Which has more calories, tea or coffee?

According to the USDA, a standard 8-ounce cup of black coffee contains only 2 calories, while an equivalent cup of brewed black tea has around 2 calories, making them virtually identical in their unadulterated form. However, the real story of which has more calories, tea or coffee, lies in the additions you make, such as milk, sugar, and syrups, which can dramatically increase the total count.

Quick Summary

A comparison of the calorie content in tea and coffee, both plain and with popular additives like milk and sugar. It details how specialty drinks significantly increase the calorie count, and offers tips for making healthier choices.

Key Points

• Plain Brews Have Minimal Calories: Black coffee and black tea, without any additions, both contain a negligible 2-5 calories per 8-ounce cup.

• Additives Drive Calorie Count: The real calorie difference comes from added ingredients like milk, sugar, and syrups, which can drastically increase the total count.

• Specialty Drinks Are Calorie Bombs: Creamy lattes, mochas, and certain sweetened tea drinks can contain hundreds of calories, transforming a simple beverage into a high-calorie treat.

• Low-Calorie Alternatives Exist: Opting for skim or plant-based milks, using zero-calorie sweeteners, and choosing smaller sizes are effective ways to reduce your drink's calorie load.

• Mindful Consumption is Key: Controlling your intake of caloric add-ins is the most effective way to manage the calorie content of your daily tea or coffee.

• Not a Weight Loss Solution: While low-calorie, plain tea and coffee are not a magical weight loss cure; they can be part of a calorie-conscious diet when used to replace higher-calorie alternatives.

Plain Brews: A Calorie Tie

When discussing the fundamental question of which has more calories, tea or coffee, the answer for plain, unsweetened brews is a near-perfect tie. Both black coffee and black tea, when prepared with just hot water, contain a negligible amount of calories—typically around 2 to 5 calories per 8-ounce serving. The small calorie count comes from trace amounts of dissolved solids from the beans or leaves. For anyone monitoring their caloric intake, opting for either of these beverages in their plain form is an excellent, low-calorie choice. Herbal teas, which are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant, are often even closer to zero calories.

The Additive Effect: Where Calories Skyrocket

The calorie count for both tea and coffee becomes a drastically different story once additions are introduced. A 2017 study from the University of Illinois found that coffee drinkers who add sweeteners, cream, and other substances consume an average of 69 extra calories daily compared to those who drink it black. For tea drinkers with caloric add-ins, the daily intake increased by an average of 43 calories. These seemingly small daily increases can lead to significant weight gain over time.

Calorie Comparison Table: Plain vs. With Additives

The following table illustrates how quickly the calorie counts can change with common additions, based on an 8-ounce serving.

Beverage	Plain (Black)	+ 1 tsp Sugar (16 kcal)	+ 1 oz Whole Milk (19 kcal)	+ Sugar & Whole Milk
Black Coffee	~2 kcal	~18 kcal	~21 kcal	~37 kcal
Black Tea	~2 kcal	~18 kcal	~21 kcal	~37 kcal

Specialty Drinks: The Biggest Calorie Culprits

For those who frequent coffee shops, the calorie difference between tea and coffee can be substantial depending on the type of drink ordered. A simple tea latte generally requires less milk than a creamy coffee latte or cappuccino to cut its intensity, which often keeps its calorie count lower. Conversely, a mocha with chocolate syrup and whipped cream can contain several hundred calories, making it a dessert in a cup. A chai tea latte can also be surprisingly high in calories due to the sweet chai powder or syrup used.

Making Healthier Choices

Navigating the world of tea and coffee doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor for lower calories. There are several ways to enjoy your favorite brew while keeping your calorie intake in check:

• Embrace plain brews: For the lowest possible calorie count, stick to black coffee or plain tea. Adding a squeeze of lemon to tea or a dash of cinnamon to coffee can enhance flavor without adding calories.
• Choose skim or plant-based milk: Swapping whole milk for a lower-calorie alternative like skim milk or almond milk can significantly reduce the calorie impact. For example, a cup of coffee with skim milk contains around 15 calories, compared to 28 calories with whole milk.
• Reduce or eliminate sugar: A single teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories. By reducing or eliminating sugar, you can save a considerable number of calories, especially if you have multiple cups a day.
• Be mindful of serving sizes: Coffee shop drinks often come in larger sizes, which means more milk, sugar, and syrup. Opting for a smaller size can be an easy way to save calories.

Conclusion: It's All About the Add-ins

Ultimately, the question of which has more calories, tea or coffee, is a trick question. On their own, both beverages are virtually calorie-free. The true calorie count is determined entirely by what you choose to add. While a plain cup of black coffee or tea won't make a dent in your daily calorie budget, a frothy, syrupy specialty drink can. By being mindful of your additions, you can enjoy your daily brew without the extra caloric load. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a tea lover, the power to control your calorie intake is in your hands.

Can you lose weight by just drinking black coffee or tea?

No, while drinking plain tea or coffee won't add significant calories, they are not a magical weight loss solution. Weight loss is a result of a consistent calorie deficit achieved through a balanced diet and regular exercise. However, replacing high-calorie, sugar-sweetened beverages with black coffee or tea can be an effective strategy to reduce your overall daily calorie intake.

What are some low-calorie additions to tea and coffee?

For a low-calorie boost of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dash of unsweetened cocoa powder, or a splash of almond or oat milk. A zero-calorie sweetener can also be used if you prefer a sweeter taste.

What about different types of tea?

Just like black tea, other types such as green, white, and oolong tea contain a negligible number of calories when brewed plain. The calorie count only increases with the addition of milk, sugar, or honey. Herbal teas, like peppermint or chamomile, are also virtually calorie-free.

Are there any high-calorie teas?

Yes, specialty tea drinks, like bubble tea or many chai tea lattes, can be very high in calories. Bubble tea, for example, often contains sweetened condensed milk, syrup, and sugary tapioca pearls, pushing its calorie count as high as 450 calories for a single serving. Always check the ingredients and preparation method for these indulgent options.

Does decaf coffee have fewer calories?

No, the calorie content of coffee is not significantly affected by whether it's caffeinated or decaffeinated. A cup of black decaf coffee is still virtually calorie-free, just like regular black coffee.

What about instant coffee vs. brewed?

Brewed black coffee and plain instant coffee powder are both very low in calories, with instant coffee powder containing a few calories more per teaspoon. For diet purposes, the difference is negligible. The main factor influencing the calorie count will always be what you add to it.

Do flavored syrups contain calories?

Yes, most standard flavored syrups used in specialty coffee drinks are loaded with sugar and calories. Many coffee shops offer sugar-free syrup options, which provide the flavor without the added calories.

Which Has More Calories, Tea or Coffee? Final Summary

• Plain coffee and tea are virtually identical and contain only 2-5 calories per 8-ounce cup.
• Additives like sugar, milk, and syrup are the true source of calories, not the base beverage itself.
• Coffee drinkers in one study added more calories daily (69 kcal) compared to tea drinkers (43 kcal), mainly from sugar.
• Specialty coffee shop drinks can easily become high-calorie beverages due to excessive use of milk, syrups, and other add-ins.
• Choosing plain brews, lower-calorie milk alternatives, and reducing sugar are key strategies for keeping your beverage intake low-calorie.
• Some tea drinks, like bubble tea and certain chai lattes, can be just as high in calories as coffee shop creations.

Sources

• Which Is Healthier: Coffee Or Tea? - Prevention: https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a19832164/coffee-vs-tea/
• Black Coffee – Benefits, Nutrition and Side Effects - GNC India: https://www.guardian.in/blogs/livewell/black-coffee-benefits-nutrition-and-side-effects
• Does Tea Contain Calories? All You Need to Know - Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-calories
• Caffeine & calories: exploring how coffee impacts weight gain - Jane Plan: https://www.janeplan.com/content/nutrition/how-coffee-impacts-weight-gain%20
• understanding calories in tea : unveiling the facts - Teapigs Australia: https://teapigs.com.au/blogs/blog/calories-in-tea
• Study tallies extra calories Americans consume in their coffee, tea - Illinois News Bureau: https://news.illinois.edu/study-tallies-extra-calories-americans-consume-in-their-coffee-tea/
• Calories in Coffee: Which Drink Has the Most? - Coffeeness: https://www.coffeeness.de/en/how-many-calories-are-in-coffee/

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more calories, plain tea or plain coffee?

Plain black tea and plain black coffee have a virtually identical, minimal calorie count—typically around 2-5 calories per 8-ounce cup. The trace calories come from dissolved solids from the leaves or beans.

How much do additives like milk and sugar increase calories?

Additions can significantly increase calories. One study found that coffee drinkers who added milk, sugar, or other substances consumed an average of 69 extra calories daily, while tea drinkers with additions consumed 43 extra calories. A single teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories.

Are specialty coffee shop drinks high in calories?

Yes, specialty coffee shop drinks, such as lattes, mochas, and flavored creations, can be very high in calories. These drinks often contain large amounts of milk, sugary syrups, and whipped cream.

Can switching to low-fat or plant-based milk reduce calories?

Yes, switching to a lower-fat option like skim milk or a plant-based alternative such as almond milk can significantly reduce the calorie count of your drink. For example, almond milk is generally lower in calories than whole milk.

How can I reduce calories in my tea or coffee?

To reduce calories, consider drinking your coffee or tea black. If you need additions, opt for a low-calorie alternative such as skim milk, unsweetened almond milk, a zero-calorie sweetener, or natural flavorings like cinnamon or cocoa powder.

Do decaffeinated versions of coffee and tea have fewer calories?

No, the decaffeination process does not significantly alter the calorie content of coffee or tea. A decaf version will have a similar negligible calorie count to its caffeinated counterpart when consumed without additives.

Are herbal teas different in calorie count?

Like traditional teas, most herbal teas are virtually calorie-free when steeped in water. Any calories would come from added ingredients like sugar or milk.