Group · Drinks
Coffee
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, made by infusing or percolating roasted, ground coffee beans. There are many varieties and preparations: arabica or robusta, filter coffee, espresso, instant coffee, white coffee or long black. Black and unsweetened, coffee contains practically 5.78 kcal per 100 g, which makes it a very low-calorie drink with no notable carbohydrate or fat. Its appeal rests above all on caffeine, which gives a welcome boost. In a balanced diet, it has its place, as long as you watch what you add to it (sugar, syrups, cream). Enjoyed every day, it punctuates breaks and mornings.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 ml
| Calories | 6 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 25 kJ |
| Protein | 0,3 g |
| Carbohydrate | 1,4 g |
| Fat | 0,1 g |
Micronutrients per 100 ml
All measured nutrients, ranked by share of the daily reference intake.
- Vitamin B60,73 mg52 %
- Vitamin B31,26 mg8 %
- Potassium150 mg8 %
- Manganese0,07 mg4 %
- Magnesium9,2 mg2 %
- Copper0,01 mg1 %
- Phosphorus7,4 mg1 %
- Iodine1 µg1 %
See the other 7 nutrients
- Calcium4,3 mg1 %
- Iron0,04 mg0 %
- Vitamin B50,01 mg0 %
- Zinc0,01 mg0 %
- Vitamin B20 mg0 %
- Selenium0,03 µg0 %
- Vitamin A0,21 µg0 %
Anses Ciqual 2025. Source: Anses, 2025, Ciqual food composition table
Tips
Plain coffee, with no sugar or milk, is an almost calorie-free drink (calories), ideal when you are watching your weight. It is mostly the extras that push up the calorie count: sugar, cream, flavoured syrups or indulgent versions like lattes. If you are looking for lightness, choose black coffee or a short espresso, and limit the spoonful of sugar.
How should you drink coffee day to day?
- In the morning or early afternoon to enjoy the stimulating effect of caffeine without disrupting your sleep.
- Avoid drinking coffee too late: caffeine can make it harder to fall asleep. In the evening, choose an herbal tea or a decaffeinated coffee instead.
- Keep your consumption moderate: a few cups a day are generally enough, as too much caffeine can cause nervousness or palpitations.
Varieties and preparations
Arabica, milder and more aromatic, and robusta, stronger and richer in caffeine, are the two main families of beans. As for preparation, you are spoilt for choice: filter coffee, espresso, instant coffee, cappuccino or mocha. Each method changes the intensity, aroma and caffeine content. The roast also influences the taste, from light and fruity to intense and dark.
Coffee and sport
Caffeine is popular with athletes as a performance aid. A cup of black coffee drunk about 30 to 45 minutes before exercise can help you feel more alert and better tolerate fatigue in training. As it provides neither carbohydrate nor calories, coffee does not replace a proper energy snack: have it with a source of carbohydrate before a long session. For recovery, rely instead on hydration and protein, for example through a post-training shaker suited to your needs. Remember to drink water alongside it, as coffee has a slight diuretic effect.
Points to watch for your waistline
Coffee in itself is not a problem for weight, but commercial sweetened caffeinated drinks can add up a lot of hidden sugars and empty calories. Read the labels and favour homemade versions. To discover other options in the drinks family, vary your choices between tea, coffee and herbal infusions depending on the time of day.
Coffee and the liver: coffee drinkers have, on average, lower gamma GT levels, with no proof of a direct effect. See how to lower gamma GT.
