What's the Lowest Calorie Drink to Drink?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sugary drinks are a major source of empty calories in the American diet, contributing to weight gain and chronic health issues. If you're wondering what's the lowest calorie drink to drink, the simple answer is plain water, but many other flavorful, nearly zero-calorie choices exist to keep you hydrated and on track with your health goals.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the best zero-calorie and low-calorie drink options for staying hydrated and managing weight. It provides comparisons of various beverages, from water and tea to low-calorie alcoholic choices, to help you make healthier decisions without sacrificing flavor.

Key Points

Plain Water: The ultimate zero-calorie beverage, essential for hydration and overall health.
Infused Water: Add slices of lemon, lime, berries, or herbs to water for flavor without calories.
Unsweetened Coffee & Tea: Both are nearly calorie-free when consumed black and provide antioxidants.
Sparkling Water: A bubbly, zero-calorie alternative to soda, but check labels for added sweeteners.
Smart Mixers: Use diet soda, club soda, or fresh citrus with spirits to make low-calorie cocktails.
Check Labels: Always read nutrition labels for packaged beverages, as seemingly healthy options can hide high sugar content.
Low-Calorie Alcohol: If consuming alcohol, opt for low-calorie choices like light beer, wine spritzers, or a vodka soda.

The Undisputed Winner: Plain Water

At the very top of the list, plain water has zero calories and is the most fundamental beverage for human health. Beyond being calorie-free, water is essential for every bodily function, including regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and flushing out waste. Dehydration can be mistaken for hunger, so drinking sufficient water can also help control your appetite.

How to make water more interesting

For those who find plain water unappealing, there are many ways to add flavor without piling on calories:

Infused Water: Add slices of fresh fruits like lemon, lime, orange, or berries to a pitcher of water. Herbs such as mint, basil, and rosemary also make excellent additions.
Sparkling Water: Plain sparkling water or seltzer offers a calorie-free, fizzy alternative to soda. Be careful to choose unsweetened varieties, as many flavored versions contain added sugars.
True Citrus Packets: These small packets contain crystallized lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice and add a burst of flavor with minimal calories.

Naturally Calorie-Free Beverages

If you need a bit of a caffeine kick or a soothing warm beverage, several natural options fit the bill while offering zero calories when consumed without sugar or cream.

Black Coffee: Brewed black coffee is virtually calorie-free and rich in antioxidants. The caffeine can also provide a metabolism-boosting effect. However, specialty coffee drinks loaded with syrups, whipped cream, and whole milk can contain hundreds of calories.
Herbal Tea: Varieties like peppermint, chamomile, and hibiscus are not only calorie-free but can also offer health benefits from their antioxidant content. They are also a great choice for hydration and relaxation.
Green Tea: Known for its potential weight loss benefits, green tea contains antioxidants called catechins that may boost metabolism. As with coffee, it's best consumed without added sweeteners to keep the calorie count at zero.
Black Tea: Rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, black tea can support gut health and may aid in weight loss. Enjoy it unsweetened, or add a calorie-free sweetener for taste.

Low-Calorie Alternatives

When zero-calorie isn't enough, some beverages offer flavor and nutrients for very few calories. Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid added sugars.

Vegetable Juice: Homemade vegetable juice, such as a mix of celery, cucumber, and spinach, provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber for a low calorie count. Store-bought versions can be high in sodium, so opt for low-sodium or make your own.
Unsweetened Coconut Water: A good source of electrolytes, coconut water is a refreshing and low-calorie alternative to sugary sports drinks, especially for post-workout hydration. However, it does contain some calories and natural sugars, so it's not completely free.
Light Beer and Wine Spritzers: For alcoholic options, light beer offers fewer calories than its regular counterpart. A wine spritzer (half wine, half sparkling water) can also significantly cut down on calories.

Choosing Mixers Wisely

For those who enjoy cocktails, the mixer can make a huge difference in the calorie count. The key is to use zero-calorie options to keep your drink light.

Mixers with 0 calories: Diet soda, club soda, and diet tonic water are excellent choices.
Add fresh ingredients: A squeeze of fresh lime, lemon, or a few muddled herbs like mint can provide flavor without adding sugar.
Opt for clear spirits: Vodka and gin mixed with club soda offer a low-calorie base for a cocktail.

Low vs. High Calorie Drink Comparison

To highlight the importance of choosing wisely, here is a comparison of common beverages, with calories based on approximate 12-ounce serving sizes (unless otherwise noted).


Drink Type	Calorie Range	Notes
Plain Water	0	The most hydrating, zero-calorie option.
Black Coffee/Tea	0-4	Unsweetened, no cream.
Diet Soda	0-7	Contains artificial sweeteners.
Light Beer	95-136	Varies by brand and style.
Red/White Wine	~120 (5oz glass)	Calorie count varies.
Regular Soda	124-189	Varies by brand and flavor.
Sweet Tea	129-160	Varies based on sugar content.
Orange Juice	~160	100% juice is better, but calories add up.
Pina Colada	350-400+	Loaded with sugary mixes and alcohol.

Conclusion

When it comes to answering the question, "what's the lowest calorie drink to drink?" the unequivocal answer is plain, unsweetened water. However, for those seeking more variety, an abundance of zero- and low-calorie alternatives are readily available. By making mindful choices—opting for unsweetened coffee and tea, using infused water, choosing diet mixers for cocktails, and being aware of the hidden calories in sweetened drinks—you can easily manage your calorie intake without sacrificing flavor or hydration. Whether for weight management or overall health, replacing sugary, high-calorie beverages with smarter, lower-calorie options is a simple and effective strategy.

If you are interested in additional low-calorie meal ideas, you can explore resources like those found on sites like WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Water is considered the best drink for weight loss as it contains zero calories and can help you feel full, potentially leading to lower overall food intake. Unsweetened green tea and black coffee can also aid weight loss by boosting metabolism.

Most diet sodas contain 0 to 7 calories per serving, primarily due to artificial sweeteners, and are considered virtually calorie-free. However, some health experts caution about the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners.

Fruit juice can be high in calories and sugar, often similar to soda. It's best to dilute 100% fruit juice with water or sparkling water to reduce the calorie load. Choosing vegetable juice or infused water is a lower-calorie alternative.

It depends on the type. Naturally infused water with fresh fruit and herbs is calorie-free. However, many bottled flavored waters and water enhancers contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners, so it's important to check the label for calorie content.

Some of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks include a vodka soda, gin and diet tonic, or a glass of dry wine. For a lighter drink, a wine spritzer mixed with soda water is a good choice.

Both still and sparkling water are excellent choices for hydration. Plain sparkling water contains zero calories and can be a refreshing alternative to plain water. The key is to ensure it is unsweetened.

To cut calories from your coffee, order it black, or use a sugar-free sweetener and nonfat milk. Avoid adding sugary syrups, whipped cream, or full-fat milk, which significantly increase the calorie count.