- The average number of calories U.S. adults consumed from coffee beverages increased by nearly 40% between 2003 and 2018, rising from 43 to 60 calories per day, even as the amount of coffee consumed remained relatively stable.
- Non-dairy creamer became the largest source of calories added to coffee by 2018, contributing about 19 calories per day, more than double the amount recorded in 2003.
- Previous research has linked moderate coffee consumption to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, but the new study did not examine whether adding sugar or creamer affects these potential health benefits.
Coffee consumption among U.S. adults remained relatively stable between 2003 and 2018, but the average number of calories consumed from coffee beverages increased by nearly 40%, according to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
By 2017–2018, U.S. adults consumed an average of about 13 ounces of coffee beverages per day. Meanwhile, the average daily calorie intake from these beverages had increased from 43 to 60 calories since 2003–2004.
By 2018, non-dairy creamer had become the largest source of calories added to coffee, surpassing sugar or syrup and dairy milk.
The researchers categorized coffee beverages based on whether they contained added ingredients. These additions included:
The researchers found that coffee intake remained stable, while the average calorie intake from coffee beverages increased.
The absolute increase in caloric intake is about 17 kcal per day, which is only about 1% of a 2,000 kcal diet.
Coffee consumption was also higher among men, non-Hispanic white adults, and people with higher incomes. Those who slept fewer hours or worked longer hours also tended to drink more coffee.
In 2018, the most common coffee additions by weight were:
- dairy milk (21.4 grams per day)
- non-dairy creamer (8.1 grams per day)
- sugar (4.4 grams per day)
The researchers found no significant changes in the amounts of dairy milk, sugar or syrup, and sugar substitutes added to coffee between 2003 and 2018.
However, consumption of non-dairy additions increased during this period. Non-dairy creamer consumption rose from 3.37 to 8.08 grams per day, while non-dairy milk increased from 0.27 to 2.45 grams per day.
By 2017–2018, non-dairy creamer contributed the most calories among coffee additions:
- non-dairy creamer (18.5 kcal per day)
- sugar (16 kcal per day)
- dairy milk (11 kcal per day)
In 2003–2004, non-dairy creamer contributed an average of 7.7 calories per day, meaning its calorie contribution more than doubled by 2017–2018.
Kristin Kirkpatrick, president of KAK, Consulting, LLC, and a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, who wasn’t involved in the study, told Healthline that these findings didn’t surprise her.
“The variety of coffee drinks, both at coffee houses and grocery stores, as well as options for creamers in the grocery store, make it easy to trade in black coffee for something closer to dessert,” she said.
She also added, however, that not all non-dairy creamers are created equal.
“Some are quite natural, with minimal ingredients, including no added sugars and no additives. Others are ingredient-heavy with either a large amount of sugar (real or artificial) and additives, so it’s really based on the type that is purchased,” she noted.
More than 60% of Americans drink coffee daily. Research suggests that drinking coffee with little to no added sugar or saturated fat may offer health benefits.
Previous research has associated moderate coffee consumption, typically around 3–5 cups per day, with a lower risk of several health conditions, including:
“These benefits make sense. After all, coffee beans are indeed a deeply hued plant, with multiple bioactive compounds that may strengthen health,” said Kirkpatrick.
She also cautioned consumers to be mindful of any caffeine sensitivities they may have. However, the benefits of coffee have been seen in studies assessing both caffeinated and decaf options.
However, adding ingredients high in sugar or saturated fat could offset some of coffee’s potential health benefits.
Kirkpatrick noted that some studies suggest milk may enhance antioxidant activity. The current study did not examine whether coffee additions reduced its health benefits, but found that these ingredients contributed additional calories.
Other research has raised concerns about the potential health effects of consuming excessive added sugar and certain food additives.
“I suggest that my patients try to embrace a black cup of coffee as opposed to starting the day with sugar,” Kirkpatrick said.
She suggested that certain additions, such as chicory root or cinnamon, may enhance your brew while still providing benefits. Plain milk can also provide protein and calcium without added sugar.
“Starting the day with [something] sweet may make it difficult to limit sugary foods later in the day. Starting the day with a more bitter approach may [be] an important factor in keeping sugar down, as bitter compounds may positively impact appetite-regulating pathways,” said Kirkpatrick.
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