How many calories are in 1 cup of cold brew?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 8-ounce cup of black coffee brewed from grounds contains approximately 2 calories. This fact leads many to ask: How many calories are in 1 cup of cold brew?

Quick Summary

The calorie count for black cold brew is minimal, usually between 2 to 5 calories per cup. However, additions like milk, sugar, or syrups can significantly increase this number.

Key Points

Black Cold Brew: An 8-ounce cup contains 2 to 5 calories.
Additives are the culprit: The majority of calories come from add-ins.
Sweet Cream Calories: A grande Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew can contain about 110 calories.
Low-Calorie Customization: Use unsweetened almond milk and sugar-free syrups or sweeteners like stevia.
Less Acidity, Less Sugar: Cold brew's smoother flavor can reduce the need for added sugar.

The Surprising Truth About Black Cold Brew Calories

Plain, unsweetened cold brew is an excellent low-calorie choice. Cold brew is steeped in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period. This results in a smoother, less acidic taste, which many prefer without sweeteners.

Brewing Method's Impact: The slow steeping process of cold brew extracts more natural flavors and a higher caffeine concentration, but it does not significantly increase the calorie count. The slight variance, typically between 2 to 5 calories for an 8-ounce cup, comes from the minimal fats and proteins naturally found in the coffee bean.
Pure and Simple: Cold brew's smooth flavor profile means fewer drinkers feel the need to mask bitterness with additives, so it stays low-calorie. Nitro cold brew, infused with nitrogen gas for a creamy texture, is often calorie-free.

The Additive Effect: What Truly Increases Cold Brew Calories

Additions are the primary sources of calories. The type and amount of each add-in can quickly transform a near-zero-calorie drink into a calorie-rich dessert.

Common Additions and Their Caloric Impact:

Milk and Creamers: Milk can add anywhere from 10 to over 100 calories, depending on the fat content. A tablespoon of heavy cream has over 100 calories, while the same amount of skim milk is about 10. Commercial cold brews with milk are often sweetened, increasing the count.
Sugar and Syrups: One teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories. Flavored syrups, like caramel or vanilla, can contain 50 or more calories per pump.
Other Mix-ins: Ingredients like whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or caramel drizzle can increase the total calories.

Comparison Table: Calories in Cold Brew Variations

Here is a comparison of calorie counts for a 16 oz (Grande) cold brew with various additions.


Cold Brew Variation	Approximate Calories (16 oz)	Key Calorie Sources
Black Cold Brew (Unsweetened)	~5 calories	Negligible fats from coffee beans.
With a Splash of Skim Milk	~20-25 calories	Natural sugars from milk.
With Vanilla Sweet Cream	~110 calories	Heavy cream and sugar.
With Milk and Flavored Syrup	~120-150+ calories	Sugar from syrup and natural sugars/fats from milk.
With Nonfat Milk (Starbucks)	~25 calories	Natural sugars from nonfat milk.
With Unsweetened Almond Milk	~10-20 calories	Natural fats from almonds.

How to Enjoy a Low-Calorie Cold Brew

To keep cold brew a low-calorie choice, you have several options:

Drink it Black: This is the simplest way to enjoy the lowest calorie count.
Use Low-Calorie Alternatives: For sweetness or creaminess:
- Low-Calorie Sweeteners: Choose stevia, monk fruit extract, or erythritol-based sweeteners.
- Unsweetened Nut Milks: Add unsweetened almond, oat, or macadamia milk.
Try Zero-Calorie Syrups: Many brands offer sugar-free flavored syrups.
DIY Low-Calorie Creamers: Create your own with unsweetened almond milk and a sugar-free vanilla extract.

The Nutritional Benefits of Black Cold Brew

Drinking cold brew black ensures the full range of coffee's health benefits. Coffee has antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. It can support brain function and boost metabolism, and it's a good option for sensitive stomachs due to its lower acidity.

Conclusion: The Low-Calorie Beverage with High-Calorie Potential

The calorie content of cold brew is virtually non-existent, typically 2 to 5 calories for an 8-ounce serving. The difference in calories comes from what you add. Being mindful of additions helps control the nutritional impact of your cold brew. For those on a keto diet or watching their sugar intake, black cold brew is ideal, and low-calorie alternatives are available.

For more nutritional information and resources, visit the Coffee and Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black cold brew and regular iced coffee have similar calorie counts, both typically under 5 calories per 16 ounces. The difference depends on the additives used.

Yes, black cold brew is keto-friendly as it has virtually zero carbs. Adding fats like heavy cream or MCT oil is acceptable on the keto diet, while sugar and sugary syrups should be avoided.

High-sugar additions like flavored syrups, whipped cream, and sugary creamers add the most calories. Even a small amount of whole milk or half-and-half can quickly increase the calorie count.

A grande (16 oz) black, unsweetened cold brew from Starbucks has about 5 calories. The calorie count changes dramatically with additions, such as the 110 calories in a grande Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.

Yes, using skim or 2% milk will add fewer calories than whole milk or heavy cream. For example, a grande cold brew with nonfat milk at Starbucks is around 25 calories.

Use non-sugar sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Also, use sugar-free flavored syrups, which provide flavor without the caloric impact of sugar.

While different beans can have slightly varying levels of natural oils and proteins, this has a negligible impact on the final calorie count of the brewed coffee. The difference is typically only a couple of calories per cup.