What to Drink on the Mayo Clinic Diet?

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, women should aim for 11.5 cups and men 15.5 cups of fluid daily to stay hydrated, a key component for success on the Mayo Clinic Diet. Knowing what to drink on this diet can effectively support your overall health and weight management goals.

Quick Summary

An overview of the recommended and restricted beverages on the Mayo Clinic Diet. Covers the importance of water, the guidelines for coffee, tea, and milk, and why sugary or alcoholic drinks should be limited.

Key Points

Prioritize Water: Water is the optimal beverage choice as it is calorie-free and vital for hydration and metabolism.
Flavor Water Naturally: Enhance plain water with slices of citrus fruits, berries, or cucumber to boost flavor without adding calories.
Limit Alcohol and Sugary Drinks: High-calorie, sugary, and alcoholic beverages should be avoided or consumed very rarely, as they provide empty calories and can hinder weight loss.
Drink Plain Coffee and Tea: Plain, black coffee and herbal teas are approved, but avoid adding sugar, flavored syrups, or heavy cream.
Choose Low-Fat Milk: Skim or low-fat milk is acceptable in moderation as part of your daily dairy intake.
Opt for Whole Fruits over Juice: While 100% pulp-free juice can be consumed in moderation, eating whole fruit is always the better choice due to its higher fiber content.
Use Sugar-Free Alternatives Cautiously: Diet sodas and sugar-free flavored water can be occasional treats, but do not replace water as your primary source of hydration.

The Mayo Clinic Diet is a long-term, sustainable lifestyle approach to weight management, focusing on healthy foods and habits rather than a restrictive, short-term plan. Proper hydration is a cornerstone of this diet, helping to maintain energy levels and metabolism. Your beverage choices play a significant role in your overall success.

The Core Principle: Prioritizing Water

Water should always be your go-to beverage on the Mayo Clinic Diet. It contains no calories and is essential for bodily functions and preventing dehydration. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes making water your first choice, especially when thirsty.

To make staying hydrated more appealing, you can easily add flavor to plain water. Some simple ideas include:

Slices of lemon, lime, or orange
Cucumber or mint leaves
Berries like strawberries or raspberries
Herbs such as basil or rosemary

Plain or flavored carbonated water is also an approved, calorie-free option to enjoy occasionally. It can serve as a satisfying replacement for sugary sodas.

Coffee and Tea on the Mayo Clinic Diet

For many, a daily cup of coffee or tea is a vital part of their routine. The good news is that these are generally permitted on the Mayo Clinic Diet, with a few important guidelines.

Coffee: Plain, black coffee is a good low-calorie choice. The key is to avoid high-calorie additions that negate its benefits. This means steering clear of sugar, flavored syrups, heavy whipping cream, or half-and-half. For those sensitive to caffeine, decaffeinated coffee offers the same flavorful experience without potential side effects like irritability or heartburn.
Tea: Black or herbal tea is another excellent low-calorie option. Like coffee, it is best enjoyed plain or with minimal additions. Avoid sweetened iced teas or adding too much sugar or honey. A splash of approved milk can be used for added richness.

Navigating Dairy and Juices

Milk and certain juices can fit into your diet, but it is important to choose wisely to manage calorie intake.

Milk: Skim or low-fat milk is permitted as it contributes to your daily dairy requirement. It is a good source of protein and calcium. For those who enjoy milk in their coffee or tea, a small dash is acceptable.
Juices: When it comes to fruit juice, the Mayo Clinic recommends opting for whole fruits to get more fiber. If you do choose juice, it should be 100% fruit juice and without pulp, such as white grape or apple juice. It's important to remember that juices contain calories and should be consumed in moderation.

The Verdict on Alcohol and Sugary Drinks

To achieve weight loss and health goals, certain beverages are best avoided or consumed only on rare occasions.

Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are typically high in calories and should be consumed infrequently and in small amounts. The calories from alcohol can add up quickly, undermining your dietary efforts.
Sugary Drinks: Regular sodas, sweetened teas, and sports drinks are packed with added sugars and empty calories. The Mayo Clinic strongly recommends limiting these types of beverages and choosing healthier, low-calorie options. Diet sodas and sugar-free flavored waters can be an occasional alternative, but water remains the preferred choice.

A Comparison of Beverage Choices

Understanding which drinks are best for the Mayo Clinic Diet can be simplified with a quick comparison. The table below outlines common beverages and their standing on the diet.


Beverage Category	Mayo Clinic Diet Status	Key Considerations
Water	Recommended	Plain, flavored, or carbonated; calorie-free; essential for hydration.
Black Coffee/Tea	Recommended	Drink plain or with minimal, low-calorie additions.
Herbal Tea	Recommended	Drink unsweetened.
Skim/Low-Fat Milk	Recommended	Part of the dairy group; consume in moderation due to calories.
Diet/Sugar-Free Soda	Occasional	Can be a treat, but water is always better; contains artificial sweeteners.
Alcohol	Limited/Rarely	High in calories and sugar; undermines weight loss goals.
Sugary Soda/Energy Drinks	Avoided	Filled with empty calories and added sugars.
Juice with Pulp	Avoided	Higher in calories and sugar; whole fruit is a better choice.
Sweetened Iced Tea	Avoided	High in sugar; can quickly add excess calories.

Conclusion: Making Smart Sips

Success on the Mayo Clinic Diet extends beyond what you eat to include what you drink. By prioritizing water and other low-calorie, unsweetened options like black coffee and herbal tea, you can significantly aid your weight loss efforts and improve overall health. Limiting or avoiding alcohol and sugary drinks is crucial to prevent unnecessary calorie consumption. Remember to listen to your body and hydrate regularly, making simple, healthy beverage choices that support your journey towards a healthier lifestyle. For further information and support on your diet, you can refer to the official Mayo Clinic resource pages on healthy eating and hydration principles.

Mayo Clinic Healthy Lifestyle - Water

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, sugar-free soft drinks and flavored waters can be included occasionally for variety on the Mayo Clinic Diet. However, water remains the best choice for hydration.

Pulp-free fruit juices, like apple or white grape juice, are allowed in moderation. For optimal fiber and nutrient intake, the diet encourages consuming whole fruits instead of juice.

The Mayo Clinic Diet recommends that alcohol be consumed in small amounts and infrequently. Alcoholic beverages are high in calories and count towards your 'Sweets' category.

The official Mayo Clinic recommendation for daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women. Water is the best source for this fluid.

Plain, black coffee and unsweetened black or herbal tea are permitted on the diet. It's important to avoid adding high-calorie extras like sugar and heavy cream.

To naturally flavor water, you can add slices of fruits like lemons, limes, or berries, or herbs such as mint or cucumber. This adds flavor without extra calories or sugar.

Yes, water-based beverages such as milk and coffee can count toward your daily fluid intake. On the Mayo Clinic Diet, you should stick to skim or low-fat milk options.