Does Coffee Have Calories? Here’s What You Need to Know
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If you're counting calories or simply curious about what’s in your cup, you may be wondering: Does coffee have calories?
Good news — the answer is simple, and for black coffee lovers, it’s very reassuring.
Let’s break down exactly how many calories are in coffee and what changes when you start adding milk, sugar, or syrups.
Does Black Coffee Have Calories?
Yes — but very few.
A standard 240ml (8oz) cup of black coffee contains only 1–2 calories.
That’s because coffee beans contribute only trace amounts of proteins, oils, and minerals to the brew.
So if you take your coffee black, you're essentially drinking a near-zero-calorie beverage.
Try some of our most flavourful low-calorie options:
Calories in Coffee With Milk, Sugar, and Extras
Coffee stays nearly calorie-free until you add ingredients.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Coffee Type | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|
| Black coffee | 1–2 calories |
| Coffee with a splash of semi-skimmed milk | 15–20 calories |
| Flat white | 120–170 calories |
| Cappuccino | 80–120 calories |
| Latte | 150–250 calories |
| Mocha | 250–350 calories |
| 1 tsp sugar | +16 calories |
If you enjoy flavourful, café-style drinks at home, try using high-quality beans so you can use less sugar or milk for good flavour:
Why Does Coffee Have Any Calories At All?
Even though coffee is mostly water, the beans naturally contain:
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Oils
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Amino acids
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Small amounts of carbohydrates
When brewed, these compounds transfer in tiny amounts into the cup, resulting in a calorie count so low it’s almost negligible.
Do Flavoured Coffees Have Calories?
The beans themselves do not.
Flavoured coffee beans (e.g., vanilla, hazelnut, and chocolate-flavoured beans) are usually infused with flavour oils that add zero calories when brewed.
However, flavoured syrups or coffee-shop-style flavoured drinks can contain significant calories.
If you want flavour without calories, try a high-quality single-origin with naturally sweet tasting notes, such as:
Does Decaf Coffee Have Calories?
Yes — but the same amount as regular coffee: about 1–2 calories per cup.
Decaf simply removes caffeine, not calories.
Explore our decaf options:
Is Coffee a Good Low-Calorie Option for Weight Management?
Absolutely.
Black coffee is:
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naturally low in calories
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rich in antioxidants
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appetite-suppressing for some people
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a good alternative to high-calorie soft drinks
Just be mindful of add-ons like syrups and creamy milks, which can turn a low-cal drink into a high-calorie dessert.
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Conclusion
So, does coffee have calories?
Yes, but only 1–2 calories per cup if you drink it black. Coffee only becomes high-calorie when you start adding milk, cream, sugar, or syrups. If you're watching calories, black coffee or lightly flavoured speciality coffee is an excellent choice.