calorie count in an espresso with milk is largely determined by the type of milk, with whole milk having more calories than skim or almond milk.
Smaller Sizes Reduce Calories: Choosing a smaller drink size, such as a macchiato or piccolo, means less milk and fewer calories.
Black Espresso is Lowest-Calorie: A plain shot of espresso has almost no calories, making it the best option for calorie counters.
Avoid Syrups for Lower Calories: Flavored syrups are a major source of added sugars and calories, increasing the total count of a beverage.
Consider Plant-Based Milks: Unsweetened almond and oat milk offer creamy dairy alternatives with a lower calorie profile.
Control Your Additives: Limiting or skipping sugar and other high-calorie additions is crucial for reducing coffee's calorie content.

The Calorie Breakdown: Espresso vs. Espresso with Milk

Espresso itself is a low-calorie drink, with about 3-5 calories per double shot. Milk, cream, and sweeteners are the primary sources of calories and macronutrients in espresso-based drinks. The final calorie count depends on the milk's fat and sugar content.

For example, 100ml of whole milk has around 61 calories, while the same amount of skim milk contains roughly 34 calories. This difference in milk choice significantly changes a coffee's nutritional profile. When different serving sizes and flavored syrups are included, the calorie count can rise to over 300 calories in a single, large flavored latte.

Calorie Comparison by Milk Type

The type of milk has the most impact on the calorie count of an espresso drink. Here's a breakdown of the typical calorie content per 100ml for various milk types:

Whole Milk: Approximately 61 calories
2% Milk: Approximately 50 calories
Skim Milk: Approximately 34 calories
Unsweetened Soy Milk: Approximately 58 calories
Unsweetened Oat Milk: Approximately 33 calories
Unsweetened Almond Milk: Approximately 25 calories

Popular Espresso and Milk Drinks: Calorie Counts

Espresso-based drinks with milk have different proportions of espresso, milk, and foam, impacting their calorie content. The calories in a single drink can vary widely depending on the serving size and milk choice, as illustrated by Anytime Fitness:

Latte: Typically made with one or two shots of espresso and a large amount of steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of foam. A small latte with whole milk can be around 83 calories, whereas a large one can reach up to 221 calories. Using skim milk can reduce these counts to 53 and 139 calories, respectively.
Cappuccino: Made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk. This higher foam-to-milk ratio means cappuccinos often have fewer calories than lattes. A large cappuccino with whole milk might have about 159 calories, compared to a large whole milk latte's 221 calories.
Flat White: Generally made with two shots of espresso and a larger volume of steamed milk, with less foam than a cappuccino. A large full cream flat white can have around 281 calories, showing how the increased milk volume impacts the total count.

How to Reduce Calories in Your Coffee

Managing calorie intake from coffee is simple with a few smart choices. Small changes can lead to significant reductions over time:

Choose Lower-Fat Milk: Switching from whole milk to skim milk or plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk is the most effective way to cut calories.
Downsize Your Drink: A smaller coffee means less milk and fewer calories. A piccolo latte or a macchiato, which uses only a splash of milk, are good choices.
Skip Sugar and Syrups: Flavored syrups are a major source of added sugar and calories. Opt for natural spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor instead.
Embrace Espresso: For the lowest-calorie option, enjoy a black espresso. It offers the caffeine boost with minimal calories.

Comparison Table: Calories in Popular Espresso Drinks


Drink (Typical Medium)	Made with Whole Milk	Made with Skim Milk	Made with Unsweetened Almond Milk
Latte	~190 kcal	~139 kcal	~40-50 kcal
Cappuccino	~159 kcal	~97 kcal	~30-40 kcal
Flat White	~281 kcal	~176 kcal	~40-50 kcal (estimate)

Conclusion

The number of calories in espresso coffee with milk is not fixed, but customizable based on choices. While espresso itself is low in calories, the type and amount of milk, and added sweeteners, can cause calories to add up quickly. By choosing lower-fat milk, opting for smaller sizes, and avoiding flavored syrups, it is possible to enjoy favorite milky espresso drinks without compromising nutritional goals.

Guilt-Free Sips: Exploring Low-Calorie Coffee provides more tips for enjoying lower-calorie brews.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard shot of black espresso has few calories, typically less than 5, as it contains no added milk or sweeteners.

A latte generally has more calories than a cappuccino of the same size. This is because a latte uses a greater volume of steamed milk, while a cappuccino has more milk foam, which is mostly air.

Unsweetened almond milk is often the lowest-calorie milk choice for coffee, followed by skim milk.

A single teaspoon of white sugar adds around 16 calories.

Flavored syrups can significantly increase the calorie content of an espresso drink. One pump of syrup might have 20-30 calories, and many drinks use multiple pumps.

A flat white typically has slightly fewer calories than a same-sized latte because it uses less foamed milk, though both are significantly higher in calories than black coffee.

Yes, you can ask for skim or a plant-based milk alternative like unsweetened almond milk and skip flavored syrups to lower the calorie count of your order.