Coffee with cream and sugar is a popular caffeinated beverage. The calories in coffee with cream and sugar depends on the type and amount of cream and sugar added.
Calories in black coffee
Straight black coffee without any additives is very low in calories. An 8 ounce (240 ml) cup of black coffee only contains around 2 calories. Black coffee itself has minimal calories because it’s over 99% water and contains almost no carbohydrates, fat, or protein.
Plain black coffee nutrition facts
Here are the nutrition facts for an 8 ounce cup of plain black coffee according to the USDA:
- Calories: 2
- Total fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Total carbs: 0.4 g
- Dietary fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
As you can see, black coffee is almost completely devoid of calories, fat, carbs, protein, and other nutrients. The only calories come from trace amounts of riboflavin and pantothenic acid.
Calories in coffee with cream
Adding a splash of cream or milk to coffee can provide a creamy, rich flavor but also contributes additional calories. The amount of calories in coffee with cream depends on factors like:
- Type of cream – Light cream, half and half, heavy cream
- Quantity of cream added
- Fat content of the cream
Calories in light cream
Some nutrition facts for light cream:
- 1 tablespoon – 20 calories
- 1 fluid ounce – 30 calories
- 1 cup – 315 calories
Light cream contains around 20% fat, giving it a lighter consistency and fewer calories than heavier creams.
Calories in half and half
Nutrition facts for half and half:
- 1 tablespoon – 40 calories
- 1 fluid ounce – 50 calories
- 1 cup – 410 calories
Half and half is a mix of equal parts whole milk and light cream, giving it about 10-12% fat content.
Calories in heavy cream
Some nutrition data for heavy whipping cream:
- 1 tablespoon – 50 calories
- 1 fluid ounce – 110 calories
- 1 cup – 810 calories
Heavy cream contains 36-40% milk fat, making it very high in calories and fat compared to lighter creams.
Calories in flavored creamers
Flavored non-dairy creamers tend to be higher in calories and added sugars:
- 1 tablespoon – 35 calories
- 1 fluid ounce – 70-80 calories
- 1 cup – 700-850 calories
Check the nutrition label when using flavored creamers, as calories can vary significantly by brand and flavor.
Calories in coffee with milk
Adding milk to coffee is another way to give it a creamy texture and mild flavor. Here are the calories for different types of milk in coffee:
Whole milk
- 1 tablespoon – 9 calories
- 1 fluid ounce – 19 calories
- 1 cup – 146 calories
2% reduced fat milk
- 1 tablespoon – 9 calories
- 1 fluid ounce – 18 calories
- 1 cup – 122 calories
1% low fat milk
- 1 tablespoon – 8 calories
- 1 fluid ounce – 17 calories
- 1 cup – 102 calories
Skim milk
- 1 tablespoon – 5 calories
- 1 fluid ounce – 11 calories
- 1 cup – 83 calories
Non-dairy milk
Calories can vary for plant-based milk alternatives like:
- Almond milk – 30-60 calories per cup
- Coconut milk – 50-100 calories per cup
- Soy milk – 70-100 calories per cup
- Oat milk – 60-120 calories per cup
Check the nutrition facts label, as calories differ between brands and types of non-dairy milk.
Calories in coffee with sugar
Another way to sweeten and flavor coffee is by adding sugar. Table sugar and other caloric sweeteners can significantly increase the calorie content.
White sugar
There are 16 calories in 1 teaspoon of white sugar. So the calories for coffee with white sugar are:
- 1 teaspoon sugar – 16 calories
- 2 teaspoons sugar – 32 calories
- 1 tablespoon sugar – 48 calories
Brown sugar
There are also 16 calories in 1 teaspoon of light or dark brown sugar. The calorie totals would be the same as white sugar.
Raw sugar
1 teaspoon of raw or turbinado sugar has about 15 calories, so slightly less than white sugar.
Honey
Honey has even more calories – about 21 calories per teaspoon. So coffee sweetened with honey would have higher calorie totals:
- 1 teaspoon honey – 21 calories
- 2 teaspoons honey – 42 calories
- 1 tablespoon honey – 64 calories
Maple syrup
Maple syrup is also higher in calories than plain white sugar:
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup – 17 calories
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup – 34 calories
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup – 52 calories
Agave nectar
Agave nectar or syrup has about 20 calories per teaspoon, similar to honey.
Artificial sweeteners
Non-nutritive sweeteners like Splenda, Equal, Sweet’N Low, and Stevia have minimal calories. A packet of these artificial sweeteners only contains about 1-3 calories.
Calories based on coffee shop toppings
Looking at popular coffee drink orders from chains like Starbucks can give an idea of the calorie impact of typical coffee customizations:
Small Starbucks Caffe Latte
- Whole Milk – 110 calories
- Nonfat Milk – 80 calories
Small Starbucks Caffe Americano
- With 2% Milk and 1 Raw Sugar – 38 calories
- With Nonfat Milk and 2 Raw Sugars – 44 calories
Small Starbucks Cappuccino
- With Nonfat Milk and Whipped Cream – 125 calories
- With Nonfat Milk and No Whip – 65 calories
As you can see, lighter milk options and fewer pumps of flavored syrups or sweeteners can create a less caloric cup of coffee.
Low calorie coffee options
There are many ways to enjoy coffee while reducing unnecessary calories and fat. Here are some tips for making a low calorie coffee with cream and sugar:
- Use just a splash of light cream, half and half, or milk instead of hefty pours of heavy cream.
- Choose lower fat milk like skim or 1%.
- Use just 1-2 teaspoons of basic white sugar, raw sugar or artificial sweetener.
- Avoid flavored syrups and heavy sugar additions like honey, agave or maple syrup.
- Request small or medium sized cups instead of large or super-sized.
- Skip the whipped cream, but sprinkle cinnamon for flavor.
Making these simple swaps cuts a significant amount of fat and calories compared to a creamy, ultra-sweet coffee beverage.
Conclusion
When customizing your cup of joe, the two ingredients that have the biggest impact on calories are cream and sugar. A basic cup of black coffee is only around 2 calories, while heavy cream and sugary syrups can add hundreds. To keep calories low, stick to a splash of light cream or milk and use moderate amounts of regular sugar, raw sugar or artificial sweetener. Limiting portion sizes and avoiding whipped cream and buttery syrup flavors can also provide a flavorful coffee with fewer calories.
