How many calories are in white brew coffee? A comprehensive nutritional guide

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

For a standard black coffee, the calorie count is negligible, usually less than 5 calories per cup. However, the total for a white brew coffee can vary drastically, depending on how it's prepared and what is added, transforming a nearly calorie-free beverage into a rich, sweet treat.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for white brew coffee is minimal on its own but increases significantly with the addition of milk, sugar, and flavorings. The low-temperature roasting process gives it a nutty flavor and can preserve more antioxidants and caffeine.

Key Points

Base Calories Are Minimal: Plain white brew coffee contains less than 5 calories per cup, making it a very low-calorie beverage.
Additions Drive Calorie Count: The number of calories increases with the addition of milk, sugar, and syrups; a single flat white with whole milk can exceed 150 calories.
Retains More Antioxidants: The minimal roasting process preserves more of the beneficial chlorogenic acid found in green coffee beans.
Nutty, Less Bitter Flavor: White brew offers a distinct nutty and sweet taste profile, and is less acidic than traditional dark roasts.
Requires Specific Brewing Methods: Due to its dense nature, white coffee beans are best brewed using pressure-based methods like an espresso machine, Moka Pot, or AeroPress.

What is white brew coffee?

White brew coffee is made from beans that have been roasted for a shorter time and at a lower temperature compared to traditional coffee beans. This unique process stops the roast well before the "first crack" occurs, resulting in a pale beige or yellowish bean. This minimal roasting prevents the full caramelization that gives regular coffee its characteristic dark color and bitter taste. Consequently, white brew coffee has a lighter, nutty, and less acidic flavor profile.

The surprising truth about caffeine and antioxidants

Despite common marketing claims, the caffeine content in white coffee isn't significantly higher than in darker roasts when measured by weight. However, the lower temperature roasting does preserve more beneficial compounds. A 2021 study showed that light roasts retain significantly more chlorogenic acid, a powerful antioxidant, than their darker counterparts.

How many calories are in white brew coffee?

For a pure, unadulterated cup, the calorie count is extremely low. The bulk of the calories in a white brew coffee comes from added ingredients. The following sections break down the calorie impact of common coffee additions.

Calorie additions: Milk, sugar, and syrups

Adding dairy or sugar dramatically increases the calorie content of your coffee. The amount varies based on the type of additive and the portion size. A basic comparison can be seen below:

Milk: A single dash of full-cream milk (around 30ml) can add approximately 20 calories, while skim milk adds about 15. A larger portion, like in a flat white, can add significantly more, with a full-cream version reaching up to 155 calories.
Sugar: Each teaspoon of sugar adds about 15 calories.
Syrups: Flavored syrups are concentrated sugar, so a single pump or ounce can quickly add 30-50 calories or more, depending on the brand and flavor.

Examples from cafes

Some specific examples found in searches illustrate the variation:

An 8 fl oz Kohana white cold brew contains 100 calories, but this is a pre-mixed, sweetened product.
A small Second Cup brewed white coffee with skim milk is around 53 calories.
A Regular White Coffee from Greggs (285ml) is about 34 calories, containing 2.9g of sugar.
A Starbucks Flat White made with whole milk can have around 170 calories.

Comparison: White Brew vs. Regular Coffee Calorie Breakdown


Ingredient	Plain White Brew	Plain Regular Coffee	White Brew with Whole Milk (Small)	Regular Coffee with Whole Milk (Small)
Base Calories	<5 calories	<5 calories	<5 calories	<5 calories
Milk Calories	0	0	Approx. 50-70 calories	Approx. 50-70 calories
Sugar Calories	0	0	Varies by added sugar	Varies by added sugar
Total Calories (Approx.)	<5 calories	<5 calories	55-75+ calories	55-75+ calories
Taste Profile	Nutty, sweet, less bitter	Rich, bold, bitter	Nutty base with creamy texture	Bold base with creamy texture

Brewing methods for white coffee

Because of their density, white coffee beans are very hard and require specific brewing methods to produce a flavorful cup. Regular home grinders may struggle to process them. Many roasters pre-grind the beans for this reason. The best brewing methods that use pressure include:

Espresso Machine: This method is ideal for creating a concentrated shot of white coffee, which is then used as the base for lattes and other drinks.
Moka Pot: A stovetop brewer that uses steam pressure to force water through the grounds, creating a strong, espresso-like brew.
AeroPress: This device uses manual pressure to extract coffee, offering more control over the extraction process and resulting in a clean, smooth cup.

Health implications of white coffee

Beyond the calorie count, white coffee offers other health-related points of interest. It is less acidic than darker roasts, which can be beneficial for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux issues. The high antioxidant content, primarily from chlorogenic acid, has been linked to various health benefits, including improved blood sugar control and reduced inflammation. While the total caffeine content may not be significantly higher per serving size, its impact can feel more pronounced due to the flavor profile, which can allow for a strong kick without the bitterness of a dark roast.

Conclusion: The simple answer with a creamy twist

In essence, the core white brew coffee, made with just water, has virtually no calories. Any calories present come from the added components. Understanding this is key for anyone watching their calorie intake. While the base beverage is diet-friendly, adding milk, sugar, or flavored syrups can quickly change its nutritional profile from minimal to significant. To keep it low-calorie, enjoy it black or with low-fat, unsweetened milk alternatives. For those who want a treat, white brew can be a delicious, nutty base for a more decadent, but higher-calorie, drink. Ultimately, controlling the calorie count is as simple as managing your additions.

For more general information on coffee and calorie content, the Mayo Clinic provides an excellent overview on the matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

While white brew coffee is often marketed as having more caffeine, studies suggest the difference per serving is not significant. The intensity of the caffeine 'kick' may feel stronger to some due to the lighter, less bitter flavor.

The main difference is the roasting process. White coffee beans are roasted for less time at a much lower temperature (around 325°F), while black coffee is roasted at higher temperatures (400-475°F) for longer.

The nutty flavor comes from the minimal roasting process, which prevents the beans from reaching the Maillard reaction and full caramelization. This preserves the beans' natural, raw characteristics.

Yes, because it is roasted at a lower temperature, white brew coffee is significantly less acidic than traditionally roasted black coffee. This can be easier on sensitive stomachs.

White coffee beans are denser and harder than darker roasts, which can damage standard home coffee grinders. For this reason, it is typically sold pre-ground.

The calories depend on the type and amount of milk. A single dash of skim milk adds about 15 calories, while a serving with whole milk can add 50-70+ calories.

No. Malaysian (or Ipoh) white coffee refers to a drink made with beans roasted in margarine and served with condensed milk. American white brew coffee refers to the light-roasted bean itself.