What liquid has the most calories?

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Gram for gram, fat provides over twice the energy of carbohydrates or protein, which is why pure fats and oils are the most calorie-dense liquids available. The answer to what liquid has the most calories is a cooking oil, such as olive or vegetable oil, containing approximately 884 calories per 100 grams.

Quick Summary

A liquid's calorie density is determined by its macronutrient composition. Pure fat, found in cooking oils, is the most calorie-rich macronutrient, making oils the most calorie-dense liquid available. Common beverages like sodas and milkshakes also pack significant calories, but primarily from sugar, not fat.

Key Points

Pure Fat is the Most Calorie-Dense Macronutrient: At 9 calories per gram, fat provides more than double the energy of protein or carbohydrates.
Cooking Oils are the Highest-Calorie Liquids: As they are nearly 100% pure fat, oils like olive or vegetable oil contain approximately 884 calories per 100 grams.
Calorie Density Varies Widely: While oil is highest, other liquids like heavy cream, full-fat milkshakes, and certain fruit juices also contain significant calories.
Not All High-Calorie Liquids are Equal: The nutritional value differs significantly; healthy fats from olive oil are preferable to the 'empty calories' found in sugary sodas.
Mindful Consumption is Key: For weight management, understanding the high caloric load of liquids is crucial, especially those rich in fats and sugars.

The Science Behind Calorie Density

Calories are units of energy that our bodies use for fuel. The amount of energy a food or liquid provides is determined by its macronutrient composition: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The key to understanding calorie density lies in how many calories each macronutrient contains per gram.

Fats: Each gram of fat contains about 9 calories.
Carbohydrates: Each gram of carbohydrates contains about 4 calories.
Proteins: Each gram of protein also contains about 4 calories.

Because fat is over twice as energy-dense as carbohydrates or protein, any liquid composed almost entirely of fat will be the most calorically dense. This is why cooking oils and rendered fats top the list.

The Most Calorie-Dense Liquids

As confirmed by nutritional experts, pure fats and oils are the most calorically dense substances humans can safely ingest. A single tablespoon of oil contains roughly 120-126 calories, while a full ounce (approx. two tablespoons) can contain over 250 calories. This makes them significantly more calorie-dense than popular, high-sugar beverages.

Here are some of the most calorie-dense liquids:

Cooking Oils (Vegetable, Olive, Avocado): These are the kings of calorie density, being almost 100% fat. A tablespoon of olive oil provides about 120 calories, while an ounce (roughly 2 tablespoons) delivers around 250 calories.
Heavy Whipping Cream: While not as dense as pure oil, heavy cream is still exceptionally high in calories due to its high fat content. A single fluid ounce contains approximately 101 calories.
Nut Butters (Liquefied): When heated or blended into a smoothie, high-fat nut butters like peanut butter become a potent source of calories. The inclusion of nuts and oils makes these incredibly energy-rich.
High-Calorie Smoothies: Blending high-fat, high-sugar ingredients like whole milk, nut butter, and ripe bananas can create a liquid meal with hundreds of calories per serving. These are often used for weight gain or by athletes needing quick energy.
Certain Alcoholic Beverages: Some liquors and mixed drinks, especially those with added sugar, can be very high in calories. For example, a single shot of certain liqueurs can contain nearly 200 calories.

A Comparison of Calorie Density

To highlight the difference, let's compare a few common liquids based on their calorie density. This table is based on approximate values and can vary by brand and specific product. The fat content is the primary driver of the caloric load.


Liquid Type	Primary Calorie Source	Calories Per Fluid Ounce (approx.)	Notes
Cooking Oil (Olive/Vegetable)	Fat	~250	Pure fat, no carbs or protein.
Heavy Whipping Cream	Fat	~101	High fat content.
Full-Fat Milkshake	Sugar, Fat	~50+	Calories vary widely based on ingredients.
Cranberry Juice Cocktail	Sugar	~17	High sugar content, low other nutrients.
Whole Milk	Fat, Carbs, Protein	~18	Balanced macronutrient profile.
Soda (Regular)	Sugar	~15	'Empty calories' with little nutritional value.
Coffee (Black)	N/A	~0-4	Very low calorie, unless additives are used.

Why Calorie Source Matters

While knowing what liquid has the most calories can be interesting from a scientific standpoint, the source of those calories is what truly matters for health. Pure fats from healthy sources like olive oil contain beneficial monounsaturated fats. Conversely, high-sugar beverages like soda offer little to no nutritional value and are often referred to as 'empty calories'. These can contribute to weight gain without providing essential vitamins or minerals. For individuals trying to gain weight or increase energy intake, incorporating high-fat liquids is an effective strategy, but should be done with nutritional quality in mind. For the average person, being mindful of the high calorie density in oils and other concentrated liquids is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight.

For more detailed nutritional information and guidance, always consult official dietary resources such as those from the USDA.

Conclusion

In summary, the liquid with the most calories is pure oil, thanks to fat's exceptional energy density of 9 calories per gram. While oils are indispensable in cooking and provide significant energy, it is important to remember that their caloric concentration is far higher than most other liquids, including high-sugar drinks and dairy products. For health purposes, understanding not just the number of calories but also their nutritional source is key to making informed dietary choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure cooking oils, such as vegetable oil, olive oil, and avocado oil, are the most calorie-dense liquids, providing approximately 884 calories per 100 grams due to their high fat content.

Oils are almost entirely composed of fat, which contains 9 calories per gram. In contrast, carbohydrates and protein only provide 4 calories per gram, making fat a much more energy-dense macronutrient.

No. While high-sugar drinks like soda can be high in calories, they are not nearly as calorie-dense as pure oil. Sodas provide 'empty calories' from sugar, whereas oil's calories come from fat.

Yes, heavy cream is more calorie-dense than whole milk. This is because heavy cream has a much higher fat content, with one fluid ounce containing about 101 calories, compared to whole milk's lower concentration.

Yes, most common cooking oils, including olive, canola, and vegetable oil, contain a very similar amount of calories per serving (around 120-126 calories per tablespoon) because they are almost pure fat.

The healthiness of a high-calorie liquid depends on its nutritional makeup. While healthy oils like olive oil provide beneficial fats, high-calorie sugary beverages offer little nutritional value and should be consumed in moderation.

For weight gain, individuals can use calorie-dense liquids by incorporating things like high-calorie smoothies with ingredients such as whole milk, nut butters, and protein powder to easily increase their caloric intake.