How many calories are in a blue lotus?

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Plain herbal teas, including blue lotus tea, contain virtually zero calories, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. Historically revered by ancient Egyptians for its relaxing properties, the blue lotus flower itself is not typically consumed as a food source but rather brewed into a subtle, floral infusion. The caloric content primarily depends on what, if anything, is added to the tea.

Quick Summary

Pure blue lotus tea made from dried flowers contains negligible calories, similar to other herbal teas. The calorie count can increase significantly with additions like honey, sugar, or other sweeteners. This beverage is prized for its historical use and relaxing, non-caloric properties.

Key Points

Virtually Calorie-Free: Pure, unsweetened blue lotus tea contains negligible calories (0-3 kcal per cup), similar to other herbal infusions.
Sweeteners Add Calories: The calorie count of blue lotus tea increases significantly with the addition of honey, sugar, milk, or concentrated extracts.
Not a Food Source: The dried petals are brewed for their effects and flavor rather than eaten for nutritional value.
Prized for Relaxation: Beyond its low-calorie profile, blue lotus is historically and anecdotally used for its calming, mood-enhancing, and sleep-promoting effects due to its alkaloids.
Consider Safety Precautions: While often considered safe in moderation, the FDA has not approved blue lotus for human consumption, and potential side effects or interactions with medication should be considered.

Understanding the Calories in a Blue Lotus Infusion

When considering how many calories are in a blue lotus, it's crucial to distinguish between the raw flower and the herbal tea most people consume. The pure, unsweetened tea infusion itself is extremely low in calories, akin to water, because the brew simply extracts the flavor and beneficial alkaloids like apomorphine and nuciferine from the dried petals. Any caloric impact comes from sweeteners or other ingredients added during preparation, not the flower itself.

The Nutritional Profile of Pure Blue Lotus Tea

A standard cup of herbal tea, including blue lotus tea, typically contains between 0 and 3 calories. The process of steeping dried flowers in hot water extracts their essential compounds without pulling out significant fats, proteins, or carbohydrates. This makes it an ideal beverage for those following a low-calorie or keto-friendly diet.

Factors That Add Calories to Your Blue Lotus Tea

While the base tea is essentially calorie-free, the total caloric value can vary widely depending on personal preference. Many recipes call for adding extra ingredients, which contribute the bulk of the final calorie count. For example, a single teaspoon of honey adds approximately 21 calories, while a tablespoon of sugar contains about 48 calories.

Sweeteners: Honey, sugar, agave nectar, and maple syrup are common additions that will increase the caloric content.
Milk or Creamers: Adding milk (dairy or non-dairy), cream, or other creamers will raise both the fat and calorie count. For instance, a splash of full-fat milk can add 10-20 calories or more.
Mix-ins: Concentrated extracts or pre-made mixes, such as those used in some cafe-style beverages, can have significant added sugars and calories. Some branded blue lotus energy concentrates can contain 5 to 80 calories per serving.

How to Prepare a Virtually Zero-Calorie Blue Lotus Tea

For those who want to keep their blue lotus tea as low-calorie as possible, simple preparation is key. Use high-quality dried blue lotus petals and steep them in hot water. To enhance the flavor without adding calories, consider natural flavorings that are calorie-free.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy note.
Combine with other zero-calorie herbal ingredients like peppermint or chamomile for a more complex flavor profile.
Use calorie-free sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Beyond Calories: The Benefits of Blue Lotus

Beyond its near-zero calorie count, blue lotus is historically valued for its relaxing and mood-enhancing properties, attributed to alkaloids like nuciferine. It is often consumed as a natural remedy to promote calmness, aid sleep, and potentially induce lucid dreaming. Its use dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was celebrated in rituals and traditional medicine.

Comparison of Calorie Content: Blue Lotus Tea vs. Other Beverages

To put the negligible calorie count of pure blue lotus tea into perspective, consider how it compares to other common drinks. This table highlights how mindful additions can drastically change the final calorie count.


Beverage	Preparation	Estimated Calorie Count	Notes
Pure Blue Lotus Tea	Dried petals steeped in hot water.	0-3 kcal	Calorie-free base; excellent for weight management.
Pure Chamomile Tea	Dried chamomile flowers steeped in hot water.	0-2 kcal	Also virtually calorie-free, a classic relaxing herbal tea.
Blue Lotus Tea with Honey	Tea with 1 tbsp (21g) of honey added.	~67 kcal	Honey significantly increases calories.
Black Tea with Milk & Sugar	Standard black tea with 1 tbsp of milk and sugar.	~50-60 kcal	Calorie count adds up with typical additions.
Flavored Latte (16oz)	Coffee with milk, syrup, and toppings.	150-450+ kcal	Can contain very high amounts of sugar and calories.

Potential Risks and Safe Consumption

While pure blue lotus tea is generally considered safe, it is not regulated by the FDA for human consumption. Some individuals may experience side effects, especially with higher amounts or with concentrated extracts, which can include dizziness, nausea, or mild sedation. It's also important to note that the blue lotus flower has mild psychoactive properties due to its alkaloid content. For this reason, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on certain medications should consult a healthcare professional before use. Always source high-quality products from reputable suppliers to ensure purity and safety. Learn more about the safety and effects of blue lotus at ACSLab. The Department of Defense has also prohibited its use by service members.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Blue Lotus Calories

For anyone concerned with caloric intake, a pure blue lotus flower infusion is an excellent, nearly calorie-free choice. The plant's nutritional impact is insignificant when consumed as a simple tea. The number of calories in a blue lotus beverage is almost entirely dependent on what you choose to add to it. By avoiding high-calorie sweeteners and creamers, you can enjoy the relaxing and historical benefits of this ancient flower guilt-free, making it a mindful addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure blue lotus tea does not naturally contain any sugar. The beverage becomes sweetened only if you add sugar, honey, or another caloric sweetener yourself.

Blue lotus ($Nymphaea$ $caerulea$) is a water lily known for its flowers, which are used to make herbal tea. Lotus root is a vegetable from the lotus plant ($Nelumbo$ $nucifera$) and is a distinct nutritional item with a caloric value (74 kcal per 100g).

Yes, the flowers of the blue lotus are technically edible, though they are not commonly consumed as a food source. They are primarily used for brewing tea or other forms of consumption for their psychoactive properties.

The caloric content of branded blue lotus energy drinks varies significantly by product. Some 'skinny' versions may have as few as 5 calories per serving, while others can contain up to 80 calories or more due to added sugars.

Yes, you can add milk or cream to your blue lotus tea to make a latte, but this will increase the calorie count. Pure herbal tea on its own is virtually calorie-free, so a splash of milk will add calories depending on the fat content.

The FDA does not regulate blue lotus, and a safe amount can vary by individual. It is always recommended to start with a lower amount to assess your body's reaction and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns.

Because the FDA has not approved it for human consumption, some sellers label blue lotus as 'not for human consumption' for liability reasons. This is despite its long history of traditional use and safety when consumed in moderation.