Long Black Calories Calculator
Calculate long black coffee calories. Australian long black nutrition facts — espresso over water — caffeine content, macros, and the difference from Americano.
Long Black Nutrition Overview
The long black is Australia's signature black coffee — espresso shots poured directly over hot water in a standard ceramic cup. It is distinct from the Americano (where water is added to espresso) because in a long black the espresso is poured over the hot water, preserving the crema (the golden foam on top of the espresso shots). This distinction matters significantly to Australian specialty coff...
How to use this calculator
Enter your portion size in grams or use the unit selector. CalorieMetrica will estimate calories, protein, carbs and fats for Long Black. Actual nutrition values vary depending on preparation method, recipe, and serving size.
Best for fitness goals
The long black is an excellent weight management beverage — essentially calorie-free, it provides caffeine-boosted alertness and the psychological satisfaction of a proper cafe coffee without any meaningful caloric load. The caffeine content (~130–150mg from a double shot) has a mild thermogenic eff...
Long Black Calories — Complete Australian Guide
Calories By Portion Size
| Portion / Serving | Estimated Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long black, no sugar (240ml) | ~12 kcal | Black, no sugar |
| Long black with sugar (1 tsp) | ~29 kcal | With 1 tsp sugar |
| Long black with milk (30ml added) | ~29 kcal | Dash of milk |
Calories By Preparation Method
| Preparation Method | Calories / 100g | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Double espresso poured over hot water | ~5 kcal/100ml | Standard Australian |
| Triple shot long black | ~8 kcal/100ml | Extra shot |
| Long black with full cream milk splash | ~12 kcal/100ml | Milk added |
Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 5 kcal | Per 100ml |
| Protein | 0 g | Negligible |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g | Minimal |
| Fat | 0 g | None |
| Fibre | 0 g | None |
| Caffeine | ~130–150 mg | From double espresso shots |
| Antioxidants | High | From coffee polyphenols |
What Is Long Black?
The long black is Australia's signature black coffee — espresso shots poured directly over hot water in a standard ceramic cup. It is distinct from the Americano (where water is added to espresso) because in a long black the espresso is poured over the hot water, preserving the crema (the golden foam on top of the espresso shots). This distinction matters significantly to Australian specialty coffee drinkers — a barista who pours water over the espresso is making an Americano, not a long black. The long black became the standard medium-strength black coffee in Australian cafe culture during the specialty coffee revolution of the 1980s and 1990s. Melbourne and Sydney developed some of the world's most sophisticated coffee cultures during this period, and the long black became the everyday black coffee order for people who wanted something stronger than filter coffee but more diluted than a straight double espresso. A standard long black uses a double espresso shot (~60ml) poured over approximately 180ml of hot water.
Long Black Calories Guide
A long black (double espresso + hot water, no additions) contains approximately 12 calories for a 240ml serve — essentially zero calories. Adding one teaspoon of sugar adds approximately 16 kcal. Adding a 30ml splash of full cream milk adds approximately 17 kcal. The long black is one of the lowest-calorie cafe drinks available.
Long Black for Weight Loss
The long black is an excellent weight management beverage — essentially calorie-free, it provides caffeine-boosted alertness and the psychological satisfaction of a proper cafe coffee without any meaningful caloric load. The caffeine content (~130–150mg from a double shot) has a mild thermogenic effect and can suppress appetite for 30–60 minutes.
Long Black for Muscle Gain
Not directly relevant to muscle building, though caffeine from a long black is a well-researched performance enhancer for both strength training and endurance exercise. Consuming a long black 30–60 minutes before training is a common evidence-based pre-workout strategy.
Smart Comparison
Long Black vs Flat White: A flat white (~110 kcal) is dramatically higher in calories than a long black (~12 kcal) due to the 130ml of steamed full cream milk. Long Black vs Latte: A latte (~160 kcal for a large) is much higher. Long Black vs Filter Coffee: Both are essentially zero-calorie black coffees; the long black has a bolder, more concentrated flavour.
Portion Control Advice
A long black is essentially calorie-free — no portion concerns. The concern is additional sugar or milk. Drinking it black is both the authentic Australian way and the zero-calorie choice.
Common Mistakes
Adding excessive sugar to a long black — each teaspoon adds 16 kcal and 4g of sugar. Ordering a long black with oat milk — oat milk adds approximately 45 kcal for a 100ml addition.
Burn This Food — Activity Equivalents
| Activity | Duration to Burn |
|---|---|
| Brisk walking | ~3 min for 1 long black (no sugar) |
| Jogging | ~1 min |
| Cycling | ~2 min |
| Swimming | ~1 min |
Healthy Alternative Tips
Long black is already essentially zero calories — ~12 kcal
Add a protein shake alongside the long black — ~160 kcal
Skip sugar — saves 16 kcal per teaspoon
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in a long black coffee?
A long black coffee made with a double espresso and hot water (approximately 240ml, no milk or sugar) contains approximately 10–14 calories. With one teaspoon of sugar it is approximately 26–30 calories. With a 30ml splash of full cream milk it is approximately 26–30 calories.
What is the difference between a long black and an Americano?
The key difference is construction: a long black is made by pouring hot espresso shots over hot water, which preserves the crema (foam). An Americano is made by adding water to already-poured espresso, which disperses the crema. The flavour is similar but a long black is typically considered bolder and more pronounced in Australian specialty coffee culture.
How much caffeine is in a long black?
A standard Australian long black made with a double espresso shot contains approximately 130–160mg of caffeine. A triple shot long black contains approximately 190–240mg of caffeine. Caffeine content varies by espresso blend, grind, and extraction.
Is a long black stronger than a flat white?
A long black and a flat white both typically use the same espresso base (one or two shots). The long black tastes stronger because it is not diluted by milk — all flavour comes from the concentrated espresso over water. The flat white's milk adds sweetness and body that softens the espresso intensity.
📊 Data source note: Nutrition values are estimates based on Australian food composition databases, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) nutrient data, and standard recipe analysis. Actual values vary by cooking method, recipe, brand, and serving size. See our Data Sources and Methodology pages.