How many calories are in honey lavender tea?

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Plain herbal tea, including lavender, contains a negligible amount of calories—typically 1 to 3 kcal per cup—meaning the caloric content of honey lavender tea is almost entirely determined by the honey you add. This guide breaks down the simple calculation, comparing homemade versus pre-packaged versions, and offers tips for keeping your favorite soothing beverage low in calories.

Quick Summary

The calories in honey lavender tea are largely attributed to the added honey, not the herbal tea itself. Understand how to calculate the total calorie count based on honey quantities and compare homemade and store-bought options for managing intake.

Key Points

Base Calories Are Negligible: Plain lavender herbal tea contains only 1 to 3 calories per cup, making it a very low-calorie base.
Honey Adds the Calories: Each teaspoon of honey contributes approximately 21 calories, meaning the total count depends entirely on how much you add.
Homemade vs. Store-bought: Control your calorie intake by brewing your own tea, as many pre-packaged honey lavender drinks contain hidden sugars and higher calorie counts.
Less Honey is Sweeter: Since honey is naturally sweeter than sugar, you can often use less of it to achieve your desired level of sweetness, reducing total calories.
Benefits Beyond Calories: In addition to being a low-calorie drink option, honey lavender tea offers relaxing properties from the lavender and antioxidants from the honey.
Manage with Alternatives: For a lower calorie count, consider starting with half a teaspoon of honey or enhancing the flavor with lemon juice instead of adding more sweetener.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Plain Lavender Tea

Herbal infusions, or tisanes, are made from botanicals like flowers and herbs, not the Camellia sinensis plant, which produces black and green tea. A cup of plain lavender tea, brewed simply by steeping dried lavender buds in hot water, contains virtually no calories, with sources citing 1 to 3 calories per 8-ounce serving. This makes it a nearly zero-calorie beverage on its own.

The Caloric Contribution of Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener that significantly increases the calorie count of your tea. The number of calories in honey varies slightly by type, but the consensus is that one teaspoon contains roughly 20 to 21 calories. This means every spoonful of honey you add directly adds a specific caloric load. For example, adding one tablespoon of honey (three teaspoons) will contribute about 60 to 64 calories to your drink.

How to Calculate Your Honey Lavender Tea Calories

Calculating the total calories in your homemade brew is a straightforward process:

Start with the base: A plain cup of lavender tea has approximately 2 calories.
Add the honey: Multiply the number of teaspoons of honey by ~21 calories.
Combine for the total: Add the base calories to the honey calories.

Formula Example: 1 cup of plain lavender tea + 1 teaspoon of honey = 2 + 21 = 23 calories.

Variations: Homemade vs. Store-bought

The method of preparation significantly affects the final calorie count. When you make your own tea at home, you have complete control over the ingredients and can monitor the exact amount of honey used. However, pre-packaged or specialty tea shop beverages can vary widely in their nutritional content.

Some ready-to-drink honey lavender teas may contain added sugars or syrups, not just honey, to enhance the flavor. These can inflate the calorie count dramatically. For instance, a commercial iced tea could contain well over 100 calories per serving. Always check the nutrition label for pre-packaged varieties to understand their true caloric value.

Health Benefits Beyond the Calories

Beyond a simple calculation, a honey lavender tea offers several wellness advantages. Lavender is renowned for its soothing properties, which can help with stress reduction and improved sleep quality. The scent and compounds in lavender have a calming effect on the nervous system. Meanwhile, honey is not just a source of carbohydrates; it contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional remedies, honey has also been used to soothe sore throats.

Tips for a Low-Calorie Honey Lavender Tea

If you are mindful of your calorie intake, there are simple ways to enjoy this comforting beverage without overdoing it.

Measure your honey: Instead of eyeballing the amount, use a measuring spoon to accurately track the calories you are adding.
Start with less: Begin with half a teaspoon of honey and taste the tea. The delicate floral notes of lavender may not require a full teaspoon to shine.
Enhance flavor naturally: Use a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of cinnamon instead of more honey to add complexity without extra calories. You can also experiment with different herbal blends that naturally complement lavender, like chamomile or peppermint.
Use honey sparingly: Since honey is sweeter than table sugar, you may find that you need less of it to achieve the same level of sweetness.

Calorie Comparison: Honey Lavender Tea vs. Other Beverages


Beverage Type	Preparation	Approx. Calories per 8oz Serving
Plain Herbal Tea (Lavender)	Stepped herbs, water	1–3
Honey Lavender Tea (1 tsp honey)	Homemade	23
Honey Lavender Tea (1 tbsp honey)	Homemade	66
Sweetened Black Tea	Black tea, 2 tsp sugar	~32
Canned Iced Tea	Pre-packaged	140–150
Cola	Pre-packaged soda	97
Coffee with Cream & Sugar	Coffee, lightener, 2 tsp sugar	~80+

Conclusion: The Final Calorie Takeaway

The number of calories in honey lavender tea is primarily determined by the amount and type of honey you add, since the herbal tea base is essentially calorie-free. For those managing their intake, controlling the honey is key. A standard homemade cup with a single teaspoon of honey is a low-calorie treat, while pre-packaged versions may contain significantly more due to added sugars. By brewing at home and moderating your sweetener, you can enjoy this soothing, aromatic drink with minimal caloric impact while benefiting from its calming properties. For more information on the compounds in honey, you can visit Healthline's detailed nutrition guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

To calculate the calories, start with the negligible base of plain lavender tea (about 2 calories) and add approximately 21 calories for every teaspoon of honey. For example, a cup with one teaspoon of honey would have about 23 calories.

As a low-calorie alternative to high-sugar beverages, honey lavender tea can support weight management. Its relaxing properties may also help with stress-related eating, but it is not a weight-loss solution on its own.

Store-bought or cafe-prepared honey lavender tea often contains additional sweeteners or syrups, which can significantly increase the calorie count compared to a homemade version where you control the ingredients.

When consumed in moderation, adding honey does not make the tea unhealthy. It is a natural sweetener with some beneficial antioxidants. However, overuse of any sweetener can lead to excessive sugar intake, so moderation is key.

The calorie count per teaspoon is fairly consistent across different types of honey, ranging from 20 to 21 calories. Raw and processed honey have very similar nutritional profiles.

Yes, lavender tea is an herbal infusion made from dried flowers, not from the Camellia sinensis plant, so it is naturally caffeine-free. This makes it an excellent choice for a calming, nighttime beverage.

A teaspoon of table sugar contains about 16 calories, slightly less than honey's 21 calories per teaspoon. However, honey is sweeter, so you may use less of it to achieve the same sweetness, potentially balancing the caloric difference.