Is Hazelnut Coffee High in Calories? A Comprehensive Nutrition Guide

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

While a cup of plain brewed coffee contains a minimal 2-5 calories, the answer to 'is hazelnut coffee high in calories?' depends almost entirely on how it is prepared. A black coffee made from hazelnut-flavored beans is nearly identical in calorie content to regular black coffee, but specialty drinks with added syrups and creamers can drastically increase the total.

Quick Summary

Hazelnut coffee's calorie count is determined by additions like syrup and creamer, not the flavored beans. Plain brewed hazelnut coffee is low in calories, but cafe-style drinks can be calorie-dense due to added sugars and fats. Simple modifications can help you enjoy the flavor while keeping calories in check.

Key Points

Low Calories in Flavored Beans: Black coffee brewed from flavored hazelnut beans contains only 2-5 calories per cup, comparable to regular black coffee.
High-Calorie Add-ins: Sugary syrups, creamers, and whipped cream are the primary sources of high calories in cafe-style hazelnut drinks.
Syrup is the Main Culprit: A single pump of hazelnut syrup can add 20-25 calories, and many drinks contain multiple pumps, increasing sugar and fat significantly.
Opt for Sugar-Free: Choose sugar-free hazelnut syrups to get the flavor without the added calories.
Choose Low-Fat Milk: Using skim milk, almond milk, or oat milk instead of whole milk or cream can drastically reduce the fat and calories.
Brew at Home for Control: Making your own hazelnut coffee allows for complete control over ingredients and portion sizes, helping manage calorie intake.
Real Hazelnuts Are Healthy: Actual hazelnuts are nutritious, offering healthy fats and antioxidants, but these benefits are not present in most flavored coffees.

The Surprising Truth About Flavored Coffee Beans

When you buy a bag of pre-ground or whole-bean hazelnut coffee, the flavor is infused into the beans using natural or artificial flavoring oils. These oils are added after the roasting process and contribute a negligible number of calories to the final brewed cup. A standard 8-ounce cup of black hazelnut coffee brewed from flavored beans contains about 2 to 5 calories, similar to unflavored black coffee.

The health concerns and calorie increases typically associated with flavored coffee come from the additives. This is where a simple cup of coffee can quickly transform into a high-calorie dessert. The main culprits are sugar-laden syrups, full-fat milk, and whipped cream. By understanding the difference between the base product and the extras, you can make informed choices for your nutrition diet.

How Additives Skyrocket Calorie Counts

Many popular cafe-style hazelnut drinks, like lattes and frozen coffees, are loaded with high-calorie ingredients. A standard pump of hazelnut syrup often contains 20-25 calories, while a serving of flavored creamer can add 30-50 calories or more. Topping it all off with whipped cream adds another 50+ calories.

Flavored Syrups: Each pump adds a significant amount of sugar and calories. A grande-sized drink might have four or more pumps.
Creamers: Full-fat or sweetened creamers are a major source of calories and unhealthy fats.
Milk: Switching from skim milk to whole milk or heavy cream increases the fat and calorie content.
Toppings: Whipped cream, caramel drizzles, and other decorative toppings are pure extra sugar and fat.

Comparison: Flavored Beans vs. Cafe Drink

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table showing the approximate calorie counts for various hazelnut coffee options. Values can vary slightly by brand and serving size.


Coffee Type	Calories (Approx. Per Serving)	Contributing Factors
Black Hazelnut Coffee (brewed from flavored beans)	2-5 calories	Trace calories from coffee oils; virtually calorie-free flavoring.
Iced Hazelnut Swirl Coffee (small, with cream, from Dunkin')	170 calories	Hazelnut syrup swirl, cream.
Hazelnut Latte (generic, sweetened)	139 calories	Hazelnut syrup, milk.
Hazelnut Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with cream, from Dunkin')	860 calories	Hazelnut swirl syrup, cream, blended base.

Lowering the Calories in Your Hazelnut Coffee

If you love the flavor of hazelnut but not the excess calories, there are many simple ways to enjoy your brew guilt-free. Small adjustments can make a big difference in your daily intake, helping you stick to your nutrition diet goals.

Opt for flavored beans: The easiest solution is to brew black hazelnut-flavored coffee. You get the rich aroma and taste without any of the added sugars or fats.
Use sugar-free syrup: If you need sweetness, many brands offer sugar-free hazelnut syrups made with non-caloric sweeteners. A quality sugar-free syrup provides flavor without the calorie load.
Choose low-fat milk alternatives: Swap out whole milk or heavy cream for a lower-calorie option like skim milk, unsweetened almond milk, or oat milk.
Add flavor with spices: To enhance the nutty notes, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. These are virtually calorie-free and can elevate your coffee experience.
Measure your add-ins: When preparing coffee at home, measure the amount of milk, creamer, or syrup you use. You may be surprised by how much you typically add.
Skip the whipped cream: This one is a no-brainer. Whipped cream is a high-calorie topping that can easily be omitted from any specialty drink.

The Health Benefits of Real Hazelnuts

While flavored coffee does not contain the nutrients of actual hazelnuts, the nuts themselves offer several health benefits. Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, protein, and dietary fiber. They have been linked to improved heart health, lower cholesterol, and may offer protection against cell damage. Incorporating actual hazelnuts into your diet as a snack or in meals is a healthy way to enjoy their benefits.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Hazelnut Coffee Choices

The bottom line is that a cup of hazelnut coffee is only as high in calories as you make it. If you brew it black from flavored beans, the calorie count is minimal. The calorie load comes from high-sugar syrups and fats found in creamers and milk, especially in specialty cafe beverages. By being mindful of your additions and choosing wisely, you can continue to enjoy your favorite nutty flavor while staying on track with your nutrition goals. Simple swaps like sugar-free syrup and low-fat milk can transform a decadent, high-calorie drink into a healthier, guilt-free treat.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Coffee and your health

Frequently Asked Questions

Black hazelnut coffee made from flavored beans contains very few calories, typically 2-5 calories per 8-ounce cup, just like regular black coffee.

Flavored hazelnut beans are infused with oils that impart flavor but add negligible calories. Hazelnut syrup is a concentrated sugar-based flavoring that adds a significant number of calories and sugar.

To reduce calories, ask for sugar-free hazelnut syrup, use a low-fat milk alternative like almond or skim milk, and skip the whipped cream and other sugary toppings.

Flavored coffee beans are generally considered healthy, as the flavorings themselves don't add significant calories or sugar. The health of the drink depends on what you add to it after brewing.

No, most sugar-free hazelnut syrups contain zero calories and are made with artificial sweeteners like sucralose, providing flavor without the calorie load.

Yes, for a naturally low-calorie alternative, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg directly to your coffee grounds before brewing, or use a small amount of honey or stevia after.

The calorie count for cafe-style drinks can vary widely, from around 170 calories for a small iced coffee with cream to over 800 calories for a medium frozen drink, depending on the amount of syrup, milk, and toppings.