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Low-calorie, lightly sweetened herbal tea
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 cup (medium) of Lightly sweetened hibiscus tea (240 g) has 29 calories. That works out to 12 calories per 100 g. It contains 7.2 g of carbs, 0.2 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 0.2 mg of Manganese covers 8% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 18 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 240 g
29
KCAL / 240G
Carbs
7.2g
· 3% DV
Protein
0.2g
· 0% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 97% · Protein 3% · Fat 0%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 29 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 4.8 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 7.2 g | 3% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| 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 | 29 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 12 kcal |
| 1 cup (small) | 180 g | 22 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 200 g | 24 kcal |
| 1 bottle (small) | 330 g | 40 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 350 g | 42 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 400 g | 48 kcal |
| 1 bottle (medium) | 500 g | 60 kcal |
Calculated from 12 calories per 100 g.
It may modestly lower blood pressure; studies have found this effect with hibiscus. Lightly sweetened hibiscus tea is not a substitute for prescribed blood-pressure treatment, and people with naturally low blood pressure should be mindful of how it affects them.
No, pure lightly sweetened hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free because hibiscus is not a true tea plant. A blend containing black or green tea can have caffeine, so the answer depends on whether the drink includes other tea leaves.
Steep dried hibiscus calyces in hot water, then strain and add a small amount of sweetener to make lightly sweetened hibiscus tea. The longer the calyces steep, the more tart and intense the drink becomes; serve it hot or chill it.
Lightly sweetened hibiscus tea contains antioxidant plant compounds and can be a flavorful alternative to other sweet drinks. Research suggests hibiscus may affect blood pressure, but the tea is not a treatment and should not be relied on to prevent or cure illness.
Most healthy adults can include lightly sweetened hibiscus tea as a regular drink. Avoid treating it as unlimited hydration: large amounts may cause stomach discomfort or lower blood pressure, and its added sugar still counts toward your daily intake.
They are closely related, but not always identical. Agua de jamaica is the Mexican drink made from hibiscus, commonly served chilled and sweetened; lightly sweetened hibiscus tea may be served hot or cold and can have less added sugar.
Safety information on regular hibiscus tea consumption during pregnancy is limited. If you are pregnant, ask your healthcare professional before making lightly sweetened hibiscus tea a regular drink, and avoid concentrated or large servings unless they advise otherwise.
Yes, hibiscus may interact with some medicines, particularly those that lower blood pressure or affect blood sugar. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or clinician before drinking lightly sweetened hibiscus tea frequently.
No, lightly sweetened hibiscus tea does not cause weight loss on its own. Because it contains added sugar, it is not equivalent to unsweetened hibiscus tea; choosing less sweetener can make it a better fit when reducing sweet drinks.
Yes, lightly sweetened hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free, so it is less likely to disrupt sleep than caffeinated tea. Its added sugar may not suit everyone close to bedtime, and a tart drink can bother people prone to reflux.
Vitamins
Vitamin C
1.2mg · 1% DV
B1
0.01mg · 1% DV
Folate
2.4µg · 1% DV
B6
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 29 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.
Lightly sweetened hibiscus tea is a tart, ruby-red infusion made by steeping dried hibiscus calyces in water, with a little sugar added. It is enjoyed across many regions: it is often called karkade in Egypt and Sudan, bissap in parts of West Africa, and sorrel in the Caribbean, though recipes vary.
Serve it hot or chilled; a cold glass over ice is especially popular in warm weather, while hot versions make a pleasant caffeine-free alternative to everyday tea. Its fruity sharpness is softened by the light sweetness, and it remains low in calories. Adjust the sweetness to taste, or add citrus and mint for a brighter drink; it pairs well with a simple snack or a meal.
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.