How Many Calories Are There in a Coffee?

Coffee is the go-to pick-me-up for caffeine lovers all around the world, but do you ever stop to consider how many calories you actually consume when you get your cup of Joe?

The short answer is that it depends, and the amount of calories in your coffee can hugely vary. Depending on the type, size, and additional ingredients, some cups of coffee can contain very few calories, while others might be packing a serious punch.

To start with, a home-brewed cup of black coffee made with a teaspoon of sugar is about 5–15 calories. This is the case for both regular and decaffeinated coffee, as the calories mainly come from the sugar. The size and type of cup of coffee you order at your local cafe matters too. A 12-ounce regular latte made with skimmed milk clocks in at about 100–140 calories, while a venti-sized version can soon climb to 300 calories, not to mention the extra sugar rush. It also makes a difference what non-dairy alternative you use. A 12-ounce soy latte for example is around 100 calories lower than a regular latte would be.

Finally, the syrups and flavors used also affect the amount of calories. For example, adding a single pump of vanilla syrup in a 12-ounce latte adds anywhere from 50 to 90 calories, so the calories are definitely piling up if you add on additional flavors.

In conclusion, the amount of calories in your coffee can widely depend on what type of coffee you order, the size, and what extras you opt for. Have a preference for sweet and delicious coffees? Then it pays to be aware of how adding ingredients such as flavoring syrups and non-dairy alternatives can quickly bump up the calorie count. A black coffee with sugar is a great option to keep the calorie count low and still enjoy a tasty cup of Joe.