If you’re cutting carbs but still clinging to your morning cup of coffee (as you should), you might be wondering: Does coffee have carbohydrates, and can it fit into a low-carb diet?
Whether you prefer your brew black, creamy, sweet, or frozen, this quick guide breaks down how many carbs are really in your favorite coffee drinks—so you can sip smarter and stay low-carb without sacrificing flavor.
How Many Carbs are in Coffee?
On its own, coffee is not high in carbohydrates. In fact, plain black coffee contains virtually zero carbs, averaging less than 1 gram per 8-ounce cup.
That’s because brewed coffee is primarily water, and coffee grounds contain only trace amounts of naturally occurring sugars or fibers that make it into your drink.
So yes, you can confidently drink coffee while maintaining a low-carb lifestyle, especially when you enjoy it black. It’s a staple in keto and other carb-conscious diets for delivering energy and ritual without the added sugar or carbs.
Is all coffee truly carb-free? Not exactly. While black coffee and plain ground coffee are very low in carbs, your carb count can rise quickly with the addition of milk, sweeteners, flavored syrups, or coffee creamer. Even your favorite iced coffee can carry hidden carbs depending on how it’s prepared.
Pro-Tip: If you're trying to stay within your carb goals, opt for black coffee or use low-carb alternatives like unsweetened coconut or almond milk or sugar-free syrups. Keeping your brew simple is a smart way to enjoy your cup while sticking to your low-carb lifestyle! |
How Add-Ins Change Your Carb Intake
Many people think of coffee as a zero-carb drink, and it can be, especially when enjoyed black.
But once you start adding milk, cream, sweeteners, or syrups, your carb intake can rise quickly. Here's a closer look at how different add-ins impact your cup:
| Add-In | Carbs per Cup | Carbs per Splash (~2 tbsp) |
| Whole Milk | ~12g | 1–2g |
| Skim Milk | ~12g | 1–2g |
| Half-and-Half | ~10g | ~1g |
| Heavy Cream | ~9.1g | <1g |
| Unsweetened Almond Milk | ~1–2g | ~<0.5g |
| Sugar (1 tsp) | ~4g | Per tsp |
| Honey (1 tbsp) | ~17g | Per tbsp |
Flavored syrups are among the biggest hidden carb sources—one pump alone can add 5 to 20 grams of sugar. Even your go-to coffeehouse favorite, like a medium caramel latte, could sneak in more than 30g of carbs in one drink.
If you're looking to reduce carbs, consider using less milk or switching from dairy milk to alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk—but always opt for unsweetened versions. Even instant coffee, when paired with heavy cream or milk alternative, can be a smart choice for a quick fix.
And if you find black coffee tastes too harsh, try flavored coffees that bring natural sweetness and bold taste—so you aren’t tempted to add excess sugar or cream. It’s a simple, effective way to enjoy flavorful coffee while keeping your carb intake in check.
Choosing Flavored Coffee Without the Extra Carbs
Flavored coffee is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without reaching for syrups or sugary creamers.
That said, not all flavored coffees are created equal. Some include added sugars or use artificial sweeteners that may not align with a low-carb diet or personal taste preferences.
When shopping for flavored coffee, look for varieties that rely on natural flavor oils, without added sugar or unnecessary fillers.
Each coffee is small-batch roasted and infused with bold, creative flavor profiles—dessert-style twists with zero added sugar and virtually no carbs when brewed black.
If you're looking to enjoy bold coffee flavors without artificial ingredients or added sugars, Bones Coffee makes it easy to find options that fit your taste and goals. Check out their full range of flavored regular and decaf coffee offerings—perfect for carb-conscious people who still want to enjoy coffee their way.
Black Coffee vs. Specialty Coffee Drinks
When it comes to carbs in coffee drinks, the numbers can vary wildly depending on what’s in your cup. So, how many carbs are in a regular coffee?
If you're drinking it black, you're looking at less than 1 gram per 8-oz serving. But once you start adding steamed milk, maple syrup, whipped cream, or chocolate syrup—as in a chocolate cappuccino—your carb count can spike fast.
Many popular flavored coffee beverages, including lattes, mochas, and specialty iced drinks, are made with sugary syrups, dairy milk, and toppings—all of which can quickly push your drink into dessert territory.
If you're looking for low-carb alternatives, consider skipping added syrups, using unsweetened almond or coconut milk, or trying a flavored cold-brewed coffee or decaffeinated coffee that doesn’t rely on sweet ingredients to deliver taste.
Here’s a quick guide to how your beverage of choice may impact your carb intake:
| Coffee Type | Serving Size | Approximate Carbs |
| Black Coffee | 8 oz | <1g |
| Espresso | 1 oz | <1g |
| Americano | 8 oz | <1g |
| Latte (whole milk) | 12 oz | ~15g |
| Cappuccino (almond milk) | 12 oz | ~2g |
| Mocha (syrup, milk) | 12 oz | 20–30g |
| Bulletproof Coffee | 8 oz | ~0–1g |
| Cold Brew (unsweetened) | 16 oz | ~1–2g |
To lower your carb count without sacrificing flavor, look for naturally flavored coffee options or switch to decaf coffee when you want to enjoy a cup of coffee later in the day without the caffeine. Smart swaps can help you stay within your goals while still enjoying your favorite drinks.
| Pro-Tip: For people who drink coffee regularly and are monitoring their coffee intake for dietary reasons, it’s important to understand that chain-coffee favorites can easily pack 20 grams of carbs or more per cup. |
Enjoy Low-Carb Coffee Without Giving Up Flavor
Yes—coffee itself is naturally low in carbs, and in most cases, nearly carb-free. It’s what you add to it that impacts your total carb count. When you stick to black coffee or use healthy add-ins, it easily fits into a low-carb diet while still delivering the satisfaction of your daily ritual.
Made from high-quality coffee beans, black coffee brewed at home or on the go can be a simple, effective way to enjoy great flavor with fewer carbs. And with rich, sugar-free flavored coffees, you never have to compromise taste for nutrition.
Explore the full Bones Coffee regular & decaf collection for bold, small-batch roasts that are big on flavor and low in carbs. Free U.S. shipping on orders over $75.
