How many calories does Barry's tea have?

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard cup of plain black tea, including Barry's tea, contains a negligible amount of calories, often cited as 0-2 calories per 8-ounce serving, making it a virtually calorie-free beverage before any additions.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of Barry's tea is negligible when consumed plain with water. The total energy content increases significantly with the addition of milk, sugar, or other high-calorie ingredients.

Key Points

Plain Tea is Calorie-Free: When brewed with just water, Barry's black tea contains 0-2 calories per 8-ounce cup.
Additives Increase Calories: The bulk of the calories in tea come from additions like sugar, honey, and milk, not the tea leaves themselves.
Sugar Adds 16 Calories per Teaspoon: A single teaspoon of granulated sugar will add approximately 16 calories to your cup.
Dairy Adds Varying Calories: The type of milk you use matters, with whole milk adding more calories than skimmed or plant-based alternatives.
Blends Don't Change the Rule: Whether it's Gold, Original, or Decaf, all Barry's tea blends are calorie-free when prepared without milk or sugar.
Mindful Additions are Key: To control calorie intake, opt for zero-calorie sweeteners, low-fat milk, or simply enjoy your tea black.

The Calorie-Free Foundation of Barry's Tea

At its core, Barry's tea is a blend of premium black teas, sourced from regions like Kenya and India's Assam Valley. The tea itself, before brewing, contains no calories, and when brewed with plain hot water, the resulting beverage is essentially calorie-free. This is consistent with all traditional black teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, which contribute a minimal 0-2 calories per 8-ounce cup. The leaves, whether loose or in a tea bag, contribute no meaningful calories to the final drink. This makes plain Barry's tea an excellent choice for those mindful of their calorie intake, offering a flavorful and refreshing experience without the energy cost.

The Calorie Impact of Common Additives

While the tea itself is innocent, the calories can quickly add up depending on what you choose to add. Understanding the calorie content of common additions is key to enjoying your favorite brew while staying on track with your health goals.

Sweeteners and Their Calories

Granulated Sugar: One teaspoon (approx. 4g) of sugar adds about 16 calories to your tea.
Honey: A single tablespoon of honey can add a substantial 64 calories.
Zero-Calorie Sweeteners: For those who need a touch of sweetness without the calories, options like stevia or erythritol are a popular alternative. They provide sweetness without impacting the calorie count.

Dairy Products and Calorie Content

Dairy adds both calories and fat, and the amount varies significantly by type. Here’s a quick breakdown of common milk choices:

Whole Milk: A moderate splash of whole milk can add around 55 calories or more to a cup.
Semi-Skimmed Milk: Choosing semi-skimmed reduces the calorie load compared to whole milk.
Skimmed Milk: This is the lowest-calorie dairy option, with some sources reporting around 10 calories for a splash.
Plant-Based Milks: Almond, soy, and oat milks vary widely in their calorie and sugar content. Always check the nutritional label, as many flavored varieties contain added sugars that increase the calorie count.

Barry's Tea Blends: All are Calorie-Free Plain

Barry's offers a variety of blends, each with its unique flavor profile, but all share the same zero-calorie base when prepared without milk or sugar. Whether you prefer the rich taste of Gold Blend, the lighter Original Blend, or the brisk Irish Breakfast, the calorie count in the base tea is negligible. The choice of blend does not impact the final calorie count; your choice of additives does.

Calorie Comparison: Your Barry's Tea

To illustrate how additions affect your cup, here is a comparison of different ways to prepare your Barry's tea.


Preparation	Approx. Calories
Plain black tea with water	0-2 kcal
With 1 tsp of granulated sugar	18 kcal
With 1 tsp of sugar + 125ml whole milk	~73 kcal
With 1 tbsp of honey	~64 kcal
With 1 tsp of sugar + 125ml skimmed milk	~28 kcal
With zero-calorie sweetener + water	0-2 kcal

Health Benefits of Plain Black Tea

Beyond its low-calorie nature, plain black tea offers several health benefits due to its polyphenol and antioxidant content. These compounds have been linked to improved gut health and a modest increase in metabolism, making plain black tea a potentially supportive part of a weight management plan. Swapping sugary drinks like sodas or sweetened juices for unsweetened black tea can significantly reduce daily calorie intake. For more on the benefits of tea, explore sources like this informative article on calories in tea.

How to Enjoy Barry's Tea with Fewer Calories

Here are some tips for keeping your cup of Barry's as healthy as possible:

Enjoy it plain: The simplest way to keep your tea at zero calories is to drink it black with just hot water.
Use low-fat milk options: If you need a creamy texture, choose skimmed or semi-skimmed milk over whole milk.
Experiment with zero-calorie sweeteners: For a sweet taste without the calories, explore alternatives like stevia or erythritol.
Add a natural, calorie-free flavor: Try a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprig of mint for a refreshing twist that adds no calories.
Control your portion sizes: When adding milk or sugar, measuring your portions can help prevent overconsumption of calories.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in Barry's tea depends entirely on how it is prepared. When brewed with just water, the tea is virtually calorie-free and a healthy beverage choice. However, the addition of sugar, honey, milk, or cream introduces varying levels of calories. For those seeking to manage their weight or reduce calorie intake, enjoying Barry's tea black or with zero-calorie additives is the most effective approach. By understanding the impact of your additions, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying cup while remaining in control of your daily calorie count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, adding milk to Barry's tea will increase the calorie count. The exact number of calories depends on the type of milk (whole, skimmed, or plant-based) and the amount you add.

No, when prepared plain, both Barry's Gold Blend and Original Blend have negligible calories, around 0-2 per cup. Their flavor difference comes from the blend of tea leaves, not their calorie content.

Yes, you can use zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or erythritol to sweeten your Barry's tea without adding any calories, which is a great option for managing your calorie intake.

Adding a tablespoon of honey to your Barry's tea will add approximately 64 calories, a significantly higher amount than a teaspoon of sugar.

Yes, like its caffeinated counterparts, Barry's Decaf tea is a black tea blend that contains virtually zero calories when steeped in water and consumed plain.

To reduce the calories in your milk tea, you can switch from whole milk to a lower-fat option like skimmed milk or an unsweetened plant-based alternative. You can also replace granulated sugar with a zero-calorie sweetener.

Yes, plain black tea is known for its antioxidant content, which can help support gut health and may provide a modest boost to metabolism, making it a healthy beverage choice.