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Calories in Coffee: Nutritional facts (Carbs, Fiber, Protein, Fat) for Coffee Types

The calories in coffee depend on the type and preparation. Black coffee contains 2 calories per cup (8 fl oz or 237 ml). A medium coffee latte (12 fl oz or 355 ml) with whole milk contains 192 calories, 10 g protein, 10 g fat, and 16 g carbohydrates. A medium cappuccino contains 118 calories, 6.2 g fat, 6.2 g protein, and 10 g carbohydrates (9 g sugar). A medium latte or cappuccino made with fortified whole milk provides 1.6 mcg of Vitamin B12 (67% DV), 3.1 mcg of Vitamin D (16% DV), 120 mcg RAE of Vitamin A (13% DV), 370 mg of calcium (28% DV), and 287 mg of phosphorus (23% DV) Several researches have confirmed that coffee is a  rich source of  antioxidants (Grosso G, et al., 2017).

Coffee types include black coffee, espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffee, and mochas. Each type of coffee differs in composition, which leads to different calorie and nutrient content. Brazil and Vietnam lead global coffee production, while the European Union, United States, and Brazil are the largest consumers. Coffee commodity prices have shown volatility over the past two decades, influenced by weather, demand, and market factors, with major peaks in 2011 and the early 2020s.

Coffee is featured in desserts like Tiramisu from Maggiano's Little Italy, and coffee ice cream at Salt & Straw, and main dishes like coffee-rubbed steak at various steakhouses. Drinking coffee regularly offers health benefits including brain function, liver health, and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The recommended daily consumption of coffee for healthy adults is up to 400 mg caffeine, equivalent to about four to five cups (237 mL or 8 fl oz) of black coffee. Burning the 192 calories from 1 medium cup of whole milk latte requires activities like 20 minutes of jogging or 25 minutes of swimming.

Coffee nutrition

1 Coffee (small) contains approximately 2 calories, 0g of carbs, 0.3g of protein, 0g of fiber and 0g of sugar.
  • Large Cup of Coffee Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Medium Cup of Coffee Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Small Cup of Coffee Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Black Coffee Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Latte Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Iced Coffee Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Cappuccino Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Espresso Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Sugar in Coffee
  • Fiber in Coffee
  • Protein in Coffee
  • Carbs in Coffee
  • Fat in Coffee
  • Vitamins in Coffee
  • Minerals in Coffee

Large Cup of Coffee Calories (Nutritional Facts)

A large cup of black coffee (16 fl oz or 473 mL) contains 4 calories, 0 g fat, 0.5 g protein, and 0 g carbohydrates. A large latte (16 oz) made with whole milk contains 256 calories, 13.6 g fat, 13.6 g protein, and 21 g carbohydrates (20 g sugar). A large cappuccino (16 oz or 473 mL) with whole milk contains 256 calories, 13.6 g fat, 13.6 g protein, and 21 g carbohydrates (20 g sugar). A large iced black coffee (16 oz or 473 mL) contains 4 calories, but adding milk, sugar, or syrups increases these values.



A medium cup of black coffee (12 fl oz or 355 mL) contains 3 calories, 0 g fat, 0.4 g protein, and 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g sugar and 0 g fiber. A medium latte (12 oz or 355 mL) made with whole milk contains 192 calories, 10.2 g fat, 10.2 g protein, and 16 g carbohydrates (15 g sugar). A medium cappuccino (12 oz or 355 mL) with whole milk contains 192 calories, 10.2 g fat, 10.2 g protein, and 16 g carbohydrates (15 g sugar). A medium iced black coffee (12 oz or 355 mL) contains 3 calories..



A small cup of black coffee (8 fl oz or 237 mL) contains 2 calories, 0 g fat, 0.3 g protein, and 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g sugar and 0 g fiber. A small latte (8 oz or 237 mL) made with whole milk contains 118 calories, 6.2 g fat, 6.2 g protein, and 10 g carbohydrates (9 g sugar). A small cappuccino (6 oz or 177 mL) made with whole milk contains 88 calories, 4.7 g fat, 4.7 g protein, and 7.5 g carbohydrates (7 g sugar). A small iced black coffee (8 oz or 237 mL) contains 2 calories, adding milk or sugar increases these figures.



A small cup (8 fl oz or 237 mL) of brewed black coffee contains 2 calories, 0 g fat, 0.3 g protein, and 0 g carbohydrates (0 g sugar, 0 g fiber). A medium cup (12 fl oz) of black coffee contains 3 calories, 0 g fat, 0.4 g protein, and 0 g carbohydrates. A large cup (16 fl oz) of black coffee contains 4 calories, 0 g fat, 0.5 g protein, and 0 g carbohydrates.



Calories in a latte for a small latte (8 fl oz or 237 mL) with whole milk contains 118 calories, 6.2 g fat, 6.2 g protein, and 10 g carbohydrates (9 g sugar). A medium latte (12 fl oz or 355 mL) with whole milk contains 192 calories, 10.2 g fat, 10.2 g protein, and 16 g carbohydrates (15 g sugar). A large latte (16 fl oz or 473 mL) with whole milk contains 256 calories, 13.6 g fat, 13.6 g protein, and 21 g carbohydrates (20 g sugar). Using skim milk reduces calories and fat, a large skim milk latte (16 fl oz or 473 mL) contains 135 calories, 0.5 g fat, 14 g protein, and 21 g carbohydrates (21 g sugar). Adding flavored syrups increases calories and sugar.



A small iced coffee (237 mL) contains 2 calories, a medium iced coffee (355 mL) has 3 calories, and a large iced coffee (16 fl oz or 473 mL) has 4 calories. Iced coffee calories with milk and sugar such as whole milk (4 fl oz or 118 mL) adds 72 calories, 3.9 g fat, 3.9 g protein, and 5.8 g carbohydrates (5.8 g sugar). Adding sugar (1 tsp or 4 g) adds 16 calories and 4 g carbohydrates (4 g sugar). Flavored syrups also add calories and sugar.



Calories in cappuccino for a small cup (8 fl ozl) with whole milk contains 88 calories, 4.7 g fat, 4.7 g protein, and 7.5 g carbohydrates (7 g sugar). A medium cappuccino (12 fl oz) contains 118 calories, 6.2 g fat, 6.2 g protein, and 10 g carbohydrates (9 g sugar). A large cappuccino (16 fl oz) contains 192 calories, 10.2 g fat, 10.2 g protein, and 16 g carbohydrates (15 g sugar). Using skim milk reduces calories and fat, which means a medium skim cappuccino contains 71 calories, 0.2 g fat, 7.2 g protein, and 10 g carbohydrates (10 g sugar).



Calories in espresso for a single shot (1 fl oz or 30 mL) contains 3 calories, 0.1 g fat, 0.1 g protein, and 0.5 g carbohydrates (0 g sugar, 0 g fiber). A double shot of espresso (doppio, 2 fl oz or 60 mL) contains 6 calories, 0.2 g fat, 0.2 g protein, and 1 g carbohydrates.



Black coffee and espresso contain 0 g of sugar. Lattes and cappuccinos contain sugar naturally from milk lactose, a medium 12 fl oz (355 mL) whole milk latte or cappuccino contains 15 g of sugar, while Iced black coffee contains 0 g sugar.



Brewed black coffee, lattes, iced coffee (filtered), cappuccinos, and espresso contain 0 g of dietary fiber.



Black coffee (8 fl oz) contains 0.3 g protein. Espresso (1 fl oz or 30 mL) contains 0.1 g protein. A medium 12 fl oz whole milk latte or cappuccino contains 10.2 g protein. Iced coffee contains 0.3 g protein if black, and adding milk increases protein content.



Black coffee (8 fl oz or 237 mL) contains 0 g carbohydrates, and espresso (1 fl oz or 30 mL) contains 0.5 g carbohydrates. A medium 12 fl oz whole milk latte or cappuccino contains 16 g carbohydrates. Iced coffee contains 0 g carbohydrates for black.



Black coffee and espresso contain 0 g fat.A medium 12 fl oz (355 mL) whole milk latte or cappuccino contains 10.2 g fat. Using skim milk reduces fat to 0.3 g. Iced coffee contains 0 g fat if black; milk or cream additions increase fat content.



One small cup (8 fl oz) of black coffee provides 0.2 mg Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 15% Daily Value or DV and 0.5 mg Niacin (Vitamin B3) at 3% DV. A medium 12 fl oz latte or cappuccino made with fortified whole milk provides 1.6 mcg of Vitamin B12 (67% DV), 3.1 mcg of Vitamin D (16% DV), and 120 mcg RAE of Vitamin A (13% DV) from the milk. Iced coffee's vitamin content matches black coffee if plain, or milk additions. Espresso (1 fl oz or 30 mL) provides 0 vitamin amounts.



One cup (8 fl oz) of black coffee contains 116 mg of potassium (2% Daily Value or DV) and 7 mg of magnesium (2% DV). A latte or cappuccino (12 fl oz or 355 mL) made with whole milk contains 370 mg of calcium (28% DV) and 287 mg of phosphorus (23% DV) from the milk. Iced coffee's mineral content matches black coffee if plain, or reflects milk additions. Espresso (1 fl oz or 30 mL) contains 35 mg of potassium (<1% DV) and 3 mg of magnesium (<1% DV).



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What are the Types of Coffee?

The different coffee types include black coffee, espresso, milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, cold preparations such as iced coffee, and flavored options like mochas. These types vary primarily based on preparation method and the addition of milk, water, sugar, or flavorings as discussed below:

Type Description Calories (Approximate per standard serving) Calorie Qualifications
Black Coffee Brewed coffee served without milk, cream, or sugar. 2-5 calories (per 8 oz / 237g) Lowest calorie option. Calories are negligible. Assumes standard drip or pour-over brewing.
Espresso Concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground beans. 3 calories (per 1 oz / 30g shot) Very low calorie due to small serving size and lack of additives. Base for many other coffee drinks.
Latte Espresso mixed with steamed milk and a light layer of foam. 192 calories (per 12 oz / 355g, whole milk) Moderate to high calories, primarily from milk. Calories vary significantly with milk type (skim, soy, oat) and size.
Cappuccino Espresso with less steamed milk than a latte and a thick layer of foam. 88 calories (per 6 oz / 177g, whole milk) Moderate calories due to milk, but less than a latte of similar volume due to higher foam ratio. Varies with milk type.
Americano Espresso diluted with hot water. 3-5 calories (per 8 oz / 237g) Very low calorie, similar to black coffee. Flavor is different due to espresso base.
Macchiato Espresso "marked" with a small amount of steamed milk or foam. 5-10 calories (per 1-2 oz / 30-60g) Slightly more calories than plain espresso due to the small milk addition.
Iced Coffee Brewed coffee served cold over ice. 2-5 calories (per 12 oz / 355g, black) Very low calorie if black. Calories increase dramatically with added milk, sugar, cream, or syrups (can reach 100-300+).
Mocha A latte with added chocolate syrup or powder, often topped with whipped cream. 290-400+ calories (per 12 oz / 355g) High calorie content due to milk, chocolate (sugar/fat), and potential whipped cream. Significant source of added sugar.

What are Desserts with Coffee?

The desserts that feature coffee as an ingredient are listed below:

Dish Name Calories (Estimate per serving) Coffee Use/Type Carbs (g) Sugar (g) Protein (g) Fat (g) Cuisine Restaurants 
Tiramisu 400-600 Espresso/Strong Brewed Coffee 40-60 25-40 8-12 25-40 Italian Maggiano's Little Italy, Olive Garden, Local Italian Restaurants
Coffee Ice Cream 250-400 (per scoop/cup) Brewed Coffee/Espresso Powder 20-35 18-30 4-8 12-25 Various Salt & Straw, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Ben & Jerry's
Affogato 150-250 Hot Espresso 15-25 14-24 3-6 8-15 Italian Many Italian Restaurants, Eataly, Coffee Shops
Mocha Cake/Cupcake 400-700 (per slice/large) Brewed Coffee/Espresso Powder 50-90 35-60 5-10 20-40 Various The Cheesecake Factory, Local Bakeries
Coffee Panna Cotta 300-500 Brewed Coffee/Espresso Infusion 25-40 20-35 4-8 20-35 Italian Upscale Italian Restaurants
Opera Cake 350-550 (per slice) Coffee Syrup/Buttercream 30-45 25-40 4-7 20-35 French French Patisseries (e.g., La Durée, Bouchon Bakery)

What are the Main Dishes with Coffee?

The main dishes that sometimes incorporate coffee are listed below:

Dish Name Calories (Estimate per serving) Coffee Use/Type Carbs (g) Sugar (g) Protein (g) Fat (g) Cuisine Restaurants 
Coffee-Rubbed Steak 600-1000+ Ground Coffee (in rub) 5-15 0-5 50-80 40-70+ American Steakhouses (e.g., St. Elmo Steak House), Modern American
Red Eye Gravy (w/ Ham) 400-700 (meal dependent) Black Coffee (in gravy) 5-10 (gravy only) 1-3 30-50 (ham) 20-40 (ham) Southern American Cracker Barrel, Loveless Cafe, Traditional Southern Diners
Coffee-Braised Ribs 700-1200+ Brewed Coffee (braising) 15-30 5-15 50-80 50-90+ American Gastropubs, Modern American Restaurants
Coffee BBQ Sauce (used on meat) 500-900+ (meal dependent) Brewed Coffee (in sauce) 30-60 (sauce+meat) 20-40 40-70 (meat) 25-50+ (meat) American (BBQ) Various BBQ Joints

What Cuisines Prefer Coffee the Most?

The cuisines that often use coffee prominently, either as a beverage or ingredient, are listed below:

Cuisine Dish/Use Coffee Use/Type Calories (Estimate for common serving) Restaurants
Italian Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Affogato, Tiramisu Espresso, Brewed Coffee 3 (Espresso) - 600 (Tiramisu) Eataly, Illy Caffè, Lavazza Cafés, countless local Italian restaurants
American Drip Coffee, Cold Brew, Coffee Rubs, Red Eye Gravy, Frappuccino Drip, Cold Brew, Ground Coffee, Black Coffee 2 (Black Coffee) - 1000+ (Steak) Starbucks, Dunkin', diners, steakhouses, Southern restaurants
French Café au Lait, Espresso, Coffee Eclairs, Opera Cake Brewed Coffee, Espresso, Coffee Flavorings 70 (Café au Lait) - 550 (Opera Cake) French bakeries (e.g., La Durée), Bistros
Vietnamese Cà Phê Sữa Đá, Egg Coffee Dark Roast Brewed Coffee (often Robusta), Condensed Milk 200-350 (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) Vietnamese restaurants and cafes (e.g., Lee's Sandwiches)
Cuban Café Cubano, Cortadito Sweetened Espresso 30-60 (Café Cubano) Cuban restaurants and ventanitas (e.g., Versailles in Miami)
Turkish Türk Kahvesi Very Finely Ground Coffee, Unfiltered 5-15 Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants
Ethiopian Traditional Coffee Ceremony (Buna) Roasted Beans, Brewed Coffee 2-10 (Black Coffee) Ethiopian restaurants (e.g., Dukem in DC, Awash in NYC)

Which Countries Produce the Most Coffee?

Based on data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAOSTAT), the top coffee-producing countries include Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia. Production volumes fluctuate yearly due to weather conditions, agricultural practices, and market prices, as shown in the table below:

Country 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Brazil 2457601 2140163 2573334 2249010 2796927 2368000 2907265 2700440 3037516 2964677 3037000 3292000 3380000 3070000 3780000 3020000 3700000 3170000 3172562
Vietnam 961300 868800 1176900 1018700 1055600 1061500 1159000 1302000 1473000 1483000 1650000 1760000 1780000 1760000 1870000 1730000 1840000 1850000 1953991
Colombia 685000 698000 710000 720000 680000 510000 545000 468000 600000 780000 810000 840000 858000 852000 834000 828000 756000 798000 664800
Indonesia 668514 754253 682308 793748 775351 682934 682941 735200 700000 764000 643000 639000 657000 716000 761000 773000 761000 795000 774598
Ethiopia 230000 260000 260000 270000 275000 340000 350000 370000 380000 398000 418000 420000 469000 471000 482000 500000 480000 530000 532623
Honduras 183400 195000 205000 215000 225000 235000 245000 275000 300000 270000 300000 330000 420000 450000 475000 470000 360000 348000 390000
India 270500 275500 288000 262000 289600 262000 302000 314000 318200 304500 327000 348000 312000 316000 326000 298000 342000 374000 352000
Uganda 130000 140000 150000 160000 170000 180000 190000 210000 220000 230000 240000 250000 285000 295000 305000 330000 354000 394000 371940
Mexico 270000 240000 250000 250000 250000 240000 240000 250000 230000 230000 235000 230000 235000 240000 245000 250000 240000 240000 245000
Peru 185000 200000 210000 220000 230000 240000 250000 270000 280000 250000 260000 270000 280000 310000 320000 330000 340000 350000 360000

Which Countries Consume the Most Coffee?

The largest coffee consumers globally are the European Union bloc, the United States, and Brazil. Consumption patterns reflect population size, economic factors, and cultural coffee traditions. Data is often presented in 'green bean equivalent' (GBE) to standardize across different coffee forms, as shown in the table below:

Country/Region 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23
European Union* 40848 40551 41609 41391 40973 40749 42338 41952 41889 42201 42860 44697 45135 45765 46339 44940 46708 44781 42900
USA 20106 21181 21600 21768 21312 21698 21864 23419 23056 23724 24042 24409 25491 25819 26657 26247 26053 27312 28200
Brazil 15350 16100 16950 17650 18100 18900 19500 20050 20030 20070 20500 20330 21200 21900 22500 21800 22000 22200 22300
Japan 7037 6972 7135 7082 6960 6777 7002 7436 7536 7539 7559 7496 7636 7742 7692 7484 7336 7462 7500
Canada 3150 3300 3450 3600 3750 3900 4050 4200 4350 4500 4650 4800 4950 5100 5250 5100 5150 5200 5300
Philippines 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500 2600 2700 2800 2900 3000 3100 3250 3400 3550 3700 3800 3900 4000 4100
Indonesia 2200 2300 2400 2500 2600 2700 2800 3200 3600 4000 4300 4550 4600 4700 4800 4850 4900 4950 5000
Russia 3200 3300 3400 3500 3600 3700 3800 3900 4000 4100 4200 4300 4400 4500 4600 4500 4550 4600 4650
Ethiopia 2400 2500 2600 2700 2800 2900 3000 3100 3200 3300 3400 3500 3600 3700 3800 3850 3900 3950 4000
Vietnam 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1750 1900 2050 2200 2300 2400 2500 2600

How Do Prices of Coffee-including Dishes Change?

The rising cost of coffee beans, with increases in labor, rent, and other ingredients, has led to higher prices for coffee-containing dishes and beverages in restaurants over the past two decades. A pricing comparison on restaurant menu items with coffee illustrates this trend:

Restaurant Dish Old Price  Current Price 
Starbucks Tall Caffè Latte $2.65 (2007) $3.95 - $4.75
Dunkin' Medium Hot Coffee $1.59 (2010) $2.49 - $3.50
The Cheesecake Factory Tiramisu (slice) $6.95 (2007) $9.50 - $11.50
Maggiano's Little Italy Tiramisu (serving) $7.50 (2010) $10.99 - $12.50
Ben & Jerry's Coffee Ice Cream (pint) $3.99 (2008) $4.99 - $6.99
How Does the Price of Coffee Change for the Last Years?

What is the Calorie of 100g of Coffee?

A 100g roasted coffee beans contains 287 calories, 11.7 g fat, 10.4 g protein, and 28.5 g carbohydrates. Most of these calories and macronutrients remain in the solid grounds after brewing, with only trace amounts extracted into black coffee liquid.

What is the Calorie of 1 Coffee Bean?

One roasted coffee bean (0.1-0.2 g) contains 1 calorie.

What is the Calorie of 1 Cup of Coffee? 

One cup (8 fl oz or 237 mL) of black coffee contains 2 calories, one cup serving of a whole milk latte (12 fl oz or 355 mL) contains 192 calories, one cup serving of a whole milk cappuccino (8 fl oz or 237 mL) contains 118 calories, and one cup (shot) of espresso (1 fl oz or 30 mL) contains 3 calories.

What are the Health Benefits of Coffee?

Coffee consumption is associated with several health benefits, as shown below:

  • Rich in Antioxidants: Coffee beans contain antioxidants, like chlorogenic acids, which help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. (Grosso G, Godos J, Galvano F, Giovannucci EL., 2017. Coffee, Caffeine, and Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review).
  • May Support Liver Health: Studies suggest moderate coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of liver conditions, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. (Poole R, Kennedy OJ, Roderick P, Fallowfield JA, Hayes PC, Parkes J., 2017. Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes).
  • Enhances Brain Function: Caffeine acts as a stimulant, improving alertness, concentration, reaction time, and other aspects of cognitive function in the short term. Some research also links regular consumption to a potentially lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases later in life. (Nehlig A., 2010. Is caffeine a cognitive enhancer?; Santos C, Costa J, Santos J, Vaz-Carneiro A, Lunet N., 2010. Caffeine intake and dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis).
  • May Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Epidemiological studies consistently show an association between regular coffee consumption (including decaffeinated) and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. (Huxley R, Lee CM, Barzi F, et al., 2009. Coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea consumption in relation to incident type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review with meta-analysis).
  • Boosts Physical Performance: Caffeine can increase adrenaline levels and release fatty acids from fat tissues, leading to improvements in physical endurance and performance. (Goldstein ER, Ziegenfuss T, Kalman D, et al., 2010. International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and performance).
  • May Aid Weight Management: Caffeine may slightly boost metabolic rate and fat burning, potentially aiding weight management efforts when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. However, this effect is modest and can diminish with regular consumption, and high-calorie coffee additions negate this benefit. (Tabrizi R, Saneei P, Lankarani KB, et al., 2019. The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials).

What are the Downsides of Coffee?

Drinking coffee can have a few downsides, such as the ones listed below:

  • Can Cause Anxiety and Disrupt Sleep: Caffeine is a stimulant that can trigger anxiety, nervousness, and jitteriness, especially in high doses or sensitive individuals. Consuming coffee later in the day can interfere with sleep patterns and quality.
  • May Lead to Digestive Issues: Coffee can stimulate stomach acid production, causing heartburn, acid reflux, or upset stomach in some people.
  • Potential for Dependency and Withdrawal: Regular caffeine consumption can lead to physical dependence, and abruptly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Can Contain High Amounts of Sugar and Fat: Popular coffee drinks prepared at cafes or home include amounts of added sugar, high-fat milk, cream, and syrups, which contributes to excess calories and negating health benefits. Choosing black coffee or limiting additions is a healthier approach. Chicory coffee or herbal teas are caffeine-free alternatives.
  • May Temporarily Increase Blood Pressure: Caffeine can cause a short-term spike in blood pressure, although this effect may diminish with regular consumption. Individuals with hypertension should monitor their intake. (Urgert R, Katan MB., 1997. The cholesterol-raising factor from coffee beans - Note: While this study focuses on cholesterol, the general point about monitoring intake for health conditions applies).

Is Coffee Good for You?

Yes, coffee is good for health when consumed in moderation and prepared simply. The antioxidant properties offer cellular protection, which contributes to overall well-being, while moderate intake, 3-5 cups daily, is considered safe and possibly beneficial for heart health in many individuals. Coffee may aid digestive health by promoting regularity, but can cause acid reflux in susceptible people, and for brain health, caffeine provides well-known short-term benefits like enhanced alertness and focus, and long-term observational studies suggest potential protection against cognitive decline. Coffee consumption is also strongly linked to positive liver health outcomes, including reduced risk of serious liver diseases. The potential benefits are maximized when coffee is consumed black or with minimal additions, as the high sugar and fat content in specialty drinks can counteract positive effects.

How Much Coffee Should I Drink in a Day?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day is considered safe in healthy adults, which equates to four or five 8-ounce cups of standard brewed black coffee. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) align with this, indicating that three to five 8-oz cups daily or up to 400mg caffeine can fit within healthy eating patterns. The American Heart Association (AHA) also states that moderate coffee consumption is safe for most people. Pregnant women are advised to limit to 200mg of caffeine a day.

How Much Coffee Can I Drink in a Day at Most?

Consuming more than 500mg to 600mg of caffeine per day is strongly discouraged and can lead to more significant issues like insomnia, severe anxiety, rapid heartbeat, muscle tremors, and digestive distress. Moderate consumption up to 400mg of caffeine daily is safe for most adults, and exceeding this amount increases the risk of negative side effects. 

How Does Calorie Change According to Coffee Types?

The calorie content of coffee depends on preparation method and added ingredients. Plain coffee options like black coffee contain 2-5 calories per 8 oz, espresso contains 3 calories per 1 oz, and Americanos have 1 calorie because they lack milk or sugar. Calories increase when milk is added, for instance, a 12 oz whole milk latte contains 192 calories, while a smaller 6 oz whole milk cappuccino has 88 calories due to using less milk. The highest calorie coffee beverages are specialty drinks like mochas or flavored lattes, especially those made with whole milk, syrups, chocolate, and whipped cream, which range from 250 to over 500 calories per serving.

What is the Origin of Coffee?

Coffee originated in the ancient coffee forests of the Ethiopian plateau. A 9th-century goat herder named Kaldi who observed the berries' energizing effects on his goats. Coffee cultivation spread to Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula around the 15th century, where coffee was initially used to aid concentration during religious practices, and subsequently, coffee drinking and the establishment of coffeehouses expanded throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Coffee arrived in Europe during the 17th century, primarily through Venetian trade routes, quickly gaining popularity and leading to the rise of European coffeehouses as important social and commercial centers. European colonial powers later introduced coffee cultivation to tropical regions in the Americas and Asia, establishing coffee as a major global commodity.