Iced Coffee Can Contain Over 500 Calories, Study Finds

When the heat rises, many reach for a refreshing iced coffee—assuming it’s a lighter choice. But new research reveals that some of the season’s trendiest iced coffee drinks contain more calories than a lunch or even a full dinner, raising questions about their place in a balanced diet.

The quick answer: The highest-calorie iced coffee identified in the study was Starbucks’ large Blackberry Mocha Frappuccino at 561 calories—about a quarter of a woman’s daily energy needs. Most iced coffees contain over 200 calories, with some topping 450. Cutting calories is simple: choose unsweetened drinks with low-fat or skim milk, and skip the cream and sugary syrups.

What the WCRF Found About Iced Coffee Calories

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) analyzed popular iced coffee options and found that many contain surprisingly high calorie counts. While coffee itself is low in calories, the additions—sugar, full-fat milk, and cream—push the totals upward quickly. Most iced coffee drinks studied contained more than 200 calories, and several exceeded 450 calories. The highest recorded was Starbucks’ large Blackberry Mocha Frappuccino, which came in at 561 calories. Even without cream, that drink still delivered 457 calories.

Why Some Iced Coffees Are So High in Calories

The extra calories primarily come from three sources: sugar, full-fat dairy, and flavor add-ins. Full-fat milk and whipped cream add significant fat and calorie content, while sugary syrups contribute refined sugars and extra energy. For example, even when switching to skim or non-dairy milk, some iced coffee options remain high in calories due to these mix-ins. One European chain, Caffe Nero, serves a skimmed milk Mocha Iced Latte with 452 calories, showing that low-fat milk alone doesn’t guarantee a low-calorie drink.

How to Choose a Lower-Calorie Iced Coffee

To reduce the calorie count, the WCRF’s scientific director, Dr. Thompson, recommends choosing iced coffee drinks made with low-fat or skim milk and avoiding added sugar, cream, and sweet syrups. Plain iced coffee with no additions is the lowest-calorie option. If you prefer flavored drinks, ask for sugar-free syrup or stick to a small size. Opting out of whipped cream can also significantly cut the total energy content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which iced coffee has the most calories according to the WCRF study?

The Starbucks large Blackberry Mocha Frappuccino was the highest-calorie iced coffee in the study, with 561 calories in its regular version with cream. Without cream, it still contains 457 calories.

Are all iced coffees high in calories?

No. Plain iced coffee with no milk, sugar, or syrup is very low in calories. However, most popular iced coffee drinks—especially those with flavoured syrups, whole milk, or cream—contain 200–561 calories.

Does switching to skim milk lower the calories in iced coffee?

Yes, using skim or low-fat milk reduces calories compared to whole or cream, but added flavours and sweeteners can still result in a high-calorie drink. For example, Caffe Nero’s skim Mocha Iced Latte has 452 calories.

How can I order a lower-calorie iced coffee?

Choose unsweetened iced coffee with low-fat or skim milk, avoid whipped cream, and skip flavoured syrups or ask for sugar-free versions. A plain iced coffee with nothing added is the lowest-calorie option.

Is iced coffee unhealthy because of the calories?

Not necessarily—but high-calorie iced coffee drinks can contribute a significant amount of energy to your daily intake, especially if consumed regularly. They may also contain high levels of sugar and fat, which should be moderated.

Best FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Light, Refreshing Brews

For a lower-calorie alternative to sugary iced coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for smooth, balanced filtered coffee or their Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright citrus and floral notes—both taste great over ice. The Commercial Blend offers a rich yet approachable profile, ideal for iced Americanos. All three are versatile, low in acidity, and perfect for customising without extra calories. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.