Calories in Espresso: Full Nutrition Breakdown

A single shot of espresso contains approximately 3 calories per 1 oz serving, making it one of the lowest-calorie ways to get a concentrated dose of caffeine. Espresso is brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure, resulting in a small but intensely flavored drink. It provides roughly 63 mg of caffeine per shot with virtually no fat, sugar, or carbohydrates.

Calories by serving size:

The slight calorie content in espresso comes from trace amounts of protein and dissolved oils extracted from the coffee beans during brewing. A ristretto uses less water for a shorter extraction, producing a more concentrated but slightly lower-calorie shot, while a lungo uses more water for a longer extraction, resulting in a milder and marginally higher-calorie drink. Regardless of the variation, all plain espresso drinks remain under 10 calories per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in a shot of espresso?

A single 1 oz shot of espresso contains approximately 3 calories. These minimal calories come from trace amounts of protein and natural oils extracted from the coffee grounds during brewing. For practical purposes, plain espresso is considered a virtually calorie-free beverage.

How does espresso compare to drip coffee in calories?

Espresso and drip coffee are nearly identical in calories when compared by volume — both contain roughly 2 to 3 calories per ounce. However, a standard 8 oz cup of drip coffee totals about 2 calories, while a single 1 oz espresso shot has about 3 calories due to its more concentrated extraction. The difference is negligible, and neither adds meaningful calories to your diet on its own.

How much caffeine is in a shot of espresso?

A single shot of espresso contains approximately 63 mg of caffeine. A double shot delivers about 126 mg, which is comparable to a standard 8 oz cup of drip coffee at around 95 mg. Espresso has more caffeine per ounce than any other common coffee preparation, but since servings are much smaller, a full cup of drip coffee often contains more total caffeine.

Does espresso have more caffeine than coffee?

Espresso has more caffeine per ounce — roughly 63 mg per ounce compared to about 12 mg per ounce for drip coffee. However, per serving, a standard 8 oz cup of drip coffee delivers around 95 mg of caffeine, while a single espresso shot provides only 63 mg. So espresso is more concentrated, but a typical cup of coffee actually contains more total caffeine.

Is espresso healthier than regular coffee?

Espresso and regular coffee offer similar health benefits, including antioxidants, polyphenols, and a modest metabolic boost from caffeine. Espresso may have a slight edge because the smaller serving size makes it less likely that people add large amounts of cream and sugar. Both have been associated in research with reduced risks of type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases when consumed in moderation.