Does Flavored Hot Tea Have Calories?

December 31, 2025 •

4 min read

An 8-ounce cup of plain, unflavored tea contains a negligible 2 calories, but the calorie count can increase dramatically with popular additives. The source of calories in your mug isn't the tea leaves themselves, but rather the sweeteners, milks, and creams people add to enhance the flavor.

Quick Summary

Flavored hot tea typically has a negligible calorie count, but significant calories are introduced by common additions like sugar, honey, or milk. Specialty cafe drinks and instant mixes contain more substantial calories from added sweeteners and creamers.

Key Points

Negligible Calories: Plain tea and naturally flavored teas contain almost no calories, typically 0–3 per cup.
Additives are Key: The primary source of calories comes from sweeteners like sugar or honey, and dairy or creamers, not the natural flavor.
Minimal Infusion: The caloric impact of most dried fruit, flower, or herbal flavorings is minimal during the brewing process.
Cafe Drinks Beware: Specialty drinks like chai lattes or bottled sweetened teas can contain hundreds of calories due to high sugar and fat content.
Control Your Intake: To keep your tea low-calorie, opt for unsweetened flavorings, artificial sweeteners, or low-fat milk alternatives.
Weight Management: Low-calorie flavored teas can help with weight management by serving as satisfying replacements for high-calorie beverages.

The Truth About Calories in Plain and Flavored Tea

The fundamental truth about tea is that its base, whether from the Camellia sinensis plant (black, green, white, oolong) or a caffeine-free herbal infusion, is virtually calorie-free. The natural flavorings infused into tea leaves—such as bergamot oil in Earl Grey, dried flower petals, or citrus peels—do not contribute a significant amount of calories to the final brew. The calories in tea only become a factor when other ingredients are added to the preparation.

Most naturally flavored loose-leaf teas or bagged teas contain trace amounts of calories, typically ranging from 0 to 3 per 8-ounce cup. During the steeping process, the tea leaves release flavor compounds and antioxidants, but not enough carbohydrates or fats to be considered calorically significant. This means you can enjoy a wide variety of flavors, from hibiscus to peppermint, without impacting your daily calorie intake.

How Additives Drastically Change the Calorie Count

The most significant factor influencing the calorie content of your flavored hot tea is what you add to it. Sweeteners, dairy, and syrups are the main culprits that transform a nearly calorie-free beverage into a high-calorie indulgence. The impact can be substantial, and understanding these additions is key to managing your intake effectively.

A Breakdown of Common Add-Ins

Sugar: A single teaspoon of granulated sugar adds approximately 16 calories. Many people add more than one, or use heaping spoonfuls, quickly escalating the calorie count.
Honey: A tablespoon of honey can add anywhere from 40 to 64 calories, depending on the variety and amount. Honey is often seen as a healthier alternative, but it is still a source of significant calories.
Milk: The type and amount of milk used drastically affects calories. An 8-ounce cup with 125ml of whole milk adds about 55 calories, while the same amount of skim milk is closer to 42 calories.
Cream and Creamers: Heavy cream adds a much higher fat content and, therefore, more calories. A single tablespoon can add over 50 calories. Flavored coffee creamers are also a calorie source, often containing added sugars and fats.
Syrups: Sweetened syrups, commonly used in cafe-style drinks, can add 15 to 150 calories or more per serving, depending on the quantity.

Flavored Tea Variations and Their Calorie Impact

Not all flavored teas are created equal. The preparation method can mean the difference between a zero-calorie drink and a sugary confection.

Naturally Flavored Tea: These are typically low-calorie. For instance, Earl Grey, which uses bergamot oil, or peppermint tea from steeped leaves, contains negligible calories.
Chai Tea: A plain, unsweetened chai tea made by steeping black tea and spices has minimal calories. However, a store-bought or cafe-prepared chai latte, which includes milk and sugar, can contain upwards of 180 calories per serving.
Matcha: While pure matcha powder is low in calories (3-6 calories per gram) and rich in antioxidants, a matcha latte from a coffee shop can include milk and syrup, bringing the calorie count to over 180.
Instant Tea Mixes: Instant or granulated tea mixes often contain a high percentage of sugar, along with artificial flavors. A single cup can add 80 calories or more, making them a high-calorie choice.

Comparison of Calorie Sources in Tea


Type of Tea / Preparation	Approx. Calories (8 oz)	Primary Calorie Source
Plain Brewed Tea (Black/Green)	2-3 kcal	Trace carbohydrates
Naturally Flavored Herbal Tea	0-3 kcal	Trace carbohydrates, natural compounds
Tea with 1 tsp Sugar	18-19 kcal	Sugar
Tea with 1 tbsp Honey	42-67 kcal	Honey
Tea with 125ml Whole Milk	57-58 kcal	Milk (fat and sugar)
Cafe Chai Latte	180+ kcal	Milk, sugar/syrups

Tips for Enjoying Low-Calorie Flavored Tea

If you want to enjoy the flavor of tea without the added calories, you have several excellent options.

Choose Unsweetened Alternatives: Opt for unsweetened plant-based milks like almond or oat milk instead of dairy. Many flavored tea brands sell unsweetened varieties as well.
Use Natural Spices: Add natural, calorie-free spices like cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, or fresh mint leaves for extra flavor without the sugar.
Try Calorie-Free Sweeteners: Use zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract if you prefer a sweet taste.
Add Citrus or Fruit: A slice of lemon, orange, or a few berries can infuse natural flavor with minimal caloric impact.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Flavored Hot Tea

The simple answer to whether flavored hot tea has calories is that, by itself, it does not. The calories are entirely dependent on what you add to the cup. Naturally flavored teas with ingredients like dried fruit, herbs, or flowers contribute a negligible amount of calories. The real calorie increase comes from popular additions such as sugar, honey, milk, cream, and syrups. By being mindful of your add-ins, you can easily enjoy a delicious, warm cup of flavored tea as a healthy, low-calorie beverage that fits into a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, standard flavored tea bags that contain dried herbs, fruits, or flowers add a negligible number of calories during the brewing process.

Sweeteners such as sugar, honey, and high-fat dairy products like milk, cream, or syrups add the most calories, not the natural flavors from the tea leaves or botanicals.

Yes, commercially prepared sweetened iced teas and instant mixes often contain significant amounts of added sugars. In contrast, hot flavored tea brewed at home without additives remains virtually calorie-free.

Plain, unsweetened flavored tea with negligible calories will not break a fast. However, adding milk, sugar, or other calorie-containing ingredients will interrupt the fast.

One teaspoon of granulated sugar adds approximately 16 calories to your tea.

Yes, instant tea mixes often contain significant amounts of sugar and very little actual tea extract, making them a high-calorie choice.

Try using zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia, adding a squeeze of fresh lemon, or incorporating spices like cinnamon sticks for flavor without the calories.