Kahlua is a popular coffee-flavored liqueur that is commonly used in alcoholic drinks and desserts. With its sweet, rich flavor, some may wonder if Kahlua contains carbohydrates or sugar. The short answer is yes, Kahlua does contain carbs and sugar.
Kahlua gets its signature flavor from Arabica coffee beans and sugarcane. During production, the coffee beans are combined with ethyl alcohol and sugar syrup, which gives Kahlua its high sugar content. Let’s take a deeper look at the nutritional facts behind this iconic liqueur.
Nutritional Facts for Kahlua
Here are the basic nutritional facts for Kahlua:
- Serving Size: 1 oz (30mL)
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugars: 11g
Based on this data, a 1 ounce serving of Kahlua contains about 12 grams of carbohydrates, most of which comes from sugar. The majority of the carbs and sugar in Kahlua come from the sugarcane that is used to make it.
During production, sugarcane is refined into a sugar syrup that gets mixed with coffee extract and alcohol. The sugar syrup gives Kahlua its distinct sweetness and thick, viscous texture.
Determining Net Carbs in Kahlua
When determining the net carb content of Kahlua, the fiber content must also be taken into account. Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber.
Kahlua contains no fiber, so the net carbs are the same as the total carbs – 12g per ounce. For those on low-carb or ketogenic diets, the high sugar content translates to a significant amount of digestible carbohydrates.
Sugar Content of Kahlua
As mentioned earlier, the majority of carbs in Kahlua come from added sugar. Here’s a breakdown of the sugar content:
- Sucrose (table sugar): 10.5g
- Glucose (blood sugar): 0.5g
So in a 1 ounce serving, over 10 grams come from sucrose or plain white sugar. The rest is glucose or blood sugar. Unlike pure liquors like vodka and tequila, Kahlua relies heavily on sugar for its characteristic flavor and texture.
How Many Carbs in a Shot of Kahlua?
A standard shot of Kahlua is 1.5 ounces. In this amount, there are:
- Total carbs: 18g
- Sugars: 16.5g
- Net carbs: 18g
So in a single shot of this liqueur, you are getting a significant dose of sugar – over 16 grams worth. The carbohydrate and sugar content is one reason Kahlua has a higher calorie count compared to other popular liquors.
Kahlua Drinks and Desserts
Beyond straight shots, Kahlua is commonly used in indulgent drinks and desserts:
Kahlua Drinks
- White Russian: vodka, Kahlua, cream
- Black Russian: vodka, Kahlua
- Mudslide: vodka, Kahlua, Irish cream
- B-52: Kahlua, Irish cream, orange liqueur
The added cream, vodka, and liqueurs in these drinks increases the carb content from the Kahlua alone. A Mudslide for example may have around 25-30g carbs per serving.
Kahlua Desserts
- Kahlua brownies
- Kahlua baked Alaska
- Kahlua cheesecake
- Kahlua chocolate mousse
When added to chocolate treats and desserts, Kahlua imparts a rich coffee flavor. But the sugar content causes the carb count to stack up quickly. A serving of Kahlua cheesecake for example may have 40-50 grams of total carbs.
Low-Carb and Sugar-Free Kahlua Alternatives
For those monitoring their carb intake, are there any lower sugar Kahlua alternatives? Here are a few options:
- Sugar-free Kahlua – Some brands like Skinnygirl offer sugar-free versions using artificial sweeteners.
- Homemade Kahlua – Make your own using coffee, vodka, erythritol or monk fruit as the sugar substitute.
- Coffee liqueurs – Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur has less than 1g sugar per serving.
The homemade versions allow you to control the exact sugar and carb content. For example, swapping regular sugar for a keto-friendly alternative like monk fruit or allulose.
The Bottom Line
So how many carbs are in Kahlua? A 1 ounce serving (shot) of Kahlua contains about 12g total carbs and 16.5g net carbs. Nearly all the carbs come from added cane sugar which gives Kahlua its signature sweet taste and syrupy texture.
Those monitoring their carb and sugar intake will want to be mindful of consumption. Kahlua’s high sugar content can quickly add up, especially when mixing indulgent cocktails or desserts. However, there are lower sugar or carb alternatives for those who don’t want to give up their Kahlua!