What Drink Has the Lowest Calories? A Guide to Healthy Hydration

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), replacing sugary beverages with plain water can help reduce your overall caloric intake. If you're wondering what drink has the lowest calories, the answer is simple: plain water. But beyond this obvious choice, a wide range of other healthy, low-calorie options are available to keep you hydrated and satisfied.

Quick Summary

This article explores the best low-calorie and zero-calorie drink choices to support a healthy diet. It covers everything from naturally calorie-free options like water and tea to flavorful alternatives like infused water and sparkling seltzer. The guide also provides a comparative look at different beverage types to help you make informed decisions for better hydration and weight management.

Key Points

Plain Water is King: Plain water is the ultimate zero-calorie drink and the best choice for hydration and weight management.
Herbal and Green Teas are Calorie-Free: Unsweetened herbal teas and green tea offer flavor and antioxidants without added calories or sugar.
Sparkling Water Offers the Fizz: Flavored or plain sparkling water is a zero-calorie substitute for soda, providing satisfying carbonation without sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Infuse Water for Natural Flavor: Create your own calorie-free infused water by adding fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs for a refreshing taste.
Check Labels for Sweeteners: Some flavored waters and 'diet' drinks contain artificial sweeteners, which should be consumed in moderation.
Beware of Liquid Calories: Sugary drinks contribute empty calories that don't satisfy hunger, making low-calorie alternatives a smarter choice for weight control.
Black Coffee is a Safe Bet: Enjoy unsweetened black coffee for a calorie-free caffeine boost and antioxidant benefits.
Vegetable Juice Can Be Low-Calorie: Fresh vegetable juices are a low-calorie alternative to fruit juice, providing nutrients but often high in sodium, so check for low-sodium options.

Plain Water: The Undisputed Zero-Calorie Champion

At the top of the list for any calorie-conscious diet is plain water. It has zero calories, zero sugar, and is essential for every bodily function, from temperature regulation to waste removal. Hydrating with water helps prevent dehydration, which can cause unclear thinking, mood changes, and other health issues. For those on a weight management journey, drinking water, especially before a meal, can increase satiety and help reduce overall food intake. The best part? It's often free and readily available from the tap.

Low-Calorie Alternatives When You're Bored of Water

While water is the ideal choice, variety is the spice of life. Luckily, several other beverages offer minimal to zero calories, providing a tasty alternative without derailing your diet.

Herbal and Green Teas

Unsweetened herbal and green teas are excellent, calorie-free choices packed with flavor and beneficial antioxidants. Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos are naturally caffeine-free and contain minimal calories. Green tea offers an antioxidant boost and a moderate amount of caffeine, which may help with metabolism. Just be sure to brew your own and avoid sugary bottled versions.

Sparkling Water and Seltzer

For a satisfying fizz without the calories of soda, sparkling water or seltzer is a fantastic option. Flavored varieties, often infused with natural fruit essences like lime, cucumber, or berries, offer a refreshing taste without any added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Always check the label, as some brands may include sweeteners. A squeeze of fresh citrus can also add a natural flavor burst.

Fruit-Infused Water

Making your own fruit-infused water is a simple and delicious way to add flavor without calories. By combining water with slices of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, you create a refreshing drink that encourages you to stay hydrated.

Common infused water combinations include:

Cucumber and mint: A classic, spa-like refresher.
Lemon and ginger: A zesty and warming combination.
Strawberry and basil: A sweet and herbaceous pairing.
Raspberry and rosemary: A unique, recovery-focused blend.

Black Coffee

Brewed black coffee is a calorie-free drink that provides a caffeine boost and is rich in antioxidants. The key is to enjoy it without high-calorie additions like sugar, syrups, or heavy cream. Choosing skim or plant-based milk and sugar-free syrups can help keep the calorie count low if you prefer a creamier, sweeter taste.

Comparison of Low-Calorie Beverage Options

To help you decide, here is a comparison of some popular low-calorie and zero-calorie drinks:


Beverage Type	Calories (per 8oz)	Added Sugar	Artificial Sweeteners	Other Considerations
Plain Water	0	No	No	Optimal for hydration, essential nutrients obtained elsewhere.
Herbal Tea (Unsweetened)	0-5	No	No	Antioxidants, wide variety of flavors.
Black Coffee (Unsweetened)	0-5	No	No	Contains caffeine, rich in antioxidants.
Infused Water	0-1	No	No	Customizable flavor with natural ingredients.
Diet Soda	0	No	Yes	May contain artificial sweeteners; links to health issues are inconclusive.
100% Fruit Juice	100+	No	No	High in natural sugar, lacks fiber of whole fruit.
Sweetened Iced Tea	80+	Yes	No	High in sugar and empty calories.

The Problem with Sugary Drinks

Highly sweetened beverages, such as soda, fruit-flavored drinks, and many sports drinks, are a major source of empty calories and added sugars. The human body doesn't register liquid calories in the same way as solid food calories, meaning sugary drinks can lead to excess calorie intake without promoting feelings of fullness. High consumption of these drinks is linked to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Switching to low-calorie alternatives is a simple but impactful step toward better health.

Making Healthy Choices on the Go

Choosing a low-calorie drink is easier than ever with many brands offering healthier options. Look for sparkling waters with natural fruit essences rather than artificial ingredients. Many pre-mixed beverage powders also use calorie-free sweeteners like stevia. When at a coffee shop, remember that small changes, like opting for a smaller size, choosing nonfat milk, and skipping whipped cream, can significantly reduce the calorie count.

Conclusion

While plain water is the ultimate answer to the question, "what drink has the lowest calories?", a variety of delicious and healthy alternatives exist to keep your hydration exciting. From herbal teas and black coffee to customizable infused waters, you can easily find low-calorie options that satisfy your palate and support your nutritional goals. By making mindful beverage choices, you can significantly reduce your daily calorie intake and improve your overall health without sacrificing flavor.

How to make DIY infused water for better hydration

Infused water is an excellent way to flavor your water naturally. To start, simply gather fresh ingredients like sliced fruits (lemon, berries), vegetables (cucumber), or herbs (mint, basil).

Preparation: Wash and thinly slice your chosen fruits and veggies. Lightly muddle herbs to release their aromatic oils.
Infusion: Place the ingredients in a pitcher or water bottle and add cold water. You can let it infuse for a couple of hours at room temperature for a lighter flavor or chill it in the refrigerator for a stronger taste.
Enjoy: For the best and freshest flavor, consume within 2-3 days. Some ingredients, like citrus, can cause bitterness if left too long, so taste as you go.

This simple process provides a flavorful, calorie-free drink that can help curb cravings and encourage higher water consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

The absolute lowest calorie drink is plain water, which contains zero calories. It is the most effective and healthiest way to stay hydrated without consuming any calories or sugars.

Most diet sodas contain less than 5 calories per serving, which allows them to be labeled as zero-calorie. However, they are sweetened with artificial sweeteners, and some research suggests that these might influence appetite or metabolism.

Black coffee, when brewed without any additions, has virtually zero calories. The calorie count increases when you add milk, cream, sugar, or flavored syrups.

You can add flavor to water without adding calories by infusing it with fresh fruits like lemon, berries, and cucumber, or herbs such as mint and basil. This creates a refreshing and naturally flavored drink.

While 100% fruit juice contains nutrients, it is high in natural sugars and calories, and it lacks the fiber of whole fruit. It is generally not considered a low-calorie option and is best consumed in moderation or diluted with water.

Seltzer water is generally calorie-free, while club soda can contain a small amount of sodium and sometimes added sweeteners, affecting its calorie count. Always check the label to ensure no calories have been added.

Yes, replacing high-calorie sugary drinks with low-calorie alternatives can significantly reduce your overall caloric intake, which can aid in weight loss. Staying hydrated with low-calorie drinks can also help you feel fuller, potentially leading to eating less.