How many calories in a coffee with 2 sugars: a simple breakdown

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know a cup of plain black coffee contains only 2 to 5 calories? The real calorie count depends entirely on what you add, so understanding the contribution of each ingredient is key to knowing how many calories in a coffee with 2 sugars.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the calories in coffee with 2 sugars, explaining how additions like milk, cream, and syrups affect the total count, helping you make informed dietary choices.

Key Points

Base Coffee Calories: Plain black coffee contains only 2–5 calories per cup, which is a negligible amount.
Sugar's Contribution: Each teaspoon of granulated sugar adds approximately 16 calories to your drink.
Total for 2 Sugars: A black coffee with 2 sugars will have roughly 34 to 37 calories total.
Milk's Impact: Adding milk significantly increases the calorie count; for example, a splash of whole milk with 2 sugars adds substantially more calories than black coffee alone.
Hidden Calories: Flavored syrups and whipped cream can add upwards of 100 calories or more, turning a simple coffee into a high-calorie treat.
Lower-Calorie Alternatives: You can reduce your calorie intake by choosing skim milk, natural spices like cinnamon, or sugar-free sweeteners.

The Core Calculation: Black Coffee with Two Sugars

First, it is essential to distinguish between a simple coffee and a gourmet coffee-shop beverage. Your base brewed coffee, without any additions, is a remarkably low-calorie drink. A standard 8-ounce (240ml) cup of black coffee contains a mere 2 to 5 calories, with no fat or sugar. All of the calories and nutrients come from the coffee beans themselves, and the final total is negligible for most diets.

The real impact on your coffee's nutritional profile comes from added sugar. A single teaspoon of granulated sugar contains approximately 16 calories. Therefore, adding two teaspoons of sugar to a cup of black coffee increases the total calorie count to around 34 to 37 calories. For someone tracking their daily intake, this simple addition is a significant factor, especially when consuming multiple cups throughout the day.

The Game-Changer: The Role of Milk and Cream

While sugar is a straightforward calorie contributor, the addition of milk or cream dramatically increases the total. The final calorie count depends on the type and quantity of dairy (or non-dairy) product used. For example, even a small splash of milk can add 10 to 40 calories or more, pushing your drink well above the 50-calorie mark. The following examples illustrate how different ingredients can transform your cup from a low-calorie drink to a higher-calorie snack.

Calorie Comparison: Your Coffee Choices


Drink Variation	Estimated Calories	Notes on Ingredients
Black Coffee	2–5 kcal	Unsweetened, no milk
Black Coffee + 2 Sugars	34–37 kcal	Based on 16 kcal per teaspoon of sugar
Coffee + 2 Sugars + Skim Milk	~50 kcal	Includes ~2 tsp sugar and ~1 oz (30ml) of skim milk
Coffee + 2 Sugars + Whole Milk	~70 kcal	Includes ~2 tsp sugar and ~1 oz (30ml) of whole milk
Coffee + 2 Sugars + Half-and-Half	~110 kcal	Includes ~2 tsp sugar and ~1 oz (30ml) of half-and-half
Flavored Latte (Large, Café-made)	150–300+ kcal	Often includes milk, multiple pumps of syrup, and whipped cream

Hidden Calorie Traps: Syrups, Toppings, and Sizes

Beyond standard milk and sugar, many popular coffee-shop additions significantly boost the calorie count. Flavored syrups, such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut, typically add 20 to 25 calories per pump. A dollop of whipped cream can contribute another 50 to 100 calories, depending on the size. For context, a large blended coffee drink can sometimes contain more calories than a meal, a stark contrast to a simple black coffee.

Tips for a Lower-Calorie Coffee

For those watching their calorie intake, enjoying a flavorful coffee doesn't have to mean sacrificing your health goals. Here are some simple substitutions and strategies:

Choose Lower-Fat Dairy: Switching from whole milk to skim or low-fat alternatives can save a significant number of calories. Plant-based milks, such as unsweetened almond milk, are also an excellent low-calorie choice.
Gradually Reduce Sugar: Over time, you can train your palate to prefer less sweetness. Try reducing your sugar from two teaspoons to one, and eventually, none. Your taste buds will adjust, and you may begin to appreciate the coffee's natural flavors more.
Use Sugar-Free Alternatives: Many sugar substitutes, like stevia or erythritol, offer sweetness without the added calories. Ensure you check the label for any hidden ingredients.
Add Natural Flavorings: Enhance your coffee with calorie-free options like a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a splash of vanilla extract. These spices add depth of flavor without the sugar content.
Brew at Home: Controlling your ingredients at home allows for the most accurate calorie tracking and the ability to customize your drink to your exact specifications. Café drinks often contain more sugar and milk than you realize.

Conclusion

While a cup of black coffee is virtually calorie-free, the number of calories in a coffee with 2 sugars is approximately 34 to 37. This baseline increases substantially with milk, cream, and other high-calorie additives found in many commercial coffee drinks. By being mindful of your additions and opting for lower-calorie alternatives, you can enjoy your daily brew without jeopardizing your dietary goals. Taking control of your coffee's ingredients is a simple yet effective step toward better nutritional management.

American Heart Association on Added Sugar

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a coffee with 2 sugars and milk varies by the type and amount of milk. A cup with two teaspoons of sugar and a small amount of whole milk can be around 70 calories, while skim milk will be less.

In moderation, a coffee with 2 sugars is not inherently bad. However, excessive sugar intake can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. For perspective, two teaspoons of sugar nearly meet the daily added sugar limit recommended by the American Heart Association for women.

To reduce calories, consider switching to skim or plant-based milk (like unsweetened almond milk), reducing the amount of sugar, or using a non-caloric sweetener like stevia. You can also use spices such as cinnamon for flavor without adding calories.

Brown sugar has a very similar calorie count to white granulated sugar. A teaspoon of brown sugar contains approximately 17 calories, just one more than a teaspoon of white sugar.

Non-caloric sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit are excellent alternatives to sugar if you are looking to reduce calories. You can also try natural flavorings like cinnamon, vanilla extract, or cocoa powder.

Yes, if consumed in excess. While the calories from a single cup are minimal, drinking multiple sugary coffees daily can cause calories to add up quickly. Unnecessary calories, especially from sugar, can lead to weight gain over time.

Café-made coffee, especially flavored lattes and frappuccinos, often contain more milk, sugar, and syrups than homemade versions, leading to a significantly higher calorie count. Making coffee at home gives you full control over your ingredients.