Espresso vs Latte: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Espresso has 9 calories and 0.1 g of protein, while latte has 56 calories and 3.1 g of protein. Therefore, espresso is lower in calories and latte is higher in protein.

Espresso and latte are popular coffee beverages with distinct nutritional profiles. This comparison highlights their differences in calories, protein, and other nutrients.

What Is the Difference Between Espresso and Latte?

Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. It is known for its strong flavor and low calorie content. Latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, resulting in a creamier texture and higher calorie content. It typically contains more sugar than espresso.

Espresso vs Latte: Nutrition Side by Side

The following table outlines the nutritional differences between espresso and latte for a clearer comparison.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Espresso	Latte
Calories	9 kcal	56 kcal
Protein	0.1 g	3.1 g
Carbs	1.7 g	4.9 g
Sugar	0 g	4.9 g
Fat	0.2 g	2 g
Fiber	0 g	0 g
Sodium	14 mg	42 mg

Which Is Better, Espresso or Latte?

For weight loss: Espresso has 9 calories, while latte has 56 calories. Therefore, espresso is a better choice for weight loss.

For muscle and protein: Espresso contains 0.1 g of protein, while latte contains 3.1 g of protein. Thus, latte is superior for muscle building.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Espresso has 1.7 g of carbs and 0 g of sugar, while latte has 4.9 g of carbs and 4.9 g of sugar. Espresso is lower in both carbs and sugar.

How to Track Espresso and Latte Accurately

Portion sizes and macro content can be easily misjudged, leading to unexpected calorie intake. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a professional for personalized dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g: Espresso from USDA FoodData Central, Latte from Open Food Facts (aggregated plain entries).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Latte has 3.1 g of protein, while espresso has 0.1 g of protein. Therefore, latte has significantly more protein.

Which has fewer calories?

Espresso has 9 calories, while latte has 56 calories. Thus, espresso has fewer calories.

What is the carbohydrate content of espresso?

Espresso contains 1.7 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

What is the sugar content in latte?

Latte has 4.9 g of sugar per 100 g.

How much fat is in espresso?

Espresso contains 0.2 g of fat per 100 g.

What is the sodium content of latte?

Latte contains 42 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

• Espresso: 9 calories, 0.1 g protein, 1.7 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0.2 g fat.
• Latte: 56 calories, 3.1 g protein, 4.9 g carbs, 4.9 g sugar, 2 g fat.
• Espresso has significantly fewer calories than latte.
• Latte contains more protein than espresso.
• Espresso is lower in carbs and sugar compared to latte.
• Sodium content is higher in latte (42 mg) than in espresso (14 mg).