Group · Drinks
Cappuccino
The cappuccino is a hot drink emblematic of Italian culture, made of a base of espresso, hot milk and a generous layer of creamy milk foam. Traditionally served in a small cup, it differs from a white coffee in its airy texture and its balance between the bitterness of the coffee and the mildness of the milk. It also comes in flavoured versions (vanilla, hazelnut, cinnamon) or lightened with skimmed milk or plant-based milk. At about 21.5 kcal per 100 g, the cappuccino is a relatively light drink as long as you do not sweeten it. Enjoyed at breakfast or as an indulgent break, it combines pleasure, caffeine and a moderate amount of calcium thanks to the milk.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 ml
| Calories | 22 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 91 kJ |
| Protein | 1,4 g |
| Carbohydrate | 2,4 g |
| Fat | 0,8 g |
Micronutrients per 100 ml
All measured nutrients, ranked by share of the daily reference intake.
- Vitamin B20,12 mg9 %
- Calcium62,2 mg8 %
- Phosphorus42,6 mg6 %
- Potassium109 mg5 %
- Vitamin B50,31 mg5 %
- Iodine5,6 µg4 %
- Vitamin B10,03 mg3 %
- Magnesium8,52 mg2 %
See the other 12 nutrients
- Zinc0,22 mg2 %
- Vitamin B92,81 µg1 %
- Vitamin B120,03 µg1 %
- Selenium0,6 µg1 %
- Vitamin B60,02 mg1 %
- Vitamin B30,15 mg1 %
- Iron0,13 mg1 %
- Manganese0,02 mg1 %
- Copper0,01 mg1 %
- Vitamin D0,03 µg1 %
- Omega-6 LA0,02 g0 %
- Omega-3 ALA0 g0 %
Anses Ciqual 2025. Source: Anses, 2025, Ciqual food composition table
Tips
The cappuccino is ideally enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon, as its caffeine content can make it harder to fall asleep if you drink it too late. Italian tradition reserves it for breakfast, never after a meal. To enjoy its qualities without adding to your calorie count, watch the extras above all: a plain cappuccino is light, but sugar, flavoured syrup and whipped cream quickly push up the calories.
In terms of nutrition facts, its 21.5 kcal per 100 g come mainly from the milk, which provides a little protein, carbohydrate (lactose) and calcium. The caffeine in the espresso gives a welcome boost. For a lighter version, opt for semi-skimmed milk or an unsweetened plant-based drink. If you are watching your waistline, keep in mind that a large sweetened cup has little in common with a simple, low-calorie espresso.
- Choice of milk: skimmed to limit fat, whole for more creaminess.
- Flavourings: prefer a pinch of cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa to a commercial syrup.
- Portion: a standard cup is plenty for the pleasure and the dose of caffeine.
To vary your caffeinated treats, you can explore plain coffee, the more chocolatey mocha, or discover other options in the family of drinks. If caffeine bothers you in the evening, an herbal tea is an excellent alternative to end the day gently.
For active people, the caffeine in a cappuccino can act as a stimulant before training, improving alertness and the feeling of energy. The milk also provides a little protein useful for recovery. That said, a cappuccino replaces neither a proper snack nor good hydration: remember to drink water around exercise. For optimal muscle recovery, a real post-workout shaker is far better suited for protein intake.
In short, the cappuccino is an indulgent, sociable drink that is low in calories in its plain version. The key to staying on track for weight loss is simple: limit the sugar, choose a light milk and enjoy its creamy foam in moderation, as part of a balanced, varied diet.