How healthy is mocha?
Is mocha healthy? Best kept occasional. Mocha scores 28/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 82 kcal, 92 mg calcium and 27 mg magnesium. A mocha is a latte with chocolate sauce and usually whipped cream: the milk still brings protein and calcium, but the sauce turns it into a sweet drink closer to dessert. 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). Mocha ranks higher than 28% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Calcium9%
- Magnesium8%
- Protein7%
- Vitamin A6%
- Potassium4%
- Vitamin E3%
- Fiber1%
- Iron1%
- Vitamin C0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat11%
- Added sugars8%
- Sodium4%
Raw NRF9.3: 39 minus 24 = 15. 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 mocha?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 82 kcal | 287 kcal | |
| Protein | 2.9 g | 10 g | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g | 36 g | 13% |
| Fiber | 0.3 g | 1 g | 4% |
| Sugars | 7.3 g | 26 g | |
| Added sugars | 3.5 g | 12 g | 24% |
| Fat | 3.2 g | 11 g | 14% |
| Saturated fat | 1.9 g | 6.5 g | 33% |
| Omega-3 fats | <0.1 g | <0.1 g | |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 46 µg | 161 µg | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg | 0.7 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 µg | 2.9 µg | 15% |
| Vitamin E | 0.3 mg | 1.1 mg | 7% |
| Vitamin K | 0.5 µg | 1.7 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.4 µg | 1.3 µg | 55% |
| Folate | 4.1 µg | 14 µg | 4% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 92 mg | 322 mg | 25% |
| Iron | 0.2 mg | 0.6 mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 150 mg | 526 mg | 11% |
| Magnesium | 27 mg | 93 mg | 22% |
| Zinc | 0.4 mg | 1.5 mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 70 mg | 243 mg | 11% |
Estimated from the standard recipe below, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Values rounded.
What is in a standard mocha?
We estimate mocha from this standard recipe (one serving, about 350 g cooked), using USDA values for each ingredient. Home and restaurant versions vary. Modeled with 2% milk, fudge-type chocolate sauce and a swirl of pressurized whipped cream, as at large US chains.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Double shot of espresso | 60 g |
| Steamed 2% milk | 240 g |
| Chocolate sauce | 35 g |
| Whipped cream | 15 g |
Why is mocha good for you?
- 1.3 µg vitamin B12 in 1 cup (12 oz), 55% of the daily value. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
- 322 mg calcium in 1 cup (12 oz), 25% of the daily value. Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones.
- 93 mg magnesium in 1 cup (12 oz), 22% of the daily value. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.
Good ways to use it
- An occasional treat instead of a pastry
- Ordering it small and without whipped cream
What should you watch out for?
- Chocolate sauce adds sugar and the whipped cream adds saturated fat.
- Large sizes can match a slice of cake in calories.
What can you eat instead of mocha?
Foods you can use the same way with a higher HowHealthyIs Score.