Calories in Espresso Coffee

Many people enjoy sipping a cup of coffee after a meal, but if you don't mind a highly concentrated coffee beverage, you might order an espresso. Often served 2 ounces at a time, espresso is made in a dedicated machine that brews the hot drink quickly and at a high temperature and elevated pressure. The result is a hot, thick drink that's strong in taste and caffeine.

A woman drinks an espresso macchiato. (Image: nalinratphi/iStock/Getty Images)

A Low-Calorie Beverage

A shot of espresso has an extremely low caloric content, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Nutrient Database. A 2-ounce serving of espresso contains just 5 calories, notes the USDA. If you favor a decaffeinated version of the beverage, a 2-ounce serving also contains 5 calories. A 2-ounce caffeinated espresso contains 127 milligrams of caffeine, while the same serving size of decaffeinated espresso has 1 milligram. Espresso is a key component of other beverages at coffee shops, including lattes and macchiatos, which are often higher in calories due to added milk and sugar.