How much sugar is in a shot of hazelnut syrup?

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that a standard 1-ounce shot (or two tablespoons) of popular hazelnut syrups can contain up to 19 grams of sugar, equivalent to nearly five teaspoons? Understanding how much sugar is in a shot of hazelnut syrup is a crucial first step for anyone monitoring their daily sugar consumption in coffee and other beverages.

Quick Summary

A typical 1-ounce shot of standard hazelnut coffee syrup contains between 15 and 19 grams of sugar, contributing 60 to 80 calories to a beverage. This high sugar content can quickly impact your daily dietary goals and health.

Key Points

Significant Sugar Content: A standard 1-ounce shot of hazelnut syrup often contains 15 to 19 grams of sugar.
High Caloric Load: The high sugar content means each shot adds 60-80 empty calories to your beverage, depending on the brand.
Impact on Daily Intake: Just one or two shots of hazelnut syrup can represent a large portion of your recommended daily limit for added sugars.
Healthier Alternative: Sugar-free syrups, natural extracts, and flavored coffee beans are excellent options to reduce sugar without sacrificing flavor.
Homemade Control: Making your own hazelnut syrup allows for full control over the type and quantity of sweetener used, offering a customizable and healthier option.
Hidden Sugar: Many people underestimate the amount of sugar in flavored coffee, making it a hidden source of excess calories and sugar in their diet.

Defining the 'Shot' and its Sugar Content

Before delving into the specific numbers, it's important to clarify what a "shot" of syrup means. While it might vary by brand and coffee shop, a standard-sized syrup pump delivers roughly one-quarter to one-half fluid ounce. However, nutrition facts are often listed for a more consistent serving size, typically one fluid ounce or two tablespoons (approximately 30ml). For the most accurate nutritional assessment, the 1-ounce serving is the most reliable measure.

The Average Sugar Count

Based on several popular brands, a 1-ounce serving of regular hazelnut syrup contains a significant amount of sugar. This is because these syrups are essentially concentrated simple syrup (sugar and water) with added flavorings. The sugar content directly translates to calories, with nearly all of the syrup's caloric value coming from carbohydrates in the form of sugar.

For most leading brands, you can expect the sugar content per 1-ounce shot to fall in the range of 15 to 19 grams. This is a substantial addition to any beverage, especially when considering the American Heart Association's recommendation of limiting added sugar intake to no more than 36 grams per day for men and 25 grams for women.

Brand-by-Brand Sugar Comparison

To highlight the variations, here is a comparison table of the sugar content from different hazelnut syrup brands, typically representing a 1-ounce (approx. 30ml) serving. Keep in mind that specific recipes and serving sizes at coffee shops can vary, so it is always best to check the nutritional information directly.


Brand	Serving Size	Sugar Content	Calories
Torani Hazelnut Syrup	2 tbsp (1 oz)	19g	80
Starbucks Hazelnut Syrup	2 tbsp (1 oz)	19g	80
Pret A Manger Hazelnut Syrup	22g serving	22g	90
Shott Hazelnut Syrup	1 tbsp (0.5 oz)	12g	Not Specified

The Health Implications of High Sugar Syrup

Adding high-sugar syrup to your daily coffee can have several health impacts. Regular, high intake of added sugars is linked to a number of health concerns, including:

Weight gain and obesity
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
Higher risk of heart disease
Tooth decay
Negative impacts on mood and energy levels

Many people are unaware of just how much sugar they consume through flavored coffee drinks, making it a hidden source of empty calories. The sweetness can also lead to a craving for more sugar throughout the day, creating a cycle of unhealthy eating habits.

Healthier Alternatives for Flavor

If you enjoy the flavor of hazelnut but want to reduce your sugar intake, several healthier options are available:

Sugar-Free Syrups: Many brands, including Torani, offer sugar-free hazelnut syrups that use artificial sweeteners like sucralose. These provide the flavor without the calories and sugar. Just be aware of the sweetener used if you have sensitivities.
Nut Extracts: A few drops of pure hazelnut extract can add a potent, natural flavor to your coffee without any sugar. This is a calorie-free way to get the taste you love.
Natural Sweeteners in Moderation: Use a very small amount of a natural, low-glycemic sweetener like maple syrup, honey, or stevia, and pair it with a splash of unsweetened hazelnut milk for flavor and creaminess.
Hazelnut Coffee Beans: Look for coffee beans with a natural hazelnut flavor infusion. Brewing with these beans provides the taste you're after without any need for syrup.

Creating Your Own Low-Sugar Hazelnut Syrup

For those who prefer to control every ingredient, making your own hazelnut syrup is a simple and rewarding process. A basic recipe involves combining water, your preferred sweetener, and toasted hazelnuts. This method allows you to experiment with different natural sweeteners and adjust the sweetness to your exact preference. For a detailed guide on creating your own syrups, you can reference this helpful resource on homemade hazelnut syrup.

Conclusion

While a shot of hazelnut syrup provides a delightful flavor boost, its high sugar content should not be overlooked. A typical 1-ounce serving adds between 15 and 19 grams of sugar to your drink, making a significant impact on your daily intake. By being aware of these nutritional facts, you can make smarter choices, explore healthier alternatives like sugar-free versions or natural extracts, and still enjoy your flavored coffee without the sugar overload. Moderation and conscious selection are key to balancing flavor and health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The amount of sugar in a pump of hazelnut syrup varies depending on the pump size, which can differ by brand and coffee shop. However, based on standard nutritional information for a 1-ounce serving (which is often two pumps), you can expect between 15 and 19 grams of sugar.

The sugar content in most flavored coffee syrups, including hazelnut, vanilla, and caramel, is generally comparable. The base for these syrups is typically simple sugar syrup, so the nutritional profile is very similar across different flavors from the same brand.

Yes, sugar-free hazelnut syrups are an excellent alternative for those who want to reduce their sugar and calorie intake while maintaining flavor. These versions typically use artificial sweeteners and have zero sugar and zero calories.

A standard 1-ounce shot of hazelnut syrup contains approximately 60 to 80 calories. Almost all of these calories come from the sugar content.

Absolutely. Making your own hazelnut syrup at home allows you to control the ingredients and significantly reduce the sugar content. You can substitute pure sugar with healthier alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, or agave nectar to lower the glycemic impact.

Besides sugar-free syrups, you can use a few drops of pure hazelnut extract for a sugar-free flavor boost. Using coffee beans that are naturally infused with hazelnut flavor during roasting is another great option, or even adding a splash of unsweetened hazelnut milk.

The sugar in flavored syrups is typically much higher than in other common additions. For example, a single teaspoon of granulated sugar has about 4 grams of sugar. A 1-ounce shot of hazelnut syrup has the equivalent of several teaspoons of sugar, making it a far more significant source of added sugar.