Which coffee has the lowest calories? A guide to healthier sips

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard cup of black coffee contains only 2 to 5 calories, making it a virtually guilt-free beverage before any additions. Understanding which coffee has the lowest calories is crucial for anyone watching their intake, as popular café drinks can contain hundreds of calories from sugars and creams.

Quick Summary

The lowest-calorie coffee is black coffee or a shot of espresso, as additions like milk, sugar, and syrups are the main source of calories. Strategies for lowering intake include choosing skim or unsweetened plant-based milks and using sugar-free sweeteners or natural spices for flavor.

Key Points

Black Coffee is Lowest: In its purest form, black coffee is the lowest-calorie option, containing only 2-5 calories per cup.
Espresso is Minimal: A straight shot of espresso is also extremely low in calories, with only 1-5 calories per shot.
Additions are Key: Most of the calories in coffee drinks come from added milk, sugar, and flavored syrups, not the coffee itself.
Opt for Alternatives: Switching to unsweetened almond milk or skim milk instead of whole milk dramatically reduces the calorie count in lattes and cappuccinos.
Flavor with Spices and Extracts: Use calorie-free options like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, or unsweetened cocoa powder to add flavor without added sugar.
Be Aware of Café Orders: Popular specialty coffee drinks can easily contain hundreds of calories due to high-fat and high-sugar ingredients.

The Unadulterated Truth: Black Coffee and Espresso

The fundamental truth in the world of low-calorie coffee is simple: the fewer ingredients added, the lower the calorie count. In its purest form, coffee is remarkably low in calories. A standard 8-ounce cup of black, brewed coffee contains a mere 2 to 5 calories. An espresso shot, even more concentrated, comes in at just 1 to 5 calories. This minimal caloric footprint makes them the clear winners for anyone prioritizing low-calorie intake.

Why Additions Are the Culprit

The perception of coffee as a high-calorie drink often stems from the popular, sugar-laden beverages found at coffee shops. Specialty drinks like flavored lattes, mochas, and frappuccinos are packed with syrups, whipped cream, and whole milk, which dramatically inflate the calorie count. For example, a single teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories, while whole milk and flavored syrups can push a drink's total to several hundred calories. The choices you make beyond the basic brew are what truly determine your coffee's impact on your daily calorie budget.

Low-Calorie Alternatives and How to Order

For those who prefer a more flavorful or creamy coffee experience, several alternatives exist that don't come with a high-calorie price tag. Opting for these choices can help satisfy cravings while keeping your nutrition goals in check.

Smart Café Orders

When ordering at a coffee shop, you can make simple swaps that significantly reduce the caloric load:

Americano: A hot or iced Americano is simply espresso and water, keeping it very low in calories. For a hint of creaminess, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk or a touch of skim milk.
Cappuccino with Skim Milk: A cappuccino's high-foam-to-milk ratio makes it a lighter choice than a latte. Ordering it with skim milk further reduces calories. A typical cappuccino with skim milk is around 60 calories.
Cold Brew: Made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for a long period, cold brew has a smoother, naturally sweeter flavor profile. This allows many to enjoy it black without needing sweeteners, keeping calories minimal, around 5 per serving.
Use Sugar-Free Syrups: Many coffee shops offer sugar-free syrups in a variety of flavors like vanilla, hazelnut, and caramel. Using these can give you the flavor you want without the caloric cost.

Healthy Add-Ins and Flavoring at Home

Taking control of your coffee at home gives you complete power over the ingredients. Here are some simple, low-calorie ways to enhance your brew:

Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice can add warmth and flavor without any extra calories. Spices also have their own health benefits, including antioxidant properties.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For a hint of chocolatey richness, stir in a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder. It provides a deep flavor without the sugar of a mocha.
Extracts: A few drops of vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract can replicate the taste of flavored syrups without the added calories.
Low-Calorie Sweeteners: If you need sweetness, natural, zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit are good options. For example, stevia is a plant-based alternative that provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar.

Coffee Calories Comparison


Coffee Drink (Medium Size)	Approximate Calories	Common Additions	Calorie Source
Black Coffee	2-5	None	The coffee beans itself
Espresso Shot	1-5	None	The coffee beans itself
Cold Brew (Black)	~5	None	The coffee beans itself
Americano (Black)	5-10	None	Espresso and water
Cappuccino (with skim milk)	~60-70	Espresso, steamed skim milk, foam	Skim milk
Latte (with unsweetened almond milk)	~30-50	Espresso, unsweetened almond milk	Almond milk
Latte (with whole milk)	150-300+	Espresso, whole milk	Whole milk, optional syrups
Flavored Coffee (with whole milk & syrup)	250-400+	Espresso, whole milk, syrups, whipped cream	Sugars, milk fats, cream

The Verdict: The Role of Additions is Key

The fundamental rule for having the lowest-calorie coffee is to keep it simple. Black coffee and plain espresso are the lowest-calorie options, with their caloric content coming solely from the coffee bean. As soon as you add milk, sugar, syrups, or whipped cream, the calorie count rises dramatically. By becoming an informed consumer, both at home and at the café, you can enjoy your daily brew without jeopardizing your nutritional goals. Experiment with spices, extracts, and low-calorie sweeteners to find flavorful, guilt-free versions of your favorite coffee drinks. Ultimately, a healthy coffee habit is about focusing on the coffee and leaving the excessive, high-calorie additions behind.

For more detailed nutritional information and health advice, consult a qualified dietitian through resources such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Find a Nutrition Expert tool (available in the United States and Canada), which can help you make informed decisions tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single shot of black espresso has the fewest calories, typically ranging from 1 to 5 calories. A standard brewed cup of black coffee is a close second.

Yes, a black Americano, which is just espresso and water, contains very few calories, typically around 5 to 10 calories for a medium size.

Yes, adding milk is the primary way calories are added to coffee. Swapping whole milk for skim milk or unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond milk) is a simple way to drastically reduce the calorie count.

Decaf coffee has an insignificantly lower calorie count than regular coffee due to the decaffeination process, but the difference is minimal enough that both are considered virtually calorie-free.

A black coffee, black Americano, or a cappuccino with skim milk are some of the healthiest options. You can also ask for unsweetened or sugar-free syrups and use low-calorie milk alternatives.

Black coffee can support weight loss by mildly boosting metabolism and suppressing appetite due to its caffeine content, but it is not a sole solution. It is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Try flavoring your coffee with natural spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, adding a few drops of a calorie-free extract like vanilla, or using a sugar-free sweetener.