Nutrition Diet: Are there any calories in black coffee?

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a standard 8-ounce cup of plain, black coffee contains only about 2 calories. This fact makes it a virtually calorie-free beverage, answering the question: 'Are there any calories in black coffee?' with a resounding 'almost none'.

Quick Summary

Pure, black coffee is extremely low in calories, but this changes with the addition of milk, sugar, or syrups. This article details the minimal calorie content of plain black coffee, compares it to popular coffee shop drinks, and provides healthy tips for your diet.

Key Points

Virtually calorie-free: Plain, black coffee contains only 2-5 calories per 8-ounce serving, making it a great low-calorie beverage option.
Additions are the calorie culprit: The calorie count drastically increases with the addition of milk, sugar, cream, and syrups, potentially adding hundreds of calories.
Aids weight management: The caffeine in black coffee can temporarily boost metabolism and help suppress appetite, supporting weight loss efforts.
Packed with antioxidants: Black coffee contains antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid, which can provide various health benefits like fighting inflammation.
Enjoy it flavorfully and healthily: You can enhance the flavor of black coffee without adding calories by using spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Timing is key: To avoid sleep disruption, which can impact weight, consume caffeinated coffee earlier in the day and limit your overall intake.

The Surprising Truth About Black Coffee

When it comes to controlling your calorie intake, beverages can be a tricky area. Many popular drinks, from sodas to sweetened teas, are packed with hidden sugars and calories. However, black coffee stands out as a low-calorie exception. Brewed from ground beans and water alone, it offers a morning boost with a negligible caloric impact. This makes it a smart choice for those watching their weight, on a ketogenic diet, or practicing intermittent fasting. The simple, water-based nature of black coffee is the key to its near-zero calorie count.

What Constitutes 'Pure' Black Coffee?

For a cup of black coffee to retain its minimal calorie count, it must be consumed without any additions. This includes both hot and iced versions. The moment you introduce other ingredients, the nutritional landscape shifts dramatically. A simple teaspoon of sugar can add around 20 calories, while a splash of whole milk adds more. Flavored syrups and whipped cream can send the calorie count soaring into the hundreds, turning a low-calorie beverage into a calorie-dense dessert masquerading as a morning pick-me-up.

The Impact of Additions on Your Coffee's Calories

To understand the full picture of coffee's caloric impact, it is essential to consider the add-ins. Here is a breakdown of common coffee additions and their approximate caloric contributions:

Sugar: Each teaspoon can add around 16 to 25 calories, depending on the type.
Milk: The calorie count varies significantly based on the milk's fat content. A tablespoon of whole milk adds about 9 calories, while skimmed milk adds fewer. Plant-based milks like unsweetened almond milk are often the lowest in calories among dairy alternatives.
Cream: Adding a generous pour of cream can increase calories by 50-100 per serving.
Syrups: A single pump of a flavored syrup can contain a surprising amount of sugar and calories. For example, some large sweetened lattes can exceed 200 calories.
Whipped Cream: Topping your drink with whipped cream can be one of the quickest ways to add a significant number of calories.

Comparing Popular Coffee Drinks

To put the calorie difference into perspective, consider the following comparison of popular coffee beverages. This table shows how a pure black coffee contrasts with common coffee shop drinks.


Drink	Preparation	Approximate Calories (medium size)	Primary Calorie Source
Black Coffee	Brewed coffee and water	~2-5 calories	Coffee beans (minimal)
Latte	Espresso, steamed milk, foam	150-200 calories	Milk and any added syrup
Cappuccino	Espresso, milk, thick foam	70-150 calories	Milk and any sweetener
Mocha	Espresso, milk, chocolate syrup	200-400 calories	Milk and chocolate syrup
Caramel Macchiato	Espresso, milk, vanilla syrup, caramel drizzle	250-350 calories	Milk, sugars, and syrups
Iced Coffee with Sweetener	Black coffee, sweetener, often milk	150-250 calories	Sugar and milk

The Nutritional Profile and Benefits of Black Coffee

Beyond its low-calorie status, black coffee contains small amounts of beneficial nutrients and compounds. These include potassium, magnesium, niacin (vitamin B3), and antioxidants like chlorogenic acid. Moderate black coffee consumption has been associated with several potential health benefits, such as a reduced risk of certain diseases, including Type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. The antioxidants present in coffee may help protect cells from damage. Moreover, the caffeine in coffee can temporarily boost metabolism and suppress appetite, which may aid in weight management.

Potential Downsides and Healthy Consumption Tips

While black coffee is generally considered healthy in moderation, excessive consumption or adding high-calorie ingredients can lead to negative effects. High caffeine intake can cause anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues in some individuals. For those with certain health conditions, like high blood pressure or anxiety disorders, consulting a healthcare provider about safe intake levels is recommended. To minimize the downsides and maximize the benefits, consider these tips:

Use Spices for Flavor: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of vanilla extract to your black coffee for flavor without adding calories.
Choose Lower-Calorie Milks: If you need milk, opt for unsweetened almond or soy milk, which are lower in calories than whole milk.
Limit Added Sugars: Gradually reduce the amount of sugar you add to train your taste buds to enjoy coffee's natural flavor. Use a natural, no-calorie sweetener like stevia instead if needed.
Mind Your Timing: Avoid drinking caffeinated coffee too late in the day to prevent it from interfering with your sleep, which is vital for a healthy diet and weight management.
Brew Quality Coffee: Using fresh, high-quality beans can enhance the flavor of black coffee, making it more enjoyable on its own without the need for high-calorie additions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to 'Are there any calories in black coffee?' is a clear 'almost none.' This makes it a suitable beverage for those focused on a healthy nutrition diet and weight management. The key is to be mindful of the ingredients added, as milk, sugar, and syrups can rapidly transform a low-calorie drink into a high-calorie one. By opting for black coffee or using healthy, low-calorie additions, you can enjoy this popular beverage and its potential health benefits without compromising your dietary goals. For more in-depth information on coffee and health, see this article from The Nutrition Source at Harvard University.

Health benefits of black coffee

May aid in weight management by boosting metabolism and suppressing appetite.
May protect against certain diseases, including Type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
Contains beneficial antioxidants and micronutrients like potassium and magnesium.
Can improve mood and concentration due to its caffeine content.
May improve physical performance when consumed before exercise.
May offer protection against liver diseases like cirrhosis.
May reduce the risk of certain neurodegenerative conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, black coffee does not break intermittent fasting. Since it contains a negligible amount of calories, it will not disrupt the fasting state, as long as no milk or sugar is added.

There is virtually no calorie difference between hot and iced black coffee, as long as they are both prepared with only coffee and water. Both have minimal calorie counts, typically 2-5 calories per cup.

Plain instant coffee, like regular brewed black coffee, is very low in calories. It is the additions like sugar and milk that increase the calorie count, not the instant coffee itself.

A standard shot of espresso is also very low in calories, typically containing only around 1 to 5 calories, depending on the extraction and serving size.

Yes, you can add milk by choosing lower-calorie options. Unsweetened plant-based milks like almond or soy milk and skimmed cow's milk are good choices. Just be mindful of the quantity you use.

Yes, moderate consumption of black coffee has been associated with several benefits, including a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes, liver diseases, and certain cancers.

Yes, black coffee is a perfect beverage for a keto diet, as it contains almost zero calories and no carbs. You can drink it black or add a small amount of low-carb, high-fat ingredients like a teaspoon of MCT oil.

Decaf black coffee has an even lower calorie count than regular black coffee, often listed as 0 calories. The decaffeination process slightly alters the bean's composition, but the caloric impact is still negligible.