In this extensive guide you’ll learn How Many Calories are in Tea, find tips on keeping tea low in calories. Find 10 coffeehouse “copycat” tea recipes and so much more!
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It’s consumed in various forms, from unsweetened to sweetened, with milk, and more. However, for those who are calorie-conscious, the question is, how many calories are in tea?
In this article,I’ll share the calorie content of different types of tea and provide you with some tips to make the right tea choices. And I’ll even share 10 low calorie tea recipes I know you’ll love!
Calories in Unsweetened Tea
Unsweetened tea, also known as plain tea, is a popular choice for those who want to avoid added sugars. It’s made by steeping tea leaves in hot water, and it contains no added sweeteners. Here’s a breakdown of the calorie content of unsweetened tea:
- Black Tea: A cup of black tea contains about 2 calories.
- Green Tea: A cup of green tea contains about 1 calorie.
- White Tea: A cup of white tea contains about 1 calorie.
- Herbal Tea: A cup of herbal tea contains about 0 calories.
Calories in Sweetened Tea
Sweetened tea is a popular choice for those who want a sweet and refreshing beverage. However, sweetened tea can also be high in calories due to the added sugar. Here’s a breakdown of the calorie content of sweetened tea:
- Sweet Tea: A cup of sweet tea contains about 90-120 calories, depending on the amount of sugar added.
- Milk Tea: A cup of milk tea contains about 150-200 calories, depending on the type of milk and sugar added.
- Bubble Tea: A cup of bubble tea contains about 300-400 calories, depending on the type of tea, milk, and sugar added.
Calories in Tea with Milk
Tea with milk is a popular choice in many parts of the world, especially in the United Kingdom and India. Milk adds a creamy and rich flavor to tea, but it can also increase the calorie content. Here’s a breakdown of the calorie content of tea with milk:
- Black Tea with Milk: A cup of black tea with milk contains about 8 calories.
- Green Tea with Milk: A cup of green tea with milk contains about 15 calories.
- Chai Tea with Milk: A cup of chai tea with milk contains about 120-180 calories, depending on the type of milk and sugar added.
Calories in Other Types of Tea
Aside from unsweetened, sweetened, and milk tea, there are other types of tea that are worth exploring. Here’s a breakdown of the calorie content of some of the most popular types of tea:
- Iced Tea: A cup of iced tea contains about 2-3 calories, depending on whether it’s sweetened or unsweetened.
- Matcha Tea: A cup of matcha tea contains about 25-30 calories, depending on whether it’s sweetened or unsweetened.
- Rooibos Tea: A cup of rooibos tea contains about 0 calories.
- Oolong Tea: A cup of oolong tea contains about 2-3 calories.
Low Calorie Tips for Tea
If you’re looking to enjoy tea without the added calories, here are some tips to help you make low calorie tea choices:
- Choose unsweetened tea: As we mentioned earlier, unsweetened tea contains little to no calories. Opt for black, green, white, or herbal tea without added sweeteners.
- Use low-calorie sweeteners: If you prefer sweetened tea, use low-calorie sweeteners like stevia in the raw, or monk fruit instead of sugar. These sweeteners add sweetness without adding calories.
- Use skim or low-fat milk: If you prefer tea with milk, use skim or low-fat milk instead of whole milk. These milk options contain fewer calories and less fat.
- Avoid flavored syrups: Flavored syrups, like those used in bubble tea or flavored lattes, can add a significant amount of calories to your tea. Avoid these types of syrups or use them sparingly.
- Add natural flavors: If you want to add flavor to your tea, try adding natural flavorings like lemon, mint, or ginger. These options add flavor without adding calories.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your tea without worrying about the added calories. Remember, making small changes to your tea choices can add up over time and help you reach your health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. It also contains various vitamins and minerals, depending on the type of tea you choose.
Yes, the type of tea can affect the calorie content. For example, black tea typically has more calories than green tea or herbal tea because it contains more caffeine and tannins.
The amount of calories in tea with honey depends on the amount of honey added. On average, one teaspoon of honey contains around 20 calories. Keep in mind that honey is a natural sweetener and does not have the same nutritional value as other sweeteners.
The calorie content of bubble tea can vary depending on the ingredients used. On average, a 16-ounce serving of bubble tea can contain anywhere from 200 to 500 calories, depending on the type of tea, sweeteners, and toppings used.
Yes, tea is a great low-calorie beverage option. It contains little to no calories if consumed unsweetened and can be a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day. Additionally, tea contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can have health benefits.
The number of calories in tea with milk and sugar depends on the amount of milk and sugar added. On average, one teaspoon of sugar contains around 16 calories, while one tablespoon of whole milk contains around 9 calories. However, keep in mind that these calories can add up quickly if large amounts of sugar and milk are added.
Low Calorie Tea Recipes
These Low Calorie Tea Recipes are all reader favorite recipes here at Lose Weight By Eating. All formulated to boost metabolism and encourage weight loss, they are made with ingredients you can get excited about using!
Next time you have a craving for a fancy tea at your local coffee house, try one of these homemade low calorie tea recipes instead!
1. Cranberry Apple Cider Vinegar Tea
This tea is meant to boost weight loss fast! It comes with yummy fruit add-ins and can be made hot or cold!
2. Healthy Chai Tea Latte
This low calorie version of chai tea is low calorie and packed with fat burning ingredients! It’s quick and easy and I know you’ll love it!!
3. Iced Matcha Latte
Another coffeehouse favorite, this green tea drink uses matcha (green tea) powder and is as creamy as it is delicious!
4. London Fog Tea Latte Recipe
Another low calorie tea recipe that boosts metabolism, this Earl Grey latte is quick and easy. And super low in calories too!
5. Weight Loss Tea Recipe
If your goal is to shed fat, this healthy tea recipe is for you! It boosts fat loss and curbs appetite too!
6. Iced Chai Latte
The iced version of my famous low calorie chai tea latte is low calorie and completely delicious! Best of all you can make it in less than 5 minutes!
7. Healthy Peach Sweet Tea
If sweet tea is your thing, this low calorie sweet tea is perfect for hot summer days! It’s naturally sweet and so easy to make, I know you’ll love it!
8. Low Calorie Matcha Latte
Similar to the matcha latte above, this powdered green tea recipe is low in calories and boosts weight loss. It tastes just like a matcha latte from a pricey coffeehouse, but it’s less than $2 and just 26 calories.
9. Boba Tea Drinks
This recipe is so popular, I absolutely had to include it in with the best low calorie tea recipes. It is a bit higher in calories as the tapioca petals are included in the calories. But you can still enjoy this tea treat for under 100 calories!
10. Green Tea Detox Drinks
With 10 iced tea recipes to choose from here, I know you’ll find one you love! Green tea is great for boosting weight loss, and it even is known to cure a headache and help with migraines! Try these low calorie iced tea recipes anytime of year, but especially on a hot summer day!
Final Thoughts on Low Calorie Tea
Tea is a popular beverage enjoyed around the world, and it can be consumed in many different ways – unsweetened, sweetened, with milk, and more. The calorie content of tea varies depending on the type of tea and how it is prepared.
Unsweetened tea is a great low-calorie beverage option that can be enjoyed throughout the day. If you prefer sweetened tea, using low-calorie sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or add fruit to your tea to help reduce the calorie content. When adding milk to your tea, using almond milk, skim or low-fat milk can also help reduce the calorie content.
It’s important to keep in mind that the calorie content of tea can quickly add up if large amounts of sweeteners, milk, or syrups are added. Making small changes to your tea choices, such as choosing unsweetened tea or using low-calorie sweeteners, can make a big difference in reducing your calorie intake.
By being mindful of the calorie content of your tea choices, you can enjoy this beverage as part of a healthy diet. So, the next time you brew a cup of tea, remember to consider the calorie content and make choices that fit your health goals.