Which Tea Increases Hunger? Separating Fact from Anecdote

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

While many people drink tea to aid weight management and suppress appetite, some individuals report feeling hungrier after certain types of tea. The question of which tea increases hunger is more complex than a simple recommendation, as individual biochemistry, tea type, and consumption timing all play a role.

Quick Summary

Investigates how various teas affect appetite, exploring anecdotal experiences and contrasting scientific findings. Explores potential causes for increased hunger, focusing on metabolic effects, hormone regulation, and gut health.

Key Points

Green Tea's Dual Effect: While often linked to appetite suppression, some individuals experience increased hunger due to its metabolism-boosting effects.
Oolong and Pu-erh's Impact: Certain oolong teas may increase the 'hunger hormone' ghrelin, while some Pu-erh drinkers report heightened hunger, though scientific evidence varies.
Common Appetite Suppressants: Peppermint, ginger, chamomile, and black teas are generally known for their appetite-curbing or satiety-promoting properties.
Consumption Timing Matters: Drinking tea on an empty stomach can increase stomach acid, which might be mistaken for hunger, affecting perception.
Individual Differences: The way tea affects hunger is highly personal, influenced by individual metabolism, hormone levels, and gut microbiota.
Beware of Additives: The effect of any tea on appetite can be altered by adding sugar or milk, which impact calorie intake and satiety signals.

The Contradictory Case of Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most widely studied beverages for its health benefits, including weight management, but its effects on hunger are surprisingly mixed. A 2022 study of 21 people found that while green tea increased energy expenditure, participants also reported increased feelings of hunger. This suggests that the body's increased metabolic rate, driven by compounds like EGCG, might be interpreted by some as a cue for more calories, even though the tea might ultimately help burn fat.

Conversely, other research suggests that green tea can suppress appetite by regulating hormones like ghrelin and promoting satiety. A 2023 review of green tea extract found no significant effect on leptin and ghrelin levels, highlighting the inconsistency in research findings. For some people, particularly when consumed on an empty stomach, the increased stomach acid production can mimic hunger pangs, further complicating the issue.

Unpacking the Role of Oolong and Pu-erh Teas

Certain fermented and semi-fermented teas, such as oolong and Pu-erh, have also been discussed in relation to appetite. Oolong tea, in particular, has been linked to potential hunger-inducing effects. Some studies have suggested that oolong tea may increase gastrointestinal motility and stimulate the secretion of the 'hunger hormone' ghrelin, making drinkers feel hungry. Interestingly, this effect doesn't always translate to increased food intake, according to some research.

Pu-erh tea, another fermented variety, has been anecdotally associated with increasing hunger by some tea enthusiasts, though robust scientific evidence is limited. The gut-microbiome-modulating effects of fermented teas are a subject of ongoing research, and it is possible that alterations in gut bacteria could indirectly influence hunger signaling in some individuals.

The Appetite-Suppressing Counterparts: Mint, Ginger, and Chamomile

To better understand which tea increases hunger, it is useful to look at the teas known to do the opposite. Many popular herbal and traditional teas are known for their appetite-suppressing qualities, often through different mechanisms:

Peppermint Tea: The refreshing aroma of peppermint is believed to reduce cravings and appetite. It can also relax stomach muscles, which may help curb hunger.
Ginger Tea: Ginger has been shown to reduce feelings of hunger by increasing thermogenesis (calorie burning), promoting feelings of fullness, and aiding digestion.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming effects, chamomile tea can help reduce stress-related eating. Some studies also suggest it may regulate blood sugar levels, preventing the spikes and crashes that cause intense food cravings.
Black Tea: The moderate caffeine content and polyphenols in black tea have been shown to suppress appetite and increase satiety.

Factors Influencing Tea's Effect on Hunger

Timing of Consumption: Drinking tea on an empty stomach may cause stomach acid to increase, leading to sensations that can be confused with hunger. Drinking tea before a meal, especially a warm one, can fill the stomach and aid portion control.
Caffeine Content: While a stimulant, caffeine can have a dual effect. It can temporarily suppress appetite, but the crash that follows can sometimes lead to rebound hunger. Higher caffeine teas may have a stronger initial suppressive effect, but this might not be sustained. A 2013 study on peppermint oil showed reduced appetite, though an animal study showed weight gain, highlighting the complexity.
Impact on Gut Hormones: As mentioned with oolong tea, some teas might influence appetite-regulating hormones like ghrelin. More research is needed to understand these mechanisms fully across different tea types.
Individual Metabolism: A person's metabolic rate and how their body processes different tea compounds can vary significantly, leading to diverse responses in appetite and energy expenditure.
Preparation Method: Adding milk, sugar, or honey can turn a zero-calorie beverage into one that contributes to your daily calorie intake and influences satiety differently. The preparation and additions to the tea can completely change its effect on the body.

Comparison Table: Teas and Their Reported Effects on Hunger


Tea Type	Typical Reported Effect on Appetite	Potential Hunger-Inducing Caveats	Supporting Evidence
Green Tea	Appetite suppression, increased satiety.	Increased metabolism may feel like hunger to some; consumption on an empty stomach may cause acid production confusion.	Mixed studies exist, with some showing reduced food intake and others showing increased hunger perception.
Oolong Tea	Mixed. Can be appetite-suppressing due to polyphenols and caffeine.	Potential to increase ghrelin and gastrointestinal motility, leading to perceived hunger.	Some studies suggest appetite suppression, while others note a ghrelin increase.
Pu-erh Tea	Appetite suppression, fat metabolism.	Anecdotally reported to increase hunger by some tea drinkers.	Anecdotal reports vs. scientific findings focusing on metabolism benefits.
Peppermint Tea	Appetite suppression, reduced cravings.	None widely reported.	Studies suggest appetite-suppressing effects.
Ginger Tea	Appetite suppression, increased satiety, digestion aid.	None widely reported.	Research links ginger consumption to reduced hunger.
Black Tea	Appetite suppression, promotes fullness.	Higher caffeine can lead to rebound hunger in some sensitive individuals.	Studies show black tea can increase satiety and suppress appetite.
Chamomile Tea	Reduced stress-related eating, regulated blood sugar.	None widely reported.	Research suggests indirect effects on appetite through stress and blood sugar control.

Conclusion: Navigating Tea's Effect on Your Appetite

The notion of a single tea that reliably increases hunger is largely a misconception, as most evidence points towards tea, particularly green, black, and herbal varieties like mint or ginger, having either a neutral or an appetite-suppressing effect. However, nuances exist. For certain individuals, a boost in metabolism from green tea or the ghrelin-modulating effects of specific oolongs may manifest as a sensation of hunger. Ultimately, the effect of any tea on appetite is highly individual and depends on a complex interplay of personal physiology, the specific tea's compounds, and when it is consumed. The best approach is mindful consumption: pay attention to your body's signals and observe how different teas impact you.

For a deeper dive into the science of appetite regulation, consider exploring authoritative medical resources like the NIH website.

Frequently Asked Questions

While most popular teas are known to have a neutral or appetite-suppressing effect, a few exceptions exist. Some individuals, for example, report feeling hungrier after drinking certain green or oolong teas due to unique metabolic or hormonal responses.

For some, the compounds in green tea, particularly EGCG, can boost the resting metabolic rate, causing the body to burn more calories. This increased energy expenditure may trigger a hunger signal. Additionally, drinking it on an empty stomach can increase stomach acid, which can be mistaken for hunger.

Based on some studies, specific types of oolong tea have been shown to potentially increase levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. However, this is not a universal effect, and the overall impact of tea on appetite is complex and individual.

Teas commonly associated with appetite suppression include peppermint, ginger, and black tea. Peppermint's aroma and ginger's thermogenic effects are known to help reduce cravings and promote feelings of fullness.

Anecdotal reports from some tea enthusiasts suggest that certain types of Pu-erh tea can increase hunger. However, scientific evidence on this effect is limited, with most research focusing on its fat-burning and metabolism-regulating properties.

Adding sugar to tea increases its calorie content and can cause a blood sugar spike followed by a crash. This blood sugar fluctuation is a common trigger for cravings and increased hunger, effectively counteracting any potential appetite-suppressing benefits of the tea itself.

The timing of your tea can influence your appetite. Drinking a warm cup of tea before a meal can help you feel fuller and eat less. Conversely, consuming tea on an empty stomach can sometimes produce a hunger-like sensation due to increased stomach acidity.