Want to know Vietnamese iced coffee calories before it becomes your favorite brew of the day? Whether you’re tracking sugar or adjusting your diet, this breakdown will show you everything you need to know.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this blog post:
- How many calories are in a typical Vietnamese iced coffee
- Calorie breakdown by condensed milk amount
- How Vietnamese iced coffee compares to other iced coffees
- Ways to reduce calories without losing flavor
Vietnamese Iced Coffee Calories Breakdown
All of the calories in Vietnamese iced coffee come from sweetened condensed milk. A typical serving of Vietnamese iced coffee contains 150 to 250 calories, depending on how much condensed milk you use.
Calorie Breakdown by Condensed Milk Amount
Sweetened condensed milk contains about 60 calories per tablespoon. Vietnamese iced coffee usually uses two to three tablespoons.
Here is how it looks in practice:
- 1 tablespoon condensed milk: about 60 calories (Light sweetness with a stronger coffee flavor)
- 2 tablespoons condensed milk: about 120 calories (Balanced sweetness)
- 3 tablespoons condensed milk: about 180 calories (Very sweet and creamy)
- 4 tablespoons condensed milk: about 240 calories (Sweet like a dessert)
Not sure how to prepare this coffee? Check out the authentic Vietnamese iced coffee recipe.
Comparison to Other Iced Coffees
Vietnamese iced coffee has more calories than plain coffee, but how does it compare to other iced coffee variations?
Vietnamese Iced Coffee vs Iced Latte – Calories
An iced latte is made with one to two shots of espresso (1-2 oz) and cold milk (6-8 oz).
The calories come almost entirely from the milk.
- Iced latte: 80 to 150 calories depending on milk
- Vietnamese iced coffee: 150 to 250 calories
Vietnamese Iced Coffee vs Cold Brew – Calories
Cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds for many hours and served black or with a splash of milk.
The calories come from add-ins, not the coffee itself.
- Cold brew (black): 5 to 10 calories
- Cold brew with milk or cream: 50 to 160 calories
- Vietnamese iced coffee: 150 to 250 calories
Vietnamese Iced Coffee vs Starbucks-Style Iced Drinks
Starbucks iced drinks often include syrups, sauces, milk, cold foam, or whipped cream.
The calories come from the sweeteners and toppings.
- Starbucks iced drinks: 120 to 400+ calories depending on size and flavor
- Vietnamese iced coffee: 150 to 250 calories
Does Vietnamese Iced Coffee Have Sugar?
Yes, Vietnamese iced coffee contains sugar, but it does not use granulated sugar or syrups. Instead, all the sweetness comes from sweetened condensed milk, which is a mixture of concentrated milk and sugar.
Does Vietnamese Iced Coffee Have Too Much Sugar?
Vietnamese iced coffee can be high in sugar, especially when made the traditional way. Sweetened condensed milk contains about 10 to 12 grams of sugar per tablespoon, and most recipes use 2 to 3 tablespoons. That means one serving can easily include 20 to 36 grams of sugar, which is similar to the amount found in many café-style flavored drinks.
Whether this is “too much” depends on your dietary needs, how often you drink it, and how sweet you prefer your coffee.
FAQ
Does using Robusta beans change the calorie count?
No, using Robusta beans does not change the calorie count. Coffee itself is extremely low in calories whether it is Robusta or Arabica. The difference is in flavor and caffeine. Robusta beans taste stronger and contain more caffeine, but they do not add additional calories to the drink.
Does light or low-fat condensed milk lower the calories significantly?
Yes, using light or low-fat condensed milk can noticeably reduce the calorie count. Traditional condensed milk contains about 60 calories per tablespoon. Light versions usually contain 35 to 45 calories per tablespoon. If you use two tablespoons, the savings can be 30 to 50 calories per drink without changing the flavor too much.
Can I make a sugar-free version of Vietnamese iced coffee?
Yes, you can make a sugar-free version, but it will not taste like the traditional recipe. To remove sugar, replace the condensed milk with unsweetened coconut milk, unsweetened oat milk, or a sugar-free condensed milk alternative. The drink will be lighter and less creamy but still refreshing.
Is Vietnamese iced coffee keto-friendly?
Vietnamese iced coffee is not keto-friendly in its traditional form because sweetened condensed milk is high in sugar. To make a keto-friendly version, use unsweetened condensed milk substitutes or heavy cream with a keto sweetener. This reduces sugar while keeping the coffee rich and creamy.
Does the caffeine content affect the calorie count?
No. Caffeine does not contribute calories. Whether the drink is made with strong Robusta coffee or a lighter blend, the caffeine level has no impact on total calories. The calorie count comes almost entirely from the condensed milk and any added ingredients.