How many calories in a lychee drink? A guide to tropical refreshment

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single 350 ml can of a typical lychee drink can contain around 160 calories. This figure, however, varies significantly based on factors like added sugars and whether it's homemade or store-bought, making the question of how many calories in a lychee drink more complex than it first appears.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a lychee drink is not uniform and depends heavily on its ingredients and preparation. Store-bought versions often contain high levels of added sugar, while 100% juice blends and homemade recipes offer lower-calorie alternatives. Key variables include the addition of sugar, other fruits, and sweeteners.

Key Points

Check the label: The calorie count for a lychee drink is not standardized and depends on whether it's a store-bought, sweetened can or a natural juice blend.
Homemade is best: Making your own drink at home using fresh or low-sugar canned lychees gives you total control over the calorie and sugar content.
Sugar is the main culprit: Added syrups and sugar in commercial versions are the primary source of calories, not the fruit itself.
Whole fruit offers more: Eating fresh lychees provides more fiber and nutrients and is a better choice for weight management than drinking juice.
Low-sugar options are available: Look for drinks labeled '100% juice' with no added sugar, or opt for homemade mocktails with natural or low-calorie sweeteners.

The Calorie Breakdown: Understanding What's in Your Lychee Drink

When you're curious about how many calories in a lychee drink, the answer is rarely a single number. Instead, it's a range influenced by several factors. The most significant variable is the sugar content, which differs drastically between a commercial, sweetened drink and a pure fruit juice or homemade version. Understanding these differences can help you make more informed and healthier choices.

Commercial Lychee Drinks

For many, a lychee drink means the canned or bottled versions found in grocery stores. These often contain more than just lychee and water. The calorie counts can be surprisingly high due to the addition of large amounts of sugar and syrups.

Foco Lychee Drink (350 ml can): Contains approximately 160 calories. This is a good example of a sweetened beverage with a significant calorie load.
Vita Lychee Juice Drink (carton): Lists around 120 calories per serving, with a large portion coming from sugar.
Yeo's Lychee Drink (250 ml can): One brand offers a version with about 50 calories, though ingredient lists show added sugar.

These products are designed for flavor and shelf-life, not for low-calorie content. It's crucial to check the nutrition label, especially the 'sugars' line, to get a clear picture of what you're consuming.

All-Natural Lychee Juices and Nectars

For those seeking a more authentic fruit flavor with fewer additives, 100% juice or nectars are a better choice. While still containing naturally occurring fruit sugars, they avoid the empty calories of added sweeteners.

Ceres 100% Litchi Fruit Juice Blend (240 g serving): Contains 120 calories, with 30 g of that coming from fruit sugar.
Alo Lychee Juice 100% Juice: Lists 33g of carbs and 31g of sugar, with 0g of added sugars, per serving.

Opting for 100% juice reduces the intake of refined sugar, but it's important to remember that juice lacks the fiber of whole fruit. This means the body absorbs the sugar more quickly, which can cause a faster spike in blood sugar levels.

Homemade Lychee Drinks

The most control over calorie and sugar content comes from making your own lychee drink at home. This allows you to use fresh or canned lychees and tailor the sweetness to your preference.

Basic Recipe: Blend fresh or canned lychees (in light syrup) with water and ice. Sweeten with a low-calorie alternative like stevia or a small amount of honey.
Example (based on whole fruit nutrition): A 100g serving of raw lychee fruit contains 66 calories and 15.2g of sugar. If you blend this with unsweetened sparkling water, your drink will have only the natural fruit calories.
Lighter Recipe Ideas: Try a lychee mocktail with fresh lychee, sparkling water, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprig of mint. The calories come almost exclusively from the fruit itself.

Comparison Table: Lychee Drinks by Type


Drink Type	Estimated Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Main Sweetener Source	Key Differentiator
Sweetened Canned Drink	350 ml can	~160 calories	Added sugar/syrup	High calorie, high sugar
100% Lychee Juice Blend	240 ml	~120 calories	Natural fruit sugar	Medium calorie, no added sugar
Homemade Lychee Mocktail	250 ml	~40-80 calories	Natural fruit sugar, optional honey	Low calorie, low sugar (customizable)
Lychee Martini (alcoholic)	1 serving	~95 calories	Lychee syrup, fruit sugar	Low-to-moderate calorie (depending on recipe), includes alcohol

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Health

Ultimately, the answer to how many calories in a lychee drink depends on the specific product or recipe. Store-bought options are often loaded with added sugars and can have a high caloric impact. For a healthier choice, opt for 100% juice with no added sugar, or, for the most control, make your own at home using fresh or canned lychees. Remember that a whole fruit provides more fiber and can make you feel fuller, offering a more nutritious option than juice. By reading labels and experimenting with your own low-sugar recipes, you can enjoy the delightful taste of lychee without the excessive calories.

Lychee Drink Calories: Additional Facts

Fresh lychees are low in calories: A 100-gram serving of fresh lychee fruit contains only 66 calories and is rich in Vitamin C.
Syrup vs. Water: Canned lychees in heavy syrup will significantly increase the calorie count of a homemade drink compared to using fresh fruit or fruit canned in its own juice or water.
Watch for alcohol: A lychee martini, while potentially lower in calories than some sodas, adds alcohol, which contributes its own caloric content.
Moderation is key: Even with 100% fruit juice, the high sugar content means that moderation is advised, especially for those managing sugar intake or weight.
Flavoring, not fruit: Many inexpensive lychee drinks contain very little actual lychee fruit, with most of the flavor and all of the sweetness coming from added sugar and artificial flavorings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Store-bought lychee drinks can be high in added sugars, making them less healthy than consuming the whole fruit. Healthier options include 100% pure lychee juice or homemade versions with reduced or no added sugar.

A 100-gram (about 3.5 ounces) serving of fresh lychee fruit contains approximately 66 calories. The fruit itself is low in fat and packed with Vitamin C.

Lychee juice is typically a 100% fruit product, although some brands may still add sugar. Lychee nectar, on the other hand, is a blended beverage containing fruit purée, water, and usually a significant amount of added sugar or sweeteners.

To reduce calories, use fresh lychees instead of canned ones packed in heavy syrup. Blend them with water or sparkling water instead of juice, and use a sugar substitute or a small amount of honey to sweeten to taste.

Some recipes for a lychee martini may be relatively low in calories compared to other cocktails, with an estimated count around 95 calories. However, it is an alcoholic beverage, and calories will vary based on ingredients like syrup and the amount of alcohol used.

While many common canned lychee drinks contain significant added sugar for sweetness and preservation, not all are the same. Reading the nutritional label is the only way to be sure, as some brands may offer lower-sugar options.

Whole lychee fruit contains dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer. When the fruit is processed into juice, this fiber is lost, allowing the body to absorb the fruit's natural sugars more quickly.