Starbucks Black Coffee Calories and Nutrition Facts

Direct answer: A plain Starbucks black coffee is very low in calories — close to zero before milk, sugar, syrup, or cream are added. In general, an unsweetened cup contains only a few calories, so black coffee is one of the lowest-calorie choices on a coffee menu. The exact figure varies by size, roast, and preparation, so the values below are general estimates, not official nutrition figures.

If you want to check a customized drink, use the Starbucks calories calculator on brandcaloriecalc.com to compare plain coffee with drinks that include milk and sweeteners also cheak Coffee Nutrition Facts.
Starbucks Black Coffee Calories by Size

Black coffee is made from coffee and water, with no milk or sugar in its plain form. That is why the calorie count stays very low even as the cup gets larger. The larger the serving, the slightly higher the estimate tends to be, but it remains in the single digits for a plain cup.

These are general estimates only. Values can vary by size, roast, brew method, and preparation, and a splash of milk or a spoonful of sugar will change the total.

Black Coffee Nutrition Facts

For a plain, unsweetened cup, the general nutrition profile is:

• Calories: very low, generally only a few calories per cup
• Fat: about 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: less than 1 gram
• Sugar: about 0 grams
• Protein: less than 1 gram
• Sodium: very low

Black coffee contains no milk, cream, or sweetener in its plain form, so it does not add the fat, sugar, or protein that those ingredients would bring. Again, these are general estimates for plain black coffee, not precise official figures for a specific menu item.

Caffeine in Black Coffee

Caffeine is the main active ingredient people notice in black coffee, but the amount is not the same in every cup. In general:

• Larger cups tend to contain more caffeine than smaller cups.
• Roast, bean, grind, and brew time can all affect the result.
• Hot brewed coffee, cold brew, and Americano can differ, even when they are all served black.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, or you drink coffee later in the day, a smaller cup or an earlier cutoff time may be a better fit. This is general information only, not medical advice.

Black Coffee vs. Coffee With Milk and Sugar

The biggest difference between black coffee and a milky, sweetened drink is what gets added after brewing:

• Black coffee: coffee and water only, very low in calories and with no added sugar.
• Coffee with milk: milk adds calories, fat, and protein, and the amount depends on the type and quantity of milk.
• Coffee with sugar or syrup: sweeteners add calories and sugar quickly, especially when more than one pump or packet is used.
• Coffee with cream: cream is more calorie-dense than milk, so even a small amount changes the total more than many people expect.

That is why two drinks that start with the same coffee can end up very different nutritionally. Keeping it black is the simplest way to keep the drink close to zero calories.

Health Notes for Black Coffee Drinkers

• Unsweetened black coffee is a low-calorie way to enjoy coffee without added sugar.
• Drinking it plain makes it easier to track what you are actually consuming.
• Adding milk, cream, sugar, or flavored syrup is the main reason a coffee drink becomes high in calories.
• Moderation matters: too much caffeine can affect sleep and make some people feel jittery.
• People who are pregnant, sensitive to caffeine, or managing a health condition should consider their own needs and talk to a health professional if unsure.

For a higher-protein option instead of a plain coffee, see this related guide: Best High-Protein Starbucks Drinks in 2026.

How to Keep Black Coffee Low in Calories

• Order it plain, without milk, cream, sugar, or syrup.
• If you want flavor, try it hot or iced before adding anything sweet.
• Ask for additions on the side if you are unsure, so you can control the amount.
• Check a customized order with the Starbucks calories calculator before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in Starbucks black coffee?

A plain black coffee is very low in calories, generally only a few calories per cup before milk or sugar are added. The exact estimate varies by size, roast, and preparation.

Does black coffee have sugar?

Plain black coffee has no added sugar. Sweetness only comes from sugar, syrup, honey, or sweetened milk added afterward.

Is black coffee good for weight loss?

Black coffee itself is low in calories, which can make it easier to fit into a balanced diet than a sweetened drink. Weight management, however, depends on your overall diet and activity, not on one drink alone.

Does cold brew black coffee have more calories than hot black coffee?

Plain cold brew served black is also very low in calories. Any difference usually comes from the serving size or from milk and sweeteners added afterward, rather than from the coffee itself.

Note: All nutrition figures in this article are general estimates for plain black coffee. Values vary by size, roast, and preparation, and they are not official brand figures.