Do Herbal Teas Have Calories in Them? The Surprising Truth

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

Tea is one of the world's most widely consumed beverages, with two-thirds of the global population drinking it regularly. The question of whether herbal tea contains calories is a common one for those monitoring their intake or seeking a healthy beverage alternative.

Quick Summary

Pure herbal teas, or infusions, contain negligible calories, typically 0 to 3 per cup, derived from trace compounds in the herbs, fruits, or flowers used. The calorie content increases significantly with the addition of sweeteners or milk, transforming a nearly calorie-free drink into a higher-calorie beverage.

Key Points

Virtually Calorie-Free: Plain herbal teas, or tisanes, typically contain 0 to 3 calories per cup, making them a negligible source of calories.
Additives Add Calories: Any significant calorie count comes from additions like sugar, honey, or milk, not the herbs themselves.
Herbal vs. True Teas: Herbal teas are infusions from various botanicals, while 'true' teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant; both are low-calorie when plain.
Negligible Nutrients: While packed with flavor and beneficial compounds, plain herbal tea offers very little in the way of fats, sugars, or proteins.
Hibiscus Tea Exception: Hibiscus tea can contain slightly more calories than other herbal teas due to natural sugars, though it remains a low-calorie option.
How to Stay Low-Calorie: To keep your tea low-calorie, use calorie-free sweeteners like stevia or opt for unsweetened plant-based milks instead of sugar or full-fat dairy.

What Exactly Are Herbal Teas?

Before diving into the calorie content, it's important to understand what constitutes an herbal tea. Unlike traditional teas (black, green, oolong, white) which come from the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas are technically 'tisanes.' They are infusions made by steeping a variety of dried herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, and other plant materials in hot water. This distinction is crucial because the source material determines the foundational nutritional profile.

The Calorie Profile of Plain Herbal Infusions

When prepared without any additions, most herbal teas are virtually calorie-free. The minimal calorie count, often cited as 0 to 3 calories per 8-ounce cup, comes from minute amounts of carbohydrates and proteins present in the plant matter. During the steeping process, only trace compounds are extracted into the water, resulting in an aromatic, flavorful, yet non-caloric drink. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a flavorful, hydrating beverage without increasing their daily calorie intake.

The Real Calorie Culprits: Additives

The low-calorie nature of herbal tea changes drastically with what you add to your cup. The extra ingredients most people use are the actual source of calories. Understanding this can help you make mindful choices about your beverage.

List of Common Additives and Their Calorie Impact

Sugar: A single teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories to your drink.
Honey: One tablespoon of honey can add approximately 64 calories.
Milk (Whole): Adding 125ml of whole milk can contribute around 55 calories.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: A high-calorie choice, just one ounce can pack over 120 calories.
Flavored Syrups: Used in many cafe-style beverages, these can add significant sugar and calorie content.

Specific Herbal Teas and Their Calorie Count

While most plain herbal teas are consistently low in calories, some variations exist, primarily due to the specific ingredients used in the blend. Certain teas containing dried fruits, for example, may have a slightly higher but still negligible calorie count from natural sugars.

Comparison Table: Calories in Tea


Tea Type	Preparation	Approximate Calories (per 8 oz cup)	Source
Herbal Tea	Plain infusion	0-3 kcal
Green Tea	Plain brewed	~2 kcal
Black Tea	Plain brewed	~2 kcal
Herbal Tea	With 1 tsp sugar	~16-20 kcal
Black Tea	With 125ml whole milk	~57 kcal
Chai Latte	With reduced fat milk and syrup	~240 kcal (16 oz)

How to Enjoy Low-Calorie Herbal Tea

To keep your herbal tea a low-calorie or zero-calorie indulgence, consider these simple tips:

Drink it Plain: For a truly calorie-free experience, enjoy your herbal tea hot or iced without any additives. The natural flavors from the botanicals are often enough to provide a satisfying taste.
Use Calorie-Free Sweeteners: If you crave sweetness, opt for natural, zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract instead of sugar or honey.
Choose Unsweetened Milks: If you prefer a creamy texture, choose unsweetened almond, soy, or other plant-based milks, which contain fewer calories than whole milk options.
Make it a Cold Brew: Preparing cold brew herbal tea can result in a smoother, naturally sweeter flavor profile, reducing the need for added sweeteners.

For more information on the different types of tea and their nutritional profiles, a great resource is Healthline, which provides detailed insights.

Conclusion

To answer the question, do herbal teas have calories in them? The answer is a resounding 'no' when consumed in their pure, unadulterated form. Their calorie count is negligible, typically falling between 0 and 3 calories per cup, which is practically zero. The calories in a cup of herbal tea almost always come from the added ingredients—like sugar, honey, or milk—rather than the herbal infusion itself. By being mindful of your additions, you can confidently enjoy herbal tea as a delicious, hydrating, and virtually calorie-free part of your daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, unsweetened herbal tea is virtually calorie-free, with most containing 0 to 3 calories per cup from trace elements in the steeped botanicals.

An 8-ounce cup of plain peppermint tea has a negligible calorie count, often around 2.4 calories, and is considered a low-calorie, guilt-free drink.

Yes, adding honey significantly increases the calorie count. One tablespoon of honey can add approximately 64 calories, converting your tea into a higher-calorie drink.

Plain herbal tea without any additions is generally acceptable during a fasting period, as its calorie count is virtually zero. However, adding milk, sugar, or honey would break the fast.

Both plain herbal teas and plain regular teas (black, green, etc.) are very low in calories, typically around 2-3 calories per cup. The key difference lies in their botanical source, not their caloric impact.

Herbal teas with dried fruit may have a slightly higher calorie count due to natural sugars, but it is still very low, typically under 10 calories per cup.

While herbal tea is a great low-calorie beverage that can support weight management by replacing high-calorie drinks, it is not a weight loss solution on its own. It works best as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle.