the tea calories in drinks sold in australia closely align with global trends, reflecting the negligible count of calories in pure tea leaves of the classic varieties.
however, the actual count can vary depending on factors such as the type of tea, additives and serving sizes. understanding these variations is crucial to effectively manage the intake of tea calories.
we’ve compiled information on the calories in tea of popular varieties.
What are Tea Calories?
First, it’s essential to understand that calories in tea are negligible. Plain tea is made by steeping tea leaves in hot water and does not contain any added sugar, milk, or other ingredients that could increase the calories in tea. For example, a cup of plain black tea contains approximately two calories, which is negligible compared to other beverages such as soda or juice.
But the calories in tea can significantly increase when you add sweeteners or milk to your tea. A teaspoon of sugar, honey or other sweetener adds about 16 calories in a cup of tea. Similarly, a dash of milk or cream adds about 60 calories in a cup of tea. So, if you want to watch your tea calories, just be mindful of what you add to your tea.
Sipping on Calories in Tea: How to Stay Mindful of Your Intake
let’s explore the calories in teas of different types:
black tea
black tea is crafted from the camellia sinensis leaves after extensive oxidation, resulting in a deep reddish-gold colour.
flavour profile:
there are diverse flavours of this tea – from the pure teas leaves to aromatic blends like earl grey and english breakfast. the earl grey tea from teapigs combines floral tones with zesty bergamot while the english breakfast has a malty and zesty flavour profiles.
calories in tea:
the pure tea leaves contain negligible calories (0 to 1 tea calories in teapigs’ options), but additives can increase it. adding 125ml milk adds about 55 calories in a cup of tea, and a teaspoon of sugar adds around 16 calories.
green tea
green tea is a lively, unoxidised tea variety from the camelia sinensis plant that’s packed with antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols – an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle.
flavour profile:
this tea has several varieties, each with a distinct flavour, like mao feng with mild sweetness and floral notes or chun mee (a highly ranked variety) with slightly sour and floral profile.
calories in tea:
mao feng and chun mee teas are your guilt-free drinks with basically zero calories. even if there's a bit per 100 grams, your cup practically amounts to 0 calories.
herbal tea
herbal teas or tisanes are brewed from a variety of leaves, roots, flowers, fruits or herbs – excluding the camellia sinensis tea plants. the term "tea" refers to the infusion process in hot or cold water.
flavour profile:
herbal tisanes showcase a wide range of tasting notes. take chamomile, for instance, offering a delicate and floral essence while rhubarb & ginger tea has a unique tartness and fiery undertones.
calories in tea:
the calories in herbal tisanes vary, given the wide array of choices. in the variety from teapigs, these teas contain negligible calories, ranging from 0 to 3 calories per cup.
chai tea
chai tea is a popular blend of black assam tea and an assortment of spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves.
flavour profile:
chai has the ultimate flavour profile – neither too spicy nor too sweet, though the addition of different spices can alter the taste. for example, cardamom adds a sweet and floral note while ginger gives a spicy zing.
calories in tea:
this tea from teapigs has 0 calories per 100 ml, however calories increase when this tea is brewed. that’s because various ingredients are used to make it, including milk that’s known to add calories.
white tea
white tea is super delicate because of its unoxidised form that goes through minimal processing. it's harvested early when the buds of camelia sinensis are covered in white hairs.
flavour profile:
this tea with pale infusion offers a light and slightly sweet taste with floral and fruity undertones. the overall flavour profile of white tea is often described as delicate, refreshing and subtly sweet, making it a unique tea experience.
calories in tea:
pure white tea is almost calorie-free, and any increase would result from adding milk or sweeteners. its delicate flavour is best enjoyed without any extras.
oolong tea
oolong tea is a classic chinese tea that undergoes partial fermentation. the degree of processing defines its colour, ranging from pale green to dark brown. the leaves are crafted into various shapes through drying, rolling or twisting.
flavour profile:
oolong tea comes with a range of flavour profiles, from grassy and flowery tones to spicy or toasty aromas. its luxurious and velvety texture makes it an amazing tea to experience.
calories in tea:
pure oolong tea is nearly calorie-free, but oolong milk tea calories vary with added milk and sweeteners. aussie cafes offer diverse oolong milk tea options, some exceeding 100 calories per cup.
iced tea
iced teas are chilled versions of traditional teas, that are brewed and then cooled over ice. they are made in various flavours, like black, green or herbal, as a refreshing and cool beverage option.
flavour profile:
iced teas have diverse flavour profiles. classic black iced tea is bold and brisk, green iced tea is fresh and slightly vegetal, while herbal iced teas can be fruity or floral.
calories in tea:
calories in iced tea range from around 3 calories for unsweetened versions to much higher levels based on flavours and additives.
matcha tea
matcha tea is crafted from shade-grown camelia sinensis leaves that are hand-picked, steamed and dried. after removing stems and veins, the leaves are stone-ground into a vibrant green powder that makes a rich and velvety drink.
flavour profile:
renowned for its superior quality and vibrant green colour, matcha offers a sweet and delicate taste with a hint of bitterness. its gentle taste is perfectly complemented by its creamy foam.
calories in tea:
matcha powder itself is incredibly low in calories, clocking in at less than 3 calories per gram. however, matcha lattes sold at cafés usually contain additional ingredients, totalling around 184 calories in a 354ml serving.
rooibos tea
rooibos, a south african herb, differs from regular camellia sinensis tea. yet, it's harvested and processed similarly. bundles are sorted, cut or bruised for oxidation. the more oxidised, the redder, sweeter and richer rooibos becomes.
flavour profile:
rooibos offers an earthy, nutty and full-bodied flavour with natural sweetness. some blends have additional ingredients to enhance the taste further, like the spiced winter tea from teapigs. incidentally, rooibos tea pairs seamlessly with milk.
calories in tea:
while rooibos itself is a low-calorie option, the addition of milk and sweeteners can significantly increase the calories in a cup of tea.
how many calories are in a cup of tea
when you brew a standard cup of tea without any extras, there are around 2 calories. however, adding a teaspoon of sugar gets you an additional 16-20 calories from tea, and honey gets you an additional 64 calories. and if you prefer tea with milk, expect about 55 calories from 125ml of whole milk. so, every addition impacts the overall intake of calories from tea.
in australian cafes, specialty teas often include syrups, honey or flavoured creams, increasing total calories in tea. for instance, a chai latte from a famous coffee chain contains about 184 calories in a cup of tea.
consider these additives to accurately gauge the calories in a cup of tea.
Tips and Tricks: How to Reduce Your Tea’s Calorie Count
by following these practical tips, you can lower the calories in a cup of tea and continue enjoying your favourite drink.
reduce calories in tea naturally:
to eliminate calories from tea, start by enjoying it in its pure form – free from additives, as plain tea has negligible calories. drinking pure tea eliminates extra calories naturally.
alternative sweeteners for low tea calories:
slash tea calories by swapping refined sugar or honey for low-calorie sweeteners. switch to natural stevia and other low-calorie options for an enjoyable tea experience without the added calorie load.
portion control for low calories from tea:
monitor milk and sugar portions to control the calories in tea. additionally, be mindful of the number of cups consumed – practicing moderation in both elements contributes to consuming fewer calories from tea.
vegan milk for lesser tea calories:
switch to low-calorie milk alternatives like vegan options or skimmed milk to cut down on calories in tea. these alternatives provide a creamy texture without the excess calories in a cup of tea.
avoid high-calorie café tea:
a crucial strategy is avoiding high-calorie drinks from cafes, as specialty teas often come laden with syrups and creams. brewing tea at home empowers you to control ingredients, portion sizes and overall calories in tea effectively.
Conclusion
understanding the calorie content of various tea options in australia empowers us to make informed choices. whether opting for a simple tea with just tea leaves or a rich chai latte, awareness of what we consume ensures that our choices align with our health objectives.
by adopting mindful practices like using natural sweeteners, controlling portions, opting for low-calorie milk alternatives and avoiding high-calorie café options, we can strike a balance between enjoying our favourite teas and managing our caloric intake. so, choose wisely and keep enjoying your preferred drink.
FAQs on Tea Calories
Q. why is milk tea so high in calories?
A. milk tea tends to be high in calories due to the combination of milk and often sweeteners in the tea. milk has calories mainly due to its fat content, and sugar adds calories through carbohydrates. skimmed or vegan milk options along with natural sweeteners can help keep the calorie count lower.
Q. How many calories are in a cup of tea with sugar and milk?
A. the calories in a cup of tea with sugar and milk varies based on the amounts used. on average, adding a teaspoon of sugar (16 calories) and 125ml of whole milk (55 calories) increases the tea calories to around 71 calories.
Q. Why is milk tea so high in calories?
A. Milk has fat, which packs in over double the number of calories compared to carbohydrates and protein. Full cream milk has the highest fat content with 240 ml containing 8 grams of fat and 12 grams of carbohydrates. This equates to roughly 140 calories. In contrast, skim milk has much lesser fat content, leading to fewer calories.
Q. What tea is high in calories?
A. teas with added sweeteners, creams or syrups, like chai lattes or specialty blends from cafes, can be high in calories. the additives in tea contribute significantly to the overall calorie count of the tea.
