Black coffee and espresso

Plain coffee and espresso are virtually carb-free. That includes the drink called an Americano, which is espresso plus hot water.

A 12-ounce (355-ml) serving of black coffee contains less than 1 gram of carbs, while a 1-ounce (30-ml) shot of espresso provides around 0.5 grams (1, 2).

The caffeine content of a drink does not affect its carb content (3, 4).

SUMMARY

Black coffee and espresso contain less than 1 gram of carbs per typical serving, regardless of whether they contain caffeine.

Carb contents of popular coffee beverages

Beverages made with only espresso and hot water, such as an Americano, will not contain carbs.

However, coffee or espresso beverages made with ingredients other than just water typically contain carbs. Milk and flavored syrups are two common sources.

Most coffeehouse beverages can be customized, and their carb contents depend on which ingredients are added to them. For example, whole milk contains more carbs than unsweetened almond milk.

Here are several popular coffee and espresso beverages and their potential carb contents:

• Cafe au lait (1:1 ratio of black coffee to steamed milk). Your drink will contain 6 grams of carbs if it’s made with 4 ounces (120 ml) of whole milk or just 1 gram if it’s made with unsweetened almond milk (5, 6).
• Cappuccino (1:1:1 ratio of espresso to milk to milk foam). A 16-ounce (480-ml) Starbucks cappuccino made with 2% milk has 12 grams of carbs (7).
• Latte (1:3 ratio of espresso to milk). This beverage will pack more carbs, as it’s mostly milk. If you choose to add flavored syrup, such as vanilla, just 1 ounce (30 ml) can add 24 grams of carbs.
• Flat white (1:3:2 ratio of espresso to milk to milk foam). This drink contains about the same amount of milk as a latte and therefore offers a similar number of carbs.
• Mochaccino (a chocolate cappuccino). Also called a cafe mocha, this beverage is made with milk and chocolate syrup, which contain carbs. A 16-ounce (480-ml) mochaccino at Starbucks made with 2% milk contains 44 grams of carbs (8).

Many coffeehouse favorites are also topped with whipped cream. Just 6 grams (2 tablespoons) of whipped cream can add at least 1 gram of carbs to your drink (9).

As you can see, the carb content of coffee or espresso beverages can vary significantly.