We all know that coffee can help fuel our day. But how much fuel, exactly? Contrary to popular belief, a shot of espresso isn’t calorie-free. In fact, it contains a surprising amount of calories.
If you’re nursing an espresso and wondering just how many calories you’re downing with each sip, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we explore the calorie content of a shot of espresso so that you can make informed decisions about your beverage choices.
How Many Calories are in a Shot of Espresso?
Have you ever wondered just how much of a calorie-killer that shot of espresso you get every morning really is? Well, wonder no more because I’m here to demystify the process and explain how many calories are in a shot of coffee.
Generally speaking, a single shot (1 fluid ounce) of espresso contains only 3-5 calories. That’s right — even with all that intense flavour, there’s very little in terms of calorie content. So, even if you are going with a fattier milk alternative like whole or 2%, the overall calorie count remains fairly low. That’s why it’s one of the best choices when it comes to fuel your day!
So, if you’re someone who loves espresso but is conscious about their calorie intake, then fear not! With just 3-5 calories per fluid ounce, you can enjoy your shot guilt-free and energize for your day ahead.
Espresso vs Regular Coffee:
When trying to figure out how many calories are in a shot of espresso, it’s also important to consider that espresso might not be the same as regular brewed coffee.
Espresso is made from finely ground coffee beans that are brewed under high pressure, resulting in a thick and concentrated shot of coffee. This increased pressure leads to a more intense flavor and more caffeine content than a cup of regular drip coffee.
On the other hand, your standard cup of joe is made by pouring hot water over ground coffee beans and dripping it through a filter, making it less concentrated than espresso.
While they do differ in flavor and caffeine content, they contain the same number of calories per fluid ounces when brewed with an equal amount of water—it’s just that espresso comes in smaller concentrations compared to regular coffee, so it has fewer overall calories but still packs a punch.
Health Benefits That Come With Drinking Espresso:
I like to think of espresso as a healthier alternative to my morning coffee, due to its numerous health benefits. Not only is espresso more energy-efficient than regular brewed coffee, it also has fewer calories and boasts many other health qualities.
Low calorie count:
A single shot of espresso averages around six calories, making it a great option for those looking to cut back on calorie intake without sacrificing taste. Additionally, an espresso holds its flavor with very little added sugar or cream necessary.
Full of antioxidants:
My favourite benefit of drinking an espresso is that they are packed with antioxidants —up to three times more than the amount in regular coffee. Antioxidants help protect your body’s cells from oxidative stress and inflammation while boosting your immune system.
Can help fight depression:
Research even suggests that drinking two cups of espresso per day can help fight against depression. The study reveals that two cups of espresso every day helps increase levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which can lift your mood!
Cutting Down on Sugar and Milk When Drinking Espresso:
As a coffee connoisseur, I know the difference between a good espresso and an amazing one.
One of the best ways to get that delicious shot of espresso is by cutting down on sugar and milk. Sure, it’s nice to add a bit of sweetness with a sprinkle of sugar, or a bit of creaminess from milk or cream, but too much can mask the flavour of the espresso itself.
Plus, if you’re watching your calorie intake, cutting down on sugary and creamy additions is one way to keep your calorie count low. For instance, if you’re cutting back on calories, stick to skim milk over whole milk — after all, there are only 8 calories in an ounce of skim milk compared to the whopping 78 calories in an ounce of whole milk.
Let’s take a step back and look at that: A shot of espresso has only two calories without any added sugar or milk — and two calories are next-to-nothing! So make sure you stick with plain shots of espresso if you’re looking for something light and low-calorie — plus you get to enjoy all that amazing flavour that comes along with it.
How to get daily dose of caffeine with espresso:
Caffeine always gives you a kick, but it’s not always easy to get the right balance. Some mornings call for more than one cup of coffee, while others require a little something extra that’s caffeine-free. That’s where espresso comes in: with only five calories per shot, it can provide you with the perfect energy boost without feeling too indulgent.
But how much caffeine is in that five-calorie shot? A single shot of espresso contains about 64 milligrams of caffeine — just enough for a quick energy boost that won’t keep you awake all night. If you’re looking for an extra pick-me-up, try adding a double shot. You’ll get 128 milligrams of caffeine — which can help get you through even your toughest days — while still only consuming ten calories total.
Espresso is also incredibly versatile and can be used to make other popular drinks, like cappuccino or latte. Whether you choose to sip it straight from the cup or add some milk and flavourings, espresso can be your go-to source of caffeinated goodness every day!
Conclusion:
All in all, a shot of espresso has just three calories, making it an excellent low-calorie way to help you power through your day. Not only is it low in calories, but it’s also a great source of coffee nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Whether you drink an espresso as part of your morning routine or you enjoy a shot every now and then, just remember that a shot of espresso is a low-calorie way to give you an energy boost when you need it.
