Can You Drink Tea and Coffee on SlimFast? Yes, But With Limits

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Millions of dieters worldwide rely on their daily dose of caffeine, so it is a common question for those on the program whether they can drink tea and coffee on SlimFast. The good news is that these beverages are generally permitted, but your approach must be strategic, focusing on calorie control to prevent undermining your weight loss efforts. The key is being mindful of what you add to your cup.

Quick Summary

Tea and coffee are allowed on the SlimFast plan, but mindful calorie management is crucial for success. Additions like milk and sugar must be counted toward the daily allowance, particularly the 100-calorie snacks. Opt for black or use a small amount of skimmed milk and a zero-calorie sweetener to minimize caloric impact.

Key Points

Permission Granted: Yes, you can drink tea and coffee on SlimFast, but with important caveats about additions.
Calories Count: Black coffee and unsweetened tea are nearly calorie-free, making them safe choices for consumption.
Beware of Additions: Calorie-rich additions like milk and sugar must be counted and deducted from your daily allowance.
Replace High-Calorie Treats: A high-street milky coffee might exceed 100 calories and should replace one of your allocated snacks.
Sugar-Free Alternatives: Use calorie-free sweeteners instead of sugar to maintain a low-calorie profile.
Moderate Caffeine: While caffeine can aid in appetite suppression, moderate your intake to avoid adverse effects like sleep disturbances.
Advanced Energy Products: Be aware that some SlimFast products, like the 'Advanced Energy' shakes, contain added caffeine.

The Core Rule: Counting Calories

The most important principle to remember when consuming tea and coffee on the SlimFast plan is that any calories you add must be accounted for within your daily intake. The plan works by creating a calorie deficit through a structured routine: two meal replacement shakes or bars, three 100-calorie snacks, and one 600-calorie meal (800 for men). Unsweetened tea and black coffee contain negligible calories, making them a safe choice. However, milk, sugar, and syrups can quickly add up, consuming a significant portion of your snack budget.

Mindful Additions

Milk: A splash of skimmed milk adds minimal calories (approx. 25 kcal per cup when combined with sweetener), but anything more, or using semi-skimmed milk, increases this considerably.
Sugar and Syrups: These are empty calories that should be avoided. Zero-calorie sweeteners are a safe alternative.
Coffee Shop Drinks: Lattes and cappuccinos can be surprisingly high in calories. A 'skinny' cappuccino can still contain 100 kcal or more. If you must have one, it should replace one of your 100-calorie snacks for the day.

Benefits and Considerations of Caffeine

Caffeine can be a helpful tool when used in moderation during a weight loss journey, but it is important to understand its effects. Both tea and coffee contain caffeine, though in varying amounts. Caffeine can offer a boost of energy and may help to suppress appetite, which can be useful when you are adjusting to a lower-calorie diet. However, excessive caffeine can lead to side effects like anxiety, disturbed sleep, and digestive issues.

SlimFast is aware of the role of caffeine, even offering a line of 'Advanced Energy' products containing 100mg of caffeine, equivalent to a standard cup of coffee. This highlights that caffeine consumption can be part of the plan, as long as it's controlled. Always keep track of your total caffeine intake from all sources.

Comparison of Common SlimFast-Friendly Drinks


Beverage Type	Approximate Calories	Sugar Content	Suitable on SlimFast?	Notes
Black Coffee	~1 kcal	None	Yes	Safe, almost calorie-free.
Black Tea (Unsweetened)	~2 kcal	None	Yes	Safe, almost calorie-free.
Green/Herbal Tea	~5 kcal	None	Yes	Safe, almost calorie-free. Can be counted towards daily fluid intake.
Coffee with Skim Milk & Sweetener	~25 kcal	None	Yes	A good alternative to black, counts against allowances.
Coffee Shop Skinny Cappuccino	100+ kcal	Varying	Yes, but…	Must replace a 100 kcal snack.
SlimFast Advanced Energy Shake	180 kcal	Varies	Yes	A meal replacement, not a snack. Contains 100mg caffeine.

Managing Your Fluid Intake

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and weight loss. On the SlimFast plan, you should aim for at least 2 liters of fluid per day. While water is the best option, unsweetened teas and black coffee can contribute to this goal. Sugar-free squash is another approved option. Proper hydration can help manage hunger and prevent some of the common side effects associated with dieting, such as headaches and fatigue. Be careful not to confuse thirst with hunger.

SlimFast and Calorie Allocation

The SlimFast plan is designed around a daily calorie budget, typically 1200-1400 calories for women. When you add calories from tea or coffee, you need to be mindful of how that impacts your overall daily intake. For example, if you add milk and sugar to your morning coffee, those calories subtract from your available snack allowance. If a coffee shop drink is high in calories, it might replace one of your three 100-calorie snacks entirely.

For a structured and successful weight loss journey, it is best to plan your beverages in advance. Start by aiming for black coffee or unsweetened tea. If you find yourself needing a treat, decide which of your 100-calorie snacks you are willing to give up to make room for it. For instance, swapping a piece of fruit for a milky cappuccino is a conscious decision that helps you stay on track.

Conclusion: Mindful and Measured

In short, can you drink tea and coffee on SlimFast? Yes, absolutely. The key to success is to approach your caffeinated beverages with the same mindfulness as you do your meals. Prioritize low-calorie options like black coffee or unsweetened herbal teas to maximize hydration without impacting your calorie deficit. If you prefer to add milk or use a café-style drink, ensure you accurately track the calories and deduct them from your snack allowance. By staying measured and aware, you can continue to enjoy your favorite hot drinks while successfully pursuing your weight loss goals on the SlimFast plan. For more information on the plan's details, you can consult the official SlimFast Quick-Start Guide available on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can have a small amount of milk. However, the calories must be counted and deducted from your daily allowance. Using skimmed milk and a zero-calorie sweetener is the best approach to keep the calorie count low.

Yes, but with a restriction. A high-calorie coffee shop drink like a skinny cappuccino (which can be over 100 kcal) should replace one of your three 100-calorie snacks for the day.

Standard SlimFast shakes have minimal natural caffeine in flavors like chocolate or coffee. However, the 'Advanced Energy' line of shakes contains 100mg of added caffeine per serving, which is equivalent to a regular cup of coffee.

No, it is advised to avoid sugar. It adds unnecessary calories that can hinder your weight loss. Use a zero-calorie sweetener as an alternative to satisfy your craving for sweetness.

No, unsweetened green tea is very low in calories and is perfectly acceptable on the SlimFast plan. A cup typically contains only about 5 calories.

There is no strict limit, but you should moderate your intake, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine. Keep track of any caloric additions and avoid overconsumption to prevent side effects like sleep issues.

Yes, unsweetened herbal teas are a great option. They are naturally very low in calories and can help contribute to your daily fluid intake.