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Black coffee calories are close to zero: USDA FoodData Central lists an 8-fluid-ounce cup of brewed coffee at about 2 calories, with no meaningful fat, carbohydrate or sugar. The calories in black coffee come from tiny amounts of protein and oils extracted from the beans. What changes the number is what goes into the cup, so this guide covers USDA values for brewed, decaf, espresso and instant coffee, why labels can say zero, and how milk, cream, creamer and sugar add up.
Peptide Labs does not sell coffee. This article is general nutrition information, not medical advice.
Key Takeaways
- USDA lists about 2 calories in an 8-fluid-ounce cup of brewed black coffee and about 0 in decaf.
- A 1-fluid-ounce shot of espresso has about 3 calories in USDA data.
- FDA rules let labels show 0 calories when a serving has fewer than 5.
- One tablespoon of half-and-half adds about 20 calories; one teaspoon of sugar adds about 16.
- Black coffee still contains caffeine; the FDA cites 400 milligrams a day for most adults as an amount not generally associated with negative effects.
Black coffee calories per cup (USDA)
These figures come from USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy entries for plain coffee with nothing added. Values are rounded to the nearest calorie.
| Coffee (USDA entry) | Serving | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brewed coffee, tap water (FDC 171890) | 8 fl oz (237 g) | 2 | 0.0 g | 0 g |
| Brewed decaf (FDC 171889) | 8 fl oz (237 g) | 0 | 0 g | 0 g |
| Espresso, restaurant-prepared (FDC 171891) | 1 fl oz (30 g) | 3 | 0.1 g | 0.5 g |
| Instant coffee powder (FDC 171893) | 1 tsp powder (1 g) | 4 | 0.0 g | 0.8 g |
Brewed coffee is about 99% water, which is why the calorie count is so low. Black coffee is not a negative-calorie food, though; it simply contributes almost nothing. Coffee does carry small amounts of a few nutrients, as the next table shows.
| Nutrient in 8 fl oz brewed coffee | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Riboflavin (vitamin B2) | 0.18 milligrams | 14% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.60 milligrams | 12% |
| Niacin | 0.45 milligrams | 3% |
| Potassium | 116 milligrams | 2% |
| Magnesium | 7 milligrams | 2% |
| Sodium | 5 milligrams | Less than 1% |
| Protein | 0.3 g | 1% |
Calories in black coffee vs espresso and instant
Per ounce, espresso is more concentrated than drip coffee, so USDA lists a little more carbohydrate and about 3 calories in a single shot. A double shot is still in single digits. Instant coffee works out to about 4 calories per teaspoon of powder before you add water. Cold brew and other styles are not listed separately in SR Legacy, but plain coffee of any brewing style stays very low in calories; check the Nutrition Facts label on bottled or canned coffee, because many ready-to-drink versions contain milk and sugar.
Why black coffee labels can say zero calories
If you see 0 calories on a bag of coffee or a canned black coffee, that is consistent with FDA labeling rules. Under 21 CFR 101.9, amounts under 5 calories per serving may be shown as zero on the Nutrition Facts label, and under 21 CFR 101.60 a food can be called calorie free when it has fewer than 5 calories per reference serving and per labeled serving. So black coffee calories round to zero on a label even though the lab value is about 2 per cup.
How add-ins change the calories in your cup
This is where coffee calories really come from. The table lists USDA values for common add-ins in the amounts people typically pour or stir in. These are reference amounts for comparison, not suggestions.
| Add-in (USDA entry) | Amount | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole milk (FDC 171265) | 1 fl oz (2 tbsp) | 19 | 1.0 g | 1.5 g |
| 2% milk (FDC 171267) | 1 fl oz (2 tbsp) | 15 | 0.6 g | 1.5 g |
| Skim milk (FDC 171269) | 1 fl oz (2 tbsp) | 10 | Less than 0.1 g | 1.5 g |
| Sweetened vanilla almond milk (FDC 168751) | 1 fl oz (2 tbsp) | 11 | 0.3 g | 2.0 g |
| Half-and-half (FDC 171255) | 1 tbsp | 20 | 1.7 g | 0.6 g |
| Light cream, coffee cream (FDC 170857) | 1 tbsp | 29 | 2.9 g | 0.5 g |
| Heavy whipping cream (FDC 170859) | 1 tbsp | 51 | 5.4 g | 0.4 g |
| Liquid nondairy creamer (FDC 171262) | 1 individual cup (15 g) | 20 | 1.5 g | 1.7 g |
| Powdered nondairy creamer (FDC 171263) | 1 tsp | 11 | 0.7 g | 1.2 g |
| Granulated sugar (FDC 169655) | 1 tsp | 16 | 0 g | 4.2 g |
| Sugar packet (FDC 169655) | 1 packet (2.8 g) | 11 | 0 g | 2.8 g |
A simple example of the math: one cup of brewed coffee (2 calories) plus a tablespoon of half-and-half (20) and a teaspoon of sugar (16) comes to about 38 calories. Swap the half-and-half for heavy cream and the same cup lands near 69. None of this is good or bad on its own; it is just useful to know where the calories sit.
Coffee creamer calories vary widely by brand and flavor, so the label is the real answer for any creamer you use. Flavored creamers and syrups often add sugar as well as fat. Sugar matters for more than calories: a teaspoon of granulated sugar is about 4.2 grams, roughly 8% of the 50-gram Daily Value for added sugars on the FDA Nutrition Facts label. If you are trying to cut back, our guides to sugar cravings, stevia, monk fruit, allulose and sugar alcohols cover the low-calorie sweetener options, and our soy milk guide compares plant milks.
What the FDA says about caffeine in coffee
Calories are only part of the picture, because black coffee is a caffeinated drink. In its consumer guidance, the FDA states that for most adults it has cited 400 milligrams a day, about two to three 12-fluid-ounce cups of coffee, as an amount not generally associated with negative effects. The FDA also notes that a 12-ounce cup of coffee can contain roughly 113 to 247 milligrams, so the strength of the brew matters. It lists a faster heart rate, palpitations, trouble sleeping, jitters, anxiety, upset stomach, nausea and headache as signs of too much caffeine, and it says people who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with a health care provider about whether to limit caffeine.
Sensitivity varies from person to person, and some medicines interact with caffeine, so ask a clinician or pharmacist if you are unsure. Our guide to how much caffeine is too much covers the FDA guidance in detail, and we also explain caffeine pills, matcha, green tea, L-theanine and mushroom coffee. Decaf is an option for people who want the flavor with very little caffeine.
Black coffee and weight: what the calorie numbers can tell you
Because plain coffee adds almost no calories, the add-ins decide how a coffee habit fits into your overall eating pattern. Swapping a sweetened, creamy drink for black coffee removes the calories of those add-ins, which is simple arithmetic rather than a property of coffee. Coffee itself is not a weight-loss food, and caffeine should not be used to replace meals or sleep. For how energy balance actually works, see our explainer on calorie balance, and for light food ideas, our snack guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does black coffee have calories?
Yes, but very few. USDA lists about 2 calories in an 8-fluid-ounce cup of brewed black coffee, from trace protein and oils.
How many calories are in a cup of black coffee?
About 2 calories per 8-fluid-ounce cup in USDA data. Labels often show 0 because FDA rules allow amounts under 5 calories to be listed as zero.
Does espresso have more calories than drip coffee?
Per ounce, slightly. A 1-fluid-ounce shot has about 3 calories in USDA data, compared with about 2 in a full 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee.
Is decaf black coffee calorie-free?
USDA lists brewed decaf at about 0 calories per cup. Decaf still contains a small amount of caffeine.
How many calories does milk add to coffee?
In USDA data, 2 tablespoons of whole milk add about 19 calories, 2% milk about 15 and skim milk about 10. A tablespoon of half-and-half adds about 20.
Why does my coffee label say 0 calories?
FDA labeling rules allow servings with fewer than 5 calories to be listed as zero, and plain coffee falls well under that cutoff.
Building a breakfast around your coffee? Our companion guide to egg nutrition lists USDA calories and protein for eggs by size and cooking method.
Questions about a label? Contact us or read our Buyer’s Guide. Food comes first; follow the label and ask a healthcare provider before starting a supplement, especially if you take medicines, are pregnant or have a food allergy. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Related guides: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? Daily Limits, Overdose Signs and Label Math, Mushroom Coffee: Benefits, Caffeine and Is It Healthy?, Low Calorie Snacks: USDA Calories per Serving and 100-Calorie Portions.