Research shows that while Americans drink about the same amount of coffee as they did 15 years ago, the calories from coffee increased by 40 percent between 2003 and 2018. According to Gram Research analysis of data from over 30,000 Americans, this increase is driven primarily by non-dairy creamer, which contributes more calories per serving than dairy milk or sugar. The average American now gets 60 calories per day from coffee and its additions, up from 43 calories in 2003.
A major study tracking what Americans drink in their coffee found something surprising: while the amount of coffee we drink stayed about the same from 2003 to 2018, the calories in our cups jumped significantly. According to Gram Research analysis of data from over 30,000 Americans, the energy we get from coffee increased by 40 percent, mainly because we’re adding more non-dairy creamer and other toppings. The study shows that what we put in our coffee matters just as much as the coffee itself, and these additions are quietly adding extra calories to our daily diet.
Key Statistics
A cross-sectional analysis of 30,459 U.S. adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that calories from coffee increased 40 percent from 2003 to 2018, rising from 43 to 60 calories per day, despite stable coffee consumption volumes.
Among U.S. adults in 2017-2018, non-dairy creamer contributed the most calories to coffee at 19 calories per day, followed by sugar at 16 calories per day and dairy milk at 11 calories per day, according to a 15-year trend analysis.
The average American adult consumed 1.67 eight-ounce cups of coffee daily in 2017-2018, with 41 grams of additions per day, primarily dairy milk at 21.4 grams, according to analysis of national nutrition survey data.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How much coffee Americans drink and what they add to it, and whether these habits changed between 2003 and 2018.
- Who participated: Over 30,000 American adults aged 20 and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a program that tracks what Americans eat and drink.
- Key finding: The amount of coffee people drink stayed steady at about 1.67 cups per day, but the calories from coffee increased by 40 percent (from 43 to 60 calories per day) because people added more creamer and sugar.
- What it means for you: If you drink coffee with creamer or sugar, you might be consuming more calories than you realize. Being aware of what you add to your coffee could help with weight management, though individual needs vary based on overall diet and activity level.
The Research Details
Researchers looked at information collected over 15 years from eight different surveys of American adults. Each survey asked people to write down everything they ate and drank in a single day, including their coffee and any additions like milk, creamer, or sugar. The researchers then compared the data from 2003-2004 to 2017-2018 to see if coffee drinking habits changed over time.
This type of study is called a cross-sectional analysis, which means researchers took snapshots of different groups of people at different times rather than following the same people over many years. They used statistical methods to account for the fact that the surveys were designed to represent all American adults, not just the people who happened to participate.
The researchers measured both the weight of coffee and additions (in grams) and the calories they provided. They looked at who was most likely to drink coffee and what they added to it, breaking down the results by gender, race and ethnicity, and income level.
This approach is important because it shows real-world patterns in what Americans actually consume, not just what they think they consume. By tracking changes over 15 years, the study reveals whether our coffee habits are getting healthier or less healthy. Understanding what we add to coffee is especially important because many people don’t realize how many calories come from creamer and sugar rather than the coffee itself.
The study used data from a nationally representative survey, which means the results should reflect what’s happening across the entire United States, not just one region or group. The large sample size of over 30,000 people makes the findings more reliable. However, the study relied on people’s memory of what they drank, which can sometimes be inaccurate. The study also only looked at one day of eating for each person, so it captures a snapshot rather than someone’s typical habits.
What the Results Show
Between 2003 and 2018, the amount of coffee Americans drank stayed remarkably stable at around 1.67 cups per day (about 375 grams). However, the calories from coffee increased significantly from 43 calories per day to 60 calories per day, a jump of about 40 percent. This increase happened even though people weren’t drinking more coffee by volume.
The reason for this increase was clear: people were adding more stuff to their coffee. In 2017-2018, the average person added about 41 grams of additions to their coffee each day. The most common addition by weight was dairy milk at 21.4 grams per day, but non-dairy creamer contributed the most calories at 19 calories per day. Sugar added 16 calories per day, and dairy milk added 11 calories per day.
The study also found differences based on who was drinking the coffee. Men drank more coffee than women, and non-Hispanic White adults drank more than other groups. People with higher incomes also drank more coffee than those with lower incomes. These patterns stayed fairly consistent throughout the 15-year period.
Non-dairy creamer emerged as the biggest calorie contributor despite being added in smaller amounts than dairy milk. This suggests that non-dairy creamers are more calorie-dense than regular milk. The study also showed that the increase in calories from coffee was happening across most demographic groups, not just in one particular segment of the population. This indicates a widespread shift in how Americans are preparing their coffee.
Previous research has shown that moderate coffee consumption without additions can have health benefits, including reduced risk of certain diseases. However, this study adds important context by showing that many Americans are not drinking plain coffee. The findings align with broader research showing that added sugars and saturated fats from dairy and non-dairy creamers are increasing in the American diet, and coffee appears to be one source of this increase.
The study has several important limitations to consider. First, people reported what they ate and drank from memory, which can be inaccurate. Second, the study only looked at one day of food intake per person, so it might not represent their typical habits. Third, the study couldn’t prove that the additions to coffee caused any health problems, only that consumption patterns changed. Finally, the study didn’t measure whether people were aware of how many calories they were adding to their coffee.
The Bottom Line
If you drink coffee regularly, consider checking what you’re adding to it. Switching from non-dairy creamer to regular milk or using less creamer could reduce calories. Using less sugar or trying sugar-free alternatives might also help. These changes are most important if you’re trying to manage your weight or reduce added sugar intake. The evidence for these recommendations is strong based on the calorie data, though individual results will vary based on overall diet and lifestyle.
Anyone who drinks coffee daily should be aware of this trend, especially if they’re trying to manage their weight or reduce added sugar and saturated fat. People with diabetes or prediabetes should pay particular attention to sugar additions. However, if you drink plain coffee or very little coffee, this research is less relevant to you. People who are already tracking their calorie intake should consider including coffee additions in their counts.
If you reduce calories from coffee additions, you might notice changes in weight or energy levels within a few weeks, though this depends on your overall diet and activity level. The most important thing is making sustainable changes you can stick with long-term rather than expecting immediate results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in coffee with creamer and sugar?
The average American gets about 60 calories per day from coffee and additions as of 2018. Non-dairy creamer contributes 19 calories, sugar adds 16 calories, and dairy milk adds 11 calories per day on average. Individual amounts vary based on how much you add.
Is non-dairy creamer worse for you than regular milk in coffee?
Non-dairy creamer is more calorie-dense than regular milk, contributing more calories per serving. Research shows non-dairy creamer added 19 calories daily compared to 11 for dairy milk. Choose based on your dietary needs and calorie goals, though regular milk provides more nutrients.
Has coffee consumption increased in America over the last 20 years?
The amount of coffee Americans drink has remained stable from 2003 to 2018 at about 1.67 cups daily. However, the calories from coffee increased 40 percent because people are adding more creamer and sugar, not because they’re drinking more coffee.
What’s the best way to reduce calories in my daily coffee?
Switch from non-dairy creamer to regular milk or use less creamer overall. Reduce sugar gradually or try sugar-free alternatives. Even small reductions add up over time. Track your additions for a week to see your baseline, then set a realistic reduction goal.
Do men and women drink coffee differently?
Research shows men drink more coffee than women on average. Non-Hispanic White adults and people with higher incomes also drink more coffee than other groups. However, the trend toward more calories from additions affected most demographic groups similarly.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log your daily coffee consumption including the type and amount of additions (milk, creamer, sugar, or sweeteners). Track the grams or ounces of each addition and note the type of creamer used, as non-dairy creamers have higher calories than dairy milk.
- Set a goal to reduce creamer or sugar by 25 percent over two weeks. For example, if you use two tablespoons of creamer, try using one and a half tablespoons. Gradually reduce further if desired. Alternatively, try switching from non-dairy creamer to regular milk to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
- Track your coffee additions daily for one month to establish a baseline, then set a specific reduction goal. Monitor weekly to see if you’re meeting your target. Note any changes in how you feel, including energy levels and appetite. Adjust your goal based on what feels sustainable for your lifestyle.
This research describes trends in coffee consumption and calorie intake from coffee additions among American adults. It does not establish that coffee additions cause health problems or that reducing them will lead to specific health outcomes. Individual nutritional needs vary based on overall diet, activity level, age, and health status. If you have concerns about your caffeine intake, sugar consumption, or weight management, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized advice. This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical or nutritional guidance.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.