Café con Leche
Caffeine
154 mg
Note: Values are for the traditional Spanish style made with a double shot of espresso and equal parts steamed whole milk. Brewed‑coffee versions may have lower caffeine.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Level | Very High |
| Serving Size | 6 fl oz |
| Serving Size (ml) | 177 ml |
| Sugar | 5 g (naturally from milk) |
| Calories | 56 kcal |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 25.7 mg/fl oz |
Café con leche — literally “coffee with milk” in Spanish — is a beloved drink across Spain, Latin America, and beyond. Known for its smooth, comforting flavor, it’s typically made by combining strong coffee (often espresso) with an equal amount of hot milk.
What is Café con Leche?
In Spain, café con leche is traditionally served in a tulip‑shaped cup, made with a double shot of espresso topped up with steamed milk in roughly equal parts. In Latin America, the ratio can vary, with some versions using brewed coffee instead of espresso for a milder taste.
Caffeine Content in Café con Leche
The caffeine content depends heavily on the coffee base and serving size. Below are typical estimates:
- Espresso‑based (traditional Spanish style) – A 6 fl oz serving made with a double shot of espresso contains about 154 mg of caffeine.
- Brewed coffee‑based (Latin American style) – A similar‑sized serving made with strong drip coffee may contain 90–120 mg of caffeine.
These figures show that while café con leche can be milder in taste than black coffee, it can still pack a significant caffeine punch — especially in the espresso version.
Calories and Sugar
The calorie and sugar content of café con leche comes mainly from the milk and any sweeteners added. Here’s a breakdown:
- Whole milk version (6 fl oz) – 56 kcal, 5 g sugar (naturally occurring in milk).
- Sweetened version – Adds 16 kcal and 4 g sugar per teaspoon of sugar.
This means the drink can be a light, low‑calorie option if unsweetened, or a sweeter treat if sugar is added.
Ingredients Overview
Café con leche is built on a simple yet satisfying foundation, combining just two core ingredients that work together to create its signature smoothness and flavor.
- Coffee – Espresso or strong brewed coffee, providing caffeine, aroma, and depth.
- Milk – Steamed or heated milk for creaminess, balance, and a mellow finish.
When blended in the right ratio, these two elements produce a drink that’s both comforting and energizing, making café con leche a timeless favorite across cultures.
Nutritional Facts at a Glance (Espresso‑Based, 6 fl oz)
Here’s the typical nutrition profile for a traditional Spanish‑style café con leche made with whole milk:
- Calories: 56 kcal
- Total Fat: 2 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Caffeine: 154 mg (25.7 mg per fl oz)
These values highlight that café con leche is relatively low in calories and fat, but can be high in caffeine depending on the coffee base.