Is Coffee High in Carbohydrates? A Guide to Managing Your Carb Intake

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Plain black coffee contains virtually zero carbohydrates, making it a staple for many on low-carb diets. The real question becomes whether is coffee high in carbohydrates once additions like milk, sugar, and syrups are involved, which can drastically change its nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

Plain black coffee is virtually carb-free, but additions like milk, sugar, and syrups significantly increase the carbohydrate content. Understanding which ingredients to choose is key for maintaining a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle while enjoying your coffee.

Key Points

Black Coffee is Carb-Free: Unsweetened black coffee contains virtually zero carbohydrates and is perfectly suited for low-carb diets like keto.
Add-Ins Are the Culprit: The high carb count in specialty coffee drinks comes from added milk, sugary syrups, and sweeteners, not the coffee itself.
Keto-Friendly Additions Exist: Low-carb alternatives include heavy cream, unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, and zero-carb natural sweeteners.
Brewing Method Matters Slightly: Unsweetened cold brew has a slightly higher carb content than hot-brewed coffee due to longer extraction time, but both remain low-carb.
Monitor Specialty Drinks: Popular coffee shop beverages like mochas and lattes are often loaded with carbs and should be avoided or modified on a low-carb diet.
Caffeine Benefits Metabolism: The caffeine in black coffee can support ketosis by increasing fat burning and boosting metabolism.
Look Beyond Carbs: Coffee provides other health benefits, including antioxidants and a lower risk of certain diseases, especially when consumed black.

The Low-Carb Truth About Black Coffee

For those monitoring their carbohydrate intake, plain black coffee is the safest option. A standard 8-ounce cup of black coffee brewed from ground beans contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates, with some sources reporting it as zero. This makes it an ideal, calorie-free beverage for keto and other carb-conscious diets. The trace amounts of naturally occurring sugars in the raw green coffee bean are largely broken down during the roasting process, leaving very little behind in the final brewed drink. The insignificant carb count comes from the small amounts of proteins and other compounds extracted during brewing.

Why Black Coffee is Keto-Friendly

The ketogenic diet's primary goal is to shift the body's metabolism from burning glucose (sugar) to burning ketones for energy. Since black coffee contains virtually no carbs, it does not interfere with this state of ketosis. Furthermore, caffeine itself can be a beneficial ally on the keto diet. It supports ketosis by increasing ketone production in the liver, stimulating fat breakdown, and enhancing metabolic rate. This makes unsweetened black coffee a powerful tool for weight management and energy, especially when consumed during intermittent fasting.

How Add-Ins Drastically Increase Carbs

While black coffee starts as a low-carb beverage, its carb count can skyrocket depending on what you mix in. This is where most people unknowingly add substantial amounts of sugar and calories to their daily cup.

Milks, Syrups, and Sweeteners

Milk: Regular cow's milk contains lactose, a natural sugar that adds carbs. For example, a 12-ounce latte made with 2% milk can contain around 15 grams of carbohydrates. Choosing low-carb, unsweetened alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or heavy cream is crucial for keeping your coffee keto-friendly.
Syrups and Sugar: Flavored syrups, a staple in many coffee shop creations, are one of the biggest sources of hidden carbs. A single pump of syrup can contain 5 to 20 grams of sugar. Plain table sugar is also a major culprit, with each teaspoon adding about 5 grams of carbs.
Creamers: Many commercial coffee creamers are packed with sugar and unhealthy additives. Opting for keto-approved creamers or adding a small amount of heavy cream or half-and-half are better choices, as they contain minimal carbs and provide healthy fats.

Low-Carb Alternatives for Flavor

If you prefer your coffee with a little something extra, several low-carb options exist:

Use natural, zero-carb sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or xylitol instead of sugar.
Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra flavor without adding carbs.
Experiment with unsweetened, flavored coffee beans to get a rich taste profile with no added sugar.
Consider bulletproof coffee by blending black coffee with MCT oil, coconut oil, or grass-fed butter for a creamy, high-fat, zero-carb morning boost.

Hot Brew vs. Cold Brew

The brewing method can also influence the final carb count, though the difference is minimal in plain, unsweetened coffee. Hot water extracts flavors and compounds quickly, while cold brewing involves steeping grounds in cold water for an extended period (12-24 hours). The longer steeping time in cold water allows for a slightly greater extraction of natural sugars, giving cold brew a smoother, sweeter taste and a slightly higher, though still very low, carb count than its hot-brewed counterpart. For example, an 8-ounce cup of unsweetened cold brew may contain 2-4 grams of carbs, while a similar hot-brewed cup is under 1 gram.

Comparison of Common Coffee Drinks


Coffee Type	Serving Size	Approximate Carbs	Notes
Black Coffee	8 oz	<1g	Virtually carb-free.
Espresso	1 oz	<1g	A single shot is almost carb-free.
Americano	8 oz	<1g	Espresso diluted with hot water.
Latte (whole milk)	12 oz	~15g	The majority of carbs come from the milk.
Cappuccino (almond milk)	12 oz	~2g	A low-carb alternative to traditional dairy.
Mocha (syrup, milk)	12 oz	20–30g+	Significant carbs from chocolate syrup and milk.
Bulletproof Coffee	8 oz	~0–1g	Black coffee blended with healthy fats like butter and MCT oil.
Cold Brew (unsweetened)	16 oz	~1–2g	Slightly higher carb content due to the brewing process.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether coffee is high in carbohydrates is a matter of preparation. Plain black coffee and espresso are both excellent choices for a low-carb diet, as they are virtually carb-free and offer numerous health benefits, such as antioxidants and a metabolism boost. However, adding high-sugar ingredients like milk, flavored syrups, and commercial creamers can quickly transform a healthy beverage into a high-carb indulgence. By choosing smart, low-carb swaps, such as unsweetened nut milks and sugar-free sweeteners, you can continue to enjoy your favorite coffee drinks while adhering to your dietary goals. For more nutritional information, you can consult authoritative health sites like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, regular brewed black coffee contains virtually no carbohydrates. A standard 8-ounce cup typically has less than 1 gram of carbs.

The carbohydrate content of a latte depends on the milk and any added syrups. A 12-ounce latte with whole milk can have around 15 grams of carbs, while one with almond milk would be much lower.

Yes, you can drink coffee on a keto diet. Plain black coffee is perfectly keto-friendly. You must avoid high-sugar additions like regular milk and syrups and use low-carb alternatives.

To keep your coffee low-carb, use heavy cream, unsweetened nut milks (almond, coconut), or zero-carb natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Sugar-free syrups are also an option.

Yes, unsweetened cold brew generally has a slightly higher carb count than hot-brewed coffee. The longer steeping time in cold water extracts more natural sugars from the beans.

Flavored coffee beans are often low in carbs if they are naturally flavored without added sugars. It is best to check the product label to be certain.

In some individuals, particularly those with diabetes, caffeine can cause a temporary spike in blood sugar levels by affecting insulin sensitivity. However, regular, long-term coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.