What Kind of Coffee Has 0 Calories? Your Ultimate Guide

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 8-ounce cup of plain black coffee contains only a negligible 2-5 calories, making it essentially a calorie-free beverage. For millions seeking a guilt-free caffeine fix, knowing what kind of coffee has 0 calories is key to maintaining healthy habits without sacrificing flavor.

Quick Summary

This guide explains that only plain black coffee is a true zero-calorie beverage, as additives like milk, sugar, and cream contain calories. Explore various types of black coffee and calorie-free ways to add flavor.

Key Points

Black Coffee is Zero-Calorie: A plain cup of black coffee brewed with just water and coffee beans contains only 2-5 calories, making it a negligible source of calories.
Additives Add Calories: Calories in coffee come from high-calorie additives like milk, cream, sugar, and syrups, not the coffee itself.
Numerous Zero-Calorie Options: Types of coffee like drip coffee, espresso, americano, and cold brew are all virtually calorie-free when served black.
Flavor with Zero-Calorie Alternatives: Use spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, and zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, to flavor your coffee guilt-free.
Health Benefits of Black Coffee: Plain black coffee is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to potential health benefits, including liver health and improved cognitive function.

The Zero-Calorie Champion: Plain Black Coffee

At its core, the coffee bean contains trace amounts of protein and oils, but when brewed with just water, the resulting liquid is virtually calorie-free. A regular 8-ounce cup of black coffee typically contains between 2 and 5 calories, a count so low it is considered negligible for dietary purposes. The key to keeping your coffee a zero-calorie drink is to avoid adding anything that contains sugar, fat, or other macronutrients. Most people add milk, cream, and sugary syrups that can quickly turn a harmless cup of joe into a calorie-dense beverage. By sticking to the pure, unadulterated form, you can enjoy all the benefits of coffee without the caloric cost.

Types of Black Coffee with Negligible Calories

Not all coffee is created equal, but when prepared black, many popular varieties share the same zero-calorie status. The key is in the preparation—using only ground beans and water.

Drip Coffee

This is the most common form of coffee enjoyed at home or in diners. Made by pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter, the resulting brew is a classic, straightforward cup of black coffee. As long as no milk or sugar is added, it will contain only the minimal calories from the bean itself.

Espresso

An espresso is a concentrated coffee shot made by forcing a small amount of near-boiling water under pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. An individual shot contains just a handful of calories, making it a powerful, zero-calorie way to get a quick caffeine boost.

Americano

An Americano is made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water. It offers the robust flavor of espresso in a larger, milder format, much like drip coffee, with the same negligible calorie count.

Cold Brew

Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a naturally sweeter, less acidic concentrate. A glass of plain cold brew contains a very low number of calories, making it an excellent, refreshing option for those who prefer iced coffee without extra sugar.

Flavoring Your Zero-Calorie Coffee Without the Guilt

If the idea of plain black coffee doesn't appeal to you, several calorie-free alternatives can help you enhance the flavor without compromising your diet. Many of these options can be found in a well-stocked coffee shop or grocery store.

Zero-Calorie Sweeteners

Instead of refined sugar, you can opt for natural, plant-based sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract. These provide sweetness without any caloric burden or the negative health effects associated with high sugar intake.

Natural Spices

Adding a sprinkle of spices can transform your coffee's flavor profile. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom add warmth and complexity with no calories. A dash of cinnamon can also provide extra health benefits, such as improving blood sugar control.

Sugar-Free Syrups

Many popular coffee shop brands and grocery stores offer a wide range of sugar-free syrups. These are flavored with artificial or natural zero-calorie sweeteners and can be used to create your favorite drinks, like a vanilla or caramel coffee, without the extra calories.

A Comparison of Coffee Calorie Content

To illustrate just how quickly calories can add up, here is a comparison of various 8-ounce coffee drinks and their approximate calorie content:


Drink Type	Base	Additives	Approximate Calories
Black Coffee	Brewed coffee	None	2–5
Espresso	Espresso shot	None	1–3
Americano	Espresso, water	None	2–5
Latte	Espresso, milk	8 oz whole milk	~150
Cappuccino	Espresso, milk	8 oz whole milk, foam	~134
Mocha	Espresso, milk, chocolate	8 oz whole milk, syrup	250+

The Health Perks Beyond Zero Calories

Black coffee offers more than just a zero-calorie energy boost. It is a rich source of antioxidants and has been linked to numerous health benefits. Studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption may help prevent chronic liver disease and potentially lower the risk of certain cancers, such as liver and endometrial cancers. Moreover, the caffeine in coffee has been shown to temporarily boost metabolism, potentially aiding in weight management. Other benefits include improved mental alertness, concentration, and even a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. For a deeper dive into the health benefits of black coffee, consider exploring resources from trusted health sites like Healthline.

Conclusion: The Purest Brew is the Healthiest Brew

For anyone looking for a truly zero-calorie coffee experience, plain black coffee is the only answer. Whether you prefer a quick espresso, a classic drip, or a refreshing cold brew, as long as you avoid adding milk, sugar, or other high-calorie syrups, your drink will remain virtually calorie-free. Exploring alternative flavoring methods like spices or zero-calorie sweeteners can help you customize your drink to your taste while keeping health goals in check. When it comes to a low-calorie, healthy brew, pure and simple is always the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard cup of plain black coffee is considered to have virtually zero calories. While it technically contains a negligible 2-5 calories from the beans themselves, this amount is so small it doesn't count toward your daily intake.

The lowest calorie coffee drink is plain black coffee, made from just brewed coffee and water. Espresso and americanos are also extremely low in calories, containing only 1-5 calories per serving.

Plain black instant coffee is also virtually calorie-free. Its calorie content increases only when milk, sugar, or cream are added.

You can add flavor to black coffee without adding calories by using natural spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, a splash of vanilla extract, or zero-calorie sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit.

Adding just one teaspoon of sugar to your coffee adds approximately 16 calories, and that number can rise quickly if you add more.

Yes, an Americano is essentially calorie-free. It is made from espresso and hot water, both of which contain a negligible number of calories.

Just like regular black coffee, black decaf coffee is also virtually calorie-free, as the calorie content comes from the trace amounts in the bean itself and not the caffeine.