Understanding Which Type of Coffee Is Lowest in Calories?

October 13, 2025 •

5 min read

An eight-ounce cup of plain black coffee contains a minimal 2 to 5 calories, making it a nearly calorie-free beverage. If you're wondering what type of coffee is lowest in calories, the simple answer is any coffee served without high-calorie additions like milk, sugar, or flavored syrups.

Quick Summary

This article explores the various types of coffee and their calorie counts, revealing that black coffee, espresso, and cold brew are the most calorie-friendly choices. It discusses how adding milk, sweeteners, and syrups drastically increases the calorie content and provides practical tips for keeping your coffee healthy.

Key Points

Black Coffee is the Lowest Calorie Option: Plain black brewed coffee, espresso, and americanos contain a negligible 2-5 calories per cup, making them the most diet-friendly choice.
Additives Are the Main Source of Calories: The vast majority of calories in coffee drinks come from additions like milk, sugar, cream, and flavored syrups, which can add hundreds of calories.
Skim and Plant-Based Milks Are Lower in Calories: Choosing skim milk or unsweetened plant-based milks like almond or oat can significantly reduce the calorie count of milky coffee drinks compared to whole milk.
Consider Zero-Calorie Sweeteners: Instead of sugar, use zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or erythritol to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding significant calories.
Cold Brew Offers Natural Sweetness: The slow-steeping process of cold brew coffee results in a naturally smoother, sweeter flavor profile that often requires less or no additional sweeteners.
Flavor with Spices and Extracts: Use spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to add flavor without any calories, offering a healthy alternative to sugary syrups.

The Low-Calorie King: Black Coffee

When it comes to the lowest calorie coffee, black coffee in its purest form is the undisputed winner. Whether brewed drip-style, as a shot of espresso, or as a cold brew, the unadulterated coffee contains only trace amounts of calories—typically between 2 and 5 calories per cup. This is because coffee beans themselves contain almost no fat, carbohydrates, or protein; the calories come from the minimal residue or solids that end up in your mug. This makes black coffee an excellent choice for anyone monitoring their caloric intake, including those following diets like intermittent fasting or keto.

Why Additions Dramatically Increase Calorie Count

Coffee's calorie count only becomes significant with the addition of high-calorie ingredients. A simple cup of black coffee can balloon into a calorie-laden dessert with the wrong add-ons. Common culprits include:

Sugar and Syrups: A single teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories, and many flavored syrups are far more concentrated. A single pump of syrup at a coffee shop can have around 20 calories, and many drinks have several pumps.
Cream and Milk: A tablespoon of half-and-half can add 40 calories, while a generous pour of whole milk can increase the calorie count to 100 or more. Even dairy alternatives like oat milk contain significant calories and carbs.
Whipped Cream and Toppings: The seemingly small swirl of whipped cream can tack on an extra 80 to 100 calories, and sweet drizzles and toppings add even more.

These seemingly minor additions accumulate quickly, especially if you have more than one cup per day. For example, a single, fancy coffee shop latte can contain hundreds of calories, transforming a guilt-free beverage into a substantial portion of your daily calorie allowance.

Low-Calorie Coffee Options and Their Preparation

For those who prefer a little more flavor or a different temperature, several coffee types remain very low in calories if prepared correctly. The key is to control the additions.

Espresso and Americano

An espresso shot, the concentrated base for many drinks, typically contains just 1 to 3 calories. An Americano, which is made by adding hot water to espresso, is also virtually calorie-free. Enjoying either of these black is the best low-calorie approach. If you need to cut the strong flavor, use a splash of water instead of milk.

Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

Cold brew coffee is a naturally sweeter, less acidic option that is also very low in calories, usually around 5 calories per serving. Because of its smoother taste, many people find they don't need to add milk or sugar. Similarly, plain iced coffee, made with regular brewed coffee and poured over ice, is low in calories. For either, adding a dash of cinnamon or a few drops of a zero-calorie extract can provide flavor without the calories.

Other Low-Calorie Alternatives

If you prefer a milky or sweet taste, you can still make healthier choices. Opt for a cappuccino or latte made with non-fat (skim) milk, as this reduces the calorie count significantly compared to full-fat dairy. Another strategy is to use unsweetened plant-based milks like almond or coconut milk, which have fewer calories than dairy options. You can also swap sugar for a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol to reduce the impact on your diet.

Comparison of Coffee Calories


Drink Type (8oz/240ml)	Calorie Estimate	Key Characteristics
Black Brewed Coffee	~2-5 calories	Water and coffee grounds only; virtually no calories.
Espresso (Single Shot)	~1-3 calories	Highly concentrated coffee with minimal calories.
Americano	~5-10 calories	Espresso diluted with hot water; remains very low calorie.
Cold Brew (Plain)	~5 calories	Slow-steeped coffee, naturally smoother and less acidic.
Latte (with Skim Milk)	~72 calories	Espresso and steamed skim milk; lower calorie than whole milk version.
Latte (with Whole Milk)	~190 calories	Espresso and whole milk; significantly higher in calories.
Cappuccino (with Skim Milk)	~46 calories	Espresso, steamed skim milk, and foam; a lower-calorie milky option.
Flavored Latte (e.g., Mocha)	~134+ calories	Latte with added syrup and/or chocolate; high in sugar and calories.

How to Keep Your Coffee Habits Healthy

Making small, conscious choices can make a big difference in the long run. To maintain a healthy coffee habit without sacrificing taste, consider the following suggestions:

Gradual Transition: If you're used to adding lots of sugar and cream, try gradually reducing the amount. Your palate will adjust over time, allowing you to appreciate the true flavor of the coffee.
Flavor Naturally: Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice can add warmth and flavor without any calories. A dash of unsweetened cocoa powder can also give you a rich, chocolatey taste for a minimal calorie increase.
Control Your Portions: When adding milk or sweeteners, measure them precisely instead of free-pouring. It’s easy to underestimate the amount of sugar and fat you're adding.
Experiment with Zero-Calorie Sweeteners: If you can't go without sweetness, try stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. A single packet often contains just a few calories.
Try Different Beans and Roasts: Different coffee beans and roasting processes offer unique flavor profiles. Lighter roasts, for instance, are known for their floral and fruity notes, which some people find sweet enough on their own. You might discover a flavor you enjoy black.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the type of coffee lowest in calories is black coffee, regardless of the brew method. Its calorie count is negligible and offers all the benefits of coffee without the added sugar and fat. The key to keeping your coffee low-calorie is to be mindful of what you add to it. By choosing skim milk or plant-based alternatives over whole milk or cream, opting for sugar-free syrups or natural sweeteners, and using portion control, you can enjoy your daily brew without sabotaging your dietary goals. For weight management, drinking coffee black is the most straightforward and effective approach. For further guidance, consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to create a balanced diet plan.

The Impact of Additives on Your Coffee

Many common coffee shop beverages, such as lattes, mochas, and flavored cappuccinos, can contain significant amounts of calories, fat, and sugar. While a plain brewed coffee is the lowest-calorie option, making mindful substitutions is the best way to enjoy a richer coffee drink while keeping calories in check. Choosing healthier alternatives like skim milk and calorie-free sweeteners helps maintain nutritional goals.

For more detailed information on nutrition, including advice on balancing your diet with beverages like coffee, you can explore resources like the U.S. Department of Agriculture's FoodData Central for comprehensive nutrient data: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but a negligible amount. An eight-ounce (240ml) cup of plain black coffee contains only 2-5 calories, which is nearly calorie-free.

A single shot of espresso contains very few calories, typically between 1 and 3 calories. Its calorie count increases only with added milk or sugar.

Yes, plain cold brew coffee is very low in calories, with a standard serving containing only about 5 calories. Its smooth taste often allows it to be enjoyed black.

Skim milk is significantly lower in calories than whole milk. For example, a latte with skim milk has fewer calories than one made with whole milk. Unsweetened almond or coconut milk also offers a lower-calorie alternative to dairy.

Most sugar-free syrups and zero-calorie sweeteners, such as stevia, contain very few calories (typically 0-5 per serving) and are a good option for adding flavor without the high calorie count of regular syrups.

To reduce calories at home, start by limiting or eliminating sugar and cream. Use spices like cinnamon for flavor, opt for skim or unsweetened plant-based milk, and measure your portions carefully.

Drinking black coffee may assist with weight loss as part of a balanced diet by potentially boosting metabolism and helping to control appetite, but it is not a weight loss solution on its own. The effect is lost when high-calorie additions are included.