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Low-calorie, unsweetened herbal drink
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
1 cup (medium) of Unsweetened hibiscus drink (240 g) has 5 calories. That works out to 2 calories per 100 g. It contains 0.7 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 5 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Unsweetened hibiscus drink is a tart, ruby-red infusion made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in water. Hibiscus drinks are enjoyed in many places, including across North Africa and the Middle East; this version keeps the floral, cranberry-like tang without added sugar. It is best served chilled, either on its own or alongside a meal, and can also be poured over ice for a refreshing drink in warm weather.
It is mostly water and contributes very little energy—the table lists 2 kcal per 100 g. Its sharp flavor pairs well with citrus, while a milder meal or snack can balance the tartness. If you prefer a softer taste, steep the flowers more briefly rather than adding sweetener.
Selected: 100 g
2
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
0.3g
· 0% DV
Protein
0.1g
· 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 75% · Protein 25% · Fat 0%
Vitamins
Vitamin C
0.6mg · 1% DV
Vitamin A
1µg · 0% DV
B1
0mg · 0% DV
B2
0mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Calcium
8mg · 1% DV
Magnesium
3mg · 1% DV
Potassium ⭐
18mg · 1% DV
Iron
0mg · 0% DV
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.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 2 calories in 100 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.
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
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
0g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0g
Steep dried hibiscus flowers in hot water, then strain them to make an unsweetened hibiscus drink. Serve it warm or chill it for an iced drink. A longer steep makes the brew deeper in color and more tart.
An unsweetened hibiscus drink may modestly lower blood pressure, an effect observed in studies of hibiscus. If you take blood-pressure medication or already have low blood pressure, ask your clinician before drinking it regularly.
Yes, an unsweetened hibiscus drink can be enjoyed hot or cold. Hot, it is a tart herbal infusion; chilled with ice, it makes a refreshing drink. Both ways preserve its characteristic ruby-red color.
No, an unsweetened hibiscus drink made only with hibiscus and water is naturally caffeine-free. Blends that also contain black or green tea can have caffeine, so check the ingredients if you are buying a mix.
An unsweetened hibiscus drink tastes tart because hibiscus flowers naturally contain organic acids. Shorten the steep or dilute the drink with water for a milder flavor; adding citrus will make it taste sharper, not sweeter.
Steep an unsweetened hibiscus drink for a few minutes, tasting as it brews. A longer steep produces a stronger, more sour infusion. Strain the flowers once the flavor is as intense as you like.
Lemon, mint, cinnamon, and cloves pair well with an unsweetened hibiscus drink. Add them while steeping or just before serving. Honey or sugar will sweeten it, but the drink will no longer be unsweetened.
Keep an unsweetened hibiscus drink covered in the refrigerator and use it within a few days. Store it in a clean container, and discard it if its smell, appearance, or taste changes noticeably.
Yes, an unsweetened hibiscus drink is caffeine-free when made with hibiscus alone, so it is not stimulating like caffeinated tea. Its tartness may aggravate heartburn in some people, especially when consumed shortly before lying down.
The safety of hibiscus during pregnancy is not well established, so ask your healthcare professional before making an unsweetened hibiscus drink a regular part of your diet. Avoid treating herbal drinks as automatically safe just because they are caffeine-free.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.