Early version. Nutrient values from USDA FoodData Central; dietitian review in progress. Not medical advice.

How healthy is coffee?

Is coffee healthy? Yes, in moderate amounts. Coffee scores 19/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 1 kcal. Black coffee has almost no calories and brings potassium and antioxidants; moderate intake is linked to lower risk of several diseases. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

  • Low calorie
Score explained

The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Coffee ranks higher than 19% of them.

Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)

  • Potassium5%
  • Magnesium4%
  • Protein1%
  • Calcium1%
  • Vitamin E0%
  • Iron0%
  • Fiber0%
  • Vitamin A0%
  • Vitamin C0%

Counts against

  • Saturated fat0%
  • Added sugars0%
  • Sodium0%

Raw NRF9.3: 11 minus 0 = 11. 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 coffee?

Calories2kcal
Protein0.3g
Carbohydrates0g
Fat<0.1g
Fiber0g
Sugars0g
Nutrition facts for coffee. Per 100 g and for the selected portion (237 g). %DV uses FDA Daily Values.
NutrientPer 100 gPer portion%DV
Energy and macronutrients
Calories1 kcal2 kcal
Protein0.1 g0.3 g1%
Carbohydrates0 g0 g0%
Fiber0 g0 g0%
Sugars0 g0 g
Added sugars0 g0 g0%
Fat<0.1 g<0.1 g0%
Saturated fat<0.1 g<0.1 g0%
Vitamins
Vitamin A0 µg0 µg0%
Vitamin C0 mg0 mg0%
Vitamin E<0.1 mg<0.1 mg0%
Minerals
Calcium2 mg4.7 mg0%
Iron<0.1 mg<0.1 mg0%
Potassium49 mg116 mg2%
Magnesium3 mg7.1 mg2%
Sodium2 mg4.7 mg0%

Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Beverages, coffee, brewed, prepared with tap water" (FDC 171890). Values rounded.

Why is coffee good for you?

A typical portion does not supply 10% or more of the daily value for any of the nine nutrients we score.

Good ways to use it

  • A no-calorie drink
  • Before exercise

What should you watch out for?

  • Most adults can take up to about 400 mg caffeine a day (around 4 cups); less in pregnancy. Syrups and cream change it completely.

Which drinks score higher?

Other drinks with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.

Soy milk

54 kcal per 100 g

37

Source of protein, Low sugar

Coconut water

18 kcal per 100 g

74

Low calorie

Orange juice

45 kcal per 100 g

76

High in vitamin C, Contains added sugar

How does coffee compare?

Common questions about coffee

How much coffee a day is healthy?
For most healthy adults, up to about 400 mg of caffeine a day, roughly three to four cups of brewed coffee, is considered safe. Pregnant people are usually advised to stay under 200 mg.
How many calories are in coffee?
100 g of coffee has 1 kcal. A typical portion, 1 cup (240 ml) (237 g), has about 2 kcal.
How much protein is in coffee?
Coffee has 0.1 g of protein per 100 g, or about 0.3 g in 1 cup (240 ml).
Is coffee good for weight loss?
Coffee is low in calories (1 kcal per 100 g), so it adds volume to meals without many calories. No single food causes weight loss; the overall diet does.

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central, SR Legacy: "Beverages, coffee, brewed, prepared with tap water", FDC ID 171890. fdc.nal.usda.gov
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels (21 CFR 101.9).
  3. Fulgoni VL, Keast DR, Drewnowski A. Development and validation of the Nutrient-Rich Foods Index. J Nutr. 2009;139(8):1549-1554.
  4. Monteiro CA, et al. Ultra-processed foods: what they are and how to identify them. Public Health Nutr. 2019;22(5):936-941.

Review and updates

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Pending. A registered dietitian signs off every food page before launch. Our reviewers

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More: Drinks ranked, foods high in potassium.