What Type of Coffee Has the Lowest Calories?

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition experts, a standard cup of plain brewed black coffee contains just 2-5 calories, making it the clear winner when asking what type of coffee has the lowest calories. While coffee beans themselves are naturally low in calories, the additions like milk, sugar, and syrups are what drastically increase the calorie count.

Quick Summary

This article details why black coffee is the lowest-calorie option and provides an overview of various coffee drinks and their calorie counts. Learn how simple additions can significantly change the nutritional profile of your morning cup and discover ways to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.

Key Points

Black coffee is the lowest calorie option: Plain brewed, instant, or espresso-based black coffee contains only 2-5 calories per cup because it is served without milk or sugar.
Add-ins drastically increase calories: Milk, sugar, creamers, and syrups are the primary sources of calories in coffee drinks, with specialty lattes and mochas containing hundreds of calories.
Espresso and Americanos are low-calorie: A single espresso shot has 1-5 calories, and an Americano (espresso diluted with water) remains very low in calories, making them excellent choices.
Modify drinks with low-calorie substitutes: Use unsweetened plant-based milks like almond or soy, and calorie-free sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit extract to reduce calories in creamy drinks.
Flavor without calories: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or sugar-free syrups to your coffee for added taste without the caloric impact.
Cold brew is a naturally sweeter option: The slow steeping process of cold brew results in a smoother, less bitter taste, which can be enjoyed black without needing extra sugar.

Why Black Coffee is the Lowest Calorie Option

Plain black coffee, whether brewed, instant, or as an Americano, contains minimal calories because it is made almost entirely of water and coffee grounds. The tiny amount of calories that are present come from the trace amounts of protein and oils found naturally in the coffee beans. Since there are no added ingredients, such as milks, creams, or sweeteners, the calorie count remains negligible, typically between 2 to 5 calories for an 8-ounce cup. This makes it the most straightforward and healthiest option for anyone aiming to reduce their daily calorie intake.

The Impact of Add-Ins on Coffee Calories

While black coffee offers a nearly calorie-free base, popular additions can quickly transform it into a high-calorie treat. The calorie jump is significant and can affect dietary goals, as seen in many specialty coffee beverages that often contain hundreds of calories per serving.

Milk and Cream: Adding whole milk, heavy cream, or even half-and-half significantly increases the fat and calorie content. For instance, a tablespoon of heavy cream has about 52 calories, while a tablespoon of whole milk has around 18 calories.
Sugars and Syrups: A single teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories, and specialty flavored syrups often contain even more. The average mocha or flavored latte at a coffee shop can include multiple pumps of sugary syrup, making it a calorie bomb.
Whipped Cream and Toppings: Toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and caramel drizzle add extra calories and fat, pushing the drink's total even higher.

Low-Calorie Coffee Options and Modifications

For those who prefer a more flavorful or creamy coffee experience without the high calories, several alternatives and modifications are available. These options allow you to enjoy your coffee while maintaining a lower calorie count.

Espresso: A single shot of espresso contains a minimal 1 to 5 calories, offering a concentrated flavor and caffeine boost with almost no calories.
Iced Americano: This refreshing drink combines espresso with cold water and ice, providing a smooth and low-calorie alternative to sugary iced lattes.
Cold Brew: Made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, cold brew has a naturally smoother, less acidic flavor that many find enjoyable on its own. A serving is typically around 5 calories.
Unsweetened Plant-Based Milks: Swapping dairy milk for unsweetened almond or soy milk can significantly lower calories. Unsweetened almond milk, for instance, contains around 30 calories per cup, while skim milk has about 80.
Natural Sweeteners: Instead of sugar or high-calorie syrups, consider alternatives like stevia or monk fruit extract for sweetness without the calories.
Spices for Flavor: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder can add warmth and complexity to your coffee without any caloric impact.

Low-Calorie vs. High-Calorie Coffee: A Comparison

To highlight the difference, here is a comparison of various coffee types and their typical calorie counts for a standard serving. The impact of adding milk and sugar is particularly notable.


Drink	Approximate Calories (8 oz)	Key Calorie Sources
Black Coffee	2-5 calories	Trace amounts from coffee beans
Espresso Shot (1 oz)	1-5 calories	Trace amounts from coffee beans
Americano	~5 calories	Water and espresso
Cold Brew (Plain)	~5 calories	Water and coffee concentrate
Cappuccino (with Skim Milk)	~60 calories	Skim milk (less than latte)
Latte (with Whole Milk)	150-200+ calories	Whole milk, added sugar
Mocha (with Whole Milk & Syrup)	250-300+ calories	Whole milk, chocolate syrup, sugar

Making Your Own Low-Calorie Coffee at Home

Creating a delicious, low-calorie coffee at home is simple and offers complete control over your ingredients. You can experiment with different methods and flavorings to find what you enjoy most.

Brewing Method: Stick to brewing methods like drip coffee, pour-over, or an espresso machine to create a solid, low-calorie base.
Flavor Boosts: Add a shake of cinnamon or nutmeg directly to your grounds before brewing for infused flavor. Alternatively, stir in a drop of vanilla or almond extract after brewing.
Low-Calorie Creaminess: If you need a creamy texture, froth unsweetened almond, coconut, or skim milk. A milk frother can create a satisfying foam that feels indulgent without the calories of heavy cream.
Iced Options: For a refreshing treat, freeze black coffee in ice cube trays. When you want iced coffee, simply add the coffee ice cubes to a glass and pour cold water or your preferred low-calorie milk alternative over them.

Potential Health Benefits Beyond Low Calories

Beyond just the low-calorie count, black coffee offers several health benefits. The coffee bean contains beneficial antioxidants and other compounds that have been associated with positive health outcomes.

Antioxidants: Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radical damage and inflammation.
Boosts Metabolism: Caffeine can increase your metabolic rate, potentially aiding in weight management by helping you burn more calories at rest.
Disease Risk Reduction: Studies suggest moderate coffee consumption may be linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and certain cancers. For more information on the health benefits of coffee, consult reputable sources like those linked at the bottom of this article.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Low-Calorie Coffee

For anyone looking for a low-calorie coffee, the answer is unequivocally black coffee. Whether it's a simple brewed cup, an espresso shot, or a cold brew, the purest form of coffee contains the fewest calories. The addition of milk, sugar, and flavored syrups is what drives up the calorie count in most coffee drinks. By opting for black coffee or using low-calorie milk and sweeteners, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying caffeine fix without impacting your daily calorie goals. Making smart choices, especially when at a cafe, can make a huge difference in your nutritional intake.

Choosing Your Low-Calorie Coffee

Ultimately, the best low-calorie coffee for you depends on your personal taste. If you enjoy a strong, bold flavor, espresso might be your best choice. If you prefer a smoother, less acidic taste, plain cold brew is an excellent option. By understanding how different components affect the calorie count, you can make informed decisions and enjoy your coffee guilt-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but very few. An average 8-ounce cup of black coffee contains only 2 to 5 calories, which comes from trace amounts of protein and oils in the beans.

The calorie count for a latte varies depending on the size and type of milk used. A standard latte with whole milk can range from 150 to 200 calories or more, while one with skim milk or unsweetened plant-based milk would have fewer calories.

To reduce calories, you can switch from whole milk to a lower-fat option or unsweetened plant-based milk, use a calorie-free sweetener instead of sugar, and avoid whipped cream and flavored syrups.

Yes, an Americano is significantly lower in calories than a latte. An Americano is simply espresso and water, keeping the calorie count minimal, while a latte contains milk, which adds calories.

There is virtually no difference in calories between hot and iced black coffee, as both are primarily water and coffee. The calorie content only changes when milk, sweeteners, or other ingredients are added.

Yes, a plain cold brew coffee is an excellent low-calorie option. The long steeping process results in a naturally smoother and less acidic taste that many find enjoyable without the need for milk or sugar, keeping the calorie count low.

For those who prefer sweetness without the calories, sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract are often recommended. However, it is best to check with a doctor or registered dietitian before incorporating new sweeteners, especially if you have an existing health condition.