Calorie Count of Black Cold Brew Coffee
If you’re sipping on a glass of black cold brew coffee, you might be wondering how many calories you’re actually consuming. The good news? It’s very low. An 8 oz (240 ml) cup of plain black cold brew coffee contains only about 2 to 5 calories. That’s right—just a couple of calories for a full, refreshing cup.
These calories mainly come from the natural oils and tiny amounts of soluble fiber that are extracted during the brewing process. There’s no fat, no sugar, and no carbs in basic cold brew unless you add something to it.
This low calorie count is why black cold brew coffee is a popular choice for anyone keeping an eye on their caloric intake, whether for weight loss, fitness, or general health.
Why Cold Brew Has Low Calories
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse-ground coffee beans in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. Because it’s never heated, the extraction is slower and more selective. The result is a smooth, naturally sweet brew that’s lower in acidity.
Since the brew is made with just water and coffee beans, it doesn’t pick up any calories from added sugars, syrups, or dairy. That’s why a pure cold brew is so light on calories.
It’s also important to understand the difference between cold brew and iced coffee. Iced coffee is usually brewed hot and then cooled, which can bring out more bitterness. Iced coffee can also be more acidic and might be sweetened or creamed automatically, especially in cafés.
So if you’re aiming to keep things low-calorie, be sure to order or make black cold brew and skip the extras like cream and sugar.
Comparing Calories in Different Coffee Drinks
Let’s break it down to see how cold brew compares with other coffee beverages:
Black Cold Brew Coffee (8 oz): 2–5 calories
Regular Black Coffee (8 oz): 2–5 calories
Espresso (1 oz shot): ~1–2 calories
Latte (12 oz with whole milk): ~120–180 calories
Flavored Latte (12 oz with syrup and milk): 200+ calories
Cold brew and regular black coffee are virtually tied in calorie content. Espresso is more concentrated, so even though it’s small in volume, it has slightly fewer calories per ounce.
The real calorie jump comes from milk-based drinks. A single flavored latte can contain 10 to 100 times more calories than a basic cold brew. If you’re not careful, your morning drink can quietly become a dessert.
How Milk, Sugar, and Additives Impact Calories
Adding milk, sugar, or cream to your cold brew changes the game. Here’s a quick look at how common additions stack up:
1 tablespoon of sugar: 49 calories
1 tablespoon of heavy cream: 51 calories
1 tablespoon of whole milk: 9 calories
1 tablespoon of oat milk: 20–30 calories (varies by brand)
1 tablespoon of flavored syrup: 40–80 calories
Even small additions add up quickly. If you’re aiming for a low-calorie drink, it’s best to:
- Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener (0 calories)
- Add a splash of unsweetened almond milk (~5–10 calories)
- Infuse your cold brew with cinnamon, vanilla extract, or cocoa nibs for flavor without the calories
You can also dilute cold brew with water or ice to reduce its strength and mellow out any bitterness, especially if you’re used to creamier drinks.
Cold Brew & Health Benefits
Cold brew isn’t just low in calories—it can actually support a healthy lifestyle. Here’s how:
1. Great for Weight Loss & Intermittent Fasting
Because it’s low in calories and has no sugar, black cold brew is fasting-friendly. It won’t spike insulin and can help suppress appetite while providing a boost of energy.
2. Fitness & Performance
Cold brew has a high caffeine content, often more than regular coffee. Caffeine is known to enhance physical performance by increasing adrenaline levels and breaking down body fat.
3. Lower Acidity
Cold brew is easier on the stomach for many people. If regular coffee causes heartburn or acid reflux, cold brew might be a better choice.
4. Metabolism Booster
Caffeine helps increase metabolic rate, which can help burn more calories at rest. Combined with a balanced diet and exercise, this can support fat loss goals.
How to Brew Low-Calorie Cold Brew at Home
Want to enjoy all these benefits without spending $5 per cup? Here’s how to make cold brew at home the right way:
Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
- Coarse-ground coffee (about 1 cup)
- Filtered water (4 cups)
- A large jar or pitcher
- A strainer or coffee filter
Instructions
- Add the coffee grounds to your jar or pitcher.
- Pour in the water and stir to combine.
- Cover and let it steep in the fridge for 12–24 hours.
- Strain the coffee through a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter into a clean container.
- Serve over ice, diluted to taste.
This method creates a cold brew concentrate. You can mix it 1:1 with water, depending on how strong you like it.
Tips for Flavor Without Calories2
- Add a cinnamon stick while steeping
- Use citrus peel (like orange or lemon)
- Try a few drops of vanilla extract
- Brew with a flavored coffee bean (hazelnut, mocha, etc.)
Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
Look for medium to dark roast beans with a chocolatey, nutty, or earthy profile. These roasts tend to be smoother and naturally sweeter, reducing the need for added sugar.
Avoid overly acidic light roasts unless you like tangy notes.
Conclusion
So how many calories are in black cold brew coffee? Just 2 to 5 calories per cup—almost nothing. That makes it one of the best low-calorie drinks you can enjoy any time of day.
Cold brew is smooth, slightly sweet, low in acidity, and easy to make at home. As long as you skip the milk and sugar, you’re looking at a health-friendly beverage that can support weight loss, fitness, and a clean diet.
Whether you’re intermittent fasting, cutting calories, or just love a refreshing cup of coffee, black cold brew is a solid choice. Brew it right, keep it simple, and enjoy the bold flavor without the baggage.
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