Calories in Espresso: Nutritional facts for Espresso Types

One hundred grams (3.5oz) of brewed espresso contains 9 calories.

One kilogram (1,000g or 35.3oz) of brewed espresso contains 90 calories.

A 22g (0.75 fl oz) Starbucks Solo Espresso contains 5 calories. A 44g (1.5 fl oz) Starbucks Doppio Espresso contains 10 calories. A 30g (1 fl oz) Dunkin' Espresso shot contains 5 calories. A 30g (1 fl oz) Peet's Coffee Espresso contains 5 calories.

Espresso provides some health benefits like enhancing cognitive focus and boosting physical performance due to its high concentration of caffeine and bioactive polyphenols. Espresso, also known as a "short black," "caffe espresso," or "liquid energy," contains more caffeine per unit of volume than standard coffee. A list of the health benefits of espresso are shown below.

• Improves Mental Alertness: Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, which prevents fatigue. A study by Ruxton CHS (2008), "The impact of caffeine on mood, cognitive function, performance and hydration: a review of benefits and risks," confirmed that moderate consumption significantly enhances mental focus and reaction times.
• Enhances Physical Endurance: Caffeine increases adrenaline levels and releases fatty acids from fat tissues to be used as fuel. Research by Guest NS, et al. (2021), "International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance," highlights how espresso improves strength and aerobic capacity during workouts.
• Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Regular espresso consumption is associated with improved insulin sensitivity. A meta-analysis by Ding M, et al. (2014), "Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and a Dose-Response Meta-analysis," demonstrated that each cup of coffee per day correlates with a 7% lower risk of developing the disease.
• Protects Against Neurodegenerative Diseases: The antioxidants in espresso may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. A study by Qi H and Li S. (2014), "Dose-response meta-analysis on coffee consumption and risk of Parkinson's disease," found that higher caffeine intake is linked to a significant reduction in the development of Parkinson's symptoms.
• Supports Liver Health: Espresso consumption is linked to lower levels of liver enzymes and a reduced risk of cirrhosis. A study by Kennedy OJ, et al. (2016), "Coffee, including decaffeinated coffee, and liver cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis," concluded that drinking two shots daily reduces the risk of liver cirrhosis by 44%.
• High Antioxidant Content: Espresso is a primary source of hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols, which neutralize free radicals to prevent oxidative stress.
• Mood Elevation: Bioactive compounds in coffee stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin, which can decrease the likelihood of clinical depression.
• Boosts Metabolic Rate: Caffeine increases the resting metabolic rate by 3% to 11%, aiding in fat oxidation and weight management.

Espresso has been known to cause some unwanted effects like sleep disruption and increased heart rate due to its high caffeine density and acidity. A list of the downsides of espresso are shown below.

• Disruption of Sleep Cycles: Consuming espresso in the afternoon can interfere with the body's circadian rhythm. A study by Drake C, et al. (2013), "Caffeine effects on sleep taken 0, 3, or 6 hours before bedtime," found that caffeine consumed even 6 hours before bed reduces total sleep time by more than 60 minutes.
• Increased Anxiety and Jitters: High doses of caffeine can trigger the "fight or flight" response, leading to nervousness. Research by Richards G and Smith A. (2015), "Caffeine consumption and self-assessed stress, anxiety, and depression," noted a direct correlation between high caffeine intake and elevated anxiety scores.
• Digestive Irritation: The acids in espresso stimulate the release of gastrin, which can worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or cause an upset stomach.
• Bone Health Concerns: Excessive caffeine intake can interfere with calcium absorption in the gut, potentially leading to lower bone density over time.

Yes, espresso is good for you because it provides a potent dose of antioxidants and riboflavin that support metabolic health and brain function. Most healthy adults should limit their intake to 3 to 4 shots (90g to 120g or 3 fl oz to 4 fl oz) per day to stay within the recommended 400 mg caffeine limit. The major benefits include improved cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of chronic liver diseases. To ensure health benefits, it should be consumed without added syrups, heavy creams, or excessive sugars that contribute empty calories.

The calories in espresso change based on the volume of water used during the extraction process and the quantity of soluble coffee oils pulled from the grounds. A ristretto contains 2 calories per 15g (0.5oz) serving because the shorter extraction time limits the total amount of dissolved solids. A standard solo shot provides 3 calories per 30g (1oz), while a lungo provides 8 to 12 calories per 90g (3oz) because the increased water flow extracts a higher amount of caloric oils and proteins from the coffee grounds. Double shots or doppios double the energy count to 5-10 calories as they utilize a larger mass of coffee grounds.

Yes, espresso calories are higher than drip coffee when comparing the liquid by weight. Espresso contains 9 calories per 100g (3.5oz), while drip brewed coffee contains 1 calorie per 100g (3.5oz). This difference exists because the high-pressure extraction process of espresso pulls a higher concentration of coffee oils and suspended solids from the beans into the final beverage. A standard 30g (1oz) shot of espresso contains 3 calories, whereas a standard 240g (8oz) cup of black drip coffee contains 2.4 calories, meaning a single shot of espresso is more energy-dense than a full cup of black brewed coffee.

No, calories in espresso are not lower than brewed coffee when measured by standard serving sizes. A single 30g (1 fl oz) shot of espresso contains 3 calories, while an 8 fl oz (240g) cup of black brewed drip coffee contains 2.4 calories. Because espresso is a more concentrated extract, it retains 900% more soluble solids and oils per gram compared to drip coffee. If the brewed coffee is served in a 12 fl oz or 16 fl oz portion, the total calories will exceed those of a single espresso shot, but the density remains significantly lower in the brewed version.

The origin of espresso is rooted in late 19th-century Italy, where inventors sought a method to reduce the long brewing times of traditional coffee for workers on their breaks. In 1884, Angelo Moriondo of Turin patented the first steam-driven coffee machine, but it was Luigi Bezzera who refined the design in 1901 by introducing the portafilter and multiple brew heads. This allowed for the rapid extraction of a concentrated shot, which Desiderio Pavoni further commercialized in 1903. The term "espresso" reflects this history, as it translates to "pressed out" or "express," denoting both the speed of service and the high-pressure extraction process.

Culinary evolution continued in 1948 when Achille Gaggia invented a lever-driven machine that increased extraction pressure to 9 bars, creating the characteristic "crema" or golden foam that defines a modern espresso shot. This technological shift transformed the drink from a bitter, steam-burnt liquid into the rich and aromatic beverage enjoyed today. Throughout the 20th century, the espresso machine became a centerpiece of Italian social life, eventually migrating to North America in the 1980s and 1990s. This migration sparked the global cafe culture and the integration of espresso into a vast array of sweet and savory culinary applications across the world.