For many Australians, coffee is an essential part of their daily routine. Whether you prefer a latte, cappuccino, long black, or espresso shot, knowing the calorie count of your coffee can be helpful if you’re watching your weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So, how many calories are in 1 cup of coffee?
The Short Answer
It depends on how you take your coffee. A standard cup of black coffee contains just 1-2 calories. However, if you add milk, sugar, or syrups, the calorie count can increase significantly.
The Details
The calorie content of coffee can vary depending on how it’s prepared and what you add to it. Here’s a breakdown of the most common coffee ingredients:
Black Coffee
A standard cup of black coffee (8 oz or 240 mL) contains just 1-2 calories and no fat, carbs, or protein. If you prefer a larger cup, like a 16 oz (480 mL) grande at a coffee chain, the calorie count remains low at around 5-10 calories.
Milk
If you add milk to your coffee, the calorie count increases. The exact number of calories will depend on the type of milk you use and how much you add. Here’s a rough guide:
Full cream milk (100 mL) – 64 calories
Reduced-fat milk (100 mL) – 49 calories
Skim milk (100 mL) – 34 calories
Soy milk (100 mL) – 54 calories
So, if you add 100 mL of full cream milk to your coffee, you’re adding an extra 64 calories to your cup.
Sugar and Syrups
Sugar and syrups can also contribute to the calorie count of your coffee. Here are the approximate calorie counts for common sweeteners:
Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon) – 16 calories
Brown sugar (1 teaspoon) – 11 calories
Honey (1 teaspoon) – 21 calories
Maple syrup (1 tablespoon) – 52 calories
Keep in mind that many coffee chains use flavoured syrups that are high in sugar and calories. A 16 oz (480 mL) vanilla latte can contain as many as 250 calories!
Tracking Your Coffee Calories
If you’re trying to keep track of your daily calorie intake, it’s a good idea to include your coffee in your calculations. You can use the calcount Calorie Tracker, a free tool that makes it easy to log your food and drinks and keep track of your daily calorie intake.
Remember, coffee can be a healthy part of your diet when consumed in moderation. Stick to black coffee or add a small amount of milk and avoid sugary syrups and sweeteners to keep your coffee calories in check.
