Calories in Tea
Tea is one of the world’s most popular beverages, consumed everywhere from the United States to China. A crucial part of any diet is knowing the caloric content of foods and beverages. So how many calories does tea have?
Calories in Types of Tea
Unsweetened tea of any type naturally has few calories. A single 8-ounce cup of black tea contains just 2 calories. The same is true for green and herbal teas, with one exception. Adding honey, sugar or any other sweetener to your tea will increase the calorie content.
Calorie Content of Iced Tea
Iced tea is a popular favorite in warmer climates, yet how it’s made can vary the calorie content significantly. A single 8-ounce glass of unsweetened iced tea contains just 2 calories; however, many iced teas are sweetened with sugar or additional ingredients, increasing the calorie count. For example, an 8-ounce glass of sweetened iced tea contains a range of 33-86 calories, depending on the type and amount of sweetener.
Calories in Other Tea-Based Drinks
When it comes to drinks made with tea, the calorie content increases dramatically. Bubble tea, a popular drink made with a tea base, ice, fruit and tapioca pearls, can contain anywhere from 200-500 calories per cup! Similarly, tea lattes and added syrups, syrups and whipped cream can significantly increase calories.
Health Benefits of Tea
Despite its low calorie content, tea has many health benefits. Here are some of the amazing benefits of drinking tea:
- Antioxidants: Tea is full of powerful antioxidants that can help improve your overall health.
- Heart Health: Drinking tea has been linked to improved heart health and reduced risk of stroke.
- Immune System: Regularly drinking tea can help to boost your immune system and help protect you against illness.
- Weight Loss: Some studies suggest that drinking tea can help aid in weight loss and improve metabolic health.
Conclusion
Overall, tea is a very low-calorie drink. Unsweetened tea contains just 2 calories per 8-ounce cup, while sweetened versions of iced tea can have up to 86 calories. Tea can also be beneficial to your health, as it is full of antioxidants and has been linked to improve heart health and immune function.
