How healthy is cappuccino?
Is cappuccino healthy? Yes, for most people. Cappuccino scores 65/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 40 kcal, 91 mg calcium and 28 mg magnesium. A cappuccino is espresso under a thick layer of milk foam. Because foam takes up much of the cup, it holds less milk than a latte, so it is lighter but still gives some protein and calcium. Source: standard recipe, USDA FoodData Central ingredients.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Cappuccino ranks higher than 65% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Calcium17%
- Magnesium17%
- Protein13%
- Vitamin A11%
- Potassium7%
- Iron1%
- Vitamin C1%
- Vitamin E1%
- Fiber0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat12%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium4%
Raw NRF9.3: 67 minus 16 = 51. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in cappuccino?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 40 kcal | 96 kcal | |
| Protein | 2.5 g | 6 g | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g | 9.6 g | 4% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 3.8 g | 9.1 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 1.5 g | 3.7 g | 5% |
| Saturated fat | 1 g | 2.3 g | 12% |
| Omega-3 fats | <0.1 g | <0.1 g | |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 41 µg | 99 µg | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg | 0.5 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 µg | 2.2 µg | 11% |
| Vitamin E | <0.1 mg | <0.1 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin K | 0.2 µg | 0.4 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.4 µg | 1 µg | 40% |
| Folate | 4 µg | 9.6 µg | 2% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 91 mg | 217 mg | 17% |
| Iron | <0.1 mg | 0.1 mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 134 mg | 321 mg | 7% |
| Magnesium | 28 mg | 68 mg | 16% |
| Zinc | 0.4 mg | 0.9 mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 39 mg | 93 mg | 4% |
Estimated from the standard recipe below, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Values rounded.
What is in a standard cappuccino?
We estimate cappuccino from this standard recipe (one serving, about 240 g cooked), using USDA values for each ingredient. Home and restaurant versions vary. Modeled with 2% milk, the usual default at large US coffee chains; whole milk adds a little more fat and calories.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Double shot of espresso | 60 g |
| Steamed and foamed 2% milk | 180 g |
Why is cappuccino good for you?
- 1 µg vitamin B12 in 1 cup (8 oz), 40% of the daily value. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
- 217 mg calcium in 1 cup (8 oz), 17% of the daily value. Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones.
- 68 mg magnesium in 1 cup (8 oz), 16% of the daily value. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.
Good ways to use it
- A morning coffee that brings some milk protein
- A lighter choice than a latte or mocha
What should you watch out for?
- Chocolate or cinnamon dusting adds little, but flavored syrups add sugar.
Which drinks score higher?
Other drinks with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.