What Tea Gets Rid of Cravings? A Complete Guide

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a study published in the journal 'Obesity,' certain teas can help curb cravings and suppress appetite, making them a useful tool for weight management. But with so many options available, the question remains: what tea gets rid of cravings effectively? This comprehensive guide explores the specific teas and compounds that can help you fight off unwanted hunger pangs and snack attacks.

Quick Summary

This article explores various teas, including green, peppermint, and rooibos, known for their ability to help manage and curb cravings. It delves into the specific compounds, like EGCG and menthol, that contribute to appetite suppression and provides guidance on incorporating these teas into a healthy lifestyle.

Key Points

Green Tea's EGCG: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea boosts metabolism and fat oxidation to naturally suppress appetite.
Peppermint Scent: The aroma of peppermint tea can reduce appetite and curb cravings for sweet foods.
Rooibos for Sweetness: Naturally sweet, caffeine-free rooibos tea is an excellent, no-sugar alternative to satisfy sweet cravings.
Ginger for Satiety: The spicy flavor of ginger tea can promote a feeling of fullness and decrease the desire for high-sugar snacks.
Holistic Strategy: For best results, combine tea consumption with adequate hydration, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity.
Mindful Drinking: Paying attention to the ritual of drinking tea can enhance its ability to control cravings and prevent emotional eating.

The Science Behind Tea and Cravings

Understanding why certain teas are effective at reducing cravings involves looking at their active compounds. Many teas contain antioxidants, catechins, and other beneficial substances that interact with the body's hunger signals and metabolism.

Green Tea: The Metabolism Booster

Green tea is one of the most widely studied beverages for its health benefits, and its role in craving control is significant. It contains a high concentration of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant that boosts metabolism and increases fat oxidation. The mild caffeine content also provides a gentle stimulating effect that can help reduce feelings of hunger. The combination of EGCG and caffeine works synergistically to enhance the body's energy expenditure, which can indirectly help curb cravings.

Peppermint Tea: The Soothing Suppressant

Peppermint tea's strong, refreshing aroma and flavor can be a powerful psychological tool against cravings. Research suggests that simply inhaling the scent of peppermint can reduce appetite and suppress cravings for sweet foods. Furthermore, peppermint tea aids digestion and can soothe bloating, which can help promote a feeling of fullness and satisfaction after a meal.

Rooibos Tea: The Naturally Sweet Option

Rooibos, or red bush tea, is a caffeine-free herbal tea with a naturally sweet, honey-like flavor that can satisfy a sweet tooth without any added sugar. This makes it an excellent alternative to sugary drinks and desserts. Rooibos also contains antioxidants, including aspalathin, which has been shown to help balance blood sugar levels and reduce fat storage.

Ginger Tea: The Thermogenic Aid

Ginger tea has been used for centuries to aid digestion and reduce inflammation. Its spicy, warming flavor can help reduce sugar cravings and provide a feeling of satiety. The thermogenic properties of ginger also help increase calorie burning, contributing to overall weight management. A cup of ginger tea after a meal can help you feel full and prevent the urge for a sweet treat.

Comparison of Cravings-Fighting Teas


Feature	Green Tea	Peppermint Tea	Rooibos Tea	Ginger Tea
Mechanism	Boosts metabolism, increases fat oxidation	Suppresses appetite via aroma, aids digestion	Naturally sweet, regulates blood sugar	Aids digestion, thermogenic, reduces sugar cravings
Best for...	Overall craving and weight management	Stress-induced or sweet cravings	Sweet cravings, caffeine sensitivity	Digestion-related cravings, inflammation
Caffeine?	Yes (moderate)	No	No	No
Flavor Profile	Grassy, vegetal	Minty, refreshing	Sweet, honey-like	Spicy, warming
Key Compound	EGCG	Menthol	Aspalathin	Gingerols

How to Incorporate Tea into Your Routine

Start the day right: Replace your sugary breakfast drink with a cup of green tea to kickstart your metabolism and manage appetite throughout the morning.
Mid-afternoon slump: Instead of reaching for a snack, brew a cup of peppermint or rooibos tea. The flavor and warmth can be enough to satisfy the craving and provide a mindful break.
After-dinner dessert: A naturally sweet rooibos or spicy ginger tea can effectively replace a calorie-dense dessert, providing a satisfying end to your meal without the sugar.
Hydration is key: Often, the body confuses thirst for hunger. Drinking a glass of water, or a cup of herbal tea, can clarify if you are truly hungry or just thirsty.
Combine with other strategies: While tea is a powerful tool, it works best as part of a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

Conclusion

For those wondering what tea gets rid of cravings, the answer is not a single brew, but a variety of options that offer different benefits. From the metabolism-boosting power of green tea to the soothing properties of peppermint and the naturally sweet nature of rooibos, tea offers a healthy, low-calorie way to manage your appetite. Incorporating these teas into your daily routine, alongside other healthy habits, can be a simple yet effective strategy for controlling cravings and supporting your wellness goals.

The Role of Mindful Consumption

Drinking tea mindfully can enhance its craving-fighting effects. The ritual of preparing a cup, from boiling the water to smelling the aroma, can slow down your intake and help you tune into your body's signals of fullness. This mindful approach can prevent overeating and help differentiate between genuine hunger and emotional or habitual cravings. For more insights on mindful eating and other wellness practices, see the resources available from health organizations.

Mindful Consumption for Better Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Rooibos tea is excellent for sugar cravings because of its naturally sweet, honey-like flavor. Peppermint tea is also effective, as its strong aroma can help reduce the desire for sweet foods.

Green tea contains EGCG and caffeine, which work together to boost your metabolism and increase fat oxidation. This process helps regulate appetite and increases energy expenditure, reducing overall food cravings.

While not a miracle cure, certain teas can support weight loss by boosting metabolism, curbing appetite, and providing a hydrating, low-calorie alternative to sugary beverages. Teas are best used as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle.

Yes, many herbal teas like rooibos and chamomile have naturally sweet or satisfying flavors that can serve as a calorie-free replacement for dessert. This helps satisfy cravings without consuming excess sugar.

For optimal results, consider drinking a cup of tea whenever a craving strikes, such as in the mid-afternoon or after dinner. A cup 30 minutes before a meal can also help you feel fuller and reduce food intake.

Most herbal teas like peppermint and rooibos are generally safe. However, green tea contains caffeine, which can cause jitters or sleep issues for sensitive individuals. Always drink in moderation and consult a doctor if you have health concerns.

The temperature is a matter of preference, but a warm cup of tea can be particularly soothing and satisfying. The ritual of sipping a warm beverage can be a mindful act that helps control emotional eating.