The good news is that it has a negligible calorie count, typically around 2 calories per cup. However, what hurts? Adding your favorite ingredients, like sugar, milk, honey, or syrups, can increase the calorie content.
It can be tough when one of your beloved add-ons is the culprit, but don’t worry, we are here to help you overcome the situation. All you have to do is keep reading!
Well, after hearing one answer, you must feel at ease, but did you know that there are 10 more questions connected to it? Like, which types of tea have zero calories? Which ones are healthy? Which add-ons won’t affect the calorie count?
What’s better, green tea, black tea, or coffee? You’ll definitely enjoy finding the answers to these questions, and there’s no better place than this article to get them. So, don’t stop reading, stay with us!
Tea is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, renowned for its refreshing taste and numerous health benefits.
Did You Know? Tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Depending on how the leaves are processed, you get different types of tea: black, green, oolong, white, and herbal teas. The basic process of tea production involves harvesting the leaves, drying or fermenting them, and then brewing them in hot water to extract flavors.
If you’re looking for tea that has zero calories, here are some options to consider. These teas, when consumed without any additives (like sugar, milk, or sweeteners), contain virtually no calories and are perfect for those looking to stay within their calorie limits while enjoying a flavorful and refreshing drink.
Types of Teas with Zero Calories
| Tea Type | Calories | Key Benefits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Green Tea | 0 | Boosts metabolism, supports heart health, rich in antioxidants. | Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves and is packed with powerful antioxidants called catechins. It’s widely known for its potential in boosting metabolism and aiding in fat burning. |
| Black Tea | 0 | Stronger flavor, higher caffeine content, great morning beverage. | Black tea is fully oxidized, which gives it a darker color and a stronger flavor. While it contains more caffeine than green tea, it still contains zero calories when consumed without additives like sugar or milk. |
| Herbal Teas | 0 | Includes varieties like Chamomile, Peppermint, Ginger, and Rooibos with various health benefits like relaxation and aid in digestion. | Herbal teas are made from various plants, herbs, and flowers and are naturally calorie-free. Each herbal tea offers unique benefits: Chamomile is calming, Peppermint helps digestion, Ginger aids with nausea, and Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free. |
| White Tea | 0 | Least processed, delicate flavor, lower caffeine content. | White tea is made from young leaves and buds that are minimally processed, giving it a delicate and subtle flavor. It has the least caffeine content compared to green and black teas and is rich in antioxidants. |
| Oolong Tea | 0 | Zero calories, falls between black and green tea in flavor and oxidation. | Oolong tea is partially oxidized, offering a flavor profile that is more complex than that of green tea but not as intense as black tea. It also contains zero calories when consumed plain and is beneficial for metabolism and heart health. |
| Hibiscus Tea | 0 | Tart, tangy, supports heart health, and lowers blood pressure. | Hibiscus tea, made from dried hibiscus flowers, has a distinct tart and tangy flavor. It’s renowned for its ability to support heart health, regulate blood pressure, and provide vitamin C. Hibiscus tea remains calorie-free when consumed without additives. |
Did you know? If your tea contains milk and sugar, the calorie value of two cups consumed daily throughout the year will result in a weight gain of 5.5 kg.
How Many Calories Are in Popular Types of Tea?
All the mentioned teas, whether green, black, herbal, white, oolong, or hibiscus, are naturally calorie-free when consumed without additives like sugar, honey, or milk. These teas not only provide a variety of flavors but also offer unique health benefits, from boosting metabolism to supporting heart health. If you’re wondering, Does tea have calories?
Here’s a breakdown of the calorie count for different types of tea in their pure form
- Black Tea, Green Tea, and Oolong Tea
Green tea is unfermented, while oolong and black teas are partially and fully fermented, respectively. White tea, on the other hand, is a less processed version of green tea, undergoing minimal fermentation.
These teas, when brewed with just hot water, typically have only 2–3 calories per 8-ounce (240-mL) cup. However, adding sugar or honey can quickly increase the calorie content. Just one teaspoon (4 grams) of sugar adds 16 calories, and a tablespoon (21 grams) of honey adds 64 calories.
2. White Tea
Milk tea is the perfect blend of tea and milk in a 1:1 ratio, usually with good ol’ whole milk for that extra creamy goodness. Add sugar or honey for sweetness, and don’t forget the dash of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or even salt if you’re feeling adventurous.
While black tea tends to be the most popular choice, you can get creative and use any tea for your milk tea masterpiece.
Now, if you’re using 4 ounces (120 ml) of whole milk in your 8-ounce (240-ml) drink, you’re looking at 75 calories from just the milk. But hey, if you’re trying to be a calorie-conscious tea drinker, swap it for skim milk, and boom—only 42 calories! Who knew milk could be so sneaky?
And let’s not forget about sweeteners—some sugar substitutes allow you to enjoy sweetness without the extra calories. It’s like a little magic trick, but with your tea.
3. Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are made by steeping herbs, dried fruits, leaves, flowers, or buds from plants that are not derived from Camellia sinensis. Well-known herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, lavender, rooibos, and hibiscus, are celebrated for their medicinal benefits.
Much like traditional teas, herbal teas are virtually calorie-free. Some varieties, such as hibiscus tea, contain no calories whatsoever.
4. Tea Latte
A tea latte is basically milk tea’s fancier cousin, prepared with a 1:3 ratio of tea to milk. More milk, more calories, simple math. It’s the beverage that’s taken over tea shops and coffee chains everywhere, often with a drizzle of flavored syrups that send the calorie count skyrocketing.
For example, Starbucks’ London Fog Tea Latte (12 ounces, 355 ml) made with Earl Grey tea, reduced-fat milk, and vanilla syrup packs a humble 140 calories. Not exactly a “skinny” choice, but hey, it’s a treat.
5. Bubble Tea (a.k.a Boba)
Bubble tea is a Taiwanese drink that’s basically a sugar bomb in a cup, complete with chewy tapioca pearls. Usually made from black tea, sweetened condensed milk, syrup, and those ever-popular tapioca pearls, it’s a drink that says, “Why have one sugary delight when you can have many?”
Sweetened condensed milk is basically a thick, high-calorie dairy concoction that comes with a serious calorie punch—1 ounce (30 ml) packs a whopping 122 calories. That’s right, 122 calories in just a tiny splash.
As bubble tea’s popularity soared, creative drink shops started adding extras like jelly, egg pudding, and even fruit juice. Because why not? The calorie count can vary wildly, but on average, a 16-ounce (480 ml) cup of bubble tea will set you back anywhere between 200 and 450 calories. That’s a lot of wiggle room for sweetness. Drink responsibly or not.
6. Iced and Sweet Teas
Iced and sweet teas are essentially cold, flavorful versions of black tea, featuring classic twists like lemon, peach, or mint. The key difference? Sweet tea is, well, lovely, thanks to its generous helping of sugar.
Sweet tea, a Southern classic, is all about that sugar rush. The amount of sugar you add determines the calorie count. On the other hand, unsweetened iced tea is a no-calorie wonder, typically enjoyed in the North—where they apparently like their tea cold, crisp, and calorie-free.
Let’s get down to the sugar business: every teaspoon (4 grams) of sugar you throw in adds 16 calories to your tea. So, go ahead and sip it sweet or keep it simple. Just keep in mind that some brands mix things up and sell sweetened iced tea, even if it’s labeled “iced” (sneaky, right?). Always check the label to make sure you’re not sipping on a sugar bomb.
For example, Snapple’s 16-ounce (475-ml) Lemon Tea packs a hefty 150 calories, and AriZona Iced Tea with Lemon Flavor in the same size clocks in at 140 calories. So much for “iced” being a low-cal option!
7. Thai Tea
Ah, Thai tea—a whole new level of indulgence. This Southeast Asian favorite is a milk tea but with a tropical twist. Made by mixing black tea with sugar and sweetened condensed milk, it’s topped off with either coconut milk or whole milk. Think of it as milk tea that went on vacation and came back with extra calories.
A single 8-ounce (240-ml) serving of Thai tea has a cool 160 calories, thanks to its indulgent ingredients. So, if you’re in the mood for something creamy, sweet, and satisfying, Thai tea has got you covered—just be prepared for the calorie love it brings along.
NOTE: Most herbal teas are calorie-free unless sweetened.
How Can You Enjoy Tea Without Adding Calories?
If you’re looking to keep your tea low in calories, here are some tips:
1. Skip the Sugar: If you love sweetness, try using natural sweeteners like stevia, which has little to no calories.
2. Go for Milk Alternatives: Consider using unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, which are lower in calories than regular cow’s milk.
3 . Add Lemon: Fresh lemon slices can add a burst of flavor without any calories. It’s a great addition to green tea or herbal teas.
4 . Drink Plain Tea: The healthiest option for no extra calories is to enjoy your tea without anything added. Experiment with different types of tea to find one that suits your taste.
Are There Any Health Benefits to Drinking Tea?
Tea is often celebrated for its health benefits and low-calorie content, making it a popular choice for those seeking a refreshing beverage that won’t add to their calorie count. On its own, tea, whether black, green, white, or herbal, contains virtually no calories.
However, it’s easy for calories to sneak into your cup depending on how you prepare your tea. Adding sweeteners like sugar, honey, or flavored syrups, as well as milk or cream, can significantly increase the calorie content. Flavored teas or pre-packaged tea beverages often contain added sugars and other ingredients that contribute additional calories.
To keep your tea as low-calorie as possible, consider enjoying it plain or with minimal additives. Exploring the natural flavors of different tea varieties can also enhance your experience without needing extra ingredients.
Yes! Beyond its low-calorie content, tea offers numerous health benefits, especially green tea, which has been associated with several health benefits, including weight loss. While tea itself doesn’t burn fat, it can aid in weight management by:
Nutritional Facts of Green Tea |
||
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Vitamin B | Vitamin C |
| Vitamin D | Manganese | Zinc |
| Caffeine | Theanine | Potassium |
Nutritional Facts of Black Tea |
||
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B-2 | Vitamin B-5 | Vitamin B-9 |
| Vitamin D | Iron | Potassium |
| Magnesium | Sodium | Manganese |
Nutritional Facts of Oolong Tea |
||
|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | Manganese | Potassium |
| Sodium | Quercetin | Magnesium |
| Niacin | Myricetin | Kaempferol |
Nutritional Facts of White Tea |
||
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Vitamin B | Vitamin C |
| Vitamin D | Zinc | Calcium |
| Theanine | Potassium | Manganese |
Nutritional Facts of Peppermint Tea |
||
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Vitamin B | Vitamin C |
| Vitamin E | Alpha-carotene | Beta-carotene |
| Calcium | Copper | Inositol |
| Iodine | Iron | Magnesium |
| Manganese | Niacin | Phosphorus |
| Potassium | Selenium | Sulphur |
Nutritional Facts of Hibiscus Tea |
||
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Vitamin B-1 | Vitamin B-2 |
| Vitamin B-9 | Vitamin C | Magnesium |
| Potassium | Calcium | Iron |
Nutritional Facts of Camomile Tea |
||
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | Iron | Magnesium |
| Phosphorus | Potassium | Sodium |
| Zinc | Copper | |
- Boosting metabolism: Some teas, particularly green tea, contain compounds called catechins, which have been shown to help boost metabolism.
- Suppressing appetite: Drinking tea can help reduce hunger and cravings, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Tea contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.
- Improved Heart Health: Regular consumption of tea has been associated with better heart health and a reduced risk of heart disease.
- Boosted Hydration: Tea can help keep you hydrated, which is crucial for overall health.
Tea, the Drink That’s Good for You… Until It’s Not
| Issue | Potential Effects | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine Sensitivity | Can lead to insomnia, jitteriness, increased heart rate, and anxiety. | Opt for decaffeinated teas or herbal teas, such as chamomile, which are naturally caffeine-free. |
| Staining of Teeth | It can cause discoloration of teeth over time due to tannins. | Drink tea with a straw, rinse your mouth with water, and brush your teeth regularly. |
| Reduced Iron Absorption | Tannins can bind to non-heme iron, making it harder for the body to absorb iron. | Drink tea between meals, not with them, and pair it with foods rich in vitamin C. |
| Potential for Overconsumption of Sugar | Sweetened tea can contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and dental issues. | Opt for unsweetened tea or use natural sweeteners, such as stevia. |
| Laxative Effect of Herbal Teas | Excessive consumption of certain herbal teas (like senna) can lead to diarrhea, cramps, and dehydration. | Drink in moderation and consult a healthcare provider for safe herbal tea options. |
| Interference with Medications | Some herbal teas can interact with medications, affecting their effectiveness. | Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before consuming large amounts of herbal teas. |
| Increased Risk of Kidney Stones | Teas high in oxalates, like black tea, may contribute to kidney stone formation. | Limit intake of high-oxalate teas or choose herbal and decaffeinated teas. |
| Digestive Discomfort | Tea can cause acid reflux, stomach irritation, or nausea, especially on an empty stomach. | Drink tea in moderation and avoid consuming it on an empty stomach. Opt for milder teas like chamomile. |
Conclusion: Enjoy Tea Without the Guilt
In conclusion, tea is a calorie-friendly beverage when consumed plain or with minimal additives. It’s packed with health benefits and can be enjoyed by anyone watching their calorie intake. Just be cautious of what you add to your tea, as sweeteners and creamers can quickly turn your cup into a high-calorie drink.
Tea is generally healthy, but like anything, it’s important to consume it in moderation and be mindful of any specific health conditions or sensitivities you may have. If you experience any negative side effects, it’s always a good idea to adjust your consumption or consult with a healthcare provider.
If you’re a tea lover, why not experiment with different types of tea and discover your favorite calorie-friendly combination? Whether it’s a classic cup of green tea or a herbal blend, tea offers endless possibilities for health and enjoyment.
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