Exploring Coffee Calories: Surprising Facts You Need

“Coffee is a language in itself.” – Jackie Chan, The Spy Next Door

Coffee is not just a drink; it’s an emotion. In general, coffee lovers wouldn’t resist the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It is a boost for some to kick-start their new bright day. But have you ever wondered how many calories it contains? 

If you are a coffee lover or a fitness freak with diet plans, understanding coffee calories is important. In this blog, discover healthy facts about coffee and calories. This will be helpful to ensure that your daily dose of coffee aligns with your diet checklist.

Understanding Calories in Coffee

Did you know that plain coffee has almost no calories? Yet, adding milk, sugar, and other flavours to it can add up to many more calories. Let’s try to understand it better by breaking it down into:

   A plain cup of black coffee (8 oz) contains just 2 calories!

   Adding 1 tablespoon of whole milk? You are adding 9 calories.

   A teaspoon of sugar? That’s 16 calories extra.

So, while black coffee is diet-friendly, your filter coffee or whipped cold coffee might not be. Let’s explore more.

Black Coffee: The Super Low-Calorie Champion

Black coffee would be your best friend if you are counting calories. It contains only 2 calories per cup that could be needed to energise you. It is the best to go for because

• Zero fat 
• No sugar (unless added).
• Rich in antioxidants
• Boosts metabolism 
• Promotes fat burning.

Calorie Count of Different Types of Black Coffee:

The Calorie Climb: 

In its purest form, coffee is a low-calorie beverage. However, coffee drinks can add extra sweeteners and whipped cream to make them tastier. But you might be consuming more calories than you think. If you are attempting to lose weight or watch your calorie count, you might wish to cut back on coffee drinks with too much sugar, milk, creamers, or flavourings. 

Some of the common additives and their calorie numbers are:

Milk (per tablespoon):

Milk is the most wanted addition to coffee, whether in a latte, cappuccino or just a splash in your morning brew. However, different types of milk come with varying calorie counts. Here’s a breakdown of how much each type adds per tablespoon:

Whole milk: 9 calories

Skim milk: 5 calories

Almond milk (unsweetened): 3 calories

Oat milk: 10 calories

Sweeteners (per teaspoon):

Sweeteners are another factor that can drastically increase the calorie count of your coffee. A plain black coffee has only 2 calories per cup, but adding sugar or other sweeteners changes everything. Here’s a look at the calories in popular sweeteners (per teaspoon):

White sugar: 16 calories

Brown sugar: 17 calories

Honey: 21 calories

Artificial sweeteners: 0-5 calories (varies)

While honey is often seen as a healthier alternative to sugar, it has more calories per teaspoon. Artificial sweeteners, such as stevia or sucralose, can be a good alternative for those looking to cut back on sugar while still enjoying some sweetness in their coffee. However, be sure to check if the sweetener you’re using contains any hidden additives.

Whipped cream (1 tablespoon):

Whipped cream may make your coffee feel like a luxurious treat, but it comes with a hefty calorie price tag. Just one tablespoon of whipped cream contains 52 calories, which can add up quickly if you’re indulging in whipped coffee drinks regularly. If you enjoy this in your coffee, consider using a lighter version or limiting it to occasional treats.

Flavoured syrups (1 pump):

Flavored syrups are a staple in many coffee shops, giving your drink a unique taste. But these syrups are loaded with sugar and calories. Here’s how many calories just one pump adds:

Vanilla syrup: 20 calories

Caramel syrup: 25 calories

Mocha syrup: 35 calories

Considering that many flavored lattes or specialty drinks contain two to four pumps of syrup, the calorie count can increase significantly. A regular flavored latte could have anywhere from 50 to 150 extra calories just from syrup alone.

Popular Coffee Drinks and Their Calorie Counts

“I never laugh until I’ve had my coffee.” – Clueless (1995)

While we love indulging in our favourite café-style drinks, they may contain hidden calories. Here’s a look at some popular coffee drinks and their calorie counts:

As you can see, adding milk, sugar, and syrups can transform a simple 2-calorie black coffee into a 350-calorie indulgence!

Conclusion

“To me, the smell of freshly made coffee is one of the greatest inventions.” – Hugh Jackman

Coffee is the most consumed beverage globally, due to its caffeine content. If you are taking up your coffee as a routine, make it as low in calories as possible. The best option is to opt for black coffee over anything. But having coffee with milk, sweeteners, whipped cream, and flavoured syrups can be your cheat treat! 

For the best-filtered coffee in town, hop onto the South Indian Filter Coffee. Make the wisest choice to take care of your body with less calories. 

FAQ’s

1. Does black coffee have calories?

Yes, but very few. A plain cup of black coffee (8 oz) contains about 2 calories, making it a less-calorie beverage choice.

2. How many calories does a latte have?

A latte with whole milk has about 120 calories. This can change based on the type of milk and any sweeteners added.

3. Do artificial sweeteners add calories to coffee?

Most artificial sweeteners have 0-5 calories per serving. This makes them a lower-calorie option than sugar.

4. Can coffee help with weight loss?

Yes! Black coffee helps your metabolism and burns fat because of its caffeine. However, adding high-calorie ingredients can reduce these benefits.

5. What is the best low-calorie milk option for coffee?

Unsweetened almond milk (3 calories per tablespoon) is the lowest, followed by skim milk (5 calories per tablespoon).

6. How can I make my coffee healthier?

• Stick to black coffee or espresso.
• Use low-calorie milk alternatives like almond or skim milk.
• Avoid or limit sugar, syrups, and whipped cream.
• Opt for natural sweeteners.