Nutritional Value of Coffee: Facts, Calories, Vitamins, Minerals
Coffee contains a range of vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for health and energy, as well as being very low in calories. A coffee cup holding six ounces of brewed black coffee contains vitamins including 0.1mg vitamin B2, 0.3 mg vitamin B3, 0.5 mg vitamin B5. Minerals include 3.6 mg calcium, 87.2 mg potassium, 3.6 mg sodium, and 5.3 mg magnesium. The precise nutritional value of your coffee will depend on the type of coffee, the way coffee is processed (such as coffee powder), or any special preparations like bulletproof coffee.
The protein, mineral, and vitamin profile of a coffee can vary based on the different coffee types. Coffee contains the amino acids glutamic acid, glycine, and aspartic acid in different levels. The caffeine in coffee can also provide benefits to the drinker when it comes to energy levels.
What is the protein value of coffee?
The protein value of coffee is 200 mg per 6 oz cup of brewed coffee. For someone on a 2,000 calorie diet, the recommended daily value of protein is 50g. In this case, one cup of coffee would provide less than 0.5% of your RDV.
To increase the protein levels of coffee you would need to add ingredients higher in protein such as milk, half & half, or butter. A cappuccino has more protein than black coffee. For instance, 100 g of a prepared cappuccino contains 1700 mg of protein, whereas 100 g of brewed black coffee contains 120 mg of protein.
Coffee contains three main amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. 100g of coffee contains 20 mg of glutamic acid, 4 mg of glycine, and 5 mg of aspartic acid.
What is the mineral value of coffee?
Coffee contains five different minerals including calcium and potassium. The mineral value of 100 g coffee is 2 mg calcium, 49 mg potassium, 3 mg magnesium, 3 mg phosphorus, and 2 mg sodium.
The recommended daily values for someone on a 2,000 calorie diet are 1300 mg calcium, 4700 mg potassium, 420 mg magnesium, 1250 mg phosphorus, and 2300mg sodium.
A single 6 oz cup of coffee will provide you with less than 0.3% of your calcium RDV, 2% of your potassium RDV, 1.5% of your magnesium RDV, 0.4% of your phosphorus RDV, and 0.2% of your sodium RDV. The mineral content of coffee depends on how it is prepared. For instance, espresso coffee has 115 mg of potassium per 100 g, compared to 49 mg per 100g for regular coffee.
Does cinnamon support coffee for nutritional value?
Yes, cinnamon supports the nutritional value by adding fiber, increasing the levels of minerals such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, and adding the mineral manganese. A quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon contains 300 mg dietary fiber, 6.5 mg calcium, 2.8 mg potassium, 0.4 mg phosphorus, and 0.1 mg manganese.
Adding a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon to your coffee will also increase the calorie content by 2 calories and carbohydrates by 500 mg.
Does coffee’s nutritional value change based on coffee types?
Yes, coffee’s nutritional value will change based on the coffee type. Different types of black coffee will only vary in the levels of vitamins, minerals, and calories. Coffee types that include ingredients other than coffee will contain different vitamins and minerals, as well as varying in calorie content.
Some examples of the nutritional value of different coffee types are listed below:
The nutritional value of espresso is 3 calories, 100 mg fat, 4.1 mg of sodium, and 0 mg protein per 1 oz serving.
The nutritional value of a cup of Keurig coffee is 0 calories, 0 g fat, and 4 mg sodium and 0 mg protein per 6 oz serving made with one K-Cup.
The nutritional value of a McDonald’s sugar-free vanilla iced coffee is 90 calories, 500 mg fat, 100 mg sodium, 200 mg sugar, and 200 mg protein per 21 oz serving.
The nutritional value of a Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee is 5 calories, 0 g fat, 20 mg sodium, 0 g sugar, and 100 mg protein per 32 oz serving.
The nutritional value of bulletproof coffee is 246 calories, 27.6 g fat, and 138 mg sodium, and 400 mg protein per 6 oz serving.
Read our article on kinds of coffee drink types.
What is the nutritional value of coffee beans?
The nutritional value of coffee beans is different from prepared coffee. Prepared coffee is made up of mostly water, with only a small amount of dissolved coffee solids.
Coffee beans are not usually eaten on their own, so the precise nutritional value per 100g is not calculated. However, we know that coffee beans contain the same macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals as brewed coffee but in a more concentrated form. Be aware that if you do decide to eat coffee beans, you will also be getting more concentrated amounts of caffeine.
100g of roasted coffee beans contains 8000-1200 mg protein, 1,140-2910 mg potassium, 750-3100 mg magnesium, 49-2700 mg calcium, 19-4030 mg phosphorus, and 1-1470 mg sodium depending on the type of bean. Compare this to 100 g of regular coffee, which contains 120 mg protein, 49 mg potassium, 3 mg magnesium, 2 mg calcium, 3 mg phosphorus, and 2 mg sodium.
Chocolate-coated coffee beans can be eaten as a snack, but in this case, the nutritional makeup is very different due to the chocolate. 100 g of milk chocolate coated coffee beans contain 549 calories, 33 g fat, 50.8 g sugar, 7.4 g protein, and 70 mg sodium.
What is the nutritional value of decaf coffee?
The nutritional value of decaf coffee is almost identical to the nutritional value of regular coffee. 100g of decaf coffee contains 100 mg protein, 2 mg calcium, 54 mg potassium, 5 mg magnesium, 1 mg phosphorus, and 2 mg sodium. 100 g of regular coffee contains 120 mg protein, 2 mg calcium, 49 mg potassium, 3 mg magnesium, 3 mg phosphorus, and 2 mg sodium.
The small differences in these values can be attributed to the process by which caffeine is removed from the coffee beans. Such minimal variations would not affect the RDV of any of these substances when comparing decaf coffee to regular coffee.
Related: Decaf Coffee.
What is the nutritional value of a cup of coffee?
The nutritional value of a cup of coffee will depend on the size of the cup and the type of coffee. What most people consider a cup of coffee is a 6 oz cup of brewed (drip) coffee. A 6 oz cup of coffee contains 2 calories, 0 mg fat, 200 mg protein, 3.6 mg calcium, 87.2 mg potassium, 5.3 mg magnesium, and 3.6 mg sodium.
Compare this to a cup of espresso, which is normally a 1 oz serving. A 1 oz cup of espresso contains 3 calories, 100 mg fat, 0 mg protein, 0.6 mg calcium, 34 mg potassium, 23.7 mg magnesium, and 4.1 mg sodium.
Does coffee have vitamins?
Yes, coffee contains three different vitamins that are beneficial for your health, including vitamin B2, vitamin B3, and vitamin B5.
100g of coffee contains the following vitamins.
- 0.1 mg vitamin B2
- 0.2 mg vitamin B3
- 0.3 mg vitamin B5
The benefits of the vitamins in coffee include increased energy, healthy skin, and better digestion. All B vitamins help the body break down protein, fat, and carbohydrates to create energy. Vitamin B2 helps to maintain a healthy liver and prevent cataracts. Vitamin B3 promotes healthy skin and reduces bad cholesterol. Vitamin B5 helps to create red blood cells and maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Does coffee have minerals?
Yes, coffee contains five different minerals that are beneficial for your health, including calcium and potassium.
100g of coffee contains the following minerals:
- 2 mg calcium
- 49 mg potassium
- 3 mg magnesium
- 3 mg phosphorus
- 2 mg sodium
The minerals in coffee have many benefits including stronger bones and reduced blood pressure. Calcium is used to build strong bones, but also to maintain a healthy heart. Potassium is used by the body to regulate muscle contractions, nerve signals, and blood pressure levels. Magnesium will also regulate blood pressure, as well as reduce inflammation in the body. Phosphorus is essential for healthy teeth and bones, as well as the formation of DNA. Sodium is required to maintain the balance of fluids in the body and regulate nerve and muscle function.
Is coffee a good source of antioxidants?
Yes, coffee is a good source of antioxidants including hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols. Coffee is one of the largest sources of antioxidants in the human diet. 100g of coffee has an ORAC value of 2,780. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is a way of measuring a particular food’s capacity to resist oxidation. The recommended daily intake of antioxidants is 3000-5000 ORAC units, so a 6 oz cup of coffee will provide you with 100% of your daily requirements.
The antioxidants in coffee have many benefits for your health including protecting the body against aging and cancer. Polyphenols can help to prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as aid in weight loss.
Related: Health benefits of coffee.
What is the nutritional value of coffee and cream?
The nutritional value of coffee and cream will depend on the type of cream you use. Cream affects the nutritional value of coffee by increasing the levels of fat, protein, calcium, and sodium, as well as adding sugar. 100 g of coffee and cream contains 16.8 calories, 0.5 g sugar, 1400 mg fat, 500 mg protein, 15 mg calcium, and 6.8 mg sodium.
The nutritional value of coffee with creamer is 15 calories, 1.2 g sugar, 830 mg fat, 220 mg protein, 4 mg calcium, and 7 mg sodium per 100g.
The nutritional value of coffee with half and half is 16.8 calories, 0.5 g sugar, 900 mg fat, 500 mg protein, 15 mg calcium, and 6.8 mg sodium per 100 g.
The change in nutritional value will directly relate to the brand of coffee creamer. For example, the nutritional value of International Delight coffee creamer is 1 g fat and 5 g sugar per serving, while the nutritional value of Coffee Mate creamer is 1g fat and 0 g sugar per serving.
Does coffee jelly have nutritional value?
Yes, coffee jelly has some nutritional value, but can also be high in sugar. Coffee jelly contains 34 calories, 0.3 g fat, 9g sugar, 100 mg of protein, 46 mg of potassium, and 56 mg of sodium per 100g. This is based on an average recipe using gelatine, coffee, and sugar and topped with whipped cream. The nutritional facts of coffee jelly will change depending on the recipe.
Is coffee better than tea for nutritional value?
Yes, coffee is better than tea for nutritional value. Coffee is higher in macronutrients including protein and in minerals such as calcium. 100 g of coffee contains 120 mg protein, 2 mg calcium, 49 mg potassium, 3 mg magnesium, 3 mg phosphorus, and 2 mg sodium. 100g of tea contains 0 mg protein, 0 mg calcium, 37 m potassium, 3 mg magnesium, 1mg phosphorus, and 3 mg sodium.
Coffee also has more vitamins than tea. 100 g coffee contains 0.1 mg vitamin B2, 0.2 mg vitamin B3, and 0.3 mg vitamin B5. 100g of tea contains 0 mg vitamin B2, 0 mg vitamin B3, and 0 mg vitamin B5.
Coffee has higher antioxidants than tea. Coffee has an ORAC value of 2,780 per 100g. Tea has an ORAC value of 1,128 per 100g.
Related: Coffee vs. Tea
Does coffee’s nutritional value change based on brands?
Yes, coffee’s nutritional value changes based on the brand because of the different beans and roasting levels that are used. Caffeine levels in coffee are dependent on the bean type used. Antioxidant levels are affected by both the type of beans and the roasting levels.
Robusta beans are higher in caffeine than Arabica beans. Robusta beans are 2.2% caffeine and Arabica beans are 1.2% caffeine. Some brands also specialize in beans that are grown to have higher caffeine levels than either regular Robusta or Arabica. For example, Devil Mountain Black Label coffee contains 777 mg caffeine per 6 oz cup, and Biohazard Coffee contains 464 mg caffeine per 6 oz cup. Compare this to regular coffee, which contains around 71 mg caffeine per 6 oz cup.
Roasting levels affect the level of antioxidants in coffee. Light roast coffee contains the most antioxidants and darker roasts have lower levels of antioxidants, which are measured by the concentration of polyphenols. For example, 100 g of light roast coffee beans contains 3.9-4.3 g polyphenols, 100 g medium roast beans contain 3.4-3.8 g polyphenols, and 100 g dark roast beans contain 2.9-3.7 g polyphenols.
The levels of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals will not change significantly between brands.
Related: Best Coffee Brands
What do doctors say about coffee’s nutritional value?
Doctors say both positive and neutral things about coffee’s nutritional value. Many doctors have acknowledged that the compounds in coffee can actively benefit your health. Diane Vizthum, M.S., R.D, commented, “Caffeine is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about coffee. But coffee also contains antioxidants and other active substances that may reduce internal inflammation and protect against disease.” Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki, a science communicator was more specific about the types of diseases that can benefit from coffee, stating, “Coffee improves your outcome if you have heart disease or prostate cancer. It also improves your outcome if you have tongue cancers and skin cancers.”
Other doctors believe that the benefits of coffee are more limited. Dr. Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic commented: “it won’t actively benefit your health, but a safe amount of it is not necessarily bad for you either.”
There is a consensus that coffee should be enjoyed in moderation. “Enjoying coffee in moderation is safe for most people who follow a heart-healthy lifestyle, and it might, in fact, be a health-promoting strategy.” Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.
Does coffee processing affect its nutritional value?
Yes, coffee processing does affect the nutritional value of coffee in terms of caffeine and antioxidant levels. Processing refers to the way that beans are treated before they reach the consumer, such as roasting, making coffee powder, or making decaf coffee.
Decaf processing removes 97% of the caffeine in coffee. Decaf coffee contains around 5 mg caffeine per 6 oz cup, compared to regular coffee, which contains around 72 mg caffeine per 6 oz cup.
Roasting coffee beans reduces the levels of antioxidants in coffee. To get the most antioxidants in your coffee, stick to light or medium roast coffee beans. Dark or French roast coffee beans will have lower levels of antioxidants.
Processing will only make a minimal difference to the amounts of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals found in the coffee. For example, decaf coffee and coffee powder have almost identical levels of protein, calcium, and vitamin B3 to regular coffee.
Related: Coffee processing.
Is coffee powder better for nutritional value?
No, coffee powder has almost identical nutritional value to regular coffee. 100 grams of raw coffee powder (instant coffee) contains 1200 mg protein, 141 mg calcium, 3535 mg potassium, 327 mg magnesium, 303 mg phosphorus, and 37 mg sodium.
100g of brewed coffee made with coffee powder contains 100 mg protein, 4 mg calcium, 30 mg potassium, 4 mg magnesium, 3 mg phosphorus, and 4 mg sodium. 100 g of regular brewed coffee contains 120 mg protein, 2 mg calcium, 49 mg potassium, 3 mg magnesium, 3 mg phosphorus, and 2 mg sodium. 100 g of regular coffee contains 120 mg protein, 2 mg calcium, 49 mg potassium, 3 mg magnesium, 3 mg phosphorus, and 2 mg sodium.
