The amount of carbs in coffee isn’t as simple as you might think — the type of coffee, the way it was brewed, and the extra ingredients you add to adjust the taste all heavily impact the final carb count.
A simple black coffee is very low in carbohydrates (around 2 grams per cup).
The story changes when you start adding things like milk, sugar, cream, and flavored syrups — some coffee preparations contain as much as 50 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
This table breaks down the carb count of 10 popular types of coffee:
|
Coffee Type (per cup unless stated) |
Carbs per cup (240 mL) |
Carbs per 100 mL (g/mL) |
|
Black coffee |
2.4 g |
1.01 g |
|
Espresso (30g shot) |
0.5 g |
1.67 g |
|
Americano |
0.5 g |
0.21 g |
|
Macchiato |
2.0 g |
0.83 g |
|
Cold brew (black) |
3.0 g |
1.25 g |
|
Latte |
10.4 g |
4.33 g |
|
Flat white |
11.7 g |
4.87 g |
|
Cappuccino |
20.0 g |
8.33 g |
|
Mocha |
27.0 g |
11.25 g |
|
Vietnamese Coffee |
8.0 g |
3.33 g |
Black Coffee Has the Lowest Carb-Count
The general rule for carbs in coffee is the fewer ingredients used = fewer total carbohydrates.
Black brewed coffee, espresso shots, and americano all contain minimal ingredients and negligible carbohydrates. Lattes, mochas, and flat whites all deliver moderate to heavy doses of carbohydrates in every cup.
Cold brew coffee is unique in that it’s technically a simple black coffee, yet it contains slightly higher carbs due to the long, slow brewing process which is more efficient at pulling out the natural sugars in the coffee bean.
Coffee Additives: Counting Carbs
Additives like sugar, syrup, and creamers can raise the overall carbs in your brew without you even realizing it.
Calculating how many carbs in coffee means considering additions like milk and sugar and the impact these ingredients have on your brew.
Let’s look at some common additives and their carbs below:
|
Additive |
Carbs per cup (240 mL) |
Carbs per 100 mL (g/100 mL) |
|
Almond milk (unsweetened) |
1.00 g |
0.42 |
|
Coconut milk (unsweetened) |
2.00 g |
0.83 |
|
Soy milk (unsweetened) |
4.00 g |
1.67 |
|
Dairy milk whole |
12.00 g |
5.00 |
|
Dairy milk 2% |
12.00 g |
5.00 |
|
Dairy milk skimmed |
12.00 g |
5.00 |
|
Oat milk |
16.00 g |
6.67 |
|
Commercial Creamers (powder) |
10.00 g |
4.17 |
|
Flavored syrup |
52.00 g |
21.67 |
|
White sugar |
200.00 g |
83.33 |
When asking how many carbs your morning coffee delivers, it’s important to look at all the ingredients used.
Different types of milk, both dairy and plant-based, contain various amounts of carbs, but generally, additives like sugar and syrup have the biggest impact.
Related: How Many Calories Are in Vietnamese Coffee
Low-Carb Alternatives for Coffee Lovers
Don’t despair if you’re following a low-carb diet and still want to enjoy coffee!
There are many ways to shake up your brew with a boost of flavor and sweetness without using carb-heavy ingredients.
Tips to avoid heavy carbohydrates in your morning coffee:
- Use Natural Sweeteners — Stevia or monk fruit can be used to sweeten your coffee without adding additional carbohydrates. You only need to use a small amount to bring a sweet edge to your cuppa, and opting for natural sweeteners means no chemical aftertaste.
- Opt for Non-Dairy Milk — Almond, coconut, and soy milk are lower in carbs than regular dairy milk, so these are tasty options to go for.
- Drink it Black — Black coffee (including espresso) is naturally low in carbs and is ideal for minimal carb intake.
Coffee doesn’t need to contain numerous ingredients to be delicious. Starting with premium coffee beans and following proper brewing techniques allows you to produce delicious coffee without relying on additives and sweeteners.
How to Calculate Carbs in Coffee
Estimating how many carbs are in a cup of coffee is possible by noting the ingredients and amounts you use in each brew. It takes a little extra time to make notes, but it’s a simple and effective way to track carb content based on your coffee habits.
With obesity rates rising, there’s never been a better time to take control of your health and start monitoring what goes into your body.
In today’s world, it’s never been easier to calculate carbs in foods and drinks using apps and online programs.
These programs provide you with an accurate indication of total carbs by simply entering the ingredients used to make your coffee.
Recommended Coffees for Low-Carb Diets
We’re dedicated to producing the same great flavor inherent to coffees from around the world, including our founder’s homeland of Vietnam (a place known for producing carbohydrate-rich coffee) — without the guilt.
Low-Carb Instant Coffees
Our ethos is to produce the same bold flavors of these traditional coffees without ANY added sugar.
We use a blend of natural ingredients and monkfruit extract (a delicious low-carb sweetener) to balance the bold flavors of strong black coffee.
Check out our lineup of low-carb instant coffees:
Whole Bean & Ground Coffee
We offer a lineup of delicious, whole bean and pre-ground coffees.
Our HaNoi, SaiGon OG, and BanMe blends all incorporate Coffea robusta — a robust and energizing variety known for delivering roughly half the carbohydrates as an equivalent portion of arabica beans, along with twice the antioxidant load.
→ Shop All Cafely Premium Coffee Beans
FAQs: Coffee Carbohydrates
Hungry for more info about how many carbs are in a cup of coffee? Here are some FAQs to answer your last burning questions:
1. Does black coffee have carbs?
Black coffee contains virtually no carbs as it doesn’t contain additional ingredients like sugar, milk, or cream. It’s one of the best choices for minimizing carb intake while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee.
2. How can I enjoy flavored coffee on a low-carb diet?
Enjoying flavored coffee while on a low-carb diet is achievable by opting for natural flavor extracts or sugar-free syrups. This infuses your coffee with flavor without adding carbohydrates.
3. What is the best way to track carbs in my coffee?
Keep a log of the ingredients you use in your coffee along with the amount. This makes it simple to identify exactly what entered your cup so you can calculate the total carbs easily.
4. Can I drink coffee on a keto diet?
Coffee can be enjoyed as part of a keto diet, with black coffee or espresso being the best-suited option. Use low-carb milk and sweeteners to elevate your coffee without increasing overall carbs.
5. How do milk alternatives compare in carb content?
Almond milk, coconut milk, and other nut milk generally contain lower carbs than dairy milk. Be aware of added sugars and syrups in milk alternatives, as these can raise the carb content of coffee. Choose unsweetened wherever possible to reduce carbs.
Related: How to Make Vegan Vietnamese Coffee
6. Is it better to make coffee at home for carb control?
Making coffee at home is better for managing ingredients and the carbs entering your cup. Whipping up an at-home brew means controlling the exact ingredients and amounts you use, making monitoring carb content simple.
7. How many carbs are in a latte?
Lattes contain substantially higher carbs than black coffee, but the precise amount depends on the serving size and type of milk used.
8. What about sugar-free coffee creamers?
Sugar-free coffee creamers are lower-carb options than regular creamers, but be on the lookout for hidden carbs in the ingredients list.
9. Can adding spices to coffee add carbs?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices add negligible carbs to your brew while amplifying flavor with no sugar or syrup.
10. Is decaf coffee lower in carbs?
Decaf coffee contains similar carb content to regular coffee, but this depends heavily on the preparation and ingredients used.
