I'm trying to lose weight. Should I cut back on coffee?

Answer From Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

It depends on the type of coffee you drink. A plain cup of brewed coffee has less than 5 calories — and no fat. But if you dress up your coffee with extras, whether at home or your favorite coffee shop, you also add extra calories.

See how many calories these extras can add to your coffee:

  • Sugar: 16 calories for 1 teaspoon (4 grams)
  • Heavy whipping cream: 101 calories for 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, or about 30 milliliters)
  • Half-and-half: 37 calories for 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, or about 30 milliliters)
  • Fat-free milk: 10 calories for 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, or about 30 milliliters)

When you're at your local coffee shop, check out the nutrition information before you order. Some coffee drinks can have hundreds of calories.

Occasional indulgence is fine. But remember that when it comes to weight loss, all calories count — even calories in liquid form.

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March 19, 2022 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes
  2. Atkins Diet
  3. Calorie count: Check your coffee cup
  4. HCG diet
  5. High-protein diets
  6. Is indulgence part of a healthy diet?
  7. Low-carb diet
  8. South Beach Diet
  9. Weight-loss options
  10. Energy density