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Does Smooth Move Tea Have Any Calories?

4 min read

According to official nutritional data, a single tea bag of most Smooth Move varieties contains zero calories when brewed in water. For those monitoring their caloric intake, this makes it an excellent choice for a soothing and flavorful beverage.

Quick Summary

Smooth Move tea is virtually calorie-free when prepared plain, as its herbal ingredients contribute only trace amounts of energy. The calorie count only increases with added sweeteners or milk.

Key Points

  • Zero Calorie Base: Plain, brewed Smooth Move tea has negligible calories, typically rounded to zero per serving.

  • Additives Add Calories: Any calories come from added ingredients like sugar, honey, or milk, not the tea bag itself.

  • Herbal Ingredients are Negligible: The herbs in the blend, including senna and peppermint, contribute trace amounts of calories that don't affect the final brewed drink.

  • Supports Weight Management: As a calorie-free drink, it can help reduce overall daily caloric intake when replacing high-calorie beverages.

  • Excellent for Hydration: It is a flavorful and zero-calorie way to increase fluid intake throughout the day.

  • Choose Plain for Guilt-Free Enjoyment: For the purest experience, avoid sweeteners or dairy to keep your cup calorie-free.

In This Article

The Calorie Count of Plain Smooth Move Tea

When brewed as directed, Smooth Move tea is considered a zero-calorie beverage. This is consistent with most plain herbal teas, where the brewing process infuses the water with flavor and active compounds but leaves behind the negligible caloric content of the dried herbs. The energy from the senna leaf, licorice root, and other botanicals remains in the tea bag rather than being extracted into the hot water in any significant quantity. For dieters or individuals managing their weight, this makes Smooth Move an excellent way to enjoy a warm, flavorful drink without adding to their daily caloric load.

The Ingredients and Their Contribution

Smooth Move tea is made from a blend of herbs, primarily organic senna leaf, often combined with other ingredients for flavor, such as peppermint or licorice root. Let's break down the components:

  • Organic Senna Leaf: The main active ingredient, known for its laxative properties, contains no calories in the brewed form.
  • Organic Peppermint Leaf: A common flavoring, peppermint is an herbal infusion with a very low caloric profile, often cited at around 2.4 calories per cup, a number often rounded to zero on nutrition labels.
  • Organic Licorice Root: This root adds a sweet flavor. While the raw root does contain carbohydrates, the amount that transfers into a brewed tea is minimal, contributing a negligible number of calories.
  • Proprietary Blends: Other varieties may contain ingredients like fennel fruit, orange peel, or ginger rhizome. Similar to the other herbs, these contribute only trace amounts of calories when brewed.

The Impact of Added Ingredients

While the tea itself is a guilt-free choice, any additives can quickly change its caloric value. This is a crucial distinction for anyone tracking their intake.

Common Add-ins and Their Caloric Impact:

  • Sugar or Honey: Adding just one teaspoon of sugar can introduce approximately 16 calories to your cup. A tablespoon of honey adds around 64 calories.
  • Milk or Cream: A splash of milk can add 20-30 calories, depending on the type and quantity. Cream or other dairy products will increase this count even further.
  • Lemon or Spices: Adding a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of cinnamon adds virtually no calories and can enhance the flavor naturally.

Comparison: Plain vs. Sweetened Tea

This table highlights the stark difference in calories between plain Smooth Move tea and variations with common additives.

Beverage Type Preparation Estimated Calories Notes
Plain Smooth Move Tea 1 tea bag steeped in 8 oz water 0–2 calories The calorie count is negligible and often rounded to zero.
Smooth Move Tea with Honey Add 1 tbsp of honey ~64 calories Honey is a natural sweetener but adds significant calories.
Smooth Move Tea with Sugar Add 1 tsp of sugar ~16 calories White or brown sugar is a quick way to increase caloric intake.
Smooth Move Tea with Milk Add 1 oz of whole milk ~9–10 calories Adding whole milk significantly changes the nutritional profile.

The Role of Calorie-Free Beverages in a Healthy Diet

Incorporating zero-calorie drinks like plain Smooth Move tea into your daily routine offers several health benefits:

  • Hydration: It's an enjoyable way to increase fluid intake, which is essential for nearly every bodily function.
  • Weight Management: By replacing high-calorie beverages such as soda or sweetened juices, it helps reduce overall daily caloric intake, which can support weight loss or maintenance efforts.
  • Blood Sugar Control: Since plain tea does not contain sugar, it does not cause blood sugar spikes, making it a suitable option for those managing diabetes or prediabetes.
  • Alternative to Caffeine: Many Smooth Move varieties are caffeine-free, offering a soothing alternative for those sensitive to stimulants while still providing flavor.

Brewing and Consumption Tips

To keep Smooth Move tea as a zero-calorie drink, consider these suggestions:

  • Drink it Plain: For the purest, calorie-free experience, enjoy the tea without any additions.
  • Add Natural, Zero-Calorie Flavorings: A slice of lemon, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of mint can add natural flavor without calories.
  • Use Stevia or Monk Fruit: If you need a touch of sweetness, natural, zero-calorie sweeteners are a great option.
  • Be Mindful of Brewing Time: While it won't impact calories, following the recommended steep time (usually 5-10 minutes) ensures you don't over-extract the senna, which can cause discomfort.

Conclusion

In summary, plain Smooth Move tea is a virtually calorie-free beverage that can be a beneficial part of a healthy diet. The key to keeping it that way is to avoid adding sweeteners like sugar or honey and high-calorie dairy products. Enjoyed on its own, it is a guilt-free way to stay hydrated and support regularity, leveraging the natural properties of its herbal ingredients without compromising your nutritional goals.

For more information on the specific ingredients and product details, you can visit the Traditional Medicinals website.

Frequently Asked Questions

When brewed according to instructions and consumed plain, Smooth Move tea is considered a zero-calorie beverage. It contains trace, negligible calories that are typically rounded down to zero on nutritional labels.

Adding one tablespoon of honey to your Smooth Move tea will add approximately 64 calories. For accurate tracking, always account for any sweeteners you add.

Yes, adding milk or any other dairy or milk-alternative product will increase the calorie count. The amount depends on the type and quantity of milk used.

Since plain Smooth Move tea contains virtually zero calories, it will not break a fast. However, adding any form of sweetener or milk would provide calories and break the fast.

Yes, you can use zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract to sweeten your Smooth Move tea without adding any calories. This is a good option if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Because it is calorie-free when consumed plain, Smooth Move tea can be a good option for weight management. It helps increase fluid intake and can serve as a flavorful alternative to sugary drinks.

The individual herbal ingredients, such as senna leaf and peppermint, contain very few calories to begin with. When steeped in hot water, the calories remain in the tea bag, resulting in a brewed beverage with a negligible caloric impact.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.