Espresso is a highly concentrated form of coffee, created by forcing near-boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans under intense pressure. This process yields a small, potent shot of liquid that forms the foundation for many popular coffee-based drinks. Understanding the nutritional composition of this base is important for managing daily diet goals.
The Baseline Carb Count
A standard single shot of plain espresso (about one ounce or 30 ml) contains a negligible amount of carbohydrates, typically less than 0.5 grams. This small serving provides only about 2 to 3 calories. The low carbohydrate content holds true even for a double shot, or doppio, which contains approximately 0.5 to 1.0 gram of carbohydrates and around 5 calories.
The minimal carbohydrate presence is due to the physical process of extraction. High-pressure water rapidly extracts soluble compounds like caffeine, acids, and aromatic oils. However, the majority of the coffee bean’s complex carbohydrates are insoluble and remain locked within the spent grounds. Because these larger carbohydrate structures are left behind, the resulting liquid is essentially carb-free, making pure espresso compatible with low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets.
Factors That Increase Carbohydrates
While pure espresso is nearly carbohydrate-free, the overall carb count of an espresso-based drink changes drastically with the addition of milk and sweeteners. These modifications are the primary source of added carbohydrates in coffee shop beverages. The type of milk used is a significant factor in the final nutritional profile of a latte or cappuccino.
Standard dairy milk contains lactose, a naturally occurring sugar, which contributes to its carbohydrate total. An eight-ounce serving of whole or low-fat dairy milk adds approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates. Plant-based alternatives, particularly oat milk, can introduce even higher carb counts, with some varieties containing up to 16 grams of carbohydrates per cup. Even unsweetened oat milk can contain more carbohydrates than dairy milk due to the natural sugars released from the oats during processing.
Sweeteners and flavored syrups contribute the most concentrated source of carbohydrates. A single pump of a standard flavored syrup, such as vanilla or caramel, can add around 5 grams of pure sugar and carbohydrates to the beverage. More complex flavorings, like mocha sauce, may contain about 7 grams per pump. To avoid this increase, customers can opt for sugar-free syrups, which are formulated with non-nutritive sweeteners and contain negligible carbohydrates.
Other Nutritional Components
Beyond carbohydrates, a plain espresso shot contributes minimal amounts of other macronutrients. Both a single and double shot contain trace amounts of protein, typically around 0.1 to 0.3 grams, and nearly zero fat. These amounts are so small that they do not significantly contribute to the daily recommended intake of either macronutrient.
The most notable active compound in espresso is caffeine, which is extracted at a high concentration. A single one-ounce shot delivers approximately 63 to 64 milligrams of caffeine. This concentration is doubled in a standard two-ounce double shot, providing a strong stimulant effect with 120 to 150 milligrams of caffeine. Espresso also contains small amounts of micronutrients, including magnesium and potassium, along with antioxidants like chlorogenic acids.