Are there any calories in a tea bag?

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 8-ounce cup of brewed black or green tea contains a negligible 2 calories, which is considered insignificant. So, are there any calories in a tea bag itself? For all practical purposes, the answer is no, the tea bag contains virtually no calories until you add milk, sugar, or other ingredients.

Quick Summary

Pure, unsweetened tea from a tea bag is nearly calorie-free, with the leaves contributing only a tiny, negligible amount. The significant increase in a cup's calorie count comes from additives like sugar, milk, and honey, not the tea bag itself. This makes plain tea an excellent, hydrating, and low-calorie beverage option.

Key Points

Tea bags are calorie-free: The leaves inside a standard tea bag contain virtually no calories on their own.
Additives increase calories: Calories are added to tea by ingredients like sugar, honey, milk, and cream, not by the tea itself.
Brewed tea is negligible: A standard 8-ounce cup of brewed black, green, white, or oolong tea contains only 2–3 calories.
Herbal infusions are low-calorie: Most herbal teas, or tisanes, also contain negligible calories, typically 0–3 per cup.
Plain tea is best for weight management: Choosing plain, unsweetened tea is an effective way to cut down on calories from beverages.
Loose leaf vs. tea bags: There is no significant caloric difference between loose leaf and bagged tea; the choice depends on preference.

The truth about tea bag calories

Many health-conscious individuals closely monitor their daily caloric intake, and one common query revolves around the calorie content of tea bags. The reassuring news is that when you use a standard tea bag, the leaves inside—whether from Camellia sinensis or an herbal blend—contain almost no calories. It is the act of adding sweeteners or dairy that introduces the bulk of calories, drastically changing the nutritional profile of your cup.

What adds calories to your tea?

Plain, unsweetened tea is essentially a zero-calorie drink, making it a great alternative to sugary sodas and juices. The trace amounts of carbohydrates and protein extracted during steeping are so minimal that they are not considered a factor in your daily calorie count. However, the story changes dramatically with common additions.

Sugar: A single teaspoon of refined white sugar adds approximately 16 calories.
Honey: One tablespoon of honey can add around 64 calories, depending on the type.
Milk: The calorie count from milk varies based on the type and fat content. Just 4 ounces of whole milk adds about 75 calories, while skim milk adds roughly 42.
Syrups: Flavored syrups, frequently found in specialty teas and lattes, can contribute a significant number of calories, often upwards of 100 per serving.

Comparing the calorie content of different tea types

Different types of tea offer slightly different nutritional compositions, but when consumed plain, they all remain very low in calories. The following comparison table breaks down the calorie content of various brewed teas before any additions.


Type of Tea	Calories per 8 oz (240ml) Cup	Key Characteristics
Black Tea	~2 calories	Fully oxidized leaves, bold flavor, source of theaflavins.
Green Tea	~2 calories	Unoxidized leaves, delicate flavor, high in EGCG catechins.
White Tea	~2 calories	Minimally processed young leaves, very light and subtle flavor.
Oolong Tea	~2 calories	Partially oxidized leaves, flavor ranges from floral to toasty.
Herbal Tea	0–3 calories	Infusions of herbs, fruits, or spices (e.g., chamomile, peppermint).
Matcha Tea	~6 calories (per 2g)	Powdered green tea leaf, higher in nutrients and caffeine.

The role of tea in a healthy lifestyle

Because plain tea is so low in calories, it can be a valuable part of a healthy diet or weight management plan. It provides a flavorful way to stay hydrated without the sugar load of many other popular beverages. The antioxidants and plant compounds in tea, particularly catechins in green tea and theaflavins in black tea, offer a range of potential health benefits, from improving heart health to boosting metabolism.

Tips for enjoying low-calorie tea:

Drink it plain: For a truly zero-calorie experience, steep your tea bag and enjoy the flavor as is.
Use sugar substitutes: If you prefer a sweet taste, opt for a non-caloric sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
Add a squeeze of lemon: A twist of lemon adds bright flavor without adding calories, and the citrus can enhance the absorption of antioxidants.
Switch to non-dairy alternatives: If milk is a must, choose unsweetened options like almond or soy milk to keep calories low.
Flavor with natural ingredients: Instead of sugar, try infusing your tea with a slice of ginger, a cinnamon stick, or fresh mint leaves for natural flavor.

Loose leaf vs. tea bags: Is there a calorie difference?

The difference in calorie count between loose leaf tea and tea bags is insignificant, as the source material is the same: the dried leaves of the tea plant. The primary nutritional difference lies in the quality and composition of the tea itself. Loose leaf tea is often considered higher quality because it uses whole or larger pieces of the leaf, which can lead to a richer flavor and higher antioxidant concentration. Conversely, many tea bags contain smaller pieces of tea leaves and fannings, which may offer slightly fewer health benefits, but the calorie difference is practically zero. The choice between loose leaf and tea bags is therefore more about taste preference and environmental impact than caloric intake.

The bottom line

In conclusion, if you are concerned about whether there are any calories in a tea bag, the simple answer is no. Plain, unsweetened tea, whether from a bag or loose leaf, is an excellent zero-calorie beverage option. The real impact on your calorie count comes from what you choose to add to your cup. By being mindful of sweeteners and dairy products, you can easily control the calorie content of your favorite brew while still enjoying its flavor and health benefits.

Disclaimer: Please consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice regarding diet and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a tea bag on its own has zero calories. It is the additives like sugar, milk, or honey that contribute calories to your final cup of tea, not the tea leaves or herbs themselves.

An average 8-ounce cup of plain black tea, brewed with a tea bag and just hot water, contains a negligible amount of calories, typically around 2 calories.

No, a green tea bag itself is calorie-free. When brewed, a cup of plain green tea contains only about 2 calories, which comes from trace amounts of natural compounds in the leaves.

Most herbal teas have negligible to zero calories, usually ranging from 0 to 3 calories per cup. Calories can vary slightly depending on the ingredients, especially if the blend contains dried fruit.

The primary source of calories in sweetened tea is the addition of sweeteners and dairy. For example, one teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories, while a tablespoon of honey adds approximately 64.

There is no significant calorie difference between loose leaf tea and tea from a bag. Both offer a nearly calorie-free beverage when brewed plain with water.

While tea is not a magic solution for weight loss, its low-calorie nature makes it a great substitute for high-calorie drinks like soda. Some teas, like green tea, also contain compounds that may boost metabolism.