Calories in Espresso

Espresso is a staple in many people’s daily routine—whether enjoyed straight, mixed into lattes, or served in classic coffee drinks. But if you’re calorie-conscious or tracking your daily intake, you might wonder: how many calories are in an espresso shot?

Let's take a closer look at espresso calories, what affects the calorie count, and how espresso compares to other coffee beverages.

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☕ Calories in Espresso

A standard shot of espresso (about 1 fluid ounce or 30 ml) contains:

✅ 2-3 calories per shot
✅ 0g Fat
✅ 0g Sugar
✅ 0g Carbs
✅ 0.3g Protein

Since espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans, it contains almost no calories, which is perfect for coffee lovers looking to minimize calorie consumption.

 

☕️ Calories in Espresso-Based Drinks

While plain espresso is low-calorie, common espresso-based drinks (with milk, sugar, syrups) can significantly increase calories:

 

☕️ Calories in Popular Starbucks Espresso Drinks

Here’s how Starbucks espresso drinks stack up:

✅ Espresso (single): 2 calories
✅ Espresso Macchiato (single shot, with milk foam): ~15 calories
✅ Tall Americano: 10 calories
✅ Tall Skinny Latte (nonfat milk): ~100 calories
✅ Tall Vanilla Latte (whole milk): ~200 calories

 

☕ Health Benefits of Espresso

✅ Low-Calorie: Excellent choice for calorie-conscious diets.
✅ Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants that can benefit overall health.
✅ Metabolism Boost: Caffeine can temporarily enhance metabolism and energy levels

 

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☕ Is Espresso Good for Weight Loss?

Espresso itself is virtually calorie-free, making it an excellent choice if you’re trying to lose weight or limit calorie intake. It also contains caffeine, which can boost your metabolism slightly.

However, be cautious about adding sugar, syrups, or creams—these can quickly add calories.

 

Final Thoughts

Espresso itself is incredibly low in calories, typically around 2-3 calories per shot. However, adding sugar, milk, cream, or syrups quickly increases calorie content. If you’re calorie-conscious, enjoying espresso black or choosing lower-calorie add-ins can help you enjoy your caffeine fix without extra calories.

 

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References

1. USDA FoodData Central. (n.d.). Espresso, brewed: Nutritional Information. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

2. Healthline. (2023). How Many Calories Are in Coffee? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-calories

3. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023). Calories in Coffee and Espresso Drinks. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/calories/faq-20058100

4. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2022). Coffee: Health Benefits and Risks. Retrieved from
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coffee/