how many calories are in a shot of espresso?

A single shot of espresso has only 2-3 calories, while a double shot has 5-6 calories. The milk-based espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos are much higher in calories, typically above 100 calories.

When you’re feeling drained from a hectic day, a shot of espresso is a great way to get a quick caffeine boost and pick yourself up without the addition of any noticeable amount of calories to your diet.

You’ve got to consider how most of us actually consume espresso – as a base for lattes, cappuccinos, and all sorts of creamy, syrupy concoctions that really pack a lot of calories.

From straight shots to milky drinks, I’m breaking down exactly what an espresso habit means for your calorie intake and daily diet.

Calories in different types of Espresso Drinks

Here’s the comparison of the total amount of calories typically present in different types of espresso drinks

See! The Espresso shots almost contain no calories, but when milk and sugar are added, the calorie count increases significantly.

Espresso is a healthy drink as it reduces the risks of blood pressure and cardiac diseases, improves mood and energy levels, etc. But the additives like milk, creamer and especially the sugar aren’t that healthy.

However, there is no harm if you drink Latte and Cappuccino in moderation. I personally love to have a hot cup of cappuccino in the evening.

Read a guide on 15 amazing Espresso health benefits

Calories in Milk-Based Espresso Drinks

Many people don’t like black coffee because they find it bitter and prefer to add milk or sugar to it.

As discussed above, Espresso shots don’t have a substantial amount of calories but milk-based espresso drinks contain more calories per cup. 

You must control the usage of milk, sugar, and sweeteners in coffee drinks if you are really concerned about calorie intake.

Here’s the breakdown of the amount of calories in different types of milk per 8 oz serving:

• Whole Milk – 150 Calories
• Skimmed Milk – 80 Calories
• Almond milk – 40 Calories
• Soy milk – 80 Calories
• Coconut milk – 50 Calories

A single tablespoon of sugar has 16 calories and other flavored syrups or creamers give 20 calories for each pump.   

For those of you who are concerned about calorie intake and love milk-based coffee drinks, you can use low-fat milk like skimmed, almond, or soy milk instead of whole milk and low-calorie sweeteners.

Calories in Starbucks Espresso drinks

Here is a breakdown of the calorie content of popular espresso drinks in Starbucks:

• Doppio espresso (45 ml): 10 calories
• Cafe latte (236 ml): 70 to 100 calories
• Cafe mocha (236 ml): 120 to 290 calories (depending on the type)
• Caramel macchiato (236 ml): 100 to 150 calories
• Espresso macchiato: 15 to 20 calories

So, How much espresso is too much?

As we know the famous proverb “excess of anything is bad” so does apply to espresso.

Although the calories in an Espresso shot are almost negligible, there are some other factors worth taking into account, including caffeine content.

A single shot of espresso contains 60-72 mg and a doppio shot has 120-133 of caffeine. And the healthy limit of caffeine in a day is 400 mg for adults and 200 mg for teens and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

So having more than 3 doppio shots of Espresso can actually harm you!

Read a detailed guide on How much Espresso shots are too much

Final Thought 

Understanding how many calories and caffeine you consume each day is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Black espresso shots are low in calories, but adding milk and sweeteners can increase the calorie content significantly.

I am not saying you should completely eliminate delicious Latte and Cappuccino drinks from your diet. In fact, I love to drink a cup of Cappuccino in the evening.

But there is a limit!

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