Is there any drink with 0 calories? The Complete Guide to Zero-Calorie Beverages

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, replacing sugary drinks with plain water can significantly help reduce caloric intake, making zero-calorie beverages a crucial part of a healthy diet. This has many people wondering, is there any drink with 0 calories? The good news is that several options are available, from the obvious to the surprising, that offer hydration and flavor without the added energy count.

Quick Summary

Yes, several beverages contain no calories, including plain water, black coffee, and herbal teas. This guide explores a variety of flavorful options and explains how drinks can achieve a zero-calorie status through natural infusions or artificial sweeteners.

Key Points

Plain Water is Calorie-Free: Unflavored and unadulterated water contains zero calories and is the healthiest option for hydration.
Black Coffee and Tea Contain No Calories: Without milk, sugar, or other calorie-rich additions, both black coffee and plain tea are zero-calorie drinks.
Diet Drinks Rely on Artificial Sweeteners: Many diet sodas and beverages replace sugar with non-nutritive sweeteners to achieve a zero-calorie count.
Natural Infusions Offer Flavor without Calories: You can add flavor to plain water using fruits, vegetables, and herbs like cucumber, mint, or berries with negligible caloric impact.
Sparkling Water and Seltzer are Zero-Calorie: Plain seltzer or flavored sparkling water using natural fruit essences are calorie-free and provide a satisfying fizz.
'Zero-Calorie' Can Contain Trace Amounts: Due to labeling regulations, products can be labeled 'zero-calorie' even if they contain trace amounts of calories (under 5 per serving).
Read Labels to Understand Ingredients: Always check the nutrition label of 'diet' or 'sugar-free' drinks to be aware of the types of sweeteners and ingredients used.

The Undisputed Zero: Water

Plain water is the most fundamental and healthy zero-calorie drink available. It is essential for bodily functions, including regulating temperature, transporting nutrients, and lubricating joints. For those who find plain water boring, infusing it with natural ingredients can add flavor without calories.

How to Infuse Water for Flavor

Cucumber and Mint: A classic combination for a cool, refreshing taste.
Lemon and Lime: A simple and tangy way to boost your water.
Berries: Add a handful of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a hint of sweetness.
Ginger and Lemon: Creates a zesty, soothing drink, especially comforting when warm.
Herbs: Rosemary or basil can provide a uniquely sophisticated flavor profile.

Coffee and Tea: The Calorie-Free Basics

Unsweetened coffee and tea are naturally zero-calorie drinks, provided they are consumed black, without calorie-rich additives. A cup of black coffee or plain herbal tea offers a great way to enjoy a warm beverage without impacting your daily calorie budget.

Calorie-Free Additions for Coffee and Tea

For those who prefer a creamier or sweeter taste, there are several zero-calorie additions that can be used:

Stevia or Monk Fruit: Natural zero-calorie sweeteners.
Erythritol: A sugar alcohol with virtually no calories.
Flavor Extracts: Use vanilla, almond, or hazelnut extracts for a calorie-free flavor boost.

Diet Sodas and Artificially Sweetened Beverages

Many soft drinks and juices are available in 'diet' or 'zero' versions, which replace sugar with non-nutritive sweeteners. Sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium have been approved by regulatory bodies and are generally considered safe for consumption. They can provide the sweet taste of regular soda without the calories.

However, debates continue regarding the health implications of artificial sweeteners, with some research suggesting potential impacts on gut microbiome or appetite. While the occasional diet soda is unlikely to cause issues, natural, unsweetened options are often recommended for daily hydration.

Sparkling Water and Seltzer

Plain sparkling water and seltzer are excellent zero-calorie options that provide a satisfying fizz. Many brands offer flavored versions that use natural fruit essences or extracts, keeping the calorie count at zero. Always check the label, as some flavored seltzers may contain added sugars or calories.

Comparison Table: Calorie-Free Drink Options


Drink Type	Calorie Count	Best For	Potential Drawbacks	Flavor Varieties
Plain Water	0	Pure hydration, digestion	Lack of flavor for some	None (easily infused)
Black Coffee/Tea	0	Caffeine boost, warmth	Can be bitter, caffeine sensitivity	Extensive, via herbs/beans
Diet Soda	0	Sweet fix, soda craving	Artificial sweeteners, debatable health impacts	Wide variety of flavors
Infused Water	<5 (negligible)	Natural flavor, freshness	Can require preparation	Unlimited with fruits/herbs
Plain Sparkling Water	0	Fizz fix, hydration	Flavorless for some	Can be flavored naturally
Herbal Tea	0	Relaxation, warmth	Can be bland without additions	Extensive, e.g., peppermint, chamomile

Understanding 'Trace' Calories in Beverages

Some natural flavorings, like those derived from real fruit, contain trace amounts of calories. Regulations allow products with less than a certain calorie threshold per serving (e.g., 5 calories in the US) to be labeled as 'zero calories.' This is a critical distinction for anyone monitoring their intake meticulously, although for most, the difference is negligible. The small amount of natural fruit essence in a naturally flavored sparkling water, for example, is highly unlikely to contribute to overall caloric intake in a meaningful way.

Staying Hydrated and Making Smart Choices

The best zero-calorie drink for you depends on your personal preferences and health goals. For most people, plain water should be the primary source of hydration. However, for variety, calorie-free options like herbal teas, black coffee, and naturally infused sparkling water offer excellent alternatives without compromising health.

It's important to read nutrition labels, especially with diet products, to be aware of the sweeteners and ingredients used. A simple habit like keeping a pitcher of infused water in the fridge can significantly reduce the temptation of reaching for sugary drinks, helping you maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Conclusion

In summary, the question, 'Is there any drink with 0 calories?' has a definitive 'yes' answer, with options ranging from simple water to sophisticated teas. The key is to prioritize whole, natural options where possible, and to be mindful of the ingredients in artificially sweetened alternatives. Making the right zero-calorie choice can be a flavorful and refreshing way to stay hydrated and support your overall well-being. By integrating these choices into your daily routine, you can effectively manage caloric intake while still enjoying a variety of beverages.

Learn more about different types of beverages and their nutritional content with the official guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while plain water is the most obvious example, other beverages like black coffee, plain tea, and unsweetened sparkling water also contain zero calories.

Yes, diet sodas are effectively calorie-free because they use artificial sweeteners that the body doesn't metabolize for energy. Due to labeling laws, products can claim zero calories if they contain fewer than five calories per serving.

Yes, you can naturally flavor water by infusing it with fresh fruits (like lemon or berries), vegetables (like cucumber), or herbs (like mint). The trace calories from these ingredients are typically negligible.

Plain water is widely considered the healthiest zero-calorie drink as it provides pure hydration without any additives. Herbal teas and infused waters are also excellent, healthy options.

Most sugar-free drink mixes use non-nutritive sweeteners and are labeled as zero or very low calorie. It's always best to check the specific product's nutrition facts, but they are designed to be a calorie-free alternative to sugary drinks.

Yes, most sparkling waters that use natural fruit essences or extracts are zero-calorie. The flavor is derived from the fruit without adding sugars, meaning the caloric contribution is minimal and can be legally labeled as zero.

Yes, if you use a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia, monk fruit, or sucralose instead of sugar, your coffee or tea will remain calorie-free. Just ensure you are not adding milk, cream, or other calorie-rich ingredients.