Calories in Popular Coffee Drinks Compared

If you're watching your calorie intake but don't want to give up your daily coffee, knowing how many calories are really in your favorite drinks can help. From a plain shot of espresso to a rich mocha, not all coffee drinks are created equal—and some pack in far more calories than you might expect.

Here’s the quick breakdown: Black coffee has just 5 calories per 100g, while a standard latte comes in at around 220 calories. Mochas are even higher at 235 calories, and even a simple cappuccino weighs in at 75. The lowest-calorie options? Unsweetened black coffee and espresso—perfect if you’re avoiding sugar and milk.

Espresso-Based Coffee Calories

Moka Pot Espresso

Brewed using a stovetop moka pot—a traditional Italian steam-pressure device—this strong, dark coffee produces a thin layer of crema on top. It has a bold, bitter flavor and rich aroma. Without any added sugar or milk, a typical serving contains about 117 calories. It scores high on taste (★★★★) and health (★★★), but has a low risk of causing weight gain (★).

Espresso / Black Coffee

A plain 100g serving of black coffee contains just 2.55 kilocalories. Drinking it hot may enhance calorie burning, and lighter roasts tend to support weight loss better than darker, less caffeinated ones. A black coffee has only about 5 calories, with a neutral flavor (★★★), healthy rating (★★★), and negligible impact on weight (★).

Cappuccino

This Italian-style coffee combines strong brewed coffee with steamed milk, creating a light brown foam on top reminiscent of a monk’s hood. It’s stronger than a latte and often served in a smaller cup. With moderate milk content, it contains around 75 calories, enjoys high flavor ratings (★★★★★), good health value (★★★★), and a modest weight gain risk (★★★).

Milk-Based Specialty Coffee Drinks

Latte

A latte consists of a small amount of espresso combined with a larger portion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. It typically uses a mug and has a creamy texture due to the high milk-to-coffee ratio. While flavorful (★★★★★) and reasonably healthy (★★★★), its calorie count is higher at approximately 220 calories per serving, with a moderate risk of contributing to weight gain (★★★).

Mocha

A mocha is essentially a latte with added chocolate, making it a favorite for those with a sweet tooth. The combination of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup or powder creates a rich, dessert-like drink. Though indulgent and tasty (★★★★★), it scores poorly for health (★★) and has the highest calorie content among common coffee drinks at about 235 calories, making it the most likely to contribute to weight gain (★★★★★).

Cold and Instant Coffee Calories

Cappuccino

(Repeated for structural grouping; see above under ‘Espresso-Based Coffee Calories’ for details: ~75 calories, ★★★★ flavor, ★★★★ health, ★★★ weight gain risk.)

Instant Coffee Calorie Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

What coffee drink has the fewest calories?

Black coffee has the lowest calorie count, with just 5 calories per 100g. A plain espresso shot (moka pot style) has around 117 calories, but still remains very low in calories compared to milk-based drinks. Instant black coffee or Maxwell Select whole bean instant coffee each have only 2 calories per serving.

How many calories are in a latte?

A standard latte contains approximately 220 calories, mainly due to the combination of espresso and a large amount of steamed milk. It’s flavorful and creamy but higher in calories than black coffee or espresso.

Why does mocha coffee have so many calories?

Mocha coffee includes espresso, steamed milk, and usually chocolate syrup or powder, which significantly increases its calorie content. A typical mocha has about 235 calories, the highest among common coffee drinks, and a low health score (★★) due to added sugars and fats.

Is cappuccino a low-calorie coffee option?

Yes, a cappuccino generally has around 75 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie coffee drink compared to lattes and mochas. It balances espresso with a moderate amount of steamed milk and foam, scoring well for flavor (★★★★★) and health (★★★★).

Are instant coffees high in calories?

Most plain instant coffees are very low in calories, often around 2 to 5 calories per serving. However, flavored or breakfast-style instant coffees like Nestlé Breakfast Coffee (139 kcal) or Maxwell House Milk Tea Flavor (56 kcal) can be much higher. Always check the label if you're counting calories.

Low-Calorie FrontStreet Coffee Picks

For a low-calorie coffee experience, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera (Yirgacheffe), which highlights bright berry and floral tones for a vibrant black coffee. Their PWN Golden Mandheling offers a full-bodied yet clean cup with hints of caramel and almond—great for espresso or black. Both are excellent choices for calorie-conscious coffee drinkers who still want rich flavor. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.