What is the lowest calorie drink? Unveiling the zero-calorie hydration heroes

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

Plain water has zero calories and is scientifically proven to be the most hydrating beverage available. This makes it, unequivocally, the lowest calorie drink you can consume. While water reigns supreme, there are many other flavorful, zero-calorie, and low-calorie options that support weight management and healthy living.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the indisputable lowest calorie drink, along with an array of other zero-calorie choices like black coffee, herbal tea, and infused water. It also covers the benefits of reducing caloric intake from beverages, compares different low-calorie drink types, and addresses common questions about diet drinks and overall hydration.

Key Points

Plain Water is King: With zero calories, water is unequivocally the lowest calorie and healthiest drink for hydration.
Black Coffee and Tea are Virtually Calorie-Free: Both can be consumed without calories as long as you avoid adding sugar, syrups, and fatty creamers.
Sparkling Water Offers Guilt-Free Fizz: Enjoy the bubbly sensation of soda without the calories or sugar by choosing plain or naturally flavored sparkling water.
Be Mindful of Artificial Sweeteners: While diet sodas are calorie-free, the health implications of long-term artificial sweetener consumption are still debated.
Low-Calorie Nutritious Alternatives: Options like vegetable juice provide hydration with added nutrients, though they contain more calories and sodium than water.
Infuse for Flavor, Not Calories: Add natural flavors to water using fruits like lemon or cucumber, or brew herbal teas for a calorie-free taste boost.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the nutritional information on 'zero calorie' or 'diet' products, as some may contain hidden sugars or additives.

Water: The Undisputed Lowest Calorie Drink

Plain water is the ultimate zero-calorie beverage, offering maximum hydration without any sugar, artificial sweeteners, or added calories. It is essential for numerous bodily functions, including temperature regulation, nutrient transportation, and metabolism. For those aiming to manage their weight, replacing high-calorie, sugary drinks with water is one of the simplest and most effective strategies. Some studies show that drinking water can temporarily boost resting energy expenditure by up to 30%.

For some, plain water can be bland. The good news is that you can easily add flavor without adding calories:

Infused Water: Add slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or berries to a pitcher of water.
Herbal Tea: Brew caffeine-free herbal teas, such as peppermint, ginger, or chamomile, which are naturally zero-calorie.

Zero-Calorie Flavored Alternatives

When the craving for something other than water strikes, several zero-calorie options can satisfy your taste buds:

Black Coffee and Unsweetened Tea: Both coffee and tea are virtually calorie-free when consumed plain. Adding sugar, syrups, or high-fat cream can quickly turn a zero-calorie drink into a high-calorie one.
Sparkling Water: This carbonated water is calorie-free and offers the satisfying fizz of soda without any sugar or sweeteners. Flavored sparkling waters, like those infused with natural fruit essence, are also excellent zero-calorie choices, just be sure to check the label for added sugars.
Sugar-Free Squash/Syrups: Many brands offer sugar-free concentrated syrups or squash that add flavor to water without calories, using alternative sweeteners like stevia or sucralose.

Potential Downsides of Diet Drinks

While diet and zero-calorie soft drinks are a popular alternative to their sugary counterparts, it is important to be aware of the ongoing debate surrounding them. They are sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) and, in the short term, can help reduce calorie intake. However, some research suggests a potential link between artificial sweeteners and altered gut microbiota, increased cravings for sweet foods, and even metabolic disturbances over the long term. Other studies, meanwhile, find that these drinks, when replacing sugar-sweetened beverages, can aid in weight loss. Dental health is another concern, as the acidity in some diet sodas can lead to enamel erosion.

Comparing Popular Zero-Calorie and Low-Calorie Drinks


Beverage Type	Calories	Potential Benefits	Considerations
Plain Water	0	Essential for life, optimal hydration, boosts metabolism	Can be perceived as bland by some.
Black Coffee/Tea	~2 (per cup)	Rich in antioxidants, boosts metabolism with caffeine	Caffeine content can affect sleep; watch out for high-calorie additions.
Herbal Tea	0	Relaxing, diverse flavors, no caffeine	May not appeal to all taste preferences.
Sparkling Water	0	Calorie-free fizz, aids hydration, good soda replacement	Some brands add sweeteners; acidity can affect dental health over time.
Vegetable Juice	Varies (e.g., 41 per cup for tomato)	Nutritious, good source of fiber, can curb appetite	Higher in sodium than water; need to choose low-sodium options.
Diet Soda	0	No sugar, satisfies cravings for soda taste	Contains artificial sweeteners; ongoing health debates surround long-term use.

Making Healthy Beverage Choices

Selecting the right drink is a simple yet effective way to manage your overall calorie intake and support your health goals. While the calorie content is a primary factor, it's also worth considering the nutritional value and potential health effects. Water is always the gold standard, but the other options provide flexibility without derailing your diet. For those with diabetes or other metabolic conditions, zero-calorie options offer a safe way to enjoy flavorful beverages without spiking blood sugar. Ultimately, making informed decisions about what you drink, just like what you eat, is key to a healthier lifestyle.

Conclusion: The Lowest Calorie Drink is Found in Simplicity

For anyone asking "what is the lowest calorie drink?", the definitive answer remains plain water. It offers pure, calorie-free hydration that is vital for optimal bodily function. While other zero-calorie drinks exist, like black coffee, herbal tea, and flavored sparkling water, they each have their own considerations, including caffeine content, acidity, and the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners. The most effective strategy is to build a foundation of water intake, then incorporate these other zero or low-calorie options in moderation for variety. By focusing on simple, whole beverages and being mindful of additions, you can significantly reduce your calorie consumption from drinks and support your health and weight management goals.

For more detailed information on healthy beverage choices, you can read more from sources like WebMD and EatingWell.

Frequently Asked Questions

The absolute lowest calorie drink available is plain water, containing zero calories, no sugar, and no additives. Unsweetened black coffee and plain tea are also effectively zero-calorie options.

While diet sodas technically contain zero calories, they are sweetened with artificial sweeteners. Research on the long-term health effects of these sweeteners is ongoing and debated, so moderate consumption is often recommended.

Yes, you can. Options like herbal tea, plain black coffee, and water infused with fruits or vegetables offer flavor without adding any calories. Many brands also offer sugar-free water enhancers or syrups.

Plain sparkling water has zero calories. Be sure to check the label on flavored sparkling water, as some brands might contain added sugars, although many use natural fruit essences that keep the calorie count at zero.

Excessive consumption of diet soda has been linked to potential issues like tooth enamel erosion due to acidity and can disrupt gut microbiota. While moderate intake is common, it's generally advised to prioritize water.

To make zero-calorie flavored water at home, simply add your favorite fruit slices, vegetables, or herbs to a pitcher of cold water and let it infuse. Popular choices include lemon, cucumber, mint, and berries.

For weight loss, plain water is the best zero-calorie drink. It promotes hydration, boosts metabolism, and has no associated health debates like some artificially sweetened beverages. Herbal teas and black coffee are also excellent choices.