An espresso shot is a concentrated coffee beverage created by forcing near-boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure. This brewing method yields a dense, aromatic liquid that serves as the foundation for popular drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. For those monitoring their nutritional intake, especially carbohydrate consumption, a plain shot of espresso is notably low in carbohydrates, making it a frequent choice for low-carb diets.
Carbohydrate Profile of Plain Espresso
A single shot of plain espresso (1 to 1.5 fluid ounces) contains a minimal amount of carbohydrates, often around 0.5 grams. A standard double shot (about two fluid ounces) contains a similarly low count, usually falling between 1.0 and 2.0 grams. The carbohydrate content in a pure espresso shot is virtually negligible, especially for those following strict low-carb or ketogenic diets. The few carbohydrates present come from the coffee bean itself, which is largely made up of complex carbohydrates.
The Espresso Extraction Process and Carb Content
The brewing method is the reason for the espresso’s low carbohydrate count. Espresso extraction involves forcing water through the coffee grounds in a short time frame, usually between 20 and 30 seconds. This rapid, high-pressure process affects which compounds are dissolved from the coffee bean into the cup.
Coffee beans contain various compounds, including acids, oils, sugars, and larger carbohydrates. These compounds dissolve at different rates. The larger, less soluble carbohydrates, such as cellulose and complex starches, are among the last components to dissolve.
Because the extraction time is extremely short compared to other brewing methods, the water does not have enough time to fully dissolve and pull out these large carbohydrates. This rapid process limits the total dissolved solids. Most of the carbohydrate content remains trapped within the spent coffee grounds, resulting in a liquid concentrated in flavor and caffeine but very low in structural carbohydrates.
The Carb Impact of Common Espresso Additions
While a plain espresso shot is very low in carbohydrates, the carb count changes dramatically when common additions are introduced. Adding milk or sweeteners elevates the carbohydrate content of most espresso-based beverages. A standard latte or cappuccino, which uses about 8 ounces of milk, can increase the carb count from less than a gram to 12 grams or more.
Milk Alternatives
Dairy milk naturally contains lactose, a sugar, with an 8-ounce serving containing approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates. Among plant-based alternatives, unsweetened almond milk is the lowest, typically contributing only 1 to 2 grams per cup. Unsweetened soy milk is slightly higher, generally providing around 4 grams of carbohydrates per cup.
Oat milk is significantly higher in carbohydrates than other alternatives, often containing 16 to 18 grams per cup. This higher carb load comes from the oats themselves, which are a starch-based grain. For those minimizing carbohydrates, the choice of milk is a major factor in the drink’s final nutritional profile.
Sweeteners
Sweeteners also contribute substantially to the carbohydrate load. A single pump of a standard flavored syrup, such as vanilla or caramel, typically adds about 5 to 6 grams of pure sugar. Drinks with multiple pumps of syrup can quickly accumulate 20 or more grams of carbohydrates. Sugar-free syrups, which use artificial sweeteners, offer an alternative for maintaining a low-carb profile.