Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in one 8 oz cup of coffee?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, an 8-ounce cup of plain, black brewed coffee contains just two calories, making it a nearly calorie-free beverage. However, the moment you add milk, sugar, or flavored syrups, the calorie count can skyrocket, turning your low-cal beverage into a high-calorie treat. Knowing how many calories are in one 8 oz cup of coffee is crucial for managing your intake, especially on a nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of coffee depends heavily on additives. While a basic 8-ounce black coffee has minimal calories, additions like milk, sugar, and syrups significantly increase the energy content. This guide explores the nutritional impact of different coffee types and provides tips for healthy consumption.

Key Points

Black coffee is low-calorie: A plain 8-ounce black coffee contains only 2 to 5 calories, making it a diet-friendly option.
Additives increase calories rapidly: Each teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories, while creams and syrups contribute even more, significantly boosting the total count.
Choose lower-calorie alternatives: Opt for skim milk, unsweetened almond milk, or calorie-free sweeteners like stevia to reduce the calorie load.
Caffeine may boost metabolism: The caffeine in coffee can provide a modest, temporary increase in metabolic rate, which may slightly aid in calorie burning.
Coffee offers health benefits: Beyond the caffeine, coffee is a source of antioxidants and nutrients that have been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases.
Homemade is best for control: Brewing your own coffee allows you to control all the ingredients and avoid the high-calorie additives often found in store-bought specialty drinks.

The Surprising Truth About Black Coffee's Calorie Count

In its purest form, coffee is one of the most diet-friendly beverages available. A standard 8-ounce cup of brewed black coffee contains a negligible 2 to 5 calories. This minimal energy content comes from trace proteins and oils that are released during the brewing process. For those committed to calorie counting, this makes black coffee an excellent choice for a morning boost without impacting their daily intake. Some health experts even suggest that the caffeine in coffee can temporarily increase your metabolic rate, potentially helping your body burn a few extra calories, though this effect is modest and shouldn't be relied upon for significant weight loss.

How Additives Drastically Change Your Coffee's Nutritional Profile

While black coffee is a low-calorie option, the nutritional landscape shifts dramatically with the addition of flavorings and sweeteners. Each teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories, while a tablespoon of half-and-half can add around 20 calories. The calories from these seemingly small additions can quickly accumulate, especially if you have multiple cups a day. For instance, a coffee with two teaspoons of sugar and an ounce of whole milk can easily contain over 50 calories.

Popular Additives and Their Caloric Impact

Milk and Cream: The type of dairy and amount used makes a big difference. Whole milk has more calories than skim milk. A splash of whole milk can add 20 calories, while a splash of skim adds only about 10. Creamers, especially flavored ones, are often much higher in calories and sugar. Two tablespoons of a typical creamer can add 70 calories or more.
Sugar and Sweeteners: Standard table sugar is a major calorie contributor. While artificial sweeteners are calorie-free, their long-term health effects are still debated. Natural zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit can be a good alternative.
Syrups and Toppings: Specialty coffee drinks often contain flavored syrups, which are loaded with sugar. Just one pump of vanilla or caramel syrup can add 20-30 calories. Whipped cream is another popular topping that adds a significant number of calories, sometimes more than 50 per serving.

Calories in Common Coffee Drinks: A Comparison

Here is a comparison of the approximate calories in various 8-ounce coffee drinks. The exact number can vary based on brand, ingredients, and portion sizes.


Drink	Approximate Calories (8 oz)	Key Calorie Sources
Black Coffee	2-5 calories	Trace oils and proteins
Coffee with Skim Milk	~10-15 calories	Skim milk
Coffee with Whole Milk	~20-25 calories	Whole milk
Coffee with Cream & Sugar	~40-80 calories	Cream, sugar
Latte (Whole Milk)	~90-120 calories	Whole milk
Cappuccino (Whole Milk)	~80-100 calories	Whole milk
Flavored Latte (Syrup)	~130-150+ calories	Flavored syrup, milk
Mocha	~150-300+ calories	Chocolate syrup, milk, whipped cream

Tips for Enjoying Coffee on a Diet

If you're watching your weight, you don't have to give up coffee entirely. By making smarter choices, you can still enjoy your brew. The key is to be mindful of what goes into your cup.

Here are some tips for managing coffee calories:

Go Black: The most straightforward option is to drink your coffee black. Experiment with different roasts and brewing methods, like a French press or pour-over, to appreciate the natural flavor of the beans.
Use Lower-Calorie Milks: If black is too bitter, opt for unsweetened almond milk (around 7 calories per ounce) or skim milk instead of whole milk or cream.
Rethink Your Sweetener: Use natural, calorie-free sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. You can also try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of flavor without the calories.
Flavor with Spices: Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of vanilla extract can enhance flavor without adding a single calorie. Cinnamon, in particular, may help with blood sugar regulation.
Brew at Home: Making your own coffee allows you to control the ingredients precisely. Many specialty coffee shop drinks, while delicious, are packed with hidden sugars and fats.
Be Mindful of Portion Sizes: For higher-calorie drinks, opt for a smaller size and consider it a treat rather than a daily habit. This helps to manage your overall calorie intake effectively.

Beyond Calories: The Health Benefits of Coffee

It's important to remember that coffee offers more than just a caffeine boost. Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants and contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and niacin. Moderate coffee consumption has been linked to numerous potential health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and even certain types of cancer. The benefits are most pronounced with black coffee, where the antioxidants and caffeine are at their highest concentration without the counteracting effects of added sugar and fat.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to how many calories are in one 8 oz cup of coffee depends entirely on what you add to it. A cup of black coffee is a very low-calorie beverage, making it an excellent choice for a nutrition diet. However, each addition of milk, sugar, or syrup increases the calorie count significantly. By making mindful choices about your coffee preparation, you can continue to enjoy your favorite brew while staying on track with your health and dietary goals. Experiment with different low-calorie alternatives and enjoy the flavor and health benefits that coffee has to offer. For more nutritional information, a reliable resource is the USDA's FoodData Central. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, black brewed coffee is not zero calories, but it is very close. An 8-ounce cup typically contains 2 to 5 calories from trace compounds in the coffee beans, though it is often considered a zero-calorie beverage in a practical dietary context.

One teaspoon of standard granulated sugar contains approximately 16 calories. If you add two teaspoons to your coffee, you are adding about 32 calories.

The calorie count depends on the quantity. A small splash (about an ounce) of whole milk adds around 20 calories, while the same amount of skim milk adds only about 10 calories.

Black coffee is low in calories and its caffeine content can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism. However, it is not a magic bullet for weight loss and should be combined with a healthy diet and exercise for effective results.

Yes, flavored creamers are typically high in calories and sugar. A single tablespoon can add anywhere from 30 to 70 calories or more, depending on the brand and flavor.

The calorie count of iced versus hot coffee depends on the additions, not the temperature. A plain iced coffee or cold brew will have a similar low-calorie count to a hot black coffee. However, iced coffee drinks from cafes often contain sweetened syrups and milks, significantly increasing calories.

To reduce calories, consider drinking your coffee black, using low-calorie milk alternatives like unsweetened almond milk, opting for zero-calorie sweeteners, or adding flavor with spices like cinnamon instead of sugary syrups.