Overview
Black coffee, once thought of as an occasional indulgence, has become a source of daily energy for many. From a health perspective, fewer and fewer people are starting their days without piping hot coffee in hand. Starbucks, the household name in specialty coffee, offers several black coffee options—the kind-of-hassle-free “tall,” the stronger “grande”, and the “venti”—which provide both convenience and delightful flavor. But each differs in calorie count and caffeine content; this article will take a look at the calorie and nutrition facts for black coffee at Starbucks.
Calories in Black Coffee Starbucks
The calorie count of black coffee at Starbucks can vary widely depending on the size and type of coffee you order. An 8-ounce cup of plain black coffee offers only 2 calories with approximately 3 mg to 6 mg of caffeine. A 16-ounce cup, however, can contain 4 calories with approximately 95 mg of caffeine depending on the blend. But it’s possible to control how many calories and how much caffeine you get in your black coffee at Starbucks; order tall, grande, or venti cups, and select your favorite blend.
Nutrition Facts​
While Starbucks does not provide nutrition labels for its black coffee beverages, a 12-ounce cup of drip coffee usually contains about 4 milligrams of sodium, less than 1 gram of carbohydrates, and a negligible amount of fat. A cup of espresso, on the other hand, has a few more carbohydrates (around 3–4 grams) and more caffeine. Still, it remains a low-calorie and low-fat choice, with only about 7 calories per serving.
Benefits of Drinking Black Coffee
Black coffee is full of antioxidant compounds, and has health and wellness benefits. For drank in moderation, they can help reduce the risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. It can also help boost energy levels, improve mood, and increase alertness. Additionally, black coffee can help speed up the metabolism, burn fat and promote weight loss, and improve focus and concentration.
Impact on Metabolism
It’s well known that caffeine increases metabolism, and black coffee is an excellent source of caffeine. Recent studies have found that coffee consumption can increase energy expenditure, as well as improve insulin sensitivity, leading to increased fat burning.
Disadvantages of Drinking Black Coffee
Coffee consumption, especially drinking black coffee regularly, can have some side effects. Overconsumption can lead to high stress levels, sleep disruption, indigestion, headaches, and heartburn. High consumption of black coffee can also increase the risk of high blood pressure and kidney stones. Additionally, if your cup of black coffee contains added sugar, it can have a significant impact on your calorie and sugar intake.
Bottom Line
Black coffee is considered to be one of the healthiest drinks you can include in your diet because of its low calories, low sugar and caffeine content, and rich source of antioxidants. However, it is important to be aware of how much you are consuming and the calories in your cup of black coffee at Starbucks. To get the most health benefits, try to stick with plain black coffee and avoid added sugar.
Healthy Alternatives to Black Coffee
Although black coffee offers many health benefits, there are certain types of coffee beverages that provide even more. Cold brew coffee and matcha lattes are two excellent alternatives that can provide added health benefits. Cold brew coffee is a smooth and easy-to-drink beverage that is low acid and contains an abundance of antioxidants. Matcha lattes, on the other hand, are made with finely powdered green tea leaves and have more antioxidants than regular green tea. They are also believed to boost brain function, improve metabolism, and help to reduce inflammation.
Healthy Toppings for Black Coffee
Even if you don’t want to give up a cup of black coffee, you can still enjoy some of the added health benefits of different coffee toppings. Coconut milk, almond milk, and oat milk are all excellent lower-calorie milk alternatives and are packed with vitamins and minerals. Coconut milk is high in medium-chain fatty acids, while almond milk is rich in calcium and magnesium. Oat milk is a great source of vitamin B, E, and oat beta-glucan, and can also help reduce cholesterol levels.
Making Black Coffee Healthier
If you’re looking to make black coffee healthier, there are a few small tweaks you can make. Use whole milk instead of skimmed milk, or upgrade to unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk which are both low in calories and better for you. Also, try adding some cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa powder. Both are natural sources of antioxidants and can give your cup of coffee a richer flavor. Finally, try adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for some natural sweetness.
