How Many Calories are in Coffee

When it comes to your daily intake of calories, its important to understand the nutritional value of the foods you consume-including coffee. While a cup of plain black coffee contains only two calories, adding cream and sugar can quickly transform a cup of joe into a calorie-heavy indulgence. If youre curious about how many calories are in your favorite coffee concoctions, heres a breakdown of what to expect.

An 8 ounce cup of black coffee contains about 2 calories and virtually no fat, carbs or protein. Adding 1 ounce of whole milk to the same cup of coffee results in a total of 17 calories, 1.6 grams of fat, 1.3 grams of carbohydrates, and 0.8 grams of protein. Substituting 1-2 tablespoons of cream will add anywhere from 20-80 calories to a cup of coffee, depending on the creams fat content. A tablespoon of 2% half-and-half, for example, is estimated to contain 20 calories.

Sugar also contributes significantly to a cup of coffees calorie content. For example, one teaspoon of white sugar is estimated to add about 16 calories to a cup of coffee. If you enjoy adding flavored syrups, each pump of syrup can contain upwards of 20 calories. Many coffee shops also offer flavored creamers, which can contain an additional 40-50 calories per 1-2 tablespoons.

When it comes to enjoying a cup of coffee without the extra calories, try using a lower fat dairy product-such as skim, 1%, or almond milk-or opting for a sugar substitute, such as stevia. With a few small adjustments, you can easily enjoy a delicious cup of Joe without compromising on taste, or nutrition.