The Ultimate Guide to Which Drink is Lowest in Calories

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

Plain water is the undisputed king of low-calorie beverages, containing zero calories per serving. But when you need more flavor, knowing which drink is lowest in calories can be the secret to cutting hundreds of unnecessary calories from your diet every day.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the lowest-calorie drink options beyond water, including unsweetened teas, black coffee, and naturally flavored seltzers, offering smart substitutions for effective weight management and hydration.

Key Points

Water is Zero-Calorie: The absolute lowest-calorie drink available is plain water, essential for hydration and weight management.
Unsweetened is Key: Black coffee and plain tea are nearly calorie-free, but syrups, sugars, and cream add significant calories.
Infuse for Flavor: Naturally flavor water with fruits, vegetables, and herbs instead of relying on sugary juices.
Choose Zero-Sugar Options: Diet and zero-sugar soft drinks offer a calorie-free alternative to their sugary counterparts.
Beware of Hidden Calories: Even seemingly healthy beverages like fruit juice and smoothies can be high in sugar and calories.
Compare Calories Carefully: Always read nutrition labels to compare calorie counts and understand what you are consuming.

The Absolute Lowest-Calorie Drink

When it comes to the lowest possible calorie count, nothing beats the obvious choice: plain water. Tap, filtered, or bottled, pure water contains zero calories, making it the perfect foundation for any low-calorie hydration strategy. It is the most direct way to hydrate your body without any caloric addition. Beyond its zero-calorie status, water is vital for numerous bodily functions, including regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and maintaining joint health.

Pure and Simple Zero-Calorie Choices

While water is the top pick, several other beverages come very close to zero calories when consumed in their natural, unsweetened state. These are excellent alternatives when you crave something other than plain water.

Unsweetened Tea: Black, green, and herbal teas (like peppermint or chamomile) are virtually calorie-free when brewed and served plain. They also contain antioxidants and can provide a variety of health benefits. However, adding sugar, honey, or cream can quickly escalate the calorie count.
Black Coffee: Like unsweetened tea, black coffee is another zero-calorie powerhouse. The same rule applies: avoid sugary syrups and heavy cream to keep the calorie count at bay. Opt for healthier alternatives like a dash of cinnamon or a zero-calorie sweetener if you need a little something extra.
Flavored Sparkling Water and Seltzer: Many brands now offer naturally flavored sparkling water and seltzer with zero calories and zero sugar. These are a great way to satisfy a craving for fizz without turning to calorie-laden sodas. Always check the label to ensure there are no hidden sugars or artificial sweeteners with caloric content.

Beyond the Basics: Low-Calorie Alternatives

Sometimes, plain zero-calorie drinks aren't enough. Fortunately, there are many other options that, while not zero, are significantly lower in calories than sugary drinks.

Unsweetened Coconut Water: This natural beverage is a source of electrolytes and is significantly lower in calories than many fruit juices. A typical 8-ounce serving contains around 50 calories, making it a good choice after a workout or when you need a boost.
Vegetable Juice: Commercial vegetable juices, especially low-sodium varieties, are generally lower in calories than fruit juices. They offer nutrients and some fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness.
Low-Fat Milk and Plant-Based Alternatives: Skim or 1% milk and unsweetened plant-based options like almond or soy milk offer important nutrients with fewer calories than whole milk. For instance, a cup of skim milk has around 80 calories compared to 150 for whole milk.

The Calorie Comparison: A Closer Look

To put things in perspective, let's compare the calorie counts of various popular beverages (per 12-ounce serving).


Beverage	Approximate Calories (per 12 oz)	Notes
Plain Water	0	The definitive lowest-calorie choice.
Black Coffee/Unsweetened Tea	0-4	Very low, but additions add calories.
Diet Soda	0-7	Sweetened with artificial sweeteners, but calorie-free.
Unsweetened Coconut Water	~50	Contains natural electrolytes.
Vegetable Juice	~80	Offers nutrients and some fiber.
100% Orange Juice	~160	High in sugar despite being natural.
Regular Soda	~140	Contains empty calories and added sugars.
Bottle Sweet Tea	~130-140	High in added sugar.

Smart Swaps to Reduce Your Caloric Intake

Making conscious choices about your beverages is a simple yet powerful way to manage your calorie intake. Here are a few easy swaps to get you started:

Instead of soda, reach for flavored sparkling water or a diet soda option.
Instead of fruit juice, dilute it with water or seltzer to reduce the sugar and calorie load.
Instead of sweetened coffee, choose black coffee with a calorie-free sweetener or a hint of spice.
Instead of a pre-made smoothie, blend your own at home using low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative, and control the fruit and vegetable content.

Conclusion

When asking 'which drink is lowest in calories?', the unequivocal answer is water. However, a variety of other zero- and low-calorie options are available to keep you hydrated and satisfied throughout the day. From unsweetened tea and black coffee to infused waters and low-fat milk, these beverages can help you reduce your overall caloric intake without sacrificing flavor or hydration. By being mindful of your drink choices, you can effectively manage your weight and improve your overall health.

For more detailed information on healthy drink choices and hydration, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Get the best zero-calorie recipes and alternatives from Lose It!

What is the absolute lowest calorie drink?

The absolute lowest calorie drink is plain water, containing zero calories per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most diet sodas are formulated to have zero calories, using artificial sweeteners. However, some very low-calorie versions may contain trace amounts, typically less than 7 calories per 12-ounce serving.

Many brands offer calorie-free flavored sparkling waters, which are a great alternative to soda. However, always check the label, as some products might have added sugars or sweeteners with calories.

Yes, adding whole milk, cream, or sugary syrups to your coffee can significantly increase its calorie count. To keep it low-calorie, use a small amount of skim milk or a calorie-free sweetener.

No, 100% fruit juice, despite being natural, is often high in sugar and calories. It's better to eat whole fruit for fiber or dilute juice with water or seltzer to cut calories.

You can create a delicious, low-calorie alternative by infusing water with fruits and herbs like cucumber, lemon, or mint. Unsweetened iced tea is another great option.

Yes, alcoholic beverages can be high in calories, with popular drinks like margaritas and mojitos containing hundreds of calories. Lighter options exist, such as vodka with club soda, but moderation is key.

Yes, unsweetened tea and coffee are mostly water and contribute to your daily fluid intake. While caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, the hydrating effects typically outweigh this for most people.