What is the most low calorie coffee?

December 24, 2025 •

5 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard 8-ounce cup of black brewed coffee contains a mere 2 to 5 calories, making plain black coffee the most low calorie coffee option available. The minimal calorie count is because it is made simply with ground beans and water, without the high-calorie additions of milk, sugar, syrups, or creamers. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone monitoring their caloric intake.

Quick Summary

This guide explains why plain black coffee, cold brew, and espresso are the lowest-calorie coffee choices. It details how additives dramatically increase calorie counts and offers practical tips for enjoying flavorful, low-calorie coffee. Information is provided on ordering low-calorie drinks from cafes like Starbucks and making delicious versions at home.

Key Points

Black Coffee is the Lowest Calorie: Plain black coffee, espresso, and Americanos are virtually calorie-free, containing only 1-5 calories per cup.
Additives are the Calorie Culprits: The high calorie counts in many coffee drinks come from additions like milk, sugar, syrups, and cream, not the coffee itself.
Smart Swaps are Key: Opt for skim milk or unsweetened plant-based milks like almond milk to significantly reduce calories in milky coffees.
Sugar-Free Syrups Exist: Many coffee shops and brands offer sugar-free syrup options to add flavor without the caloric impact of traditional syrups.
Cold Brew is a Great Option: Cold brew, when served black, is exceptionally low in calories and has a smoother, less bitter taste that many enjoy.
Order Wisely at Cafes: Asking for fewer syrup pumps, lower-calorie milk, and no whipped cream can cut hundreds of calories from your favorite cafe drinks.
Spices are Flavorful and Calorie-Free: Using cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices can enhance your coffee's flavor naturally without adding extra calories.

Black Coffee is the Most Low-Calorie Coffee

For those seeking the absolute lowest-calorie coffee, the answer is any form of coffee served black. This includes standard brewed coffee, espresso, and cold brew. The very nature of brewing coffee from roasted beans and water means the beverage itself contains only a negligible number of calories. The real calorie impact comes from the ingredients added afterwards.

Why Black Coffee Has Such Few Calories

Coffee beans themselves contain a tiny amount of oils and protein, which is where the minimal calories in a cup of black coffee originate. The brewing process simply extracts these elements. Because water has no calories, the final result is a beverage that is virtually calorie-free. For instance, a single shot of espresso contains only 1 to 2 calories, while a full 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee ranges from 2 to 5 calories.

Popular Low-Calorie Coffee Types

Brewed Black Coffee: Your classic drip or pour-over coffee contains only 2 to 5 calories per cup. Enjoy it hot or iced.
Espresso: A concentrated shot of coffee, containing only 1 to 2 calories. This forms the base for many popular, but higher-calorie, drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Americano: This drink is simply espresso diluted with hot water, giving it a flavor similar to brewed coffee but with the same minimal calorie count as a black espresso.
Cold Brew: Made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, cold brew, when served black, has an exceptionally low calorie count, often around 5 calories per serving. Its naturally smooth, less acidic flavor can make it more palatable for those who dislike the bitterness of black coffee.

The Culprits: High-Calorie Additives

Any discussion of low-calorie coffee must address the additions that turn a minimal-calorie drink into a high-calorie indulgence. Understanding these sources is key to making healthier choices.

Sugars and Syrups: A single teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories, and a pump of flavored syrup can add anywhere from 20 to 50 calories. For many cafe drinks, several pumps are standard, causing the calorie count to skyrocket.
Milk and Cream: The type and amount of dairy or non-dairy milk significantly alters the calorie content. Whole milk is the highest, while skim milk, unsweetened almond milk, or unsweetened soy milk are much lower in calories. A grande latte with 2% milk can easily contain over 200 calories.
Creamers and Toppings: Rich creamers, whipped cream, and caramel drizzles add substantial calories and fat. Whipped cream alone on a Starbucks grande drink adds about 100 calories.

Low-Calorie Swaps for Flavor

For those who dislike the taste of plain black coffee but still want to keep calories low, several strategies can help:

Opt for Sugar-Free Syrups: Many coffee shops offer sugar-free options for their popular syrups, like vanilla or caramel.
Choose Lower-Calorie Milks: Swap whole or 2% milk for skim milk or unsweetened plant-based alternatives like almond milk. Unsweetened almond milk adds just 41 calories per 240ml cup compared to whole milk's 136 calories.
Use Spices: Instead of sweeteners, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of vanilla extract for a flavor boost with no extra calories.

Comparison of Coffee Calories

To put the differences into perspective, here is a comparison table of various coffee drinks, highlighting how additions affect the final calorie count.


Drink Type	Base Calories	Additives	Total Approx. Calories	Notes
Black Brewed Coffee	2-5	None	2-5	The gold standard for low-calorie coffee.
Espresso Shot	1-2	None	1-2	A concentrated, strong low-calorie option.
Americano (Hot/Iced)	2-5	None	2-5	Espresso diluted with water, simple and low-cal.
Coffee with Skim Milk	2-5	1 tbsp skim milk	9-12	A minimal addition for a creamier texture.
Coffee with Whole Milk & Sugar	2-5	1 tbsp whole milk, 1 tsp sugar	27-30	Calorie jump from milk and sweetener.
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew	~1	None	~1	Cold brew infused with nitrogen.
Starbucks Skinny Vanilla Latte	~5	Almond milk, sugar-free vanilla	~100	Uses non-dairy and sugar-free options.
Starbucks Grande Latte (2% Milk)	~5	2% milk, standard syrups	~230	Significant calorie count from milk and sugar.

How to Order a Low-Calorie Coffee at a Café

Cafes can be calorie traps, but knowing what to ask for can keep you on track. Here are some tips:

Go for a Cold Brew or Americano. Both are typically served black and have minimal calories. You can add your own sugar-free sweetener or a splash of low-calorie milk.
Request fewer pumps of syrup. A standard grande coffee comes with four pumps of syrup. Asking for just one or two pumps can significantly reduce sugar and calories.
Hold the whip. For any drink that comes with whipped cream, asking to skip it can save you around 100 calories instantly.
Choose your milk wisely. Always ask for skim milk or unsweetened almond or soy milk, which are the lowest-calorie alternatives available at most cafes.
Customize Your Latte. A 'skinny' latte typically swaps standard milk for a lower-calorie version and uses sugar-free syrup. You can also order a Caffè Misto, which is brewed coffee with steamed milk, as it uses less milk than a latte.

Conclusion

When it comes to answering the question, "What is the most low calorie coffee?", the undeniable winner is any coffee that is consumed plain and black. Whether it's a hot brewed coffee, a shot of espresso, or a cold brew, the core beverage is almost calorie-free. The moment milk, sugar, or flavored syrups are added, the calorie count rises dramatically. By opting for black coffee or making smart substitutions like sugar-free syrups and low-calorie milk, coffee lovers can still enjoy a delicious and satisfying cup without compromising their caloric goals. A study by the European Food Safety Authority suggests that black coffee, in moderation, can have health benefits related to mental performance.

Low-Calorie Coffee at Home

Making your own low-calorie coffee at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. Experiment with different brewing methods like a French press or pour-over to find your favorite flavor. Use calorie-free or very low-calorie natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol if you need sweetness without the sugar. Add natural spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for extra flavor without any caloric penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain black coffee, including brewed coffee, espresso, Americano, and cold brew, has the fewest calories, typically ranging from 1 to 5 calories per cup or shot.

Yes, instant coffee has a negligible number of calories, similar to brewed coffee, as it is just dehydrated coffee. The calorie count increases only with the addition of milk, sugar, or other flavorings.

Yes, an Americano is significantly lower in calories than a latte. An Americano is espresso and hot water, while a latte is espresso and steamed milk, which adds substantial calories.

To reduce calories at Starbucks, you can order a black coffee, Americano, or cold brew. For creamy drinks, ask for skim milk or unsweetened almond milk, use sugar-free syrups, and skip the whipped cream.

Unsweetened plant-based milks like almond milk or soy milk are generally the lowest calorie options, followed by skim or nonfat dairy milk.

No, most sugar substitutes like Stevia, erythritol, and Splenda are non-caloric and will not increase the calorie count of your coffee.

Yes, you can have a low-calorie flavored coffee by using sugar-free syrups, adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, and choosing a low-calorie milk alternative.