1 cup (medium) of Unsweetened tea (240 g) has 2 calories. That works out to 1 calories per 100 g. It contains 0.5 g of carbs, 0.2 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 0.5 mg of Manganese covers 21% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Unsweetened tea?

Unsweetened tea is tea brewed from leaves and served without added sugar or other sweeteners. It can be made from black, green or other teas; the clear amber cup commonly associated with it is often black tea. Tea has a long history in Asia and is now enjoyed in many forms around the world.

Its taste ranges from delicate to brisk and tannic, depending on the leaves and brewing time. People drink it throughout the day, plain or alongside a meal or a small snack. With almost no calories as prepared, it suits anyone looking for a simple, sugar-free drink. Brew it to your preferred strength, and add lemon if you like a brighter taste.

Unsweetened tea Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

0.2g

· 0% DV

Protein

0.1g

· 0% DV

Fat

· 0% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 67% · Protein 33% · Fat 0%

Unsweetened tea Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

0.02mg · 2% DV

0.01mg · 1% DV

0.1mg · 1% DV

0.01mg · 1% DV

Minerals

Calcium

2mg · 0% DV

Iron

0mg · 0% DV

Magnesium

1mg · 0% DV

Zinc

0mg · 0% DV

How Nutritious Is Unsweetened tea?

Nutrient density

Low

10/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

40/ 100

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.

Unsweetened tea Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Unsweetened tea

To burn the 1 calories in 100 g:

🚶

1min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

1min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

1min

Cycling

🏊

1min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Unsweetened tea Processed?

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.

Does Unsweetened tea Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Unsweetened tea Good For?

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

Unsweetened tea Fat Profile

SATURATED

MONOUNSATURATED

POLYUNSATURATED

Compare Unsweetened tea

🍵vs☕️

Unsweetened tea vs Turkish coffee6 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍵vs🥛

Unsweetened tea vs Ayran36 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍵vs🧊🍵

Unsweetened tea vs Iced Tea19 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍵vs🍵

Unsweetened tea vs TeaSame calories per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Unsweetened tea

☕️

Turkish coffee

7 kcal

🥛

Ayran

37 kcal

🧊🍵

Iced Tea

20 kcal

🍵

Tea

1 kcal

🥤

Detox Water

2 kcal

🥤

Soda

42 kcal

☕️

Coffee

2 kcal

🥤

Cola

42 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Unsweetened tea

Does unsweetened tea count toward daily hydration?

Yes, unsweetened tea contributes fluid to your daily intake. Its caffeine can have a mild diuretic effect, but the drink’s water generally outweighs that effect when you drink it in moderation; it should not replace all your water.

Does unsweetened tea contain caffeine?

Yes, regular black or green unsweetened tea contains caffeine even when no sugar is added. The amount varies with the tea type, how much leaf or bag you use, and how long it steeps; herbal infusions are a different category.

Can unsweetened tea interfere with iron absorption?

Yes, tea compounds called tannins can reduce absorption of non-heme iron, the kind found in plant foods. If you are trying to increase iron intake, drink tea between meals rather than alongside iron-rich foods.

Is unsweetened tea better than sweet tea for blood sugar?

Yes, plain unsweetened tea avoids the added sugars that sweet tea can contain. It does not directly raise blood sugar in the same way as a sweetened drink, though adding sugar, honey, or syrup changes that.

Can you drink unsweetened tea on an empty stomach?

Yes, most people can drink unsweetened tea before eating. Its caffeine and tannins can bother some people’s stomachs or cause nausea, so have it with food instead if you notice discomfort.

Does unsweetened tea stain your teeth?

Yes, the dark pigments and tannins in black tea can gradually stain tooth enamel. Rinsing your mouth with water after drinking and keeping up regular brushing can help limit surface stains.

Does unsweetened tea help with weight loss?

Unsweetened tea can help reduce calories from drinks if it replaces sweetened tea or soda. It does not burn fat or cause weight loss on its own; its practical advantage is being a flavorful drink without added sugar.

How long can brewed unsweetened tea sit out?

Brewed tea is best refrigerated promptly rather than left at room temperature for hours, where bacteria can grow. Store it covered in the refrigerator and discard it if it develops an unusual smell, appearance, or taste.

Can you drink unsweetened tea before bed?

Regular black and green tea can disrupt sleep because they contain caffeine, even without sugar. Choose a caffeine-free herbal infusion or avoid tea near bedtime if you find that it keeps you awake.

Does adding milk to unsweetened tea reduce its antioxidants?

Adding milk does not make tea’s antioxidants disappear, though research on whether milk changes their availability has produced mixed results. If you want plain unsweetened tea, drink it without milk; either way, avoid adding sugar if you want to keep it unsweetened.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026