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Low-calorie, refreshing herbal drink
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 cup (medium) of Hibiscus cold drink (240 g) has 19 calories. That works out to 8 calories per 100 g. It contains 4.6 g of carbs, 0.2 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0.2 g of fiber. Its 0.2 mg of Manganese covers 8% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 25 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 240 g
19
KCAL / 240G
Carbs
4.6g
· 2% DV
Protein
0.2g
· 0% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0.2g
· 1% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 96% · Protein 4% · Fat 0%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 19 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 4.8 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 4.6 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Protein | 0.2 g | 0% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 240 g | 19 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 8 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 150 g | 12 kcal |
| 1 cup (small) | 180 g | 14 kcal |
| 1 can (medium) | 250 g | 20 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 300 g | 24 kcal |
| 1 bottle (small) | 330 g | 26 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 350 g | 28 kcal |
| 1 bottle (medium) | 500 g | 40 kcal |
Calculated from 8 calories per 100 g.
Steep dried hibiscus calyces in hot water, strain them out, then chill the infusion to make a hibiscus cold drink. Serve it over ice, or add citrus, mint, or a little sweetener to suit your taste.
A hibiscus cold drink tastes tart, fruity, and slightly cranberry-like. Its sharpness can vary with how strongly it is brewed; dilute it with water or add a small amount of sweetener if you prefer a milder taste.
A hibiscus cold drink turns red because hibiscus calyces release naturally occurring red pigments into the water. Adding lemon or another acidic ingredient can shift the shade toward a brighter red or pink.
Yes, you can steep hibiscus in cold water, but the infusion usually takes longer than one made with hot water. Keep it covered in the refrigerator while it steeps, then strain the calyces before serving.
No, a hibiscus cold drink made only with hibiscus and water is naturally caffeine-free. A bottled version or a recipe that includes black or green tea may contain caffeine, so the added ingredients matter.
Hibiscus has been linked with modest blood-pressure reductions in some studies, but a hibiscus cold drink is not a substitute for treatment. If you take blood-pressure medication, ask your doctor before making it a regular drink.
The safety of drinking hibiscus regularly during pregnancy is not well established, especially for concentrated preparations. Avoid making it a regular drink unless your doctor or midwife confirms it is suitable for you.
A hibiscus cold drink can generally be kept in a clean, covered container in the refrigerator for about three days. Discard it if its smell, appearance, or taste changes, and do not leave it sitting out for long periods.
Yes, most healthy adults can enjoy a hibiscus cold drink regularly in moderate amounts, especially when it is unsweetened. Frequent concentrated servings are a different matter, since hibiscus may affect blood pressure and can interact with some medicines.
Yes, if the flowers are an edible hibiscus variety grown without unsuitable pesticides. The drink is more commonly made from the fleshy dried calyces rather than the petals; ornamental flowers may not be safe to use.
Vitamins
Vitamin C
1.68mg · 2% DV
B3
0.19mg · 1% DV
Biotin
0.24µg · 1% DV
B2
0.01mg · 1% DV
Minerals
Manganese
0.19mg · 8% DV
Iron
0.48mg · 3% DV
Copper
0.02mg · 2% DV
Calcium
19mg · 2% DV
Potassium ⭐
43mg · 1% DV
Sodium
4.8mg · 0% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 19 calories in 1 cup (medium) (240 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Hibiscus cold drink is made by steeping the dried, fleshy calyces of hibiscus flowers in hot water, then chilling the infusion. Recipes vary: some are sweetened or flavoured with citrus and spices, and in Egypt a related drink is known as karkade.
Its vivid colour and tart, cranberry-like taste make it refreshing over ice, served with meals or as a summer drink. Across the Caribbean, West Africa and elsewhere, local versions have their own names and traditions. It is mostly water and very low in energy, with 8 calories per 100 g. For a lighter glass, keep added sugar modest; a squeeze of lemon or a few mint leaves can add brightness without much else.
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
No known major allergens
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
0g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.