Does Hop Tea Have Sugar? Unpacking the Sweetness of This Herbal Brew

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Many commercially produced hop teas are explicitly marketed as containing zero sugar and zero calories, appealing to health-conscious consumers. So, does hop tea have sugar naturally? The answer largely depends on whether any sweeteners are added during preparation, as pure hops contain only negligible traces of sugars.

Quick Summary

Unsweetened hop tea is inherently sugar-free because hops contribute only trace amounts of sugars and no fermentable sugar. Any sugar content comes from added sweeteners, making it a naturally low-calorie, healthy beverage when prepared simply with water.

Key Points

Naturally Sugar-Free: Unsweetened hop tea contains zero sugar and zero calories from the hops themselves.
Minimal Sugar in Hops: The hop cone contains only trace amounts of simple, non-fermentable sugars that have a negligible impact on the final beverage.
Sugar is an Additive: Any sweetness in hop tea is a result of added ingredients like honey, sugar, or syrups, not the hops.
Relaxation Benefits: Unsweetened hop tea is known for its natural sedative properties, which can help promote relaxation and sleep.
Simple DIY Preparation: You can easily brew your own sugar-free hop tea at home using just hops and water, giving you complete control over the ingredients.
Excellent Beverage Alternative: For those looking to reduce sugar intake, unsweetened hop tea is a flavorful, healthy alternative to sodas and sweetened juices.

The Natural Composition of Hops

Hops, the dried, cone-like flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant, are most famously known for their role in brewing beer. They provide the characteristic bitterness, aroma, and flavor that balance the sweetness of malt. However, the plant material itself contains very little in the way of fermentable sugars. An analysis of the hop cone shows that monosaccharides, which are simple sugars, make up only about 2% of its composition, and these are in such small quantities that they are considered negligible.

Unlike fruits or other sweet ingredients, hops contribute no significant sugar to an infusion. When hot or cold water is used to steep the hop cones, the infusion extracts their volatile essential oils and bitter compounds (alpha and beta acids), but leaves behind almost all of the plant’s structural components. This is why a simple brew of hops and water, or hop tea, is naturally sugar-free, unless a sweetener is added after brewing. This distinction is crucial for anyone monitoring their sugar intake for dietary reasons or managing conditions like diabetes.

How Added Sugars Can Change Hop Tea

While unsweetened hop tea is a naturally healthy beverage, its sugar profile changes drastically when sweeteners are introduced. Common additions include honey, maple syrup, or plain sugar to offset the inherent bitterness of the hops.

Honey and Syrup: These natural sweeteners add sugar and calories, but some consumers prefer them for a less refined flavor. A teaspoon of honey adds about 17 grams of sugar and 64 calories.
White Sugar: This is a classic sweetener that delivers concentrated sugar without adding any other flavors. A teaspoon contains about 4 grams of sugar and 16 calories.
Sugar Substitutes: Many zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or erythritol can be used to add sweetness without affecting the sugar count. These are an excellent option for maintaining the zero-sugar profile while balancing the flavor.

Comparison: Hop Tea vs. Other Popular Beverages

To better understand where hop tea fits in, here is a comparison of its nutritional content when unsweetened against other common drinks.


Beverage	Sugar Content (per 8oz/240ml)	Calorie Content (per 8oz/240ml)	Typical Sweetness	Notes
Unsweetened Hop Tea	0g	0	Naturally Bitter	Ideal for a sugar-free diet.
Sweetened Bottled Tea	25-30g or more	100-120+	Very Sweet	High in added sugar and calories.
Regular Soda	25-30g or more	100-120+	Very Sweet	Zero nutritional value; high in sugar.
Fruit Juice	20-25g	90-110+	Sweet	Natural sugars, but high volume.
Black Coffee (No Sugar)	0g	0-5	Naturally Bitter	Zero sugar, but can be acidic.

Health Benefits of Unsweetened Hop Tea

Beyond being sugar-free, hop tea offers a number of potential health benefits, which have been explored for centuries in traditional herbal medicine.

Promotes Relaxation and Sleep: Hops contain compounds with sedative effects, such as humulone and lupulone. This makes hop tea a popular evening beverage for calming the nerves and promoting restful sleep.
Digestive Aid: The bitter compounds in hops can stimulate digestion and act as a natural aperitif when consumed before a meal.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: Hops contain antioxidants like xanthohumol, which combat oxidative stress and possess anti-inflammatory qualities.
Menopausal Symptom Relief: Some studies suggest that the phytoestrogens in hops may help alleviate symptoms associated with menopause.

It is important to note that while some of these properties have been observed, scientific research is ongoing. As with any herbal remedy, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended before use. An authoritative source for further information on the chemical compounds in hops can be found at the National Institutes of Health.

A Simple DIY Hop Tea Recipe

Making your own sugar-free hop tea at home is a simple process. It allows you complete control over the ingredients and ensures zero sugar is included.

Heat the Water: Bring filtered water to a near-boil (around 175°F or 80°C). Overly hot water can extract more bitterness from the hops.
Steep the Hops: Add dried hop flowers or pellets to a tea infuser or French press. A common ratio is 1-2 grams of hops per cup of water.
Infuse: Steep for 5-7 minutes. Adjust the steeping time based on desired flavor intensity. Longer steeping increases bitterness.
Strain and Serve: Remove the hops. The tea can be enjoyed hot or chilled. For cold-brewed hop tea, allow hops to infuse in cold water for 4-8 hours.

Conclusion

In short, does hop tea have sugar? The answer is no, not inherently. When brewed from just hops and water, it is a sugar-free, low-calorie beverage. Any sugar present is the result of sweeteners added during or after the brewing process. For those seeking a beverage that offers a unique, hoppy flavor without contributing to their daily sugar intake, unsweetened hop tea is an excellent choice. It provides a crisp, naturally bitter profile and offers several potential health benefits, making it a functional and refreshing alternative to sugary drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, unsweetened hop tea contains no sugar and zero calories, making it a safe and refreshing beverage choice for those managing their blood sugar. However, any additions like honey or sugar will increase the sugar content, so it's important to keep that in mind.

Unsweetened hop tea has a naturally bitter, earthy, and aromatic flavor profile. The specific taste varies depending on the type of hop used, much like in beer, and can range from piney and citrusy to floral.

Yes, you can add sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or zero-calorie sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit to balance the bitterness. Just be aware that adding traditional sweeteners will introduce sugar and calories.

Pure hop tea made only from hop cones is naturally caffeine-free. However, some commercially available products combine hops with caffeinated teas, like green or black tea, so always check the ingredients list.

Hops have sedative properties, so excessive consumption, especially in combination with other sedatives, may cause drowsiness. Hops also possess phytoestrogenic compounds, so individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult a doctor before use.

For a less bitter flavor, you can cold-brew hop tea by steeping dried hops in cold water in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours. The longer steep time at a lower temperature extracts the aromas without pulling out as much bitterness.

Hop tea is an infusion of hop cones steeped in water, often hot, to create an herbal tea. Hop water, on the other hand, is typically a sparkling, non-alcoholic water infused with hops, often with added flavors like fruit or botanicals.

For those seeking the hoppy aroma and flavor of a craft beer without the alcohol, calories, or sugar, unsweetened hop tea is an excellent alternative. It captures the essence of hops in a healthy, alcohol-free beverage.