Does tea have any calories? Facts About Tea and Weight Loss

Tea has two calories. Yes, two calories per six-ounce cup of brewed tea, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Does anything else as delicious as tea only have two calories?

Tea comes in different varieties, including black, green, oolong and white teas (read about our weight loss teas here). All these types have the same number of calories. Delicious, freshly steeped tea is low in calories, but adding milk or sugar can raise the calorie count. (Learn more in our post: Which is healthier: Green Tea or Black Tea?)

High quality teas and tisanes rarely need any sweetener

Did you know flavored soda and most juices contain over 100 calories in six ounces? Sweeteners are often dense in energy but low in nutritional value, and experts recommend that you limit the number of empty calories you consume each day.

• One teaspoon of sugar (or one sugar cube) contains about 16 calories.
• One teaspoon of honey adds about 25 calories to your tea.
• Skim milk adds 5 calories per tablespoon.
• Whole milk adds about 9 calories per tablespoon.

If you are watching your calorie intake, be cautious of pre-sweetened iced tea. Many pre-sweetened iced teas you find ready-to-drink are high in sugar, and of these beverages provide little nutritional value.

If you crave something sweet, here are a few strategies:

• Looking for something sweet? Try a cup of our dessert-like Toasted Caramel Rooibos, or another decadent chocolate tea or caramel tea.
• Skip the whip. Some of us like to add cream or whipped cream to take it up a notch. Try our already “creamy” Caribbean Colada Rooibos.
• Cinnamon can help decrease sugar cravings and keep your sweet tooth in check. Kick up the spice with our Spiced Teas.
• Stick to basics. Straight, pure teas and tisanes with no sweetener or cream give you 6 ounces full of flavorful goodness for only two calories.
• Less is more. If you want the sweetener and cream, make a smaller cup, sip it slowly and enjoy!

Looking to kick the sugar habit? Find out How to Kick Sugar Cravings with Teas & Tisanes. Also check out Five Reason We Love Tea.