How many calories are in a coffee with milk?
Many of us start our days with a cup of coffee, and for some of us, that cup doesn’t feel complete without a splash of milk. Whether you prefer whole milk, skim milk, or one of the many plant-based alternatives, adding milk to your coffee can add flavor, texture, and – unfortunately – calories.
But just how many calories can you expect to add by adding milk to your morning coffee? In this article, we’ll break it down and explore the facts.
The Caloric Content of Milk
First, let’s take a look at the caloric content of milk. This will vary depending on the type of milk you’re using, but here is a general breakdown:
Whole Milk
- Fat content: 3-4%
- Calories per cup: 170–200
- Fat calories per cup: 60–80
Skim Milk
- Fat content: 0.1-0.2%
- Calories per cup: 80–90
- Fat calories per cup: 4–10
Plant-Based Milk
- Fat content: 0–15%
- Calories per cup: 50–150
- Fat calories per cup: 0–20
As you can see, whole milk and plant-based milk have higher caloric content than skim milk. This is largely due to the natural oils and fats present in dairy milk and the added vitamins and sweeteners in some plant-based milks.
The Caloric Contribution of Coffee
Now let’s take a look at the caloric content of your coffee itself. The coffee beans themselves are very low in calories, with most cups containing around 10-20 calories (depending on the type of roast and brewing method).
Of course, this can increase if you add other creamers, sweeteners, or flavorings to your coffee. But in their pure form, coffee calories are negligible.
So, How Many Calories in a Coffee with Milk?
Now that we know the caloric content of milk and coffee, we can calculate the total calorie count of a coffee with milk. Here are the results:
Whole Coffee with Whole Milk
- Coffee: 10–20 calories
- Whole Milk (1 cup): 170–200 calories
- Total Calorie Count: 180–220
Iced Coffee with Skim Milk
- Coffee: 10–20 calories
- Skim Milk (1 cup): 80–90 calories
- Total Calorie Count: 90–110
Plant-Based Coffee with Soy Milk
- Coffee: 10–20 calories
- Soy Milk (1 cup): 120–130 calories
- Total Calorie Count: 120–150
As you can see, the calorie count of your coffee with milk can add up quickly. However, there are some ways to reduce the calorie count if you’re concerned about managing your weight or blood sugar levels.
Ways to Reduce the Caloric Content of Your Coffee
Here are some tips to help you reduce the calorie count of your coffee:
- Use a natural sweetener: Instead of adding refined sugar or sugary creamers, try using a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
- Choose a low-calorie milk: Opt for skim milk or plant-based milks like almond, cashew, or rice milk.
- Drink black coffee: If you’re not a fan of milk, try drinking your coffee black. It won’t add any calories.
- Use a foam instead of milk: Whipped cream or foamy milk alternatives can add minimal calories to your coffee without sacrificing flavor.
Table: Calorie Counts by Milk Type
| Coffee | Whole Milk | Skim Milk | Plant-Based Milk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-20 | 180-220 | 90-110 | 120-150 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the calories in a coffee with milk can add up quickly – especially if you’re using full-fat milk or high-calorie creamers. By choosing a low-calorie milk and using natural sweeteners, you can minimize the calorie count of your coffee without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Remember, coffee is a treat that’s best enjoyed in moderation.
References
- Dairy Council of California. "Milk Nutrition Facts"
- USDA. "USDA Database for the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Foods"
- Nutrisystem. "Almond Milk Nutrition Facts"